The Pignoletto grape is considered the “king of the Colli Bolognese wine zone”, but few have heard of it outside of the Emilia region of northern central Italy. Our buyer, Leo, had to use his persuasive prowess to secure cases of this hidden gem from winemaker Daniele Artioli. And it’s proved to be a huge hit with our customers. It’s an easy to drink, dry frizzante, made using mainly Pignoletto (named after ‘pigna’ – the Italian for ‘cone’ – due to the shape of its bunches).

Its lively green apple notes are enhanced by citrusy Trebbiano and Muscat, which lends a grapey aroma. A gentle fizz makes it a delightful apéritif, perfect for leisurely sipping in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Serve chilled and pair with salad or seafood.

Castel del Lago is an exciting, super-fresh white from Matteo Bernabei. Consultant for pricy top wineries by day, he has his own vines where, by night, he makes this gem. It features Garganega, the key grape of Soave, that naturally lends citrusy freshness. Grown on sloping vineyards that lead down to the lake (the largest in Italy) the grapes ripen really well. All that sunshine is reflected off the water back up to the vines. The soil helps too – stony and well drained, it adds to the fruity intensity.

Matteo then blends in a dash of Chardonnay and ages the wine several months on its lees, which lends a delicious creamy weight to the freshness. It's a wine that's ideal on its own or with food, such as prosciutto and melon, fish or salads.

Top Soave is a revelation – it offers delicately nuanced fruit, creamy body and stony freshness that enable the wines to age gracefully. You find all this and more in this sensational white from local star winemaker Antonio Fattori. Wine Advocate says “his white Soave expressions are the true standouts”. He searches out Garganega grapes from the slopes of Monte Calvarina, the volcanic soils of which lend a bright minerality to the wine. Hand picking is as essential on these steep slopes as it is for quality, while lees stirring in old oak vats lends a creamy roundness and texture to this terrific wine. Delicate apricot with wild herb notes of sage make this an exciting white. Gently chill and serve with fine white meat or fish dishes.

These wines kick started the region's renaissance and became some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world. Saracosa is from the Barbanera family estate, overlooked by the Saracosa hill near Montalcino. Half the vineyards are in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, and the remainder just beyond. In the fine 2019 vintage Saracosa's old vines delivered exceptional concentration.
The fruit was then part-aged in French oak barriques to lend a toasty layer of complexity. Dense, dark cherry and chocolatey tones make this a serious choice for pasta with pork ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak with cannellini beans in tomato sauce).

To celebrate 25 great years of Pillastro, this special 25th anniversary edition uses the darkly spiced Primitivo grape that you know and love, but with extra oomph and intensity. The legendary Angelo Maci added two special parcels of grapes to the blend – a cuvée that enjoyed a full six months ageing in barrel for an extra spicy kick, and grapes that enjoyed extra hang time on the vines to ensure even more concentration and richness. The result? A velvety, lusciously deep spiced-berry Italian red, taken up a notch in intensity. It's amazing, take it home at 49% off now.

What’s not to adore about Prosecco? All those sophisticated bubbles, yet brighter, more fruity and affordable than Champagne. Il Papavero Prosecco is the latest addition to our ‘poppy’ range of wines, and already boasts an army of thirsty fans – it’s just so irresistible.

But that should come as no surprise when you consider the heritage of winemaker Scipione Giuliani. This maestro was born in the very heart of the Prosecco region. A true local, he knows all the best winegrowers and went straight to the region's very finest vineyards (usually owned by long-standing friends) to source the fruit for this fine fizz. Just one sip will transport you to a smart Venetian piazza. Great value, delicious taste – chill your bottle down and enjoy.