If it weren’t for Angelo Maci, many of the last remaining century-old vines in Puglia would have been uprooted by now.

Not surprisingly for a dance that’s evolved over a thousand years, the origin of the tarantella is shrouded in mystery. Some say it was devised in Taranto, Puglia, as a cure for the tarantula’s bite (provided victims danced for three days and nights); others say it was an antidote to the morso (bite) d’amor. Less mythical, but equally enchanting, is the origin of its namesake wine.

Discovered by our Buyer in a wild area of bountiful sunshine, ancient vineyards, olive groves and trulli, Tarantella Merlot instantly won over customers with its ripe plum and sweet spice character. Not to mention its enticing value for money! Decant and savour in generous glasses by candlelight with pasta ragù, tender loin of beef and your partner of choice.

Antonio Federici is a small, 3rd-generation cellar in Lazio, just south of Rome. As you'll taste here, its wines are both authentic and delicious. Normally, they only supply their meagre output to top restaurants in Rome.

But with most shut in 2020, we managed to gain a small allocation of this superb, cherry-scented red. And again, the following year. On fine limestone soils (the rocks of which were used to build some of Rome's most famous buildings) they grow some of Italy's most characterful native grapes.

From these they make a small range of award-winning wines. No doubt the skill of top Italian consultant Franco and Matteo Bernabei comes into play, as well as the commitment and passion of the family.

A silky, smooth, easy red.

If you enjoy the food-friendly reds of northern Italy, especially the Valpolicella Ripasso style, you'll love this. We have worked with Italian Winery of the Year Cantina di Negrar for years. They own a vineyard in the Marano Valley and they’ve offered us a deal on their Rosso Veronese – a wine usually reserved for their Italian fans. It’s named after Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic 18th-century poem of rural life made Valpolicella wines famous the world over.

The Marano Valley is especially cool, so grapes take longer to ripen, which adds depth, character and freshness to the wines. Also included is a dash of dark Amarone. With black cherry fruit and Christmas cake spice, it’s hard to imagine a more appealing Veronese red. Great with game.