When you ask Alessandro Gallici if he comes from a family of winemakers, he laughs gently at the notion. Not at all, but his family had a bit of land in Friuli, with a few rows of vines, that had been theirs for generations. From the grapes of these, they made a simple wine for their own dinner table. All this fascinated Alessandro, and wine became his chosen career. And we're glad it did. We've known Alessandro since 2002 and love every new wine he sends our way.
For this fizz Alessandro carefully selected Glera grapes with a drop of Chardonnay. In Champagne, this would add to the price – in the Veneto this addition means it can't be labelled Prosecco, but frizzante. Whatever, it delivers citrus, tropical fruit with gentle bubbles.
We've worked with Alessandro Gallici for over 15 years and, like our customers, love the wines that he makes. He was born in Friuli, but doesn't come from a long line of winemakers. His dad was a truck driver, but everyone in the village used to have a few rows of vines and, from these, each family used to make a bit of wine. All this fascinated Alessandro as he was growing up, walking the hills and getting to know the best vineyards and their growers.
He's still great friends with them - they love his sense of fun - so he always get first dibs at the best parcels. Made with grapes from the region's top areas – Colli Orientali and Grave – this wine delivers delicate pear fruit and crisp minerally ‘zing’. Enjoy solo or with creamy linguine.
To celebrate our years of friendship and to mark the company's 50th year, Alessandro created a special Prosecco worthy of this anniversary. And so, Prosecco Millesimato was born.
Made entirely from the Glera grape and sourced from the finest organic vineyards in the village of Ronade, this sparkling gem is given its fizz by the special charmat method.
It’s long and toasty with ripe peach fruit.
Initially intended as a limited edition to commemorate a significant milestone, the Prosecco Anniversario was so popular, it now has a permanent place in our range.
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For piercing, ultra-fresh Sauvignon, Elqui Valley is a top spot. It’s an extraordinary region in the north of Chile next to the Atacama desert. Thanks to snowmelt from the Andes and the wonders of irrigation, green and flourishing vineyards stand out in contrast to their lunar-like surroundings. Alta Tierra is from Viña Falernia, owned by cousins Aldo Olivier and Giorgio Flessati. They have 135 hectares of beautifully manicured vineyards and an ultra-modern cellar. In 2005 their first vintage won a Trophy and put Elqui on the map. This dazzling Sauvignon Blanc displays classic varietal character of elderflower and freshly mown grass with ripe melon and citrus fruit. Enjoy on its own or partner with spicy Asian dishes or fish.
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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.
We work closely with great producers to ensure we get the best wines for our Averys label range. Our new German Riesling is crafted for us by Gabel winery, a small family estate with 350 years of winemaking history. Recently awarded “Rising star of the year 2022” in Germany’s Eichelmann Wine Guide, Oliver Gabel learnt his craft through the vineyards of Baden, Bordeaux, Burgundy and South Africa. He’s now developed his own style at home in the Pfalz, striving for elegant wines that show their origin. This Riesling is from limestone soils in organic vineyards giving the wine an invigorating mineral character. Wild yeast fermentation in traditional wooden vats (some more than 100 years old!) preserves the vibrant fruit aromas. Drink or cellar.
