Our Buyer Leo was delighted to secure this terrific white. It's a wine that's been named among Wine Spectator's World Top 100 wines, from a cellar that's also on their list of Top 100 Wineries in the World. (We can't tell you who, but we don't think you'll mind once you taste it). Of course, Pinot Grigio is known for being a very refreshing drop; crisp with delicate flavours. But a Pinot Grigio from this winemaker, using grapes from Friuli's premium vineyards, is in another realm. The flavours reach an intensity you wouldn't dream possible of this variety. Discover here intense apple and peach fruit, with a floral lift and a subtle spicy finish. Gently chill, it'll be an elegant partner for your finest fish or chicken dishes or solo.

Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.

The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.

Pinot Grigio has staged something of a coup in fridge doors and on dining tables in recent years. Gorgeously fruity, well-priced examples like our Il Papavero are rare, however. The wine is from Scipione Giuliani, who searches throughout Italy to find the finest parcels of grapes, usually blending them to get the perfect balance in a wine. For this Pinot Grigio, however, he was so taken with the fruit from the high hills of Sicily, with its idyllic sunshine and sea breezes, there was no need to look elsewhere.

Il Papavero is mouthwatering stuff, a moreish mix of pear and citrus flavours with both ripeness and bracing freshness thanks to the coastal cooled location of the vines. Pure delight on its own or with white meats or risotto.

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 and winemaking became his chosen career. For some years he was president of a local winery but in 2010 he started up on his own and his wines have continued to impress us.

Made with grapes from the region's top areas, this wine delivers delicate pear fruit and crisp minerally ‘zing’.

The 187ml bottle size is perfect for picnics or enjoy a solo glass of an evening.