Oltrepo Pavese lies in southwest Lombardy, next to Piedmont, hence its former name, Old Piedmont. Castello di Cigognola is an impressive, 13th-century castle, lying high on a hill, overlooking the Scuropasso Valley, across to Emilia Romagna. No wonder, then, it was once a stronghold for feudal lords. Over the centuries, it has been a gathering place for politicians and philosophers and today it remains a tranquil spot. It is home to many artistic pursuits, including great wine. Gabriele Moratti is in charge today. Sustainably tended, the vineyards are in the process of organic conversion. Using all Barbera from their 30-year-old La Maga vineyard, the wine had a year's ageing in small barrels. A very fine red. Open early and decant, or age.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most magnificent reds, collectors’ wines that can age for decades. This is a fine release from Casanova di Neri. A favourite of critics, the estate was founded in 1971 by Giacomo’s father, Giovanni, producing his first wine in 1978. Since then they have bought small parcels of top quality vines. Giacomo took over in 1991 and is one of the few to achieve a perfect 100 point rating from both Wine Advocate and James Suckling. This Brunello has been made traditionally, with 40 months ageing in large, old oak casks to lend notes of cedar, leather and spice to the intense red fruit character – all held together with fine tannins. Open early and decant. Superb with steak or duck breast.

After all, right across Italy, Prosecco is the bubbly of choice and as much a part of daily life as a gelato or an espresso.

This wine comes from northern Italian native Alessandro Gallici. He knows every grape grower worth knowing, every premium vineyard, and has spent his life making outstanding wines.

Softly spoken but passionate, he was for years president of a large winery, then started his own business focusing on a range of bespoke wines bearing his own name.

Our latest shipment is beautifully fresh and delicious.

Serve chilled as an aperitivo or add fresh peach juice to make Bellini cocktails.

A region that offers “undreamed-of character and potential,” and “reds that give you a lot of wine for your money” (Decanter).

It comes to us courtesy of the legendary Feudi di San Gregorio, one of Puglia’s finest estates, renowned for being among the first modern wineries to champion the region’s native grapes. It regularly garners 90+ point scores from the likes of The Wine Advocate and top critic James Suckling, and their wines are literally fine pieces of art.

Ognissole Primitivo hails from the prestigious Gioia del Colle DOC (“jewels of the hill”) and the 400-metre-high plateau it sits on is considered to be the homeland of the Primitivo grape. Organically grown, the fruit enjoys beautiful breezes from the Adriatic and Ionian seas which give the grapes much needed relief from the warm Italian sun, creating rich, velvety and intense wines. The result is a lusciously decadent red packed with sumptuous berry fruits, a mouth coating texture and delicious spice kick.