Lovers of fine Italian whites don’t miss this dazzling star from the third-generation Antonio Federici family estate near Rome.
Bursting with white peach and orange blossom notes on a mouth-watering citrus-crisp finish, it’s the ultimate in refreshment.
And guess what? The prestigious Luca Maroni Wine Guide has rated it 99 points out of a possible 99. Yes, that’s a perfect score!
It’s made from Malvasia Puntinata, and if you haven’t heard of this delicious grape, we’re not surprised. It’s a native grape of Lazio, near Rome, so you may have tasted it in that beautiful, chaotic city if you’ve visited, but limited quantities mean not much of it leaves Italy. Actually, not much of it leaves Rome! The Romans know what’s good and this wine usually goes to the top restaurants. We were lucky enough to get some of the red during that infamous period in 2020 when restaurants were closed, and our good connections mean we’ve remained on the list to get the white as well.
And we are so glad we did because this is SO delicious! It’s beautifully aromatic and elegant, with wonderful apricot, orange blossom, and herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied, it has a lipsmacking freshness, with gorgeous minerality and a crisp, citrus finish. It’s the perfect seafood partner – though you can easily just sip on it solo too.
We love it. Luca Maroni loves it. (As that 99/99 score shows!) And we think you will love it too!
only 8 left
From France, indulge in a divine Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a lavish Montagne St Emilion Bordeaux, both with high points from top critics. Then, delight in Italy’s exquisite Barolo and a silky Tuscan star, also with high points. An extraordinary Rioja (look those Golds!) and a prestige Portuguese Reserva complete this fine collection.
From France, indulge in a divine Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a lavish Montagne St Emilion Bordeaux, both with high points from top critics. Then, delight in Italy’s exquisite Barolo and a silky Tuscan star, also with high points. An extraordinary Rioja (look those Golds!) and a prestige Portuguese Reserva complete this fine collection.
The legendary Angelo Maci’s exciting Gold-winning Altestelle comes from Italy’s Puglia. It’s a tropical fruit sparkling white delight, but made from darkest Negroamaro! A must try.
Known for its outstanding landscapes, Argentina’s Patagonia is increasingly recognised for its extraordinary wines. A pure expression of Argentina’s flagship grape, it shows intense red fruits, velvety tannins, and an elegant finish.
When Hermann Schroeder decided to build a winery in 2001, little did he expect to unearth the fossilised bones of a 75-million-year-old dinosaur, later named Panamericansaurus Schroederi after the family. Aside from dabbling in accidental palaeontology, the Schroeders also make a range of award-winning wines. Their brand ‘Saurus’ paid tribute to the amazing discovery, whereas ‘Bariloche’ is named after a modern treasure of Patagonia.
The quaint town of Bariloche, a hot spot for winter sports, hosts the source of a number of meltwater rivers that feed into the valley where Schroeder’s vineyards lie. Made from handpicked Malbec grapes with a touch of oak, its bright cherry fruits come forth with a swirl of the glass. Ideal with grilled meats.
only 23 left
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.
