Italian Wine

Winemaker Description

The soils are of marine origin from the Tertiary era, characterized by bluish marl (at a depth ranging from 1 to 3 meters), calcareous, compact structure. The stratification is dense and varied, rich in mineral salts and natural springs.

Barbaresco Rio Sordo receives careful grape selection in the vineyard – 100% Nebbiolo. The immediately noticeable characteristics are the considerable complexity and depth, accompanied by elegance and finesse.

Expert Review

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94+ Monica Larner | A release of about 3,000 bottles, the 2018 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows the finesse and delicate fruit that is so well expressed by this estate. The bouquet is redolent of rose hip and crushed flowers, and you get cassis, wild cherry and dried pomegranate as well. There is a giant layer of minty herb, and then the wine finally relaxes with polished tones of crushed stone and white licorice. Cascina delle Rose makes a fine bottle of Barbaresco. 

Winemaker Description

Calcareous limestone with sand. No herbicides (only manual) and they only use a minimal amount of copper and sulfur in the vineyard - aiming towards as minimal an environmental impact as possible. Fermented with skins for three weeks with remontage.  Aged in Slavonian botti of 10-20HL for 18 months followed by time in the bottle before release. No clarification or filtering before bottling. 

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Compared to the Rio Sordo, the Cascina delle Rose 2018 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is slightly more robust and open-knit. This wine shows a more overt concentration that comes across with blackberry and wild cherry. To the palate, it shows a smooth but nicely elaborate texture. There are light touches of crushed stone and even some tobacco on the close. 

Producer Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The wine presents itself with an intense garnet red hue, complemented by alluring purple reflections. Its bouquet is both deep and intricate, revealing a delightful combination of fruity aromas dominated by cherry and plum, while subtle undertones of chocolate add an intriguing layer of complexity. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a full-bodied and harmonious profile, where the luscious flavors of red fruits intertwine seamlessly with almond-like notes. This captivating blend culminates in a pleasantly harmonious and enduring finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | An elegant red, boasting cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm, with a dry edge to its tannins as this builds to the long finish. Overall, there's fine balance, and the lasting impression is of ripe fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030.

Winemaker Description 

A sweet sparkling wine with light ruby red nuances with a lively and persistent perlage. Both at the nose and in the mouth, all the aromatic peculiarities of the vine are best expressed; intense aromas of Bulgarian rose and berries accompanied by a sweet aftertaste balanced by a good acidity.

A perfect dessert wine paired with fresh strawberries, fruit salads, fruit pies and small pastries.

Winemaker Description 

Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo is a premium, proprietary blend of Cabernet and Petit Verdot grapes exclusively from the renowned Panzano in Chianti region of Tuscany. This organic and biodynamic red is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its complex bouquet and flavor profile.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2009

Vinous 96 Points | The 2009 d'Alceo comes across as much more classic in style and structure than the 2008. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, plums, mint and licorice all take shape in the glass Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics, brighter shades of fruit and striking inner perfume, but it remains quite vibrant in the context of a vintage in which so many wines are quite a bit riper in style. The 2009 is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo that should offer a wide drinking window starting in a few years. It certainly looks like Rampolla nailed the vintage.  Drinking 2019 - 2039.

Antonio Galloni, 96+ | My absolute favorite wine of 2022 was a bottle of the Castello dei Rampolla 2006 d'Alceo that I had the good fortune to drink at dinner during a work event in Tuscany last year. I remember the wine vividly, and if I were to review it again, it would certainly merit a perfect score. With that profound inspiration in mind, I feel especially optimistic toward this outstanding group of new releases from Maurizia di Napoli and her talented team. This historic estate has farmed according to organic and biodynamic methods since 1994, making it one of the first in Italy to do so. In truth, I have found some inconsistencies along the way over the many years I have reviewed and adored these wines. Such is the magic of artisanal winemaking. But thanks to that memory of that 2006 d'Alceo, I remain in awe of Castello dei Rampolla today. 

Castello di Bossi | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Organic | 2020

Gran Selezione is the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid — a single-vineyard or best-barrel selection aged a minimum of 30 months before release. Castello di Bossi's 2020 version is a textbook example of why this category matters. Sourced from the estate's southern Gaiole in Chianti holdings and certified organic, it spent 24 months in large 40–50HL casks — a deliberate choice that preserves Sangiovese's aromatic lift while building structure without over-oaking. The 2020 vintage delivered warm, even ripening across Tuscany, and Bossi channeled that richness into a wine of explosive intensity and remarkable finesse. Deep ruby with garnet lights, it opens with black cherry, plum, cedar, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a whisper of saddle leather. The palate is fleshy and dense, yet balanced, with a very pronounced, lingering finish. Drink now with confidence, or cellar through 2034.

• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 24 months in 40–50HL large casks
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Drink Window: Now – 2034

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2020

Vinous — Antonio Galloni | 92 Points: Gorgeous. Floral, lifted and quite expressive, the 2020 has a lot to offer. It marries the richness of this southern district with lovely aromatic presence and a good bit of brightness. A complete, deeply satisfying wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Drink 2024–2034.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Tuscan: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with meat sauce.
• Meat: Roasted lamb rack, braised short ribs, or aged beef tagliata.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

A favorite at 67 Wine Castello di Bossi

Winemaker Description

This Riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla, and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, leading to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points
"Subtle aromas of black cherries, tar, mushrooms, black truffles, and dark earth. Medium-to-full-bodied with refined and linear tannins that give tension and focus to the wine. Delicate finish. From organically grown grapes. Lovely now. Drink or hold."

Vinous — 91 Points
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo is a powerful, layered wine. Black cherry, liquorice, cloves, leather, and scorched earth all run through this brooding, imposing Riserva. There’s a lot to like here, especially in the way this opens with time in the glass."

About Castello di Bossi

Castello di Bossi is one of Chianti Classico’s most respected family estates, situated in the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone — the southernmost and warmest part of the Chianti Classico DOCG, known for producing wines of exceptional richness and structure. The estate has been farmed organically for decades, harnessing the area’s galestro and alberese soils to produce Sangiovese of remarkable depth and complexity. The Berardo Riserva — named for the estate’s founding family — is the flagship wine of Castello di Bossi, aged for an extended period in French and Slavonian oak before release. It consistently ranks among the finest expressions of Chianti Classico Riserva at any price.

Food Pairings

Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, beef negimaki, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 1 hour before serving; cellar through 2033.

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Bossi
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Subzone: Castelnuovo Berardenga
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2021
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva
• Drink: Now–2033 (decant 1 hour)
• Format: 750ml

Castello di Bossi — Corbaia Toscana IGT 2022

Castello di Bossi is one of the benchmark estates of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of Chianti Classico, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. Corbaia — named for the vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the estate some 42 years ago — is their flagship Super-Tuscan: a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in stainless steel and matured in Allier oak barriques. The result is a wine of superb finesse and elegance, where the structure of Cabernet and the soul of Sangiovese find a natural equilibrium.

The 2022 is heady and explosive. Intense ruby-red with garnet highlights, it opens with a rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice, and pipe tobacco — backed by jammy black currants, cherries, cassis, mocha, and vanilla. On the palate it is full-bodied yet supple, layered with rich texture and well-integrated tannins, with no hard edges and terrific balance. Pure and total sensuality, as Vinous put it — and they awarded it 95 points.

Vinous 95 — "The 2022 Corbaia is heady and explosive in the glass. A rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice and pipe tobacco soars out of the glass. Rich yet not at all heavy, Corbaia delivers the goods. Readers will find a wine of pure and total sensuality with no hard edges and terrific balance."

• Producer: Castello di Bossi, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT (Super-Tuscan)
• Blend: Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, Allier oak barrique aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, blood orange, leather, tobacco, cassis, mocha, vanilla, integrated tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, meats alla Diavola, Béarnaise sauces, aged Pecorino

A 95-point Super-Tuscan at $64 — Corbaia 2022 is Castello di Bossi at its most compelling.

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow with green highlights. In true Pinot Grigio style, this wine shows delightful aromas of fresh citrus, green apple, orange blossom, and tropical fruit, with a floral hint. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, flavors of fresh tropical fruit are complemented by hints of almond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter 93 Points | The 2022 is a charming, elegant rendition of the vintage expressing raspberry and strawberry with snaps of coriander and allspice. Seamless in flow, the palate is underscored by sweet acid and framed by soft, silky tannins. Juicy and drinkable now but with enough grip for the next seven to eight years. A blend of the estate's parcels in the distinguished MGAs of Rabajà, Rabajà-bas and Faset, Castello di Verduno's classic Barbaresco ages in large Slavonian oak casks.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Barbaresco is a gracious, classy wine that captures the essence of the house style. Crushed flowers, sweet, red-toned fruit, orange peel, spice and rose petals are some of the notes that grace this understated, sensual Barbaresco. Soft tannins add to a feeling of approachability. What a pretty and engaging wine this is.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a bright medium ruby hue, the 2022 Barbaresco opens to notes of ripe cranberries, cinnamon, orange peel, and fresh flowers. The palate retains very nice freshness in this hot, dry vintage, with refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, and a clean, medium-bodied feel with a graceful and fruity finish. It's a highly charming offering to drink over the coming 6-8 years.

Memo Summary Notes

Verduno is a small town and the histories of the wineries located there are intertwined.

The Castle of Verduno, constructed in the early 1500s, was under the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy for much of its history until the Burlotto family purchased it in 1909.

The winery's philosophy is to produce wines that speak of place in a classic way and are also sustainable and protect the land. As such, they practice organic farming and are meticulous both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Minimal SO2 and also vinifies with indigenous yeast. Their wines are firmly traditional in style though never rustic; in fact just the opposite, they retain a rare elegance and purity.

Pair with

• Traditional: Tajarin pasta with a butter and sage sauce or a rich meat ragù.

• Savory: Roast pork tenderloin, braised beef short ribs, or a wild mushroom risotto.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points — Editors' Choice (Kerin O’Keefe) | Delicate aromas of blue flower, red berry and a hint of underbrush. Elegant and firmly structured, the savory palate offers crushed raspberry, ripe cherry and baking spice alongside taut tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039.

Vinous 94 Points (Antonio Galloni) | Sweet red cherry, kirsch, rose petal, mint, spice, earthiness, crushed rocks and pipe tobacco — all beautifully lifted. Medium in body with compelling inner sweetness and tons of finesse. Positively stellar, and unusually for a Rabajà, it will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Decanter 92 Points | Great complexity of pot pourri, wild strawberry, cherry and licorice. Tannins are firm yet fine, bold and fleshy with energy and pep. Austere yet precise finish.

About the Wine

The Castello di Verduno Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà 2019 is a masterpiece of traditional winemaking from one of the most famous and powerful crus in Barbaresco. The Riserva is only produced in exceptional years, and the 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely considered classic and high-structured — making this a true collector’s item with decades of life ahead.

Tasting & Pairings

Blue flower, crushed raspberry, ripe cherry, kirsch, rose petal, baking spice, earthiness, and pipe tobacco. Firmly structured with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Decant generously or cellar through 2039.

• Braised lamb shank or veal osso buco — the firm tannins and acidity are built for rich, slow-cooked meats.
• Handmade tajarin with butter and sage — a classic Piedmontese pairing that lets the wine’s complexity shine.
• Aged Castelmagno or Toma Piemontese — regional cheeses that complement Nebbiolo’s earthy depth.

Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara — Verduno, Piedmont 2020

Castello di Verduno is one of Piedmont's most historic estates, occupying a castle constructed in the early 1500s in Verduno — the northernmost commune of Barolo — and owned by the Burlotto family since 1909. The Massara vineyard sits on chalky clay soils known as Marne di Sant'Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone), farmed organically and hand-harvested in the first or second week of October. The 2020 vintage was vinified in open-top wooden vats with a remarkable 61-day maceration using the traditional submerged cap method, then aged 31 months in large Austrian and Slavonian botti grandi, followed by one month in stainless steel and 18 months in bottle before release. Just 5,940 bottles and 30 magnums were produced. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The nose is inviting and open: ripe cherries, raspberry seed, fresh flowers, fresh herbs, and a delightful note of cola that melds seamlessly with mixed red fruits both fresh and preserved. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant with lovely zesty lift, opulent texture, fine tannins, and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish. Juicy, fresh, and structured — highly appealing now with a wide window for enjoyment through 2040.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Elegant and inviting, with fine tannins and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish." | Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Lushness kept in check by fine tannins, ensuring each sip remains structured and elegant. Drink Now–2040."

• Producer: Castello di Verduno, Verduno, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Massara — Marne di Sant'Agata soils (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone)
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Viticulture: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
• Vinification: 61-day maceration, open-top wooden vats, submerged cap
• Aging: 31 months in Austrian & Slavonian botti grandi, 1 month stainless steel, 18 months bottle
• Production: 5,940 bottles + 30 magnums
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, raspberry, cola, fresh flowers, herbs, fine tannins, zesty finish
• Drink: Now through 2040
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù

A classically structured Verduno Barolo from one of Piedmont's most storied estates — Massara 2020 is patience rewarded and elegance defined.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 90 Points | The organic Volpaia 2020 Balifico is an IGT blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon is impossible to miss, as this wine is very driven by aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate and garden herb that are linked to that varietal. This is a medium to full-bodied red blend that also delivers the dusty crushed stone aromas that I associate with Chianti Classico.

James Suckling 93 Points | Very pretty and floral aromas with orange blossom and currant character. Very attractive purity of fruit. It’s medium-bodied with polished and fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Tangy acidity. From organically grown grapes. Give it a year or two more but already gorgeous. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Loaded with black cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, this red is also firmly structured. Shows persistent fruit through the lingering aftertaste, where elements of earth and Tuscan scrub emerge. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033.

About Castello di Volpaia

Volpaia is one of the most stunning estates in Italy, located in a fortified medieval village in Radda in Chianti. Because the vineyards are among the highest in the Chianti Classico zone — up to 600 meters — the wines have a cool-climate elegance that sets them apart from the heavier, more muscular Chiantis found in the valleys.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. A well-structured wine with a fruity finish. The vintage began with a warm winter with little rain. May and June were cold with heavy rains that caused several problems with downy mildew throughout Italy. In July temperatures rose significantly, and the hot, dry summer was followed by late August rains that allowed the grapes to complete ripening beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 91 Points (Michaela Morris)
"A very pretty, classy wine that captures the essence of Radda in its bright, lifted personality. Crushed flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper and cranberry all grace this perfumed, lithe Chianti Classico."

Tony Wood Italian Wine — 95 Points
"Bright ruby red with purple undertones. Amazing aroma of spring flowers, violet, petal, sweet red fruits, liquorice, cedar, dry forest floor, spice. Creamy, elegant, fantastic length and balance. A total winner!"

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Volpaia
• Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Altitude: Up to 600 meters
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones. Medium to full body with compact, firm, finely grained tannins. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Rich ruby color. A selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. Toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins folding into a mineral texture, mouthwatering stony earth, and a long, clean finish.

Robert Parker | Wine Advocate 93 Points | Ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone — achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season. Characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes over the palate with good momentum.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Juicy yet firmly structured with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish with accents of earth and mineral. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best 2025–2039.

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red with a trace of garnet. Elegant nose displaying hints of spice and fruit. Well-structured with smooth tannins and a long finish. Certified organic Sangiovese from one of Chianti Classico’s most historic and beautiful estates.

Tasting & Pairings

Ripe cherry, dried strawberry, orange peel, crushed stones, cedar, menthol, and spice. Medium to full body with firm, finely grained tannins and a mineral finish. Decant or cellar through 2039.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb — the classic Tuscan pairing for a Riserva of this caliber.
• Wild boar ragù or pappardelle with meat sauce — the tannin structure and earthy notes complement rich, slow-cooked sauces.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — a regional cheese that mirrors the wine’s earthy, mineral character.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-garnet color. Very vibrant, well-balanced aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrubland and eucalyptus, and nuances of black berry fruit and pipe tobacco. The palate shows full, tangy, mineral flavor, velvety though, rounded and beautifully structured.

Perfect with stewed horsemeat in sauce; highly recommended with pasta (sagne ‘ncannulate), meatballs with sauce, chick pea soup, roasted or stewed red meats (lamb and goat).

Expert Review – Vintage 2023

James Suckling – 90 Points
Sour cherries, sultanas, dried oranges and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, jammy and lightly sweet-sour palate. Ripe tannins.

Winemaker's Notes

Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste.

"Piluna" translates to "pot of clay" — an ancient vessel once used to store water or wine.

Terroir & Vinification

This 100% Primitivo is grown from vineyards surrounding the ancient Castello Monaci estate in Salento, Apulia. Soils are a blend of dry clay, volcanic gravel, and limestone, forcing vines deep in search of water — yielding low crops and rich, fragrant fruit.

Harvest is done by hand before dawn to preserve sugar levels and avoid the heat. Grapes are vinified in small stainless steel tanks, then aged 6 months in 75% stainless steel and 25% 2nd and 3rd use French oak. 300,000 bottles produced.

Cavicchioli Vigna del Cristo Lambrusco di Sorbara — Emilia-Romagna 2025

Vigna del Cristo is the crown jewel of Cavicchioli — a 100% Lambrusco di Sorbara sourced exclusively from the original 12.5-acre family vineyard in the Cristo locality of Sorbara, the birthplace of the Cavicchioli estate. Lambrusco di Sorbara is one of Italy’s most fascinating and demanding grape varieties: naturally low-yielding, it flowers with great difficulty and the vine is often sterile, requiring alternating rows of the more vigorous Salamino variety to aid fertilization. In this rare bottling, only pure Sorbara fruit is used — no Salamino blended in, as is permitted by the DOC. Hand-harvested fruit is de-stemmed, crushed, and cold-macerated on skins for 3–5 days at 45–55°F to extract color and aromatics. Only 50% of the free-run juice — the “flower” of the press — then undergoes a secondary fermentation in autoclave at 55–60°F to achieve its delicate, persistent effervescence. The result is one of the most elegant and distinctive sparkling wines in all of Italy.

The color is a luminous light red with violet hues, crowned by a light pink evanescent froth and fine, persistent perlage. The nose is ample and intense: violets, red fruits, and a whisper of fresh florals that is the unmistakable signature of Sorbara. On the palate, it is full and dry — fruity, vibrant, and engaging, with a slightly acidulous aftertaste that makes it irresistibly refreshing and endlessly food-friendly. Total acidity: 8 g/L. Serve well-chilled.

“Light pink evanescent froth and fine and persistent perlage. The perfume of flowers and red fruits is ample and intense — the flavor is full and dry with a fruity aroma and an engaging slightly acidulous aftertaste.” — Sandro Cavicchioli, Winemaker

• Producer: Umberto Cavicchioli & Figli, Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC
• Varietal: 100% Lambrusco di Sorbara
• Vineyard: Vigna del Cristo — 12.5 acres, Cristo locality, Sorbara (original family estate)
• Vinification: Hand-harvested, cold skin maceration 3–5 days, secondary fermentation in autoclave (Charmat method), 50% free-run juice only
• Total Acidity: 8 g/L
• Style: Dry, elegant, floral sparkling red — Lambrusco di Sorbara at its purest
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Violets, red fruits, fresh florals, vibrant acidity, fine persistent bubbles, dry and engaging finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now — best enjoyed young and fresh
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, prosciutto di Parma, pasta with complex sauces, fried fish, vegetable dishes, red meats

The purest expression of Lambrusco di Sorbara — Vigna del Cristo is Italy’s most elegant sparkling red, and one of the great food wines of the world.

Winemaker Description 

100% Pinot Grigio - With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

A wonderful aperitif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes.

Winemaker Description 

With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth Amaro — Piedmont, Italy 500ml

Founded in 1891 in Asti, Piedmont, Giulio Cocchi established one of Italy’s most respected vermouth and aperitif houses. Dopo Teatro — meaning “After Theater” — is crafted according to Cocchi’s original recipe, bridging the elegant world of vermouth with the complex bitterness of amaro. A masterful blend of botanicals and wine, it embodies the artisanal tradition of Piedmont’s finest vermouth house with remarkable finesse.

Rich and complex on the palate, Dopo Teatro opens with herbal aromatics, gentle bitterness, and wine-forward elegance. The addition of Barolo Chinato to the base wine creates a uniquely soft, sophisticated character — balancing sweet and bitter with a depth that rewards slow sipping and cocktail exploration alike.

“A masterful blend of botanicals — Cocchi Dopo Teatro is one of Italy’s most sophisticated vermouth amaros.”

• Producer: Cocchi, Asti, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Vermouth Amaro
• Size: 500ml
• Key Botanicals: Artemisia (wormwood), rhubarb, quassia wood, chiretta, double-infused cinchona, Barolo Chinato
• Tasting Notes: Herbal aromatics, gentle bitterness, soft red wine nuances, layered complexity, long finish
• How to Enjoy: Neat or on ice as a digestif; elevates Negronis, Manhattans, and Boulevardiers; spritz with prosecco and soda
• Best Paired With: Dark chocolate, hazelnut desserts, aged cheeses, charcuterie

A contemplative digestif and a bartender’s secret weapon — Cocchi Dopo Teatro is Piedmont’s finest expression of the vermouth amaro tradition.

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry — Piedmont, Italy 500ml

Released to mark Cocchi’s 130th anniversary, Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry is a landmark expression from the birthplace of vermouth itself. Labeled “Ricetta Piemontese” — Piedmontese Recipe — every relevant ingredient in this vermouth comes exclusively from Piemonte, reflecting a deep and uncompromising bond with the region. While classic dry vermouths were traditionally the domain of Southeast France, Cocchi has crafted a distinctly Piedmontese answer to the category — and it is exceptional.

The wine base is Cortese, the same grape behind Gavi DOCG, lending a crisp, mineral freshness. Artemisia Absinthium (wormwood) sourced 100% from the Piedmont mountains provides the aromatic backbone, while Menta di Pancalieri — a local peppermint variety — and lemon round out the profile with bright, herbaceous lift. The result is a dry vermouth of remarkable precision and regional character, equally at home in a classic Dry Martini or sipped chilled on its own.

“Ricetta Piemontese — every ingredient from Piemonte. Cocchi Extra Dry is the definitive Piedmontese answer to the dry vermouth category.”

• Producer: Cocchi, Asti, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Extra Dry Vermouth
• Size: 500ml
• Wine Base: Cortese (Gavi DOCG grape)
• Key Botanicals: Artemisia Absinthium (Piedmont wormwood), Menta di Pancalieri (local peppermint), lemon
• Tasting Notes: Crisp, mineral, herbaceous, bright citrus, fresh peppermint, dry and precise finish
• How to Enjoy: Classic Dry Martini; chilled neat with a lemon twist; spritz with soda
• Best Paired With: Oysters, seafood crudo, light antipasti, olives, fresh cheeses

A milestone release from one of Italy’s greatest vermouth houses — Cocchi Extra Dry is the Piedmontese Dry Martini’s perfect companion.

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Rosso Sweet Storico — Piedmont, Italy 375ml

Since 1891, Cocchi has been one of Piedmont’s most celebrated vermouth houses, honoring the royal tradition that made Turin the world capital of vermouth. The Storico designation refers to Cocchi’s original historic recipe — a benchmark sweet red vermouth crafted from a selection of fine wines and a secret blend of aromatic herbs and spices that has remained unchanged for over a century. This 375ml half bottle is the perfect introduction to one of Italy’s most iconic aperitifs.

Deep ruby in color, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Rosso opens with rich aromas of cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, and orange peel. The palate is beautifully balanced between sweetness and herbal complexity, with a velvety texture and a refined, lingering finish that is unmistakably Piedmontese.

“The benchmark for authentic Vermouth di Torino — Cocchi Storico is the bartender’s sweet vermouth of choice worldwide.”

• Producer: Cocchi, Asti, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Sweet Red Vermouth (Rosso)
• Formula: Storico — original historic recipe since 1891
• Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, orange peel, aromatic herbs and spice
• How to Enjoy: Neat or on the rocks with an orange twist; essential for Negronis, Manhattans, and Americanos
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, dark chocolate, antipasti

A cornerstone of the Italian aperitif tradition and a must-have for any serious home bar — Cocchi Storico is Vermouth di Torino at its finest.

Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Rosso Sweet Storico — Piedmont, Italy 750ml

Since 1891, Cocchi has been one of Piedmont’s most celebrated vermouth houses — and Vermouth di Torino Rosso is the last remaining example of the appellation to comply with all of the classical requirements. Using estate Moscato as the wine base and vibrant, spicy botanicals including cocoa, citrus, ginger, and rhubarb, Cocchi produces a sweet red vermouth of unmatched authenticity and depth. Unlike other popular Italian vermouths, Cocchi retains wines of Piedmont as the base and avoids the heavy sheen of vanilla or caramel that can clash with cocktail ingredients.

Deep ruby in color, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Rosso opens with rich aromas of cocoa, rhubarb, citrus peel, and warm spice. The palate is beautifully balanced between sweetness and herbal complexity, with a velvety texture and a refined, lingering finish. Delicious poured over ice with a lemon zest, and an essential base for the most classic cocktails.

“The last remaining example of appellation Vermouth di Torino to comply with all classical requirements — Cocchi is the benchmark.”

• Producer: Cocchi, Asti, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Sweet Red Vermouth (Rosso)
• Formula: Storico — original historic recipe since 1891
• Wine Base: Estate Moscato, Piedmont
• Size: 750ml
• Key Botanicals: Cocoa, citrus, ginger, rhubarb
• Tasting Notes: Cocoa, rhubarb, citrus peel, warm spice, herbal complexity, velvety finish
• How to Enjoy: On the rocks with a lemon zest; essential for Negronis, Manhattans, and Americanos
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, dark chocolate, antipasti

The gold standard of Vermouth di Torino — Cocchi Storico is the bartender’s sweet vermouth of choice worldwide and a cornerstone of any serious home bar.

Winemaker Description 

Delicate pink in color this wine features bright highlights. It is crisp, lively and fresh, full of ripe cherry and berry flavors. The body is exceptionally light and satiny. It has a pleasing long, dry finish. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Col De’ Salici "Rosé de’ Salici" Spumante Brut is a charming and versatile sparkling rosé from the Veneto region of Italy. Often described as a "step up from standard Prosecco," it is appreciated for its vibrant color and crisp, dry profile.

Unlike typical Prosecco (which is almost always 100% Glera), this spumante uses a unique blend of red and white grapes to achieve its structure and hue.

Because of its crispness and fruit-forward nature, it is an excellent "aperitivo" wine but also holds up well to food:

• Brunch: Smoked salmon bagels, eggs benedict, or fruit tarts.

• Appetizers: Prosciutto and melon, caprese salad, or fried calamari.

• Main Courses: Spicy Thai or Indian cuisine (the bubbles and fruit help temper the heat) and grilled shrimp.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Notes of acacia flowers, apple, lemon peel and grapefruit are balanced by refreshing and bright acidity.Produced using the Charmat, or tank method, the wine is a bright, straw yellow and presents a delicate and persistent bead.Produced using the Charmat, or tank method, the wine is a bright, straw yellow and presents a delicate and persistent bead.

Colosi Rosso — Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2023

Cantine Colosi is one of Sicily's most beloved producers — a family estate with deep roots in the island's winemaking tradition, farming vineyards across the volcanic soils of eastern Sicily and the sun-drenched hillsides of the Terre Siciliane. Their Rosso is a blend of Syrah and Nerello Mascalese — two varieties that thrive in Sicily's warm, dry climate — crafted to deliver the island's signature combination of ripe fruit, savory herbs, and velvety texture at an exceptional everyday price. This is the kind of wine that makes Sicilian red one of the world's great value categories: generous, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

The color is intense, dark ruby red. The nose offers notes of black fruit, strawberries, flowers, and aromatic herbs — inviting and expressive. On the palate, it is dry and full-bodied with a velvety texture and delicious flavors of blackberry, plum, and strawberry, framed by savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure — a natural match for the table.

"One of my favorite great value reds! Velvety textured with delicious flavors of blackberry, plum and strawberry with savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure. Great for pizza, pasta and any midweek excursion." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

• Producer: Cantine Colosi, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
• Blend: Syrah, Nerello Mascalese
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, plum, strawberry, black fruit, savory spice, aromatic herbs, velvety texture, supple tannins
• Style: Medium-to-full bodied, dry, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Pizza, pasta, grilled meats, eggplant parmigiana, charcuterie, aged pecorino

Sicily's great everyday red — Colosi Rosso 2023 is velvety, generous, and built for the midweek table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com writes 99 Points | The 2021 Barolo Acclivi marks the return of this cuvée after the 2020 crop was destroyed by hail. The nose is layered and complex with notes of clove spice, ripe red raspberry liqueur, blood orange, framboise, peppery spices, and pressed floral notes. The palate has lovely, refined concentration, ripe tannins, haunting notes of strawberries that last long on the finish, and notes of leather. While it has the fruit and freshness to drink now, it certainly has the structure to age. It’s one of the more contemplative wines in the range to enjoy over the coming decades.

Keron O'Keeffe  99 Points | Fragrant and loaded with finesse, the 2021 Acclivi is simply magnificent, starting with its beautiful scents of rose, forest berry, menthol, star anise and whiffs recalling sweetgrass. A blend of selected Nebbiolo from the estate’s best and oldest vineyards in Verduno, in the Monvigliero, Neirane, Rocche dell’Olmo and Boscatto sites, the chiseled, elegantly structured and delicious palate reflects the nose, delivering red cherry, raspberry, licorice and crushed mint accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced and fuels even more intensity while a cinnamon note lingers on the finish. This is a captivating, extraordinary wine and the best Acclivi I have had to date.

Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate writes 97 Points | This wine was not produced in 2020. The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2021 Barolo Acclivi is a blend of old-vine fruit from Monvigliero, Neirane and Rocche dell’Olmo, three MGA sites in the village of Verduno. I tasted this sample at two stages with 24 hours between them, and the change was impressive. The wine goes from feeling tight and almost squeaky to relaxed, fragrant and ethereal with aeration. The bouquet reveals layers of lilac, raspberry tart with custard and finely shaved pencil. Drink 2027-2055.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | A graceful Barolo that shows aromas of smoke, licorice, violets, delicate red currants and strawberries. It’s restrained and elegant on the palate, with a slight sweetness, a medium to full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, chewy tannins. Tight and savory. There is a huge structure that’s well covered by the fruit. Drinkable now, but best from 2026 or 2027.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media writes 94 Points | The 2021 Barolo Acclivi is a suave, sensual wine. All of this fruit is from vineyards in Verduno. That is very much evident in the wine's aromatic profile and overall weight. Blood orange, rose petal, mint, chalk and spice give the 2021 very pretty top notes. I admire the overall depth and brilliance here. This is a very serious Barolo. Drink 2026-2041.

Memo Summary Description 

The Placido "Primavera Selection" Pinot Grigio 2024 is a textbook example of a clean, refreshing, and high-value Italian white wine. Produced by the renowned Banfi family (owners of the Placido label), this wine is specifically crafted to be "primavera" (springtime) in a bottle—vibrant, floral, and incredibly easy to drink.

While the brand is famous for its Tuscan roots, this Pinot Grigio is typically sourced from the Delle Venezie DOC (Veneto), the world's premier region for crisp, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio.

Memo Summary Description 

The Placido "Primavera Selection" Pinot Grigio 2024 is a textbook example of a clean, refreshing, and high-value Italian white wine. Produced by the renowned Banfi family (owners of the Placido label), this wine is specifically crafted to be "primavera" (springtime) in a bottle—vibrant, floral, and incredibly easy to drink.

While the brand is famous for its Tuscan roots, this Pinot Grigio is typically sourced from the Delle Venezie DOC (Veneto), the world's premier region for crisp, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio.

Contratto Vermouth Bianco 750ml

Discover Contratto Vermouth Bianco, an exceptional Italian vermouth crafted by one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious vermouth producers. Established in 1867 in Canelli, Piedmont, Contratto has been creating premium vermouths using traditional methods and the finest ingredients for over 150 years. This Vermouth Bianco showcases the artistry of Italian vermouth-making, offering a unique bouquet and taste created through the gentle infusion of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for classic and contemporary mixology or enjoyed on its own, Contratto Vermouth Bianco represents authentic Italian craftsmanship.

Historic Italian Heritage

Contratto, founded in 1867, is one of Italy's oldest and most respected vermouth and sparkling wine producers. Located in Canelli, in the heart of Piedmont's wine country, Contratto has maintained its commitment to traditional production methods while creating innovative, high-quality products. The company's rich heritage and dedication to excellence have made it a benchmark for premium Italian vermouth.

Vermouth Bianco Style

Vermouth Bianco (white vermouth) is a sweet, aromatic fortified wine characterized by its pale color and complex botanical profile. This style of vermouth is lighter and more delicate than red vermouth, with a balance of sweetness, herbal notes, and subtle bitterness. Contratto's Bianco showcases the finest expression of this classic Italian style.

Aromatic Botanical Blend

The aromatic blend of herbs and spices gently infuses the wine to create a unique bouquet and taste. Contratto uses carefully selected botanicals including herbs, roots, flowers, and spices that are traditional to Piedmont vermouth production. This meticulous selection and gentle infusion process creates layers of complexity and a distinctive flavor profile.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Pale straw to light gold with brilliant clarity
Aroma: Complex bouquet of aromatic herbs, vanilla, citrus peel, chamomile, elderflower, and subtle spices. Floral and botanical notes
Palate: Balanced sweetness with herbal complexity. Flavors of vanilla, honey, citrus, alpine herbs, and gentle spice. Medium-bodied with smooth texture. Subtle bitterness balances the sweetness
Finish: Long, elegant finish with lingering herbal and citrus notes

Traditional Production Methods

Contratto employs traditional vermouth-making techniques passed down through generations. The base wine is carefully selected, then infused with a proprietary blend of botanicals. The gentle infusion process allows the herbs and spices to impart their flavors without overwhelming the wine's natural character, resulting in a harmonious and refined vermouth.

Versatile Serving Options

Contratto Vermouth Bianco is delicious served in multiple ways:

• Neat: Serve chilled on its own to appreciate the full complexity
• With a twist: Add a twist of lemon peel to enhance citrus notes
• On the rocks: Pour over ice for a refreshing aperitif
• With soda: Top with sparkling water for a light spritz

Perfect for Classic Cocktails

Contratto Vermouth Bianco is the perfect vermouth for classic and contemporary mixology:

• Martini: Classic gin or vodka martini
• Negroni Bianco: White Negroni variation
• Americano: With Campari and soda
• Spritz: With prosecco and soda
• Manhattan variations: White Manhattan
• Contemporary cocktails: Craft cocktail creations

Aperitif Excellence

As a traditional Italian aperitif, Contratto Vermouth Bianco is perfect for stimulating the appetite before meals. Serve chilled with light appetizers, olives, or nuts for an authentic Italian aperitivo experience. The balanced sweetness and herbal complexity make it an ideal pre-dinner drink.

Food Pairing Suggestions

When served as an aperitif, pair with:

• Italian antipasti and charcuterie
• Olives and marinated vegetables
• Aged cheeses
• Nuts and dried fruits
• Light seafood appetizers
• Bruschetta and crostini

Serving Suggestions

Serve well-chilled at 40-45°F (4-7°C) to appreciate the vermouth's aromatic complexity and balanced flavor. Store in the refrigerator after opening and consume within a few months for optimal freshness. The botanicals are best appreciated when the vermouth is properly chilled.

Premium Italian Craftsmanship

Contratto Vermouth Bianco represents the pinnacle of Italian vermouth production. Every bottle reflects over 150 years of expertise, traditional methods, and commitment to quality. From the careful selection of base wines to the proprietary botanical blend, each element is chosen to create a vermouth of exceptional character and refinement.

Ideal for Home Bars & Entertaining

A must-have for any well-stocked home bar, Contratto Vermouth Bianco is essential for:

• Classic cocktail enthusiasts
• Aperitif service and entertaining
• Craft cocktail creation
• Italian-style aperitivo hours
• Gift giving for spirits lovers
• Building a premium vermouth collection

Authentic Italian Vermouth Experience

Contratto Vermouth Bianco offers an authentic taste of Italian vermouth tradition. Whether enjoyed neat with a twist of lemon, mixed into classic cocktails, or served as part of an aperitivo spread, this vermouth delivers the quality, complexity, and elegance that has made Contratto a respected name in Italian spirits for over a century and a half.