Italian Wine

James Suckling 95 Points | A juicy and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries, walnuts, flint, graphite and matchsticks. Medium-bodied with creamy and refined tannins and a pretty finish. Inky aftertaste with some iodine. 60% merlot and 40% sangivoese. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, with Merlot prevailing in the blend.

About Luce della Vite

Luce della Vite — “Light of the Vine” — is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated Super Tuscan estates, born from a visionary partnership between the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi in 1993. Based in Montalcino, the Tenuta Luce estate produces wines that bridge the Old and New World: blending the structure and earthiness of Sangiovese with the richness and suppleness of Merlot. Lucente is the estate’s second wine — sharing the same vineyards and winemaking philosophy as the flagship Luce, but crafted for earlier enjoyment and exceptional everyday value. At under $25, it offers a genuine window into one of Italy’s most prestigious estates.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, truffle pasta, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 30 minutes before serving.

Product Details

• Producer: Luce della Vite (Tenuta Luce — Frescobaldi)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Merlot & Sangiovese (Merlot dominant)
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Super Tuscan blend
• Drink: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

Luciano Sandrone · Dolcetto d'Alba · 2024

Sandrone’s philosophy centers on native grape varieties, careful observation, and a deep respect for the vineyards of Piedmont. More than 50 years of dedication to wine underpin the family’s pursuit of a distinctive style that expresses the nuances of each harvest.

This Dolcetto brings ripe plum and blackberry aromas together with spice and a distinct mineral note. The 2024 Jeb Dunnuck review highlights a medium-bodied, refreshing palate, linear acidity, a silky, stony texture, and a savory finish.

Winemaker Description

Winemaker Description | The aromas of ripe plums and blackberries rise from the glass, modulated by spicy elements and a distinct mineral note.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 93 Points | Intense and reductive style with tense plums and black cherries Very vinous and lightly spicy. Super-juicy on the palate with medium body, moderate to refreshing acidity and well poised tannins.

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points | Pouring a reflective magenta hue, the 2024 Dolcetto D'Alba offers expressive aromatics of red and black berries, poppy flowers, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, the palate is focused and refreshing with linear acidity, a silky, stony texture, and a mouthwatering savory finish. Barrel Sample: 89-91

Pairing Suggestions

Try with mushroom pasta, pizza, roasted poultry, or a plate of salumi for an inviting Piedmont-inspired meal.

Wine Details

• Producer: Luciano Sandrone
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Dolcetto
• Appellation: Dolcetto d'Alba
• Region: Piedmont
• Country: Italy
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

A fruit-driven Dolcetto with a refreshing, savory side, well suited to the dinner table.

Winemaker Description 

Ferrando’s white-label Carema is among the most elegant expressions of Nebbiolo in existence, combining ample density with a very Alpine sense of nimbleness. Never an overwhelmingly powerful wine, “Etichetta Bianca” derives its sense of structure more from its acid-fruit tension than its tannins, offering satisfyingly savory fruit buttressed by vigorous mountain acidity.

Fermented in stainless steel without temperature control and using only indigenous yeasts, it spends three full years in a combination of 20-hectoliter Slavonian oak botti and used 500-liter French barrels.

Luna di Luna Pinot Grigio | Private Collection | 1.5 Liter Magnum

Named for the moon that illuminates the Italian countryside, Luna di Luna captures the romance and elegance of Italian winemaking in every bottle. This Private Collection Pinot Grigio is a refined expression of the variety — delicate, food-friendly, and effortlessly versatile. The 1.5 Liter Magnum format makes it the ideal centerpiece for any gathering.

Light and graceful in the glass, this Pinot Grigio delivers a clean, fresh profile with a soft, approachable character that pairs beautifully with a wide range of cuisines. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening, Luna di Luna brings a touch of Italian elegance to the table.

Food Pairing

Delightful on its own and well-suited to Mediterranean dishes — pasta with fresh tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, Greek or Caesar salad, and almost any type of seafood.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh citrus, white peach, and light floral notes
• Palate: Crisp, light-bodied, clean and refreshing
• Finish: Soft, dry, and pleasantly lingering

Wine Details

• Grape: Pinot Grigio
• Region: Italy
• Size: 1.5 Liter Magnum
• Collection: Private Collection

Winemaker Description 

Bright soft-hued ruby. Delicately fruity on the nose reminiscent of cherry and toasted almonds, juicy on the palate, extremely “quaffable” and elegant on the
finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Manincor "der Keil" Lago di Caldaro 2023 is a benchmark example of Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) from South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy. Produced by the Manincor estate—a leader in biodynamic and organic viticulture—this wine is sourced from the historical "der Keil" vineyard (a monopole), where old vines overlook the Lake of Kaltern.

It is often described as the perfect "bridge" wine for those who enjoy the elegance of Pinot Noir but want the crunchy, spicy character of northern Italy.

• Traditional Pairing: South Tyrolean Speck (cured ham) and local cheeses.

• Modern Pairing: It is one of the few reds that pairs beautifully with fried fish, tomato-based pasta, or even Cantonese cuisine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The 2023 vintage is receiving high praise for its focus and "crunchy" fruit:

• Decanter: 92 Points – "A lightly edgy nose of nutmeg-dusted red fruit... fleshy, balanced palate with juicy raspberry."

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points – "Tart cranberries, pomegranate, and red apple skin... delivers a fresh, lively wine with a peppery edge."

The Icon of Super Tuscans — Tignanello at Its Finest

Few wines in the world carry the legacy and prestige of Tignanello. Created by Marchese Antinori in 1971, it was the wine that rewrote the rules of Italian winemaking — the first Sangiovese-based wine to be aged in small French oak barriques, and the first to blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2022 vintage is a stunning expression of this storied wine: concentrated and velvety, yet precise and energetic, with the hallmark Tignanello tension that rewards both immediate pleasure and long cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Wine Advocate — 97 pts: "Rich and fruit-forward, the 2022 Tignanello very much respects the vintage. It delivers extra fruit weight with a velvety, satiny feel over a generous mouthfeel. Blackcurrant and cherry, with a mineral note that keeps things focused. A beautiful expression of the vintage, with excellent work done to execute soft tannins, texture and length."
• James Suckling — 96 pts: "There's extraordinary energy in this wine. A dark nose of black cherries, bramble fruit, violets, forest, licorice, bark, carob and leather. Density and tension dominate the full-bodied palate, with firm, velvety tannins. Crunchy and full of potential."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Such an elegant, poised wine. Brisk acids cut through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. Crushed flowers, mint, cinnamon, rose petal and a kiss of French oak appear later, adding notable brightness. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout."
• Decanter — 95 pts: "Succulent palate of good intensity. Well balanced and bright, with cashmere tannins supporting a core of sapid hedgerow berries outlined by crushed rock minerality and bitter herbs."
• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: "Rich texture wraps around plum, cherry, graphite, tobacco and earth flavors, with a line of dusty tannins underneath. Fresh, elegant and long. Best from 2027 through 2040."

Winemaker Notes

Marchese Antinori Tignanello Toscana 2022 750ml

The 2022 Tignanello is a blend of 78% Sangiovese, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced exclusively from the Tignanello estate vineyard in the Antinori hills. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for approximately 12 months, followed by further bottle aging before release. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth and elegance — dark fruit, floral lift, mineral precision, and the long, structured finish that has made Tignanello one of Italy's most collectible wines.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Sangiovese (78%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Cabernet Franc (4%)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany
• Producer: Marchese Antinori
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: French oak barriques, ~12 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine built for the table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, truffle risotto, and slow-roasted beef.

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

This 100% Dolcetto comes from the Commune of Treiso, on the Monte Aribaldo hill. It sits at 350 meters above sea level and has a south-facing exposure. The even altitude and its prominent position allow the grapes to ripen consistently and give ample body to the Dolcetto.

The wine undergoes vinification on skins with a six/seven days fermentation with floating cap at a controlled temperature; pumping over. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full after the alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and cement for five months before a brief bottle aging. 

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2024

Masciarelli is one of Abruzzo’s most celebrated and influential estates, founded by the visionary Gianni Masciarelli in 1981 and today guided by his daughter Marina Cvetič. From their base in San Martino sulla Marrucina, the estate has done more than perhaps any other producer to elevate the reputation of Abruzzo on the world stage — proving that this rugged, sun-drenched region between the Apennines and the Adriatic can produce wines of genuine depth, character, and value.

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the estate’s flagship entry-level red — and a benchmark for the appellation. Montepulciano, Abruzzo’s signature grape, thrives in the region’s warm days and cool nights, producing wines that are naturally rich, fleshy, and deeply colored, with a rustic charm and food-friendliness that make them among Italy’s most versatile reds. The Wall Street Journal calls it “an excellent food wine” — and it’s hard to argue.

The 2024 opens with aromas of ripe dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, with attractive spicy and smoky undertones. The palate is fleshy and full-bodied, with generous dark fruit, soft tannins, and impressive length. A true trattoria red — best enjoyed young, with food, and in good company.

Varietal: Montepulciano
Appellation: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo, Italy
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml

Masi Campofiorin Ripasso — Rosso del Veronese, Veneto, Italy 2023

Masi Agricola is one of Italy’s most historic wine estates — a family winery whose roots stretch back to 1772, when the Boscaini family first harvested in the prized vineyards of Vajo dei Masi in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. Born in 1964, Campofiorin is Masi’s original “Super-Venetian” — internationally recognized as the creator of a new category of Veneto wines inspired by the Amarone ripasso technique, and described by Burton Anderson as “a wine of stupendous size and complexity.” The 2023 is crafted from Corvina and complementary varietals, with delayed harvest and an increased percentage of dried grapes to achieve an even more harmonious, full-bodied, and integrally fruity expression. The result is a rich, smooth, and velvety red that combines simplicity and grace with strength and majesty — and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is warm and inviting: ripe cherries, sweet spices, and berry fruit with a depth that signals the influence of the ripasso technique. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied with intense cherry and berry fruit, soft tannins, good length, and a smooth, lingering finish. It is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Veneto classic that works from aperitivo to serious dinner with equal ease.

"Rich, smooth and velvety, yet approachable and versatile at table. Marrying simplicity and grace with strength and majesty. Born in 1964, Campofiorin is one of the world’s best-loved traditional Italian classics, internationally recognised as a ‘wine of stupendous size and complexity’ — the creator of a new category of Veneto wines inspired by the Amarone technique." — Masi Agricola

• Producer: Masi Agricola, Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy (est. 1772)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso del Veronese IGT, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Corvina and complementary Veneto varietals
• Technique: Ripasso — re-fermented on dried Amarone grape skins for richness & complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, sweet spice, berry fruit, soft tannins, rich and velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Richly-sauced pasta, grilled and roasted red meats, aged cheeses, risotto al tardo, braised short ribs

Italy’s original Super-Venetian at an honest price — Masi Campofiorin is the benchmark for what Amarone-inspired Ripasso from the Veneto can deliver.

Experience the Richness of Masi Costasera Amarone

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the Masi 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is generous in terms of ripeness, concentration and extract. This blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara shows an inky dark appearance with baked fruit and blackberry preserves. With a 15.5% alcohol content, the wine definitely leaves its mark on all the senses. A hint of mild bitterness comes with the oak tannins. Production is 50,000 bottles 

James Suckling 94 Points | A complex and deep wine. Highlights of dark chocolate and black pepper over black cherries. Refined and condensed tannins with exuberant, racy acidity and full body. Powerful, this has cellaring potential. Drinkable now but best from 2029.

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, Molinara

This Riserva represents Masi's excellence, a benchmark for Amarone. It's a special version of the celebrated Costasera, characterized by extended appassimento (drying) and the use of the unusual Oseleta grape for superior structure.

Introducing Masi Costasera Amarone

Masi Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2019 is a stunning representation of Italian craftsmanship. This exceptional red wine, made from partially dried grapes, offers a rich and full-bodied taste that's perfect for special occasions. The wine features deep notes of dark fruit, spices, and a hint of chocolate, which together create a complex and layered flavor profile. So, whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a quiet evening, this wine promises an unforgettable experience.

The Unique Aging Process

The aging process of Masi Costasera Amarone plays a vital role in enhancing its flavor. The wine matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, allowing it to develop its character and complexity. This careful selection of aging materials influences its aroma and taste, resulting in a smooth yet intense finish. Therefore, every sip reflects the rich history and tradition of Valpolicella winemaking, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Perfect Pairings for Masi Costasera

Masi Costasera Amarone pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. It complements red meats, game, and aged cheeses exceptionally well. Because of its rich flavor profile, it can also stand alone as a perfect after-dinner wine, enhancing your dining experience. So, gather your friends or family, open a bottle, and indulge in the luxurious taste of Masi Costasera Amarone while enjoying a flavorful meal together.

Producer Description

Askos is the name of our project dedicated to the research, selection and cultivation of local heritage native varieties.The symbol is an askos, a Greek “decanter” dating from the 1st century B.C.

Deep ruby red. A wine with great character on the nose: sensations of black and red berries are backed by spicy notes, hints of licorice and cocoa and notes of eucalyptus. It is a full-bodied but not heavy wine, extremely satisfying and easy to drink. The alcohol percentage is well-balanced. Delicious now, it will age well.  

Winemaker Description

Ruby red. Aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries, and black pepper. Refined, light tannins and bright acidity make this a lifting, fruity wine.

Pair with salumi, tomato and meat-based sauces and pizza Margherita.

Memo Summary Notes

Vibrant, volcanic red wine that serves as a historic benchmark for the Campania region. Produced by the legendary Mastroberardino family—who famously saved many of southern Italy's indigenous grapes from extinction—this wine is made from 100% Piedirosso grapes grown in the mineral-rich ash of Mount Vesuvius.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Eric Guido of Vinous Media 95 Points | "The 2019 Taurasi Radici is impossible to ignore, mixing cloves with incense, crushed stones and dried black cherries. This is saturating and intense, with a silken textural wave that ushers in masses of tart wild berry fruits and spices, all carried by a stream of vibrant acidity. It finishes long and youthfully tense, with a mineral tinge that lingers along with notes of black licorice and a sour cranberry crunch. In 2019, the Taurasi Radici is back to form. The new releases from Mastroberardino demonstrate this storied estate's ability to adapt to modern-day vintages...In fact, instead of coming across as sun-kissed or in any way dried out, they are notably energetic, with a beautiful purity of fruit and tannins that promise further development. When asked about global warming, Piero Mastroberardino explains, “We can now achieve soft tannins in a big Taurasi; the world has changed." Whether or not this is a good thing for the long term remains to be seen. As for the 2019 Taurasi Radici, it’s a drop-dead classic, and I am very excited to see how the Riservas will show two years from now. It will easily continue to impress for the next two decades or more...Mastroberardino remains a reference point producer in the region, with its eyes firmly set on the future."

James Suckling 95 Points | "Vivid dark ruby color, with aromas of blueberry jelly, earth, black truffles, toasted pepper and chocolate. Velvety on the palate, with juicy acidity, a full body and very good fruit concentration. Great complexity and polish in the finish. Drink or hold..."

Producer Notes

Full, complex and intense, with notes of cherry, violet, wild berries, and a distinctive spicy aroma. This elegant wine has flavors of plum, black cherry, strawberry and intense spices. Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, then a minimum 24 months refinement in bottle. aging potential of 50 years or more. Pair with mature cheeses, truffles, porcini mushrooms, Ragout and other dishes with long cooked sauces and roasted red meats.

Mauro Molino Barbaresco Giacosa — Piedmont 2023

Mauro Molino is best known for his celebrated Barolo wines from La Morra, but his Barbaresco Giacosa is a compelling reminder that his talent extends across the Langhe. Sourced from an east-facing site in Treiso — one of Barbaresco’s most prized communes — and produced in very small quantities, this is a wine of precision, elegance, and genuine cellar ambition.

The 2023 pours a bright, transparent ruby. The nose is classically Nebbiolo: fresh raspberries, dusty earth, flowers, and anise. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a cooling, tense feel, refreshing acidity, and well-defined structure. Aged in a 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau, the oak is perfectly integrated — supporting rather than obscuring the wine’s natural finesse. Built to drink from 2026 and evolve gracefully through 2040.

“Cooling feel with refreshing tension and well-defined structure.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG
• Vineyard: Giacosa, Treiso — east-facing
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau
• Production: Very small quantities
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh raspberry, dusty earth, flowers, anise, cooling tension, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2040
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised veal, truffle pasta, aged Parmigiano, wild mushroom risotto

A 94-point Barbaresco from one of Piedmont’s most trusted names — Giacosa is a rare find built for the long haul.

Mauro Molino Barolo Bricco Luciani — Piedmont 2022

Mauro Molino is one of La Morra’s most respected producers, farming some of the Langhe’s finest single-vineyard sites with a commitment to expressing terroir with clarity and precision. Bricco Luciani is a prized cru in La Morra, its limestone-rich soils with a touch of sand delivering Barolo of distinctive elegance — bright, aromatic, and structured with the kind of finesse that rewards both early drinking and patient cellaring. Just 4,456 bottles were produced.

The 2022 vintage opens with wild raspberries, pressed flowers, sweet orange peel, blood orange, aromatic dried herbs, and bark. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with expanding tannins, refreshing acidity, a saline edge that keeps it lively, and a beautifully polished, accessible finish. Aged 18–20 months in a mix of large oak and barrique, it offers more immediacy than many Barolo sites while retaining the structure to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Vinous 93 • James Suckling 93 — “Drink 2026–2038.”

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Bricco Luciani, La Morra — limestone with sand
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 18–20 months in large oak and barrique
• Production: 4,456 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, pressed flowers, blood orange, dried herbs, chalk, mint, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2038; decant if opening now
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù

A single-vineyard Barolo of rare elegance and limited production — Bricco Luciani is Mauro Molino at his very best.

Expert Reviews

Dillon Mafit writes:  The chinato tasted like the nectar of the gods, like the most perfectly ripe apricot drizzled in honey, dropped into a glass of 1967 Château Rieussec Sauterne, and dosed with some sort of bitter aphrodisiac.  - thrillist.com

In Mauro Vergano's words (courtesy of LDM website): "I must say that producing a Chinato from Moscato wine was my first big challenge. First produced in 2003, it was the first product of its kind present on the market. The wine I use is a Moscato d’Asti with a higher alcohol content (more than 10%) compared to the ones that are commonly available. As is well-known, the Moscato I use comes from the prestigious winery of Vittorio Bera & Figli. I have to admit that when I was first looking for a Moscato for the first attempts I used wine from various producers, then I was lucky enough to meet Gianluigi Bera and his Moscato and I haven’t left them since. His Moscato’s fragrance and its full-bodiedness meld perfectly with the aromatic extract composed of citrus zest, cinnamon and vanilla. These fresh and sweet aromas are balanced by the bitter flavour of the China (Calisaya and Succirubra) which give it a persistent taste that is absolutely unique. A brief description of the production cycle which all the products share: The first step is the preparation of the extract or “concia”. This is done by leaving a mixture of chopped herbs and spices in alcohol for about 20/30 days. Then the extract is filtered and left to age for a few months. The second step is the actual preparation of the product. To make the product I mix the extract, sugar and alcohol. The last step is clarification followed by filtering which produces a clear product with long-term stability."

Melini · San Lorenzo · Chianti Superiore · 2024

San Lorenzo brings Melini’s long Tuscan winemaking tradition to the table in a Sangiovese-led blend. Melini’s approach centers on close ties to its growing area and selecting vineyard sites for their individual character, combining traditional roots with a continuing commitment to innovation.

Bright ruby in color, this Chianti Superiore offers raspberry and blackberry aromas accented by violets and irises. Full, savory flavors lead into a lingering finish of wild forest berries, blackberry preserve and almonds.

Winemaker Description

Melini | With a bright, ruby color, the wine has a pronounced bouquet of raspberries and blackberries, with hints of violets and irises. In the mouth, there are well defined, full and savory flavors with a lingering, pleasant aftertaste of wild forest berries, blackberry preserve and almonds. Pair with pasta dishes & meat sauces, cured meats, poultry, lamb, pecorino cheese.

Pairings & Serving

Pour alongside pasta with meat sauce, cured meats, roast poultry or lamb. Pecorino cheese makes a simple, savory match. Serve slightly below room temperature.

Wine Details

• Producer: Melini
• Wine: San Lorenzo
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chianti Superiore
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
• Size: 750ml

Mionetto is one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco houses, with roots in Valdobbiadene dating back to 1887. This single-serve 187ml bottle delivers everything you love about great Prosecco in a perfectly portable format — ideal for brunches, celebrations, mimosas, or an Aperol Spritz on the go. Light straw in color with bright yellow highlights, it opens with a bouquet of honey, fresh apple, and white peach, leading to a crisp, refreshing palate with lively effervescence and well-balanced acidity.

Food Pairings: Spicy curries, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, burgers, pizza, fresh salads, and light appetizers. The classic choice for mimosas and Aperol Spritz.

Varietal: Glera (Prosecco)
Style: Sparkling Brut
Producer: Mionetto
Region: Veneto, Italy
Serve: Chilled in a champagne flute or white wine glass
Bottle Size: 187ml

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points | “Fresh and vibrant, this classic Prosecco is exactly what we are all looking for: freshness, fun and fruitiness. Ample apple and lemon notes with a touch of white flower define the nose. These lead to a zippy palate that directly translates from the nose with loads of fresh apples and a touch of minerality.”

Tasting Notes

Fresh and vibrant with aromas of green apple, lemon, and white flower. The palate is zippy and fruit-forward, with loads of crisp apple, a touch of minerality, and a clean, refreshing finish. Everything a great Prosecco should be.

About the Wine

Mionetto is one of the most celebrated Prosecco houses in the Veneto, with over 130 years of history in the region. The Prestige Collection — instantly recognizable by its iconic orange label — is the benchmark expression of the range: a Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut made from Glera grapes grown in the hills around Treviso. Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile.

Serving

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. Perfect as an aperitivo, for celebrations, or anytime a glass of something bright and joyful is called for.

Food Pairing

Excellent with antipasti, prosciutto, light seafood, sushi, fresh cheeses, and fruit-based desserts.

Product Details

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Mionetto

Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut Prestige — Veneto, Italy (1.5L Magnum)

Mionetto is one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco producers, with roots in Valdobbiadene dating back to 1887. For over 130 years, the house has been synonymous with the light, fresh, effervescent style that has made Prosecco the world’s most popular sparkling wine. The Prestige Collection Treviso Brut is Mionetto’s signature expression — made from hand-selected Glera grapes grown in the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, fermented in stainless steel using the traditional Charmat method to preserve the grape’s natural freshness and delicate aromatics. The 1.5L Magnum format is the smart choice for entertaining: more wine, better value, and a bottle that makes an entrance.

The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, white peach, and delicate floral notes with a hint of honey. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and lively, with fine, persistent bubbles, bright citrus fruit, and a clean, refreshing finish. Brut in style, with just enough fruit to balance the acidity. Endlessly versatile and immediately crowd-pleasing.

• Producer: Mionetto, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Brut, Charmat method
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, white peach, floral, honey, fine bubbles, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitivo, oysters, light seafood, prosciutto, soft cheeses, celebrations

Italy’s most beloved Prosecco in a Magnum — Mionetto Prestige is the effortless crowd-pleaser built for any occasion that calls for more bubbles.

Monastero Suore Cistercensi · Coenobium Lazio IGP Bianco · 2025

Coenobium is the sisters' flagship white blend from Lazio, bringing together Trebbiano, Verdicchio and Malvasia. Made under the guidance of Giampiero Bea, it combines co-fermentation, fine-lees aging and bottling without fining or filtration in an expression of Vitorchiano's volcanic soils.

Producer & Winemaking

The grapes are harvested together and co-fermented without added yeasts or temperature stabilization. The wine rests on its fine lees in steel and fiberglass tanks before being bottled just ahead of the following harvest, without fining or filtering.

Wine Profile

The wine's descriptive notes evoke fennel fronds, chamomile tea, almonds and tangerine, with a full yet delicately rendered palate. A smoky, iron-like mineral character reflects Vitorchiano's volcanic soils, while glowing acidity carries the savory flavors with freshness and drinkability. These are general wine-profile notes, not a separate assessment of the 2025 vintage.

2024 Vintage Reference

Coenobium · Prior-Vintage Note, 2024
The sisters’ flagship wine, “Coenobium” is a blend of Trebbiano, Verdicchio, and Malvasia, harvested together and co-fermented without added yeasts or temperature stabilization. It is aged on its fine lees in steel and fiberglass tanks and bottled just before the next harvest without fining or filtering. This natural concentration results in a wine of exceptional mineral-driven tension, with a powerful smoke-iron interplay underpinning notes of green apple, fennel frond, and honey. While Coenobium and Ruscum can diverge quite significantly in character depending on vintage, in 2024 they show a through-line of freshness wed to inner warmth and an undercurrent of notable saltiness.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes or herb-seasoned poultry to complement the wine's savory profile.

Details

• Producer: Monastero Suore Cistercensi
• Wine: Coenobium Bianco
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Lazio
• Appellation: Lazio IGP
• Blend: Trebbiano, Verdicchio and Malvasia
• Type: White wine; listed as skin contact
• Fermentation: Co-fermented without added yeasts or temperature stabilization
• Aging: Fine lees in steel and fiberglass tanks
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered

Monte Antico Rosso — Toscana IGT 2021 750ml

Monte Antico is one of Tuscany's most reliably excellent values — a benchmark Toscana IGT that has built a devoted following among sommeliers and everyday wine lovers alike. Blended from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grown across the rolling hills of the Maremma, it is vinified to express the warmth and generosity of the Tuscan sun without sacrificing structure or elegance. The 2021 vintage delivers everything that has made Monte Antico a perennial go-to: dark fruit, earthy complexity, and a round, food-friendly palate at an honest price.

Deep ruby in color. The nose offers leather, earth, dried herbs, black cherry, licorice, and ripe plum. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with round tannins, a spice-laced mid-palate, and a dry, persistent finish with attractive tension and mineral lift. Elegant, versatile, and built for the table.

James Suckling 91 — "Notes of dark cherries, blackberries, cedar, crushed stones and iodine. Tight and layered, medium body, dry spice-laced finish with persistent tension." (Prior Vintage 2020). 

• Producer: Monte Antico, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
• Style: Medium-Full Bodied Red
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, leather, earth, herbs, licorice, plum, cedar, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Ragù, grilled sausages, pork chops, mushroom pasta, pizza with robust toppings

A 91-point Tuscan red at an everyday price — Monte Antico is the bottle you reach for when you want Tuscany without the fuss.

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir Monferrato Piedmont 2025

Expert Review — Vintage 2025

James Suckling 91 Points | Deep aromas of cherries with hints of chocolate and mild spices. Medium-bodied and tense, with dusty tannins and a firm, structured finish. Drink now or hold.

Winemaker's Notes

Rich, silky, and velvety with smooth tannins. Expressive fruity notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tomato, layered with floral hints of rose petal and violet. A wine that delivers elegance and approachability in equal measure — a standout value from Piedmont's Monferrato appellation.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast beef, braised lamb, or classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or butternut squash ravioli with sage.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or mild goat cheese.

About the Wine

While Piedmont is celebrated for its bold Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from Monte Degli Angeli is a rare gem — offering Burgundian-inspired elegance at a remarkable price point. A high-quality, budget-friendly Italian red that punches well above its weight.

Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Tradizionale — Tuscany 2024

Montenidoli is not just a winery — it is a mountain, a philosophy, and one of the most singular estates in all of Tuscany. Perched above the medieval towers of San Gimignano, this certified organic estate has been farming its ancient Vernaccia vines with radical integrity for decades. The Tradizionale is their most expressive bottling: fermented in stainless steel and macerated on the skins for approximately 7 days, it is a Vernaccia of rare complexity and texture — light-medium bodied, energetic, and vibrant, with a beautiful, almost tactile presence on the palate. Fresh stone fruits, orange zest, and blanched almonds lead to a long, lingering finish that is pure and precise. This is Vernaccia as it was always meant to be.

The nose opens with delicate herbal lift, white peach, and almond blossom. On the palate, the skin contact adds a gentle grip and golden depth — citrus pith, apricot, fennel frond, and a whisper of saline minerality. The finish is clean, long, and refreshingly dry, with a classic bitter almond note that is the hallmark of great Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Certified Organic • Skin-Contact Vernaccia • Estate-Grown, San Gimignano DOCG

67Wine Buyer's Review

Montenidoli is a mountain above the appellation of San Gimignano — and this is a noble, elegant expression of Vernaccia from this historic estate. Certified organic, aged in stainless steel, and macerated on the skins for about 7 days, it has lovely complexity: light-medium bodied, energetic, and vibrant with a beautiful texture. Fresh and pure, with flavors of stone fruits, orange zest, and blanched almonds, and a long, lingering finish. Pair with seafood, pasta, vegetables, or simply with cheese.

• Producer: Montenidoli, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, ~7-day skin maceration
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, orange zest, blanched almond, citrus pith, saline minerality, dry finish
• Best Paired With: Seafood, oysters, sushi, pasta, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses

A Vernaccia of genuine character and organic conviction — Montenidoli's Tradizionale is the benchmark for what San Gimignano can be.

Mora & Memo "Tino" Vermentino di Sardegna — Sardinia, Italy 2024

Mora & Memo is the project of Elisabetta Pala, one of Sardinia's most celebrated winemakers, working from her family estate in Serdiana in the southeastern corner of the island. The winery is instantly recognizable by its iconic "Bandida" label — a stylized woman in traditional Sardinian dress — a symbol of the estate's balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary winemaking vision. Their Vermentino di Sardegna is a striking, modern expression of Sardinia's signature white grape: aromatic, textured, and mineral, with the kind of island freshness that makes it one of the most compelling Italian whites at any price. James Suckling awarded it 94 points.

The nose is clean and intensely aromatic: sliced lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a delicate mineral underpinning from the island's ancient soils. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured — juicy acidity, a warm, full mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-laced finish with persistent vegetal and herbal notes. It is everything a great Sardinian Vermentino should be: vibrant, complex, and deeply satisfying.

James Suckling 94 — "A clean floral nose of sliced lemons, apples and white flowers with mineral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is textured and nicely framed, with juicy acidity and a mineral-laced finish."

• Producer: Mora & Memo (Elisabetta Pala), Serdiana, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Sardinia, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, mineral, juicy acidity, long herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Fritto misto, grilled sea bass, pasta with clams and bottarga, pesto, herb-heavy dishes, creamy vegetable soups

A 94-point Sardinian Vermentino from one of the island's most distinctive estates — Mora & Memo is the benchmark for what modern, terroir-driven Vermentino di Sardegna can deliver.

Winemaker Description

The Gattinara spends a minimum of 3 years in large oak whereas both crus see at least four years in large oak.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018 

Vinous 95 Vinous | The 2018 Gattinara is a stunning wine in the making. Extraordinary in its complexity and nuance, the 2018 dazzles with a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors and textures. Kirsch, hard candy, flowers and lively acids captivate the senses. The 2018 is elegant, weightless and full of character. It is, quite frankly, everything Gattinara can and should be. This is a great place to start for readers who want to know why the 2018 vintage is so magical at Nervi-Conterno. If it weren't for the single-vineyard wines, I would have said the 2018 is one of the very best wines that have ever been made here! (2018). 

Robert Parker 94 Points | Roberto Conterno acquired Nervi in 2018, and this is the first vintage in which the brand name is listed as Conterno Nervi (as opposed to Nervi Conterno, or just Nervi). Fully under his winemaking watch, the 2018 Gattinara comes from a vintage that performed well in this part of Alto Piemonte. Roberto had the confidence to produce his two single-vineyard expressions (Vigne Molsino and Valferana) in 2018, which is not exactly intuitive, as the growing season proved more challenging in other parts of Piedmont. But Roberto interprets each vintage with a keen eye and deft approach that is often contrary to his peers. I think what stands out here is the freshness, the balance of acidity that plays nicely into the minerality of the wine and the brightness of its wild rose and redcurrant flavors. This Gattinara carries a lot of fruit and primary intensity, all backed by subtle touches of balsam herb and soft tarry end notes. This 2018 underlines the elegance in Nebbiolo. (2018). 

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

Made with selected grapes grown on lava terraces at an average altitude of 720 m above sea level, these Etna wines represent a unique combination of the typical elegance of mountain wine and minerality due to volcanic origin. The extraordinary wealth of minerals in Etna's volcanic soils is the source of the very sapid and typical flavor of the wines produced here.  The quality of the soil is closely tied to Etna’s volcanic origins, as it was formed through the disintegration of lavas with different compositions and from different eras, and eruptive materials such as sands, ashes, pumice stone and “lapilli”. Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the altitude. From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their freshness and elegant aromas.

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

The Nicosia “Cru” wines of Etna come from the Monte Gorna estate, located in the Trecastagni area, very close to the wine cellar. A red and a white wine, made with organic grapes, that authentically represent the great expression that this terroir and its native vines can offer.

These DOC wines are the demonstration that on the volcano each slope, each area, each vineyard can produce wines with different characteristics, giving unique and unrepeatable sensations. The composition of the eruptive materials gave life to composite soils, often made up small sized pumice stones, known as "ripiddu", found mostly on extinguished volcanic cones such as Monte Gorna; thier elevated drainage capacity and their wealth of potassium paly an important role in balancing the grape's maturation process.

Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the alyitude.

From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their goog freshness and elegant aromas.

Carricante is an indigenous white grape cultivated exclusively on Etna and its name refers to the plant considerable productivity. In fact, the name Carricante refres to a "plant full of fruits".

Winemaker Description 

The Faìve Spumante Rosé Brut from the Nino Franco winery is obtained from a skilful blend of 80% Merlot grapes and 20% Cabernet Franc grapes. The vineyards are located in the heart of Valdobbiadene, a typical prosecco area, where the soil structure rich in nutrients and the very mild climate favor optimal development of the vines and the production of quality grapes.

This winery has been producing quality wines and sparkling wines for several years, combining two important concepts such as excellence and typicality of the products. To produce Faìve Spumante Rosé Brut, a specific production cycle is followed. After a brief contact between the skins and the must, the fermentation takes place in steel tanks before carrying out the second fermentation with the Classic Method.

The refinement takes place directly in the bottle. In this way an elegant and refined sparkling wine is obtained, with a persistent foam, balanced and ideal to be consumed during an aperitif. 

Nino Franco Rustico — Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV

Nino Franco has been making Prosecco in Valdobbiadene since 1919, and Rustico is the wine that put them on the map. Named in honor of an old tradition of bottle-fermented Prosecco, it remains one of the world's most celebrated values in high-quality sparkling wine — earning 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a place on their Top 100 Wines of 2019. Non-vintage by design, Rustico is blended each year to maintain a consistent house style: bright, aromatic, and effortlessly drinkable. Primo Franco recommends serving it in a wine glass rather than a flute — the wider bowl lets the aromatics fully open up.

The nose opens with white spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. On the palate it is light-bodied and creamy, with soft, persistent effervescence and ripe orchard fruit accented by a whisper of fennel seed. The finish is clean and refreshing, with just a touch of quinine bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Wine Enthusiast 94 — Top 100 Wines of 2019 • Vinous 91 • James Suckling 91

• Producer: Nino Franco, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, honeysuckle, citrus, fennel seed, quinine finish
• Serve: 44–48°F in a wine glass (not a flute)
• Best Paired With: Oysters, prosciutto, light seafood, risotto, fresh salads, aperitivo spreads

A 94-point Prosecco Superiore DOCG at an honest price — Nino Franco's Rustico is the benchmark for what Valdobbiadene sparkling wine can be.

Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2024 is an exceptional Super Tuscan red from the prestigious Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Crafted as the estate's distinguished second wine, Le Serre Nuove shares the same Bordeaux grape varieties, meticulous vineyard management, and uncompromising winemaking philosophy as the legendary Ornellaia flagship.

First introduced in 1997, Le Serre Nuove has earned a reputation for combining the depth and sophistication of a great Tuscan wine with remarkable freshness, elegance, and approachability.

The 2024 vintage displays a deep ruby color with youthful violet reflections. The expressive bouquet opens with fresh raspberries, redcurrants, and ripe red berries, complemented by delicate floral aromas, subtle spice, and hints of Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, the wine is vibrant and beautifully structured, offering juicy red fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined, elegant tannins. Its impressive concentration is balanced by freshness and precision, leading to a long, harmonious finish with lingering fruit and savory complexity.

An outstanding expression of Bolgheri's coastal terroir, Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2024 delivers the unmistakable character of Ornellaia in a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of graceful evolution in the cellar.

Expert Rating

94 Points James Suckling: A spicy wine with aromas of cloves, toast, restrained dark fruit, balsamic and a hint of eucalyptus. Quite full-bodied with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins that are firm, extracted and grainy yet sweet. Tight, muscular yet savory finish. Very tasty.

Wine Details

• Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

• Wine: Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia

• Vintage: 2024

• Country: Italy

• Region: Tuscany

• Appellation / Classification: Toscana IGT Rosso (Bolgheri)

• Grape Varieties: 49% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, elegant, structured Bordeaux-style blend

• Alcohol: 14% ABV

• Aging: Approximately 15 months in French oak barriques

• Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Excellent with grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged Italian cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–64°F (16–18°C). A short decant can help reveal its aromatic complexity and refined structure.

Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia Toscana Bianco 2024 is an exceptional white wine from the prestigious Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Inspired by the refreshing Mediterranean breezes that shape the region's coastal vineyards, this sophisticated blend captures the elegance, aromatic complexity, and distinctive character of Ornellaia's terroir.

Crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino, with small additions of Sémillon and Viognier, the 2024 vintage combines expressive aromatics with remarkable freshness and beautifully balanced richness.

In the glass, the wine displays a lively golden-straw color. The expressive bouquet reveals enticing aromas of ripe mango, delicate wildflowers, and fresh almonds, complemented by subtle Mediterranean floral nuances.

On the palate, Poggio alle Gazze 2024 is medium- to full-bodied, with a silky, rounded texture and generous fruit concentration. Bright, refreshing acidity provides energy and precision, beautifully balancing the wine's richness. The long, elegant finish unfolds with delicate notes of acacia blossoms and rose petals.

The wine undergoes careful fermentation in a combination of French oak barriques, stainless steel, concrete vessels, and amphorae, followed by eight months of aging on fine lees. This thoughtful approach enhances texture and complexity while preserving the freshness and purity of the fruit.

A beautifully refined Tuscan white, Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia 2024 offers an exceptional expression of Mediterranean elegance and the winemaking excellence for which Ornellaia is renowned.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: The 2024 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Vermentino, 3% Sémillon, and 2% Viognier, pours a bright silver/yellow hue with a subtle green tinge. The nose is fresh and expressive, offering notes of white flowers, guava, lime, peach, and fresh sage, with a restrained tropical character. Medium-bodied, it floats across the palate with elegance, showing vibrant acidity, saline lift, and a lively, energetic profile. A beautifully balanced white, it emphasizes freshness and precision. Drink 2026-2032.

91 Points — Decanter: Grassy and herbal with soft citrus aspects. Juicy and nicely fragrant, there's some baked lemon patisserie elements, caramel and baked pears. This has some weight to the texture with an enjoyable salty finish. 2% Viognier completes the blend.

90 Points — Vinous: The 2024 Poggio alle Gazze is airy, bright and gracious. Lemon peel, sage, chalk, mint and white pepper open first, followed by brisk, salivating acids that are quite prominent. This is an especially austere vintage for Poggio alle Gazze. I would give it a bit of time in bottle.

90 Points — Wine Spectator: Earthy aromas give way to cut grass, pine and lychee flavors, all aligned to a juicy texture, with fine intensity and length. The earthy aromas dissipate with air, so open this a little in advance or decant. Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier and Verdicchio.

Wine Details

• Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

• Wine: Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia

• Vintage: 2024

• Country: Italy

• Region: Tuscany

• Production Area: Bolgheri, Tuscany

• Appellation / Classification: Toscana IGT Bianco

• Grape Varieties: 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Vermentino, 3% Sémillon, 2% Viognier

• Wine Type: White Wine

• Style: Dry, aromatic, elegant and textured

• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV

• Fermentation: French oak barriques, stainless steel, concrete, amphorae and Wine Globes

• Aging: 8 months on fine lees, followed by an additional 8 months in bottle before release

• Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

An excellent companion to grilled branzino, seared scallops, lobster, shrimp risotto, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, and fresh seafood. Its aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity also complement herb-roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and delicate soft cheeses.

Serving Recommendation: Serve chilled at approximately 48–52°F (9–11°C) to appreciate its aromatic expression, freshness, and elegant texture.

Expert Rating

Vinous Stephen Tanzer writes 93 Points | (from 63-year-old vines in the center of the vineyard; aged in a combination of old barriques and new larger casks) Sweet aromas of redcurrant, cherry, smoke and mint, all lifted by high notes of orange peel, rose petal and minerals. Concentrated, vibrant and gripping, with a silky quality and noteworthy precision to the flavors of red fruits, spices and minerals. Harmonious acidity gives a juicy, sappy quality and real elegance to this densely packed Barbaresco. Here the tannins are considerably finer than those of the normale, and the long, juicy, gripping finish leaves behind a captivating floral perfume. A beauty. 

This is from a massale selection, including a bit of the lighter, floral rose clone of nebbiolo while the rest of the vineyard features five different clones. 

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia · Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin DOCG · Piedmont · 2022

For eight generations the Pasquero-Elia family has farmed the hills of Neive, weathering wars and hard vintages to build a deep, lasting bond with their land. Since 1893 their Sorì Paitin, the warmest, steepest, southwest-facing slope of the Serraboella MGA cru, has been one of the traditional benchmarks of Neive's Barbaresco.

Paitin's approach is rooted in classic Piedmontese winemaking and in patience: long macerations and unhurried aging that let the terroir speak. In 2022 the family didn't make its Vecchie Vigne, so fruit from those old vines went into this bottling instead, which makes it an especially strong year for this wine.

Tasting Notes

Dark and layered, with graphite, licorice and pencil shavings over raspberry, macerated cherry, strawberry and blood orange. Clove, hazelnut, rose and a cool mint lift emerge as it opens. The active limestone soils give it volume, firm tannins and bright, steely acidity. It's a structured, long, detailed Barbaresco that will reward cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

96 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Because the Vecchie Vigne was not made in 2022, fruit from the old vines was directed to this wine instead. The Paitin 2022 Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin is a beautiful wine with dark elements of graphite, dusty root, pencil shaving and licorice. This site has active limestone, and this brings a sense of greater volume in terms of mouthfeel, tannic firmness and balanced acidity."

94 Points — James Suckling
"Well defined aromas express a striking mix of clove, mushroom and hazelnut. On the palate, sweet spice infuses the raspberry canvas. This is vertical and fairly austere, with dry tannins around the edges which bolster the wine with a forceful grip. Steely acidity accentuates, and some cooling mint, rose and pepper emerge as the wine opens. Dynamic rather than elegant, and in need of more time. In Piemontese dialect, sorì refers to the best exposed slope of a hill. For the Paitin estate, that means the warmest, steepest section of the Serraboella MGA, which faces southwest."

93 Points — Wine Spectator
"A generous, lively red, this evokes strawberry, cherry, raspberry, rose hip, eucalyptus and mineral flavors. Firmly structured, with a linear path of assertive tannins gripping the finish. Nonetheless, this is long and detailed."

91–94 Points (Barrel Sample) — Vinous
"The 2022 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin is a promising wine. Although not fully formed, the 2022 possesses notable textural depth. Macerated cherry, blood orange, spice, menthol and crushed autumn leaves build with some coaxing. I am looking forward to checking in on this once it has been bottled."

Pairings & Serving

• Tajarin or risotto with white truffle or mushrooms
• Braised beef, brasato al Barolo, and slow-roasted lamb
• Wild game and aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Castelmagno
• Decant 1–2 hours and serve at 60–64°F. Cellar-worthy for many years.

Specs

• Producer: Paitin di Pasquero-Elia
• Wine: Barbaresco Serraboella Sorì Paitin
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG (Serraboella MGA, Neive)
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750 ml

A 96-point, old-vine-boosted Barbaresco from one of Neive's great historic crus.