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This month, your Wine Explorer Box takes you on a journey through Italy, exploring five wines that showcase the country’s incredible diversity of grapes, regions and winemaking traditions.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Puglia to the rolling hills of Abruzzo, the historic vineyards of Valpolicella and the prestigious hills of Barolo, each bottle offers a different expression of Italian wine.
You’ll discover the
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Puglia to the rolling hills of Abruzzo, the historic vineyards of Valpolicella and the prestigious hills of Barolo, each bottle offers a different expression of Italian wine.
You’ll discover the
- luscious fruit and distinctive style of Garganega from Valpolicella,
- vibrant freshness of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé,
- rich, ripe character of Primitivo di Puglia,
- elegance and complexity of Barolo, one of Italy’s most celebrated wines,
- sweet and luxurious Recioto della Valpolicella.
Domìni Veneti Marco Polo Garganega Veneto IGP
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Origin: Veneto, Italy
Variety: "Garganega" (gar-gah-NEH-gah) About the wine: A fresh, expressive white wine made from 100% Garganega, one of Veneto’s most important native white grape varieties used in the production of Soave. The vineyards are located in the foothills near Verona, at approximately 100–200 metres above sea level, with varied limestone and clay soils. The grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed before fermentation without the skins at controlled temperatures. The wine is then kept in stainless steel, preserving its fresh fruit and floral character. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (7 – 10 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Antipasti, vegetarian pasta and risotto, Black Cod fillet, fried seafood, fresh salads and baked brie. WINE PROFILE: White flowers, white peach, melon, subtle herbs and almond notes. Recommended if you like: Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Albariño |
Talamonti Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC Rosé
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Origin: Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo, Italy
Variety: "Montepulciano" (mon-teh-pool-CHAH-no) About the wine: The region’s warm Mediterranean climate, combined with cooling influences from the nearby Apennine Mountains and Adriatic Sea, helps the grapes develop ripe fruit flavours while maintaining freshness. Cerasuolo means “pale cherry,” reflecting the wine’s characteristic vibrant pink colour and expressive red-fruit character derived from brief contact between the grape skins and juice followed by a quick and gentle press. Temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation preserves fresh primary fruit notes of raspberry, blackberry and sour cherry. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (7 – 10 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Sardines with olives and capers, grilled octopus, Pizza Margherita, tomato-based dishes, grilled chicken and charcuterie. WINE PROFILE: Bright cherry, strawberry and raspberry, with subtle floral notes, refreshing acidity, savoury finish Recommended if you like: Dry, vibrant rosé wines |
Desire Lush & Zin Primitivo di Puglia IGT
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Origin: Puglia, Italy
Variety: "Primitivo" (prim-ih-TEE-vo) About the wine: A modern approach to one of southern Italy's signature varieties. Flagship producer Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine takes the Italian version of USA's Zinfandel to craft this smooth, juicy red wine. Careful fermentation helps to preserve the grape’s rich fruit character. The wine matures in wooden barrels for 6 months, producing a smooth, rounded texture and soft tannins. SERVED BEST AT: Slightly Cool (15 – 17 °C )
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, lasagna, burgers, pizza, hearty Mediterranean dishes and aged cheddar. WINE PROFILE: Plum jam, blackberry, red and black cherries, cocoa, vanilla and baking spice. Full-bodied and rounded, with soft tannins, generous fruit and a long, warming finish. Recommended if you like: Zinfandel, Grenache, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo |
Toso Barolo DOCG
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Origin: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
Variety: 40% "Nebbiolo" (neh-bee-OH-loh) About the wine: A classic expression of Nebbiolo from the prestigious hills of Piedmont in northern Italy. Known as one of Italy’s most celebrated wines, Barolo combines Nebbiolo’s naturally high acidity and firm tannins with the complexity that develops through extended maturation. Toso’s Barolo is aged for at least 38 months, including 18 months in oak or chestnut barrels, creating greater depth, texture and complexity. SERVED BEST AT: Slightly Cool (12-15 °C). Decant/Uncork for 1 hour before serving.
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Truffle risotto, Cheddar beef burgers, Braised short ribs, cheese ravioli and aged cheeses WINE PROFILE: Complex aromas of red berries, dried rose, black tea, leather, earth. Dry, full-bodied and structured, with firm yet velvety tannins, lively acidity and a long, elegant finish Recommended if you like: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese |
Domìni Veneti Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico
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Origin: Valpolicella Classica, Veneto, Italy
Variety: "Corvina" (kor-VEE-nah), "Corvinone" (kor-vee-NOH-neh), "Rondinella" (ron-dee-NEL-lah) About the wine: A traditional sweet red wine and one of the historic expressions of the Valpolicella region. It is made from carefully selected grapes that are naturally dried in traditional drying rooms/lofts for more than 120 days, concentrating their sugars, flavours and aromas. Fermentation is deliberately stopped while some natural grape sugar remains, resulting in a beautifully sweet wine balanced by refreshing acidity. The style is considered the historic inspiration for Amarone della Valpolicella. SERVED BEST AT: Ice Cold (3 – 7 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Biscotti, chocolate cake, Christmas fruitcake/pudding, dried fruits and nuts, Bleu cheese, Pepperjack cheese served with fruit preserves. WINE PROFILE: Intense dried berries, maraschino cherry, baking spice. Velvety, sweet, refreshing acidity to balance the concentrated fruit that lingers for a long finish. Recommended if you like: Sweet wines |
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