Italy
Italy, known as the "Land of Wine," is celebrated for its exquisite range of fine wines. With a winemaking history dating back thousands of years and a diverse array of terroirs, Italy offers a remarkable collection of wines that delight the senses and captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide.
In Tuscany, famous vineyards like Antinori, Marchesi di Frescobaldi, and Tenuta San Guido have become synonymous with excellence. Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Super Tuscans like Sassicaia and Tignanello showcase the region's mastery in crafting complex, age-worthy, and expressive wines. Piedmont is home to legendary vineyards like Gaja, Vietti, and Marchesi di Barolo. The region's iconic wines, Barolo and Barbaresco, crafted from the Nebbiolo grape, epitomize power, elegance, and longevity. These wines boast flavors of red fruit, floral notes, earthy undertones, and firm tannins. Veneto, renowned for its sparkling Prosecco wines, is also famous for Amarone della Valpolicella. Vineyards like Allegrini and Quintarelli produce exceptional Amarone wines with concentrated flavors of dark fruit, spices, and a velvety texture. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a different yet captivating expression of Italian wines. Vineyards like Planeta, Donnafugata, and Tasca d'Almerita craft remarkable wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese. These wines exhibit intense fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a unique volcanic minerality.
These are just a few examples of the renowned vineyards and wines Italy has to offer. From the northern regions of Piedmont and Veneto to the central regions of Tuscany and Umbria, and down to the southern regions of Sicily and Puglia, Italy's wine regions are a treasure trove of exceptional wines. Experience the allure of Italian wines and immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse terroirs, and passionate winemaking that define the Italian wine scene. Whether you're sipping a prestigious Barolo, a refined Brunello di Montalcino, a refreshing Prosecco, or a bold Nero d'Avola, Italian wines promise a journey of flavors and a celebration of Italy's winemaking heritage.
Italy
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Tuscany | 10 | 100 (KO) | د.إ2,470.00 | |||||
Kerin O'Keefe (100)The 2019 Fuligni Brunello Riserva is drop-dead gorgeous. Made with the oldest estate vines, it opens with enticing scents of pine forest, violet, eucalyptus, juniper, new leather and dark exotic spice. Boasting intensity and finesse, the delicious, radiant palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, black tea and baking spice set against enveloping, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance and the promise of great longevity. An absolutely thrilling wine. |
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Tuscany | 10 | 97 (DC) | د.إ1,385.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)Cocoa powder and red berries on the nose, some softly ferrous notes with tobacco and rose florality. Thick and glossy but lively with lots of life and energy. This is broad and powerful, complex and muscular with flesh and chew. Tannins are grippy but they're joined by mouthwatering acidity that lifts the expression. Sun-kissed black fruit and spiced on the finish. It still feels a little compact at this stage, but is full of concentration and finesse with graphite, slate and a bloody tang on the finish. Grapes come from the best two crus of the estate. 2021 saw the latest harvest ever at the estate finishing on October 20th. Winemaker Alessandro Cellai. All I Sodi wines feature endangered bird species on the label, this one is the orange-headed bunting. |
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Veneto | 1 | 98 (VN) | د.إ14,645.00 | |||||
Vinous (98)The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva is classic Quintarelli to the core, with a vibrant cascade of exotic spices, dried flowers, citrus peels and fresh crushed cherries forming its seductive bouquet. Juicy in feel yet deep and complex, it sweeps across the palate with ripe wildberry fruits elevated by a whiplash of electric acidity as violet inner florals arc across the senses. Long and staining but also impossibly fresh, the 2015 leaves a web of fine-grained tannins as hints of plum skin and licorice slowly fade. This is a rockstar. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 98+ (WA) | د.إ2,980.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98+)This is a serious beauty that reminds us of the brilliant work underway at this leading estate. Yes, ownership has changed over recent years, but this wine remains "Rocche-solid." From an epic vintage, the Vietti 2021 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a classic with those elegant mineral notes of glacial till and flake salt followed by carefully ripened fruit, blackcurrant and a finely tuned floral note of fragrant tea leaf that hits the high notes. The effect is ethereal but also precise. Fruit comes from two parcels, one planted in 1958 and the other in 1969, and the blend is half of each fermented together. Fruit was picked on October 1st, and the wine saw 24 days on the skins. The first year this wine was produced is 1961. The Rocche di Castiglione site has 35% sand with marl soils that continue to evolve, kicking out more new sand. Only 3,728 bottles exist, and that's the bad news. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 97+ (WA) | د.إ1,790.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97+)Brunate is also one of my favorite wines from Vietti (and, boy, is it hard to choose favorites) thanks to that playful hint of fresh mint that I usually find, especially in the best vintages. You certainly get it in the 2021 Barolo Brunate, and although I'm not sure how long it will last as the wine evolves, my experience suggests it only gets stronger and more beautiful in time. Indeed, this vintage (with 23 days of skin maceration) shows exceptional depth and precision with aromas that go beyond the mint, spanning instead to grilled rosemary and Darjeeling tea. The wine shows excellent textural support and broad shoulders, followed by tannins that are both sweet and chalky. It shows profound generosity and depth. Brunate always has an intense, dark soul. A total of 4,835 bottles were made. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 98+ (WA) | د.إ1,830.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98+)You could argue that this is the wine with the fasting growing quality trajectory because this vineyard site is one of those rare places in the appellation that appears to improve despite (or more likely because of) a changing climate. Ravera enjoys an open panorama (at 400 to 440 meters in elevation) that extends to the snow-capped Alps and benefits from cooler air currents, coupled with an amazing quality of light that you notice with the naked eye. The 2021 Barolo Ravera saw its fruit harvested later than the other wines, on October 11th, and continued with a classic Vietti-style fermentation with 20-plus days of skin contact. Simply put, what Ravera offers is complexity (and strength) with hints of bergamot, citrus, herbs, mineral and salt over a tightly concentrated mouthfeel. The quality of the tannins and the freshness of this 2021 are impressive, and that citrusy note continues with tangerine skin and kumquat. Production is 8,700 bottles. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) | د.إ1,785.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)This is a young wine with terrific depth and layers of fruit. It’s full-bodied with notes of eucalyptus, lavender and sage and hints of matchsticks and oranges. It’s linear and tight at the end, with an energetic finish. Very Saffredi in nature. Better than the 2021. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 10% petite verdot. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 97 (WA) | د.إ3,545.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the Cabernet Sauvignon logically feels and tastes most prominent. This is a dark and penetrating Tuscan red that is beautifully elevated, thanks to the extremely elegant and buoyant quality of the aromas. They lift gracefully from the glass with light-footed, almost fleeting character. However, don't underestimate the power and the concentration of the wine, because this vintage delivers both with abundance. I've had my eye on this estate since the vineyards were first planted some 20 years ago, and there is no doubt that this vintage brings Tenuta Argentiera into a new era as a Bolgheri protagonist. Some 80,000 bottles were made. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 97 (WA) | د.إ2,300.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)What a beauty and what an incredible leap forward to excellence. The Tenuta Argentiera 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera shows depth and wide shoulders with soft plushness and impeccable fruit. The full-bodied wine is dialed up on all levels from perfumes, intensity, mouthfeel, texture and freshness. This bottle should hold past the 20-year mark. |
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Sicily | 14 | 18 (JR) | د.إ868.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Transparent ruby. Sweet, rich nose. Real bite and masses of freshness! Scrubs the inside of the palate! Long. Very energetic. |
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Piedmont | 19 | 92 (VN) | د.إ601.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2016 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is dark, beguiling and very pretty. Rose petal, orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, sweet red cherry and sweet pipe tobacco give the Capalot striking aromatic nuance and a real sense of exoticism that is quite inviting. Medium in body and constantly changing in the glass, the Capalot captures all of the complexities that make Nebbiolo and Barolo so fascinating. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to once that happens. |
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Piedmont | 9 | 92 (VN) | د.إ1,100.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2016 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is dark, beguiling and very pretty. Rose petal, orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, sweet red cherry and sweet pipe tobacco give the Capalot striking aromatic nuance and a real sense of exoticism that is quite inviting. Medium in body and constantly changing in the glass, the Capalot captures all of the complexities that make Nebbiolo and Barolo so fascinating. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to once that happens. |
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Piedmont | 10 | 92 (VN) | د.إ1,245.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2016 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is dark, beguiling and very pretty. Rose petal, orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, sweet red cherry and sweet pipe tobacco give the Capalot striking aromatic nuance and a real sense of exoticism that is quite inviting. Medium in body and constantly changing in the glass, the Capalot captures all of the complexities that make Nebbiolo and Barolo so fascinating. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to once that happens. |
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Piedmont | 30 | 94 (VN) | د.إ541.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)The 2017 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is another fabulous wine from Burzi. Dark, mysterious and beautifully layered in the glass, the Capalot is just captivating from the very first taste. Macerated black cherry, lavender, sage, spice, coffee and leather are some of the many notes that open over time in a Barolo that is deep yet also wonderfully transparent. The 2017 is so nuanced, so complex, so beautiful. It is also easily the best wine I have tasted from Burzi. |
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Piedmont | 15 | 94 (VN) | د.إ1,070.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)The 2017 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is another fabulous wine from Burzi. Dark, mysterious and beautifully layered in the glass, the Capalot is just captivating from the very first taste. Macerated black cherry, lavender, sage, spice, coffee and leather are some of the many notes that open over time in a Barolo that is deep yet also wonderfully transparent. The 2017 is so nuanced, so complex, so beautiful. It is also easily the best wine I have tasted from Burzi. |
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Piedmont | 90 | 94 (VN) | د.إ1,420.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)The 2017 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is another fabulous wine from Burzi. Dark, mysterious and beautifully layered in the glass, the Capalot is just captivating from the very first taste. Macerated black cherry, lavender, sage, spice, coffee and leather are some of the many notes that open over time in a Barolo that is deep yet also wonderfully transparent. The 2017 is so nuanced, so complex, so beautiful. It is also easily the best wine I have tasted from Burzi. |
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Piedmont | 2 | - | د.إ2,485.00 | |||||
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Piedmont | 1 | 96 (JS) | د.إ2,030.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)Gorgeous aromas of dark berries, cedar and very ripe fruit that follow through to a full body, deep and dense tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Plush. Drink in 2022 and beyond. |
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Piedmont | 1 | - | د.إ1,465.00 | |||||
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (JS) | د.إ6,710.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95)Stunning rose-petal nose with hints of licorice and herbal tea. The palate has generosity, and the tannins have a polish that's rare in 2014 Barolos. If you like tannins, then you will agree with us that this is already delicious. It also has a long life ahead of it. Better after 2020. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 95 (JS) | د.إ1,985.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95)Stunning rose-petal nose with hints of licorice and herbal tea. The palate has generosity, and the tannins have a polish that's rare in 2014 Barolos. If you like tannins, then you will agree with us that this is already delicious. It also has a long life ahead of it. Better after 2020. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 97 (WA) | د.إ5,140.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)This wine blew me away. The 2009 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is a proud achievement and an expression of rare beauty. This wine will be released this fall, some nine years after the harvest. Only 3,000 bottles were produced. The Granbussia narrative is one of elegance and refinement. The fruit comes from two vineyard parcels in the greater Bussia cru and was co-fermented (instead of being blended after malolactic fermentation). So much fruit was dropped during the summer growing cycle that the harvest came later than usual. This allowed for slow, even ripening and a deeper sense of aromatic complexity that you immediately identify here. The nose is redolent of wet earth and autumnal leaf with white truffle and forest berry. The wine offers extreme Nebbiolo purity with anise seed, tar and licorice. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 97 (WA) | د.إ4,905.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)This wine blew me away. The 2009 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is a proud achievement and an expression of rare beauty. This wine will be released this fall, some nine years after the harvest. Only 3,000 bottles were produced. The Granbussia narrative is one of elegance and refinement. The fruit comes from two vineyard parcels in the greater Bussia cru and was co-fermented (instead of being blended after malolactic fermentation). So much fruit was dropped during the summer growing cycle that the harvest came later than usual. This allowed for slow, even ripening and a deeper sense of aromatic complexity that you immediately identify here. The nose is redolent of wet earth and autumnal leaf with white truffle and forest berry. The wine offers extreme Nebbiolo purity with anise seed, tar and licorice. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 97 (JS) | د.إ4,270.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)This is very bright and floral with white-truffle and dark-berry aromas. Some white pepper. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with beautiful density and brightness. So silky and rich. Long, flavorful finish. Drink in 2022. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 100 (FS) | د.إ3,790.00 | |||||
Falstaff (100)Intense flint ruby garnet with light rim. Intense nose with notes of white truffle, some leather, then blackberry, plum and dark cherry. Substantial and rich in attack and course, clearly worked out notes of raspberry and plum, dense, interwoven tannin with a silky core, spans a wide arc. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 93 (VN) | د.إ894.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2016 Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi is a terrific wine from brothers Alessandro and Gian Natale Fantino. Wonderfully deep, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much going on. As always, there is something incredibly personal about these wines. The 2016 is not a perfect wine (there is some volatile acidity), but it is beguiling and compelling in every way. Menthol, spice, dried herbs and a whole range of balsamic-infused notes wrap around a core of dark fruit as this mysterious, enthralling Barolo gradually shows off its considerable charms. |
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Piedmont | 5 | - | د.إ1,675.00 | |||||
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The Alessandro & Gian Fantino Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia Riserva 2010 is a magnificent expression of Nebbiolo, meticulously crafted in Piedmont, Italy. This refined vintage hails from the Fantino brothers, renowned winemakers originating from a family deeply entrenched in the wine industry since the 1800s. Their skill and passion shine in the 2010 Barolo, which boasts a traditional vinification process that contributes to its impressive complexity. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for four years in large Slavonian oak casks, the Barolo reveals an intense ruby hue, combined with intricate layers of tar, roses and red berries. This wine showcases the quintessential essence of a fine Barolo, marrying balanced acidity with graceful tannins to deliver an impeccably poised and age-worthy varietal. Supplemented by a lingering finish, the Alessandro & Gian Fantino Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia Riserva 2010 is an exquisite masterpiece that echoes its noble heritage. |
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Lombardia | 5 | - | د.إ670.00 | |||||
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Crafted with artistry in the beautiful Lombardy region of Northern Italy comes the extraordinary Alfio Mozzi Valtellina Superiore Sassella Grisone 2016. This exquisite wine is a product of meticulous biodynamic farming, paying homage to Italy's deep-rooted wine tradition. Using hand-picked Nebbiolo grapes, known locally as Chiavennasca, the wine undergoes an extended maceration on skins, followed by ageing in large oak barrels. Alfio Mozzi, a small-scale producer, ensures each bottle encapsulates the unique terroir of the steep, sun-drenched slopes of Valtellina. Boasting a taut, energetic profile, this full-bodied red carries precise, complex notes of red fruit, herbs, and alpine flowers, underscored by a profound mineral streak. Seamless, persistent, and impressively balanced, Alfio Mozzi Valtellina Superiore Sassella Grisone 2016 will elevate any special occasion. Indulge in a bottle of this mature, yet vivacious Italian masterpiece and explore the epitome of Lombardy's wine craftsmanship. |
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