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
-
Vinous (90)
The 2015 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is an attractive, gracious La Morra Barolo that will drink well right out of the gate. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, crushed flowers and sweet dried cherry are all nicely lifted. Readers will find a translucent, ethereal Barolo that is all about perfume and silkiness. I would prefer to drink it over the next handful of years, give or take.د.إ1,720.00 -
Decanter (97)
From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.د.إ1,790.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is laced with spicy, dark red fruits, wild, sweet and spicy floral tones that give way to savory herbs, hints of animal musk and black earth. On the palate, it's soft, enveloping, almost creamy in texture and offset by a mix of savory spice, fine tannin and saturating mineral tones as black cherry and sage seem to hover on the senses. The finish is spicy and long, structured, but also with vibrant primary fruits holding on strong, as a twang of savory herbs lingers long.د.إ1,155.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The Castello Romitorio 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a classic expression of the vintage, showing lots of ripe fruit, crushed mineral, herbal nuances and varietal-driven purity. This wine nails that sweet spot between elegance and power that is not easily achieved. It offers an expanded array of Sangiovese flavors with wild cherry, forest floor, crushed clove and medicinal herb, but it also shows plump density and a velvety texture. Filippo Chia and his team have created a sold wine for medium or long-term drinking. Production is exactly 58,874 bottles.د.إ1,275.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely perfumed and pure on the nose with bright and vivid, crushed cherry and berry character. Full body. Tight and poised with rich yet polished tannins and an ever so long finish. Needs at least three or four years to come together. Better after 2021.د.إ2,325.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is a remarkably pretty and pure expression of the vintage. It impresses with a lifted yet stimulating display of bright red fruits and savory spice, framed by notes of crushed stone, animal musk and dusty florals. This boasts striking depth and elegant textures, all offset by a mix of tart wild berries and cool-toned acids, as salty minerals create an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. The tannins are firm yet rounded, displaying tremendous balance and length, as the 2016 Filo di Seta never grows tiring or youthfully clenched. That said, the best is yet to come for this complex and age-worthy effort.د.إ1,105.00 -
Wine Spectator (98)
This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2047. 620 cases made, 150 cases imported.د.إ4,730.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts up with elegance and richness, as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savory display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar box with hints of cooling mint. This rushes the palate with sweet red fruits and spices, silky yet lifted, and displaying a delicacy not expected from the Riserva category, yet quite welcome. Beneath is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. Minerality comes through in the finale, mingling with a fine coating of tannin and hints of spicy citrus. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, one tonneau and one large cask, from Romitorio’s cellar. Simply stunning.د.إ4,085.00 -
For those seeking the epitome of Italian elegance in a bottle, the Runchet Barbaresco 2015 from Piemonte, Italy, offers a sublime vinous experience. This beautiful Nebbiolo offering, by the esteemed Runchet Estate, is a true testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. Traditionally aged in large oak barrels for 26 months, Runchet Barbaresco 2015's alchemical transformation results in a wine of proven longevity and immense complexity. Expect a symphony of red cherry, spices, floral and mineral notes on the nose, followed by a harmonious palate showcasing the famous Runchet structure and firm tannins.
The estate's meticulous vineyard practices and low yield philosophy ensure quality over quantity. Harvested from aged vines grown on the region's coveted limestone-clay soils, Runchet Barbaresco 2015 captures the grandeur of one of Italy's most distinguished terroir-driven wines, making it a must-have for avid collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
د.إ932.00 -
From the heart of Italy's Piedmont region comes the Runchet Barbaresco 2016, a refined and suitably suave expression of the cherished Nebbiolo grape variety. This lavish red wine is born from Runchet's meticulously tended vineyards within the acclaimed Langhe hills. Runchet's commitment to environmental sustainability ensures that nature and viticulture exist in harmony, providing the best terroir for Nebbiolo flourishment.
The Runchet Barbaresco 2016 rewards the palate with layered, expressive flavours - the harmonious blend of red cherry, dried rose, and licorice is underscored by hints of truffle and tobacco. Its distinguished complexity and elegant, velvety tannins are the result of meticulous vinification process incorporating stainless steel fermentation, followed by maturation in large Slavonian oak casks. A testament to Runchet's winemaking artistry, the Runchet Barbaresco 2016 will age gracefully, offering exquisite nuance and dimension to the discerning oenophile.
د.إ957.00 -
The Runchet Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2015 is an exquisite testament to Italian winemaking, produced from grapes carefully nurtured in the Piedmont region's exquisite soils. This prestigious winery takes pride in its production techniques, offering exceptional respect to the meticulous fermentation process. Unveiling the unique flavour-blend of this vintage involves maturation in both barriques and large oak barrels for 20 months before quite notably another 6 months in the bottle. The resultant product is a vivid ruby-red tinted wine, eloquently expressing complex notions of blackberries, cherries and cloves. This remarkably balanced masterpiece boasts an energetic acidity which beautifully complements its pronounced fruit-forward nature. The Runchet Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2015 certainly leaves an unforgettable long-lasting finish for any true wine-aficionado. With its full body and poignant elegance, the Runchet Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2015 is yet another exemplary specimen of the Runchet winery's consistent pursuit of absolute perfection.
د.إ515.00 -
Exploring the refined realms of Piedmont's nectar, Runchet Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2016 shines as a majestic illustration of exquisite viniculture. Artfully crafted by esteemed winemaker Alberto Runchet, this superior vintage manifests the quintessential maturation of Barbera grapes. Sublimely ripened within the sun-kissed sloping landscapes of Italy's Alba region, these full-bodied grapes are further enriched in flavour during an extended ageing period in French oak barrels.
This expertly crafted expression, offers an enchanting symphony of intense ripe red fruit flavours harmoniously blended with subtle hints of spice and tobacco, perfectly balanced by gentle tannins and a refined acidity. With an alluring ruby-red hue reflecting the wine's rich interior, Runchet Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2016 is, indeed, a captivating narrative of nature, nurture, and unparalleled craftsmanship. If you appreciate the allure of mellow elegance paired with expressive depth, this wine is an unmissable treasure in the world of fine wines. Enjoy this timeless serenade of taste with your finest gastronomic creations.
د.إ515.00 -
Experience the exceptional nobility of the Runchet Barolo 2012, an unparalleled representation of fine Piedmontese artisanal wine craftsmanship. Nestled in the lovingly managed vineyards of Barolo, Italy, this vintage remains true to the glorious tradition of Nebbiolo grapes. Unfurling discreet notes of forest floor and ripe fruits, the skilful vinification by Runchet Estate stamps an unwavering commitment to quality, cementing this wine’s reputation as a paragon of Barolo sophistication.
The Runchet Barolo 2012 completed a two-year maturation period in traditional Slavonian oak, the cask's larger size perfect for emphasising the wine's core of fresh, pure red cherry and hazelnut aromas. This, coupled with a 24-month ageing in bottle before release, unfurls sublime tannin integration and structure, contributing to its distinctive elegance and age-worthy potential. A consummate accompaniment for robust cuisines, the Runchet Barolo 2012 remains a quintessential choice for discerning palates appreciative of Italian finesse.
د.إ1,055.00 -
The Runchet Barolo 2013 unveils an enthralling richness truly denoting its Barolo origin. This Piedmontese gem, nurtured in the heart of Italy’s esteemed Langhe region, brings forth a seductive bouquet of dried roses, ripe red fruit and delicate, balmy spices. Produced by Runchet, an artisan vintner lauded for its steadfast commitment to tradition, this Barolo exhibits evidence of a methodical, hand-crafted fermentation process.
With the finely-honed maturation in large Slavonian oak casks for a duration of 36 months, the Runchet Barolo 2013 showcases an unsurpassed complexity and depth. Each sip teases the palate with an intricate harmony of sweet tannins and fresh acidity, culminating in a lingering finish. Flaunting a beautiful garnet hue, this enchanting libation seamlessly pairs with robust, flavourful courses. Runchet's passionate devotion to quality and authenticity renders the Runchet Barolo 2013 a charismatic expression of its terroir, perfectly balancing power and elegance.
د.إ1,030.00 -
Proudly presenting the Runchet Barolo 2015, a spectacular representation of Italian vintner artistry. Nestled in the fertile soils of Piedmont's Langhe region, the Runchet winery has unveiled a robust Barolo that strikes an enchanting balance between earthy realms and delicate, dark fruit essence. Expertly crafted by the revered winemaker Santo Stefano, the Runchet Barolo 2015 is matured for three years in Slavonian oak barrels, to imbue a graceful complexity. This time-honoured finalist process yields a wine with dominant notes of cherry, blackberry, and dried rose, layered with hints of tobacco, cedar and vanilla. A fluid silkiness on the palate is intelligently contrasted by firm tannins, making this 2015 vintage a captivating harmony of vigour and elegance. With a powerful age potential, the Runchet Barolo 2015 promises a taste of Italy's wine heritage that continues to evolve and mesmerise with each passing year. Here's to the exquisite confluence of tradition and innovation.
د.إ1,030.00 -
Wine Spectator (96)
This features a core of ripe, sweet plum, blackberry and spice flavors, accented by earth, wild herbs and tobacco. Though dense and muscular, there's also a beam of vibrant acidity that keeps this focused and fresh. Best from 2023 through 2042. 1,000 cases made, 100 cases imported.د.إ1,220.00 -
Falstaff (96)
Clear ruby. Charming nose with rich notes of ripe plums, some cranberry and wild raspberry, liquorice in the background. Characterised on the palate by grippy, gripping tannin, hearty, fine ripe fruit, seems a bit rough on the finish.د.إ1,790.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Also expressive, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Piaggione is ruby with a magenta tinge and offers notes of raspberry liqueur, violets, and polished wood spices. Refined with fine tannins and a very balanced texture, it’s velvety and has a long finish. Drink 2025-2045.د.إ1,990.00 -
Introducing the distinguished Salicutti Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione Riserva 2013, a profound embodiment of Italian winemaking. Produced in the globally renowned Montalcino region, this exceptional wine hails from Salicutti, a prestigious estate committed to biodynamic practices and dedicated to preserving the purity of Sangiovese. The Salicutti Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione Riserva 2013 is birthed from grapes harvested from the Piaggione vineyard, known for its uniquely diverse microclimate and rich soil composition.
Aged for over 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels, this rich, ruby-red coloured Brunello offers a complex bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, and tobacco, all underpinned by a solid structure and velvety tannins. The lengthy ageing process enhances the wine’s depth and ensures its long-term potential, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate its evolving character. Offering an unparalleled taste experience, it is a testimony to Salicutti's commitment to creating an excellent and environmentally conscious winemaking.
د.إ4,600.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
Smooth and delicious, the 2019 Salicutti Sorgente Brunello is gorgeous. The latest vintages are among the best I’ve had from Salicutti, and this wine is the best of all so far. It delivers classic Sangiovese aromas of violet, ripe forest berry, underbrush, leather and spice that on the delicious palate become more defined as ripe Morello cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco. Firm, ultra-refined tannins offer enveloping support while bright acidity keeps it balanced.د.إ3,140.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (97)
Earthy aromas of truffle, underbrush, rose and new leather shape the nose along with scents of dark-skinned berry and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and youthfully tense, the savory palate delivers crushed black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, refined tannins and fresh acidity.د.إ2,790.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
Camphor, ripe wild berry, underbrush and pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas that emerge on this stunning red. Full-bodied and smooth, the elegantly structured, savory palate boasts juicy Marasca cherry, truffle and licorice alongside streaks of spiced cranberry and fresh acidity that keep it focused and balanced. Taut, refined tannins provide seamless support.د.إ2,670.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The beautiful nose reveals new leather, forest floor, violet and woodland berry. The focused, full-bodied palate is elegantly structured and savory, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, licorice and cinnamon alongside crushed mint and the barest hint of game. Taut, refined tannins bright acidity keep it energized and youthful.د.إ2,870.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2019 Brunello from Salvioni is utterly gorgeous, starting with its intense aromas of lavender, new leather, perfumed berry, eucalyptus and pipe tobacco. Delicious and full-bodied but showing elegant restraint, the youthfully austere palate shows Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and black tea set against tightly wound, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Give this beauty time to fully develop.د.إ3,450.00 -
Vinous (89)
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an intense, racy wine. Readers will find a rich, textured Rosso that captures all the power of the year. The volatile acidity is on the higher side, which is not unusual for traditionally made wines, but it is something readers who are especially sensitive should be aware of. There is no shortage of personality or character, though, that much is clear, but a full appreciation of the Salvioni 2017 Rosso requires a forgiving palate. Both bottles I tasted showed similarly.د.إ962.00 -
Vinous (93+)
The darkly alluring 2019 Rosso di Montalcino captivates, as crushed ashen stone and balsam herbs give way to plum sauce and a hint of sweet mint. Its textures are like velvet yet lifted, with a tactile mix of sour cherries and ripe strawberries over a salty core of stimulating acids and minerals. The 2019 finishes structured, impossibly long and spicy, leaving a staining of primary concentration under an air of purple-toned inner florals. This is just an infant today with the potential for greatness. Frankly speaking, many producers would be lucky to be bottling a Brunello of this Rosso’s caliber.د.إ1,355.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The excellent Salvioni 2021 Rosso di Montalcino La Cerbaiola offers very smooth balance with forthcoming aromas of red fruit, dried cherry and pressed violet or lilac. There is a good duality here between primary fruit and delicate floral nuances. The mouthfeel is crisp and tight, with a focused approach that sets this wine up for chicken or pork roast. This Rosso stands out for its jovial character.د.إ1,210.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Aromas of bark, spices, sandalwood, and lavender, as well as joyous ripe fruit. Full-bodied, round and powerful with an impressive backbone of tannins and length. Needs at least three to four years to soften. Try in 2021.د.إ1,150.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Wow. This is really fantastic with outstanding depth of fruit and ripe and silky tannins. So much blueberry and cedar character with hints of flowers. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Lovely balance to this wine. Better after 2022 but already exciting to taste.د.إ3,190.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This is an incredible 2012 with fantastic depth, richness, focus and tension. Full body, polished velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste now. One of the wines of the vintage.د.إ1,365.00
