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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Vinous (94)
The 2018 Syrah Per Sempre is redolent of spice, black pepper, game, iron and incense. I am quite struck by how expressive this Syrah is of the year. In 2018, spice and savory notes are especially prevalent. I very much like the depth and resonance here. I imagine this will mature at a faster clip than the 2019s and 2021s in this tasting, but for drinking now, the 2018 is pretty hard to beat.د.إ1,485.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
A ripe red color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is expressive of its place, with warming notes of licorice, black cherries, anise, cedar, and dark soil lifting from the glass. As it opens, it becomes purer in its fruit profile, shining through beautifully. Full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a savory slanting profile, notes of espresso and mocha float across the palate, filling it with purity of fruit and lovely concentration through its long finish. It’s a fantastic Brunello with a warming richness that can stand up to hearty winter foods and will be best enjoyed over the next 15 years. Drink 2026-2040.د.إ1,990.00 -
James Suckling (98)
A juicy, young Brunello with berry, dried mushroom and flower character. Orange peel, too. Full body, firm and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So complex and beautiful. It goes on for minutes. I love the balance that makes it so enjoyable to try now but it will age for decades ahead. Try to leave it until 2021.د.إ2,020.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Wonderful aromas of roses and sliced plums with wet earth and truffles. Then turns to raspberries and blackberries. Cherries, too. Full and firm with super integrated tannins that melt into the wine. It flows from the center palate in a beautiful sheet of fruit and tannins. Extremely long and coated with great finesse. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2022, but already a joy to taste.د.إ2,060.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Attractive aromas of balsamic, tea, dark berry, walnut and coffee bean. Full-bodied, yet tight and very intense with ripe tannins that are fine and reserved. Racy and polished. Beautiful length to this wine. Needs at least two to three years to come. Try after 2024.د.إ2,090.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Here's an unforgettable wine that absolutely makes the case for 2007 being one of the best vintages of late in Montalcino. The wine is broad and polished with masculine tones of dark fruit, leather and tobacco. These aromas evolve so quickly and with such pulsing intensity, the wine comes alive suddenly. There are dusty mineral shadings at the back with tightly textured tannins. Hold 10 more years.د.إ3,940.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Deep ruby-colored with a light purple tinge, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Madonna Del Piano takes on another gear with its rich perfume unfolding with lavender, black cherry, cassis, fresh leather, licorice, fresh soil, and sage. The wine is full-bodied, with a ripe velveteen texture, while maintaining freshness, and it is elegantly rounded through the mid-palate, with notes of black plum, Earl Grey, scorched earth, and tea leaf. This seems to be moving at a glacial pace in its evolution and certainly warrants at least a few more years in cellar.د.إ4,050.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is the first commercial release of Montosoli from Valdicava and shows incredibly complex and decadent aromas of fruit, wet earth, forest floor, leaves and cedar. Full-bodied with tannins that roll off the palate and flow to the finish. Fine, velvety texture. Lasts for minutes. Already so attractive, but be patient. Try after 2021 and onwards.د.إ2,055.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022Marvel in the excellence of the Valentini Montepulciano Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2022, an exquisite product from the renowned Valentini estate, steeped in Italian winemaking tradition. With roots stretching deep into the heart of the Abruzzo region, this superior wine showcases the remarkable character of the Montepulciano grape.
The wine is born of meticulous viticulture, hand-harvested grapes, and a careful selection process, with only the highest quality fruits making the cut. The result is a wine displaying a brilliant cherry-pink hue, hence 'Cerasuolo', Italian for 'little cherry'. The character is undeniably Italian - vibrant, robust, with an appealing blend of sweet fruit and earthy complexity.
Renowned for their minimalist intervention and respect for nature during winemaking, Valentini utilises spontaneous fermentation and minimum pump-overs. The Valentini Montepulciano Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2022 is indeed a shining example of their dedication to terroir-expressive wines. Indulge in this bottle, exploring its nuanced flavours and timeless elegance.
د.إ4,525.00 -
A testament to winemaking prestige, Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 epitomises artisanal excellence. Originating in the mountainous Abruzzo region in central Italy, this extraordinary wine is produced from vines grown on lands rich in clay and limestone that aptly nurture the indigenous Trebbiano grapes. The Valentini family’s heritage of timeless tradition is evident in the fiercely manual process utilised, from harvesting to decanting.
The wine showcases a remarkable balance of fruity notes and fresh acidity, with the 2019 vintage particularly expressing distinct nuances of citrus and almond. Intense and complex, this amber nectar resonates with a captivating mineral finish that demonstrates the impeccable quality of this hand-crafted masterpiece. Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 is not simply a wine, but a delectable epitome of Italy's historical vineyard legacy – a worthy addition to the collection of any discerning oenophile.
د.إ3,030.00 -
Experience the timeless excellence of Vegis, Gattinara 2016. This exceptional bottle is a testament to Italian viticulture, specifically the renowned Piedmont region. Crafted by the esteemed Vegis estate whose dedication to traditional wine-making techniques is undeniably evident in this vintage. Grown on volcanic soil, the Nebbiolo grapes bestow a distinctive character to this wine. Harvested manually, the grapes undergo careful selection, ensuring only those of highest quality make it to the fermentation process. This wine then matures in Slavonian oak barrels for three years, enriching its intricate bouquet with hints of spice, dried roses, and plums, balanced by elegant tannins. On the palate, Vegis, Gattinara 2016 unfolds with gracious complexity, revealing the allure of its medium body and long, velvety finish. An authentic treasure of Italian winemaking, Vegis, Gattinara 2016 is more than a wine; it’s an experience of refined taste and tradition.
د.إ466.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2022 Chardonnay mixes richness with energy and savory with sweetness, as crushed yellow apples and gingery spice combine with minty herbs and wet stone. This is soothingly round and enveloping, quite textural, with waves of ripe green melon and mineral-tinged apricots coasting across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes youthfully tense, structured and spicy, with hints of baked pear and cardamom that resonate. While a bit backward today, the potential here is off the charts. Vie di Romans has decided to begin holding back their wines longer in the cellar to allow them to develop further before release, and I think this is a perfect example of how insightful that decision was.د.إ1,205.00 -
Vinous (93)
Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, spices and new leather flesh out in Vietti's 2012 Barbaresco Masseria. Open-knit, silky and gracious, the 2012 is already quite expressive, yet also has enough depth to drink well for a number of years. So many 2012 Barbarescos are a bit forward, but Vietti's 2012 stands out for its freshness. Drink this super-elegant, refined Barbaresco over the next 15-20 years.د.إ2,210.00 -
Vinous (94+)
The 2014 Barbaresco Masseria is superb. Dark, ample and structured, the 2014 captures all the pedigree of this important Barbaresco vintage. As always, the Vietti's Masseria is a wine that has Barolo-like structure and depth, partly because it is vinified and aged pretty much along the same lines as those wines. I expect the 2014 will require at least a handful of years to shed some tannin and start showing some of its inherent inner sweetness. There is so much to look forward to. Bright acids and a firm spine of tannin give the red-toned fruit energy and vivacity throughout.د.إ1,805.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Barbaresco Masseria is a dark, luscious wine that very clearly captures the best the vintage has to offer. Deep and beguiling, but with relatively soft contours, Vietti's 2017 shows the more virile side of Barbaresco in its distinctly Barolo-leaning structure. Black cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, spice and licorice saturate the palate. I have said it before, but it bears repeating, the Masseria is the most under the radar wine at Vietti today.د.إ1,555.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2016 Barolo Brunate is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with tremendous explosive energy and intensity. Crushed flowers, mint, spice and dried flowers open up in the glass, but it is the wine's energy that really elevates it into the stratosphere. In the glass, the 2016 is dark, somber and full of the sepia-toned nuances that are such signatures of this great Barolo vineyard. This is the first vintage that includes Vietti's newest parcel in Brunate. Perhaps more importantly, though, the 2016 is the first vintage in which French oak is minimal. This is a stunning vintage for the Brunate.د.إ4,855.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Beautiful, sweet fruit and perfumes on the nose with fresh flowers, such as roses. Full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins and a long, persistent finish. Very caressing. Builds on the palate at the end. Drink after 2024.د.إ1,230.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Beautiful, sweet fruit and perfumes on the nose with fresh flowers, such as roses. Full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins and a long, persistent finish. Very caressing. Builds on the palate at the end. Drink after 2024.د.إ2,475.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2018 Barolo Brunate is a deep, layered wine that is going to need at least a few years to come together. Today, the Brunate is quite primary and backward, but all the ingredients are there. Sage, menthol, licorice, dried flowers and spice build with a bit of coaxing.د.إ1,790.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2019 Barolo Brunate is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth all build as this virile, potent Barolo struts its stuff. The Brunate is another super-impressive wine in this range. To be perfectly honest, the Brunate has never been one of my favorite wines here, but the 2019 is undeniably great. Perhaps the combination of parcels Vietti has today explains the multi-dimensional vibrancy that comes through. This is simply magnificent.د.إ2,315.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2019 Barolo Brunate is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth all build as this virile, potent Barolo struts its stuff. The Brunate is another super-impressive wine in this range. To be perfectly honest, the Brunate has never been one of my favorite wines here, but the 2019 is undeniably great. Perhaps the combination of parcels Vietti has today explains the multi-dimensional vibrancy that comes through. This is simply magnificent.د.إ2,055.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2015 Barolo Castiglione is a soft and elegant expression with marked freshness and delineated fruit. Indeed, Luca Currado maintains that 2015 was not a hot vintage per se, and any jammy notes that might appear in the vintage may have to do with an overzealous approach to leaf pulling during the summer season. Old habits die hard, he says, and leaving the leaves intact contributes to the color stabilization of the wine and the successful management of its acidity. From an analytical point of view, this wine does flaunt that much-needed inner crispness. It adds focus and sharpness to the layers of dark, succulent fruit that appear on first nose.د.إ922.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Barolo Castiglione is a dazzling wine that will show readers just how compelling this vintage is, even among entry-level wines from top producers. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous richness and resonance from the very first taste. Bright red cherry and red plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spice build as this sumptuous, dramatic Barolo shows all it's got. As always, the Castiglione is built on a core of fruit from Ravera. In 2016, the Castiglione benefits from the inclusion of several new sites, including Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. All I can say is: What a wine!د.إ1,180.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Barolo Castiglione is a dazzling wine that will show readers just how compelling this vintage is, even among entry-level wines from top producers. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous richness and resonance from the very first taste. Bright red cherry and red plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spice build as this sumptuous, dramatic Barolo shows all it's got. As always, the Castiglione is built on a core of fruit from Ravera. In 2016, the Castiglione benefits from the inclusion of several new sites, including Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. All I can say is: What a wine!د.إ859.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
This is one of the most versatile wines to emerge from Italy in recent years. A bread and butter winner for Vietti, the 2017 Barolo Castiglione is sharply contoured and bright, with an excellent quality of fruit that can be described as crisp, tonic and rich. That extra concentration comes in part from the hot vintage; however, the greater Castiglione growing area delivers consistent quality and persistence above all else.د.إ829.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Barolo Castiglione is elegant, translucent and classy. Crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, mint and cinnamon all grace this elegant, wonderfully nuanced Barolo from Vietti. I especially admire the energy here. In many vintages, the Castiglione is easygoing and quite accessible, but I see the 2019 needing a few more years to come into its own. I especially admire its focus and cut.د.إ1,450.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Barolo Castiglione is elegant, translucent and classy. Crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, mint and cinnamon all grace this elegant, wonderfully nuanced Barolo from Vietti. I especially admire the energy here. In many vintages, the Castiglione is easygoing and quite accessible, but I see the 2019 needing a few more years to come into its own. I especially admire its focus and cut.د.إ922.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2018 Barolo Cerequio is a new wine in this range. Soaring aromatics and bright, red-toned fruit give the Cerequio its effusive personality. Nuanced and deep, with tremendous complexity and tons of character, the Cerequio is dazzling. This is everything a great Barolo from Cerequio should be. In other words: textbook. More over, it's one of the best wines of this very uneven vintage.د.إ1,445.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2019 Barolo Cerequio is a worthy follow up to the stellar 2018. Aromatic and deeply pitched, the 2019 races across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint and cinnamon all open in the glass, but it is the wine's silkiness and suppleness that impresses most. A kick of acids and tannins puts an exclamation point on the finish. This is a gorgeous Cerequio that takes all the finesse this site offers, and then turns up the volume. What a wine.د.إ2,185.00 -
Vinous (96)
In many ways, the gorgeous 2014 Barolo Lazzarito is the most surprising wine in the range. Once a stylistic outlier with a considerable French oak influence, today it is much closer to the other Barolos in terms of feel. Deep, dark and intense, with all of the energy of the year very much on display, the Lazzarito is super-expressive and shows a more red-toned profile than is the norm. Kirsch, mint, rose petal and chalk all develop in the glass, while beams of tannin and salinity give the wine shape and persistence. The weight and depth of Serralunga come through on the midpalate and into the finish. Even so, this is in a decidedly laid-back style for Serralunga. In 2014, I especially like the wine's aromatic presence.د.إ1,945.00
