Nerello Mascalese is widely considered Sicily's premier red grape variety, contributing to many of its most acclaimed wines, especially those from Etna. It serves as an excellent introduction to the varietal, offering a lively, youthful red brimming with cherry flavors, presented in a juicier, more approachable style than the typically more structured Sicilian reds.

Tasting Notes

Bright aromas of redcurrants and cherry. The palate is soft and juicy with ripe plum, red berry and cherry flavours, gentle tannins, and fresh acidity on the finish.

Production

The Nerello Mascalese was sourced from a long-standing partner of Adria Vini in western Sicily and was vinified in stainless steel.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Specifications

A traditional sweet style produced from the Grasparossa grape - widely considered to be the highest quality of the Lambrusco varieties, with thicker skin and ripe tannins. It has lashings of vibrant cherry and berry fruit.

Tasting Notes

Dark ruby red in colour with intense aromas of plum and ripe black cherry. The palate is fresh and vibrant with pure crushed black fruits balanced by fresh acidity and a touch of sweetness. The finish is clean and bright with a nip of tannin.

Production

The Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes are sourced from sandy-clay vineyards in the Castelvetro region south of Modena. Made using the Charmat method, with its second fermentation in tank.

Producer

This new range of high quality Lambrusco is a partnership between the Soliera cooperative and Medici Ermete, one of the most influential producers in the renaissance of ‘proper’ Lambrusco. Cantina di Soliera, with 422 member growers and a 40 year tradition of Lambrusco production, is situated in the heart of the Lambrusco di Sorbara zone north of Modena and is the DOC’s largest producer. The alluvial soils here are ideal for the cultivation of the low yielding Sorbara variety, the mixture of sand and clay produces wines which balance elegance and structure and are regarded by many as the finest Lambrusco. Grapes for the Cantina di Soliera range come from 20 ha of selected ‘cru’ vineyards here and in the neighbouring Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC.

The Lambrusco family of grapes (there are many varieties, once numbered at 56) is thought to be one of the oldest in Italy and is predominantly found in Emilia-Romagna. Today the focus is on a handful of varieties, and Cantina di Soliera specialise in Lambrusco di Sorbara and Lambrusco Grasparossa, the most important of the 5 Lambrusco DOC’s in terms of quality. The former produces light, elegant, floral wines, while Grasparossa typically gives deeply coloured, weightier and more structured wines. Both make fantastic food wines – the delicate Sorbara with cold meats and seafood, the richer Grasparossa a perfect match for fatty sausages, charcuterie, tomato-based pasta dishes and cheeses.

Sustainability

Specifications

A fine example of the Verdicchio grape from one of the region's pioneering producers. From estate-grown grapes, a fresh and juicy style with lovely concentration of flavour.

Tasting Notes

Fresh zesty nose with apricot and orchard fruit aromas, and a hint of white flower and citrus. The palate has minerality and texture with ripe stone fruit and grapefruit characters, refreshing lemon citrus acidity, a touch of salinity, and a crisp finish.

Production

The grapes are sourced from Monte Schiavo's own vineyards situated in the communes of Maiolati Spontini, Montecarotto, Poggio S. Marcello and Rosora - at an altitude of 180-360 metres above sea level. Vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to retain fresh fruit characters and aromas.

Producer

Since establishing their winery in Marche in 1976, the Pieralisi family have striven to create the very best from their vineyards. The family’s background was in olive oil manufacturing equipment, but they began to invest in agriculture and also purchased vineyards from the local co-operative. The 350-hectare estate now consists of around 103 ha of prime vineyard in and around Maiolati Spontini, Ancona, the heart of the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – along with 48 ha of olive groves, 24 ha of walnut trees, and other agricultural land. The winery itself is set amongst some of their most prized plots, notably the 20 ha Colle del Sole vineyard.

Under the supervision of Gennaro Pieralisi and his son Andrea, production has progressed from its initial focus on the Verdicchio grape, to include a range of red wines from their own estate fruit (with the exception of their Rosso Conero, which is produced in collaboration with Alberto Serenelli). The success of their manufacturing business has allowed the family to invest heavily in the estate, providing state-of-the-art technology, and they have striven to improve quality and reduce yields.

The appointment of talented young winemaker Simone Schiaffino, and collaboration with renowned Italian winemaking consultant Carlo Ferrini since the 2015 vintage, has added a new depth and complexity to their portfolio. Carlo Ferrini has worked as a consultant with some of Italy’s top estates – to optimise clones, rootstocks, vine density and pruning – in order to create wines that are a true expression of the vineyard. At the same time Simone has revitalised the cellar and added an extra layer of vibrancy and expression to the wines, establishing Monte Schiavo as a producer of top quality, authentic wines.

The ‘Tenute Pieralisi’ range of wines represents the culmination of their project - a top tier of premium wines asserting the individuality of indigenous varieties Verdicchio and Montepulciano.

Sustainability

Tenute Pieralisi are committed to the environment, and to using non-invasive procedures on their land. They believe that the diversified agricultural production on the estate helps to preserve the great local varietal heritage of flora and fauna. This has led to a conversion to organic farming and to the careful use of resources in the winery: introducing low-energy LED lighting and a photovoltaic system to generate electricity from solar energy. They also use environmentally-friendly vehicles for local deliveries, reducing pollutants from emissions.

They are one of the first companies in Italy to have obtained both BRC Global Standard for Food Safety certification (AA grade) and to be registered on the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Furthermore, as of the 2019 vintage the estate and wines are certified as organic, and the wines are labelled accordingly.

Specifications

 Crisp & zesty style, light & fresh with hints of rich, tropical fruit, plenty of body, some richness and some complexity. There's an awful lot to like here and it's pretty addictive!

Grillo grapes are grown in the top white grape producing area around Marsala.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Nose

Palate

Specifications

Rich, robust and chunky pasta red from old vines that over-delivers on both flavour and value.

Tasting Notes

Nose

An intense wine with cherry, ripe plum fruit aromas and warm, earthy spice

Palate

The palate is densely packed with morello cherry, cassis and bramble fruit flavours. Tannins are ripe, giving structure to a substantial wine with a fresh sappy finish.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Their aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. 

Production

Produced from selected parcels of Montepulciano grapes, from low yielding 30 to 50-year-old vines in the Chieti province of Abruzzo. Fermentation took place in small batches between 28 and 30C using natural yeasts. The skins were left in contact with the fermenting wine for 10 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to Adria’s cellars and matured in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and French oak barriques for 6-8 months. 

Specifications

Powerful yet approachable!

Tasting Notes

Palate

 A fabulous white wine sourced from Sicily

Tasting Notes

Colour

Nose

Palate

Specifications

The wine is soft on the palate and goes down very easily.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Aromas of black cherries and violets on the nose.

Palate

A deeply characterful wine, it is really soft and velvety, with red berry fruits, and a smooth, gentle finish. It has noticeable, but subtle and well-integrated tannins which help give this wine a lovely structure and mouthfeel. The wine is soft on the palate and goes down very easily. 

Producers

The PEMO range of wines celebrates two grapes from Abruzzo – Pecorino (PE) and Montepulciano (MO). These two grapes have been growing in this region since 200 AD. 

• Produced in a modern way, while respecting local wine making traditions.
• Eat anything from barbecued meats to stews to pizza with PEMO Montepulciano.
• Montepulciano is a native Italian grape variety from Abruzzo.
• Originates from the rugged, mountainous Abruzzo region of central Italy.

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

"Medium bodied with red berry/cherry fruits. A bit of spice gives it an extra dimension. Low acidity gives it a real softness and smoothness - a real easy drinker.

No oak characteristics coming through so it’s a fruity, modern, stainless steel style. As montepulciano in this area is pretty prolific these wines were historically used for blending or ended up in the German market. Now production is cut back and wines recognised on their own merits! Got to be one of our best value reds right now!" October 2022

Specifications

The inaugural Prosecco Rosé - Fontessa has an appealing balance of delicate berry fruit, bright acidity and a refreshing mousse.

Tasting Notes

A fresh and delicately fruity Prosecco Rosé with red berry and floral aromas. Lively on the palate with ripe strawberry and raspberry notes and a clean, refreshing finish.

Production

From selected parcels of Glera grapes grown northeast of Treviso, and with the addition on 10% Pinot Noir, also from the DOC region, to give colour and flavour. Hand-harvested at optimum ripeness to give the required balance between aromatics and good acidity. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation takes place in pressure tanks, where the wine spends 2 months on lees.

Specifications

A hugely popular Prosecco.

Tasting Notes

Fresh and gently fruity fizz from northeast Italy (Veneto) with citrus and green apple aromas. Delicate and lively on the palate with ripe, lightly grapey fruit, zesty acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

Production Method

From selected parcels of Glera grapes grown northeast of Treviso. Hand harvested at optimum ripeness to give the required balance between aromatics and good acidity. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation in pressure tanks, lasting 4 weeks.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. The aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. They source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom they have long-term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Specifications

An appealing and very approachable Prosecco, and now with a more stylish and contemporary label! 

Prosecco is a sparkling wine found in the northeast of Italy, located in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia wine Regions. The two regions are protected from the northern winds by the Alps and the Dolomites but are also influenced by their proximity to the Adriatic Sea.

Tasting Notes

Fresh and fruity Prosecco with aromas of citrus and green apple. The palate has ripe grapey characters, zesty acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

Production

From selected parcels of Glera grapes grown northeast of Treviso. Hand harvested at optimum ripeness. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation in tank, lasting 4 weeks.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Producer

• Bronze at the 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards (N/V)

Specifications