Italy

Italy

The history, passion and peculiarities of Italy are eloquently expressed in its wine.  It can be brilliant, bullish, exciting, seductive and wrapped in impenetrable bureaucracy.  Wine is produced from the southern tip of Sicily to the foothills of the Alps and is the preserve of everyone from peasants to international experts.

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    • Origin
    • Italy
    A point and a half of bitters in a touch of vermouth makes this a great aperitif. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    A point and a half of bitters in a touch of vermouth makes this a great aperitif. Read More
    Single 75cl bottle
    £15.95 £13.29
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    A delicious deep copper coloured Vino Santo. Made from grapes that are left on the vine to become raisins. Sweet honey notes with a character of dried... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    A delicious deep copper coloured Vino Santo. Made from grapes that are left on the vine to become raisins. Sweet honey notes with a character of dried... Read More
    BUY 3 for £110.99 £37.00 £92.49 exc VAT £30.83 exc VAT
    As part of a MIX6 £39.54 What is MIX6?

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    £32.95 exc VAT
    Single 50cl bottle
    £44.29 £36.91
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Southern
    • Puglia
    Aromas of ripe fruit evolve into a fresh, round and extremely pleasant palate bearing notes of peach and slight florality. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Southern
    • Puglia
    Aromas of ripe fruit evolve into a fresh, round and extremely pleasant palate bearing notes of peach and slight florality. Read More
    BUY 3 for £29.99 £10.00 £24.99 exc VAT £8.33 exc VAT
    As part of a MIX6 £11.24 What is MIX6?

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    £9.37 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £12.95 £10.79
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    A cracking white wine full of grace and elegance. Soft tropical aromas with notes of vibrant peach and apple juice. Ends with notes of pineapple and l... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    A cracking white wine full of grace and elegance. Soft tropical aromas with notes of vibrant peach and apple juice. Ends with notes of pineapple and l... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £14.10 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £11.75 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £15.98 £13.32
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    A seductive rich red wine packed full with elegant red fruits and soft spices. Finished long and warming on the palate. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    A seductive rich red wine packed full with elegant red fruits and soft spices. Finished long and warming on the palate. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £17.10 What is MIX6?

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    £14.25 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £19.25 £16.04
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    • Conegliano
    Characterized by hints of ripe golden apple and acacia flowers, this Prosecco is a cut above the rest with a richer edge and more depth than most of i... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    • Conegliano
    Characterized by hints of ripe golden apple and acacia flowers, this Prosecco is a cut above the rest with a richer edge and more depth than most of i... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £15.74 What is MIX6?

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    £13.12 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £17.94 £14.95
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Ruby red colour. Intense aromas of cherry & blackberry combine with notes of liquorice & tobacco. The structure is large & enveloping with a long & pl... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Ruby red colour. Intense aromas of cherry & blackberry combine with notes of liquorice & tobacco. The structure is large & enveloping with a long & pl... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £26.50 What is MIX6?

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    £22.08 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £27.95 £23.29
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Ruby red colour. Intense aromas of raspberry and blackberry combine with notes of liquorice & coffee. The structure is large and enveloping with a lon... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Ruby red colour. Intense aromas of raspberry and blackberry combine with notes of liquorice & coffee. The structure is large and enveloping with a lon... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £67.99 What is MIX6?

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    £56.66 exc VAT
    Single 150cl bottle
    £75.00 £62.50
    • Origin
    • Piedmont
    • Italy
    In the glass the wine shows beautiful ruby colours with violet hues and fresh fruit aromas of berries and cherries, with a floral lift. The palate con... Read More
    • Origin
    • Piedmont
    • Italy
    In the glass the wine shows beautiful ruby colours with violet hues and fresh fruit aromas of berries and cherries, with a floral lift. The palate con... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £23.94 What is MIX6?

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    £19.95 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £24.95 £20.79
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Northern
    • Veneto
    An intense bouquet of spice and ripe dark fruit leads onto a well-rounded palate with an rich, persistent finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Northern
    • Veneto
    An intense bouquet of spice and ripe dark fruit leads onto a well-rounded palate with an rich, persistent finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.86 What is MIX6?

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    £9.88 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £13.60 £11.33
    • Origin
    • Italy
    Delightful s floral aromas, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom. The palate dances with sweet peach and apricot flavors, balanced by refreshi... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    Delightful s floral aromas, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom. The palate dances with sweet peach and apricot flavors, balanced by refreshi... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £21.10 What is MIX6?

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    £17.58 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £22.50 £18.75
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Central
    • Tuscany
    Light and very approachable, this is an easy-drinker suitable for most occasions. Lovely fresh cherry fruit content is presented with medium to light ... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Central
    • Tuscany
    Light and very approachable, this is an easy-drinker suitable for most occasions. Lovely fresh cherry fruit content is presented with medium to light ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.00 What is MIX6?

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    £9.17 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £12.49 £10.41
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Sicily
    Rich, dark and luscious, a favourite ingredient for Italian-style cooking. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Sicily
    Rich, dark and luscious, a favourite ingredient for Italian-style cooking. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £13.84 What is MIX6?

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    £11.53 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £14.99 £12.49
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Abruzzo
    A vibrant, deep-purple colour. This wine displays rich, luscious cherry fruit with a warm, lingering finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Abruzzo
    A vibrant, deep-purple colour. This wine displays rich, luscious cherry fruit with a warm, lingering finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.00 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.17 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £12.54 £10.45
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Light in character with low tannin and plenty of cherry fruit flavour. A very approachable wine that is delicious on a warm day, a real thirst-quenchi... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Tuscany
    Light in character with low tannin and plenty of cherry fruit flavour. A very approachable wine that is delicious on a warm day, a real thirst-quenchi... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.56 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.63 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £12.44 £10.37
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    A beautiful white loaded with elegant aromas of apple, pear, passion fruit and yellow fruit that end in a dry, long finish. Comes from a small family ... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Veneto
    A beautiful white loaded with elegant aromas of apple, pear, passion fruit and yellow fruit that end in a dry, long finish. Comes from a small family ... Read More
    BUY 3 for £51.01 £17.00 £42.51 exc VAT £14.17 exc VAT
    As part of a MIX6 £18.25 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £15.21 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £20.50 £17.08
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    Red berry fruits supported by a lively fizz, leading to a fresh and delicate finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Trentino
    Red berry fruits supported by a lively fizz, leading to a fresh and delicate finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.94 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.95 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £13.49 £11.24
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Campania
    A fruity Italian white which shows exceptional balance and a very pleasant, refreshing finish. One of Italy's most underappreciated grapes. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Campania
    A fruity Italian white which shows exceptional balance and a very pleasant, refreshing finish. One of Italy's most underappreciated grapes. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.46 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.55 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £12.84 £10.70
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Piedmont
    Soft, fruity and aromatic red sparkling wine, with hints of rose on the nose and red berry, almond and nutmeg flavours on the palate. Its soft light m... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Piedmont
    Soft, fruity and aromatic red sparkling wine, with hints of rose on the nose and red berry, almond and nutmeg flavours on the palate. Its soft light m... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £15.95 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £13.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £17.75 £14.79
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Southern
    • Puglia
    An intense and complex bouquet of red fruit and berries intertwined with subtle notes of pepper and spice. Medium-bodied and packed full of red cherry... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Southern
    • Puglia
    An intense and complex bouquet of red fruit and berries intertwined with subtle notes of pepper and spice. Medium-bodied and packed full of red cherry... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £13.56 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £11.30 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £15.54 £12.95
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • North East
    • Veneto
    This is what Prosecco is all about. A delicate example with a long persistent mousse. Light and fruity with hints of ripe apples, peaches and ripe sto... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • North East
    • Veneto
    This is what Prosecco is all about. A delicate example with a long persistent mousse. Light and fruity with hints of ripe apples, peaches and ripe sto... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £11.94 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.95 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £13.49 £11.24
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Treviso Province
    • Veneto
    Floral notes reminiscent of roses with hints of cherries on the palate, extremely fresh and delicious. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Treviso Province
    • Veneto
    Floral notes reminiscent of roses with hints of cherries on the palate, extremely fresh and delicious. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £10.94 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £9.12 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £11.94 £9.95
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Piedmont
    After a minimum of three years in oak casks, Barolo DOCG wine is infused with the bark of the Calissaja Quinine tree, red china, rhubarb root, gentian... Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    • Piedmont
    After a minimum of three years in oak casks, Barolo DOCG wine is infused with the bark of the Calissaja Quinine tree, red china, rhubarb root, gentian... Read More
    Single 75cl bottle
    £41.50 £34.58
    • Origin
    • Italy
    Crisp and refreshing with a rich body that sets it apart from the rest. Delicious stone fruit character supported by subtle nuttiness. Read More
    • Origin
    • Italy
    Crisp and refreshing with a rich body that sets it apart from the rest. Delicious stone fruit character supported by subtle nuttiness. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £8.95 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £7.46 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £10.25 £8.54
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History

The Romans found the vine flourishing, courtesy of the Greeks and Etruscans, by the time that they controlled the peninsula.  With their love for wine they came to understand its requirements and develop an enormous range of indigenous grape varieties, many of which survive and thrive to this day.  With the collapse of the empire the country was fragmented for centuries and, though it was unified in 1861, it will take more than 150 years to lose the fierce and fabulous regionality that developed in the era of the great city states.

Classification System

The Italian system of classification came late compared with Spain and France, but its laudable aim was to preserve the character and traditions of hundreds of regions and thousands of wines. Unfortunately, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) classification of 1963 was flawed through an overly rigid approach. Since then it has been considerably altered and a total of four classifications now seek to clarify the often perplexing richness of Italian winemaking.

Climate and Conditions

Ten degrees of latitude and 1300 metres of altitude separate the extremes of Italian winemaking.  From the steepness of the Alps to the shores of the Mediterranean the vine is ubiquitous.  Over two thousand native grapes have developed across thousands of years and each has found a niche in the extremely varied regions of Italy.  The diversity of wines this allows is immense.

The Wines of Today

It is hardly surprising that with over a million grape growers the Italian wine industry is highly fragmented and devoid of large international brands.  There was a time when this greatly handicapped the quality of the wine being produced, but since the Second World War huge strides have been taken to remedy this.  An emerging and discerning middle class, the DOC classification system, international influences and modernisation have been allied to the independent spirit, regional character and indigenous grape varieties that have always existed to produce unique and increasingly excellent wines.  Italian wine, beyond the most famous, requires effort to understand but rewards the intrepid.

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