Sordo Gioso Nebbiolo d Alba 2020

These are the kind of wines that’ll have detouring on your next trip to Sicily so you can walk through vines/lava fields and see where and how it all happens. Wines from Etna are extraordinary, especially when they’re silky with red/blue fruits, black pepper and a salty, savoury chewy finish like this one. Deserves some cellaring.

Passopisciaro Passorosso 2022

Plump thanks to a nice fleshy nose and some subtle stone fruit skins. The palate is zippy and alive with minerally citrus juices. It does feel a little tight so enjoy swirling it, or give it some time in a decanter. Grown in the north-eastern part of Sicily, looking across the Strait of Messina, where it’s beautiful all year round.

Alessandro Viola Note di Bianco Grillo 2023

Like wearing a finely knitted Italian cardigan–they're back ‘on trend’ right? One dyed a dark and classy red and oozes cherry and red currant comforts plus some crumbly tannins and cool leafiness. Perfect while cooking and eating with friends.

Produttori di Govone Langhe Nebbiolo 2023

No-brainer Nero flowing with value-laden layers of blueberry compote, raspberry ripple and a defining edge of balsamic. Great couch wine that'll go well with chocolate - dark or milk, room temp or chilled.

Piantaferro Intrigo Nero d Avola  2023

Traditionally found in western Sicily (and Tuscany where it’s called Ansonica). Inzolia is a dry white wine that leads with white flowers, lemon and ripe fruit notes. Fuedo offers those flavours, just with a little bitter pith and savoury edge, making it perfect with dinners, lunches and snacks. Mangia! Mangia!

Feudo Arancio Inzolia 2023

A brilliant wine for the money. Think deep, sweet red fruits and some liquorice root that gives all the comforting weight and richness. There’s also enough savoury tannic bite and bright acidity for it to be perfect for salami.

Piantaferro Montepulciano d Abruzzo 2022

Sangiovese that comes perfectly dressed for winter with warming plush cherries and brambly forest fruits. This drinks with some sweet tobacco too, and a plenty of value. Before you ask. Perfetto with your ragu.

Piantaferro Chianti 2022

Texture and floral richness with a bouquet of meadowy flowers to make all the pear and grapefruit flavours even prettier. Similar to Chardonnay and Greco, Piantaferro have made a Falanghina true to style, but don't fall too madly in love, it’s rare, and delicious.

Piantaferro Falanghina 2023

Who’d have thought… Sangiovese plus Merlot and Sagrantino can equal a Gamay-like wine. When it’s light and delicate thanks to a favourable growing season and the vines being at altitude. Unique and lovely.

Beulah Violetta Stesso Stesso Rosso 2023

Alla Costiera Bianco Costiera 2023

We hit the coast after eight days walking and swam all afternoon. Renato showed me a cave where there was a crate of Solfare Bianco Magnums! Every sip was vibrant and fresh with citrus, plus a gentle oxidative note. The beach was empty so we stayed overnight. I've never slept so well or found that place again, lucky Blackhearts sell the wine though.

Passofonduto Solfare Bianco 2023 Magnum

Salted white peach, pumice stone minerality and some drenching acidity. Consider this a love letter from Sicily wrapped in a pretty label. Embrace the Moscatella, it’s dry, minerally and delicious.

Mortellito Viaria Bianco 2022

Lunaria Charisma Trebbiano 2022

Snap of red apple and blackcurrant with a firm, twiggy tannin grip that does that great drying thing, a bit like a traditional Nebbiolo. Drink slightly chilled out of a latte glass for the full Italian experience, and chill it to increase the approachability.

Poderi Cellario Libertà Nebbiolo 2022

Felsina Chianti Classico 2021

Fleshy strawberries and cherries with some dusky, chalky depth. Fruit was held in concrete and there was no fining or filtering, this is perfect for a LoFi devotee or a red-lover who’s a bit adventurous.

Antonio Camillo Mediterraneo Rosso 2023

Steep cliffs, sparkling waters and colourful reefs, it’s Isola d'Elba – Tuscany. The blend makes for fleshy white stone fruits a little sea spray and a line of herby acidity. Everything lines up perfectly, like the sun loungers on the beach.

La Chiusa Bianco 2023

Veneto’s a long way from Napoli but this is still perfect pizza wine. Corvina is native to Veneto where it’s the most-planted red grape, and in this blend, it’s full of sweet fruits and savoury tannin. Do you know how to make a vegetable quiche (tarta salada)? This is your time to shine with an epic pairing if so.

Domini Del Leone Veneto Rosso 2023

So savoury and delicious. Think radicchio leaves wrapping orange peels and sprinkled with smoky spices with just a sip of Chinotto. It’s all that in every perfect mouthful. Pour over ice or make a punch with it - Lucano’s website has a great recipe. Has been produced by the same family since 1894 down south in the arch of the boot.