Italy
Italy has some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Etruscans and Greek settlers produced wine in the country long before the Romans started developing their own vineyards in the 2nd century BC. Roman grape-growing and winemaking was prolific and well-organized, pioneering large-scale production and storage techniques like barrel-making and bottling.
Polenta Accipicchia Marche Rosso, 2004
$24.95
A BIG, RED, Montipulciano from near Ancona. The vineyards are just a few meters from the Adriatic Sea and teh vines thrive on the microclim. A great food wine for hardy meals from meat pasta to red meat. Tiney production (500 cases total). One of the beat examples of this wine available. Fantastic value.
Bottles available: 300
Gotti-Piero Moscato d'Asti 2010, 375ml
$12.50
Gotti-Piero Moscato d'Asti 2010, 375ml
Bottles available: 252
Orlando Abrigo Nebbiolo Settevie 2008
$26.50
Settevie - the meeting point of no fewer than seven roads - is the old name for the hamlet where the winery is located. The wine's style is contemporary: deep ruby red, with elegant aromas recalling raspberries when it is young, while after maturing in wood its bouquet becomes more balanced and refined. Opening recommended two to six years after the vintage, though it can be kept longer.
Bottles available: 288
Orlando Abrigo Barbera Roreto 2009
$20.75
Deep ruby-red, packed with aromas that open out when the wine breathes into plum and violet overtones and hints of resin and spices. Full-bodied, warm, lasting taste. Recommended cellar life: two to six years. Best served at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F).
Bottles available: 214
Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Montersino 2006
$59.25
Ruby-red, with a rich, complex bouquet hinting at vanilla and red fruit, together with sweet and spicy elements resulting from the wood. Smooth at first on the palate, the big tannins then make it slightly harder, with excellent ageing potential. Recommended serving temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F).
Bottles available: 144
