thewinesociety.com/italy

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1 IBAUG14 thewinesociety.com/italy

2 ITALY: NORTH TO SOUTH Today the Italian wine scene is more vibrant and stimulating than it has ever been, as your significantly increasing purchases of Italian wine prove. Former Wine Society buyer Christopher Tatham rightly said that wine s first job is to be delicious, and we believe you will find here delicious wines at most levels of price. We start with an Italian Value section celebrating Italy s diversity, with a dozen reds and a dozen whites all priced between 5.50 and They originate from the whole length of the peninsula and the islands too, and include lots of new things to discover. The mixed case makes for a pleasurable way to sample before you decide which you like best. To encourage members to explore Italy s regional diversity, the Regional Heroes mixed case comes with a saving of Italy is most famous for its reds from Piedmont Barolo country and Tuscany, the home of Chianti. These are here with wines from international stars such as Mauro Mascarello, Angelo Gaja, Bruno Giacosa from Piedmont and Fontodi, Ornellaia and Sassicaia from Tuscany. But you will also find lesserknown good bottles of Verduno, Morellino and Montefalco, which are well worth trying. Perhaps the most signficant development of the last decade has been in the quality of wines from Italy s south. No longer do they need to send bulk wine to boost the north but shine proudly under their true colours in our Spotlight section. Sebastian Payne MW Society Buyer VALLE D AOSTA PIEDMONT Dolcetto d Alba Gavi Barolo Moscato d Asti GENOVA SARDINIA MILANO LOMBARDY LIGURIA CAGLIARI TRENTINO- ALTO ADIGE FRUILI- VENEZIA TRENTO GIULIA UDINE Friuli Grave Prosecco Valpolicella Friuli Isonzo Lake Garda VENETO TRIESTE Bardolino Soave VENICE EMILIA ROMAGA BOLOGNA PISA FIRENZE Chianti Rufina Chianti Classsico Verdicchio Chianti Bolgheri SIENA Brunello di Montalcino UMBRIA TUSCANY Orvieto ROMA Frascati LAZIO PANTELLERIA MARCHE L AQUILA ERICE ANCONA Falerio dei Colli Ascolani Rosso Piceno ABRUZZO NAPOLI PALERMO Montepulciano d Abruzzo PESCARA SICILY MOLISE CAMPANIA Biferno PUGLIA Aglianico del Vulture POTENZA BASILICATA BARI CALABRIA CATANZARO Brindisi Contents: Italian Value 24 wines under 10 Pages 3-4 Spotlight on Sicily, Sardinia and the South Pages 5-6 Tuscany Chianti Classico, Brunello, Sassicaia, Ornellaia Pages 7-8 Pick of Piedmont Barolo, Dolcetto and more Page 9 2 To order thewinesociety.com/italy smartphone app

3 ITALIAN VALUE REDS NEW Piemonte Grignolino Araldica 2013 An unusual wine that is worth trying for its rarity. Made from grignolino, an ancient grape variety from Monferrato that makes pale reds with herbal floral scent and tangy dry flavour. Low in alcohol, it will make a cleansing aperitif drunk cellar cool. We admit it will appeal to some more than others, but the adventurous wine drinker with a taste for lighter-bodied reds may find a new favourite! 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 66 dozen Nero d Avola La Ferla, Sicilia 2012 A modern approach to Sicily s best red grape, which retains its freshness even in the heat of the south of the island. The bouquet has a hint of black pepper. Plenty of ripe fruit on the palate and gentle soft tannins combine to make an adaptable friendly red. La Ferla is the flower of the fennel, which flourishes along with Nero d Avola just north of Agrigento. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 81 dozen The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo The montepulciano grape produces full, vibrant, gutsy reds and flourishes along Italy s eastern seaboard. It is a speciality of Abruzzo where it offers stunning value. Its youthful vigour matches hearty food and quite strong flavours. 13.5% ref IB-IT bottle 81 dozen Copertino Eloquenzia 2010 Spicy ripe mellow negroamaro from the Garofano family in Puglia, who continue to offer us brilliant value. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 87 dozen NEW Rosso Piceno Cantina Offida 2012 Attractively balanced traditional mix of montepulciano and sangiovese made in the best modern fashion showing fragrant juicy fruit over gentle tannins which make this an admirable food wine. Great-value red from the Marche. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 87 dozen Dogliani, Clavesana 2012 Dogliani is the true home of dolcetto, the wine the Piemontese drink for preference on a regular basis, and this fresh fragrant, sappy example is great value and an excellent follow up to the delightful % ref IB-IT bottle 90 dozen Valpolicella Valpantena, Torre del Falasco 2013 Charming, uncomplicated and enjoyable Veneto red of medium weight and low acidity to drink with or without a meal. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 90 dozen Cirò, Barone di Bolaro 2012 Full-bodied Calabrian red from the ancient gaglioppo grape variety with generous spicy, wild-berry fruit. 13.5% ref IB-IT bottle 90 dozen The Society s Chianti Rufina The Grati family own a remarkable hill of vines in the under-valued Rufina valley, which is rival to Classico. We prefer to make our own blend from their best vats. This is fruity, soft and perfumed. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 95 dozen NEW Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Mezzacorona 2010 Full-bodied, fruity red speciality of the Rotaliano plain near Trento which has acquired extra roundness and depth from well-judged, balanced wood ageing. Great value for money, this should be tried by those who have not yet discovered it. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 99 dozen Foresco Umbria Barberani 2012 Generously full ripe Umbrian red with plenty of naturally sweet fruit. Made from half sangiovese with a quarter each merlot and cabernet, this is a splendid-value alternative to some of the more expensive Tuscan wines. 14.5% ref IB-IT bottle 102 dozen NEW Primitivo Basilicata Taverna 2012 Wonderful fresh perfumed primitivo made from healthy ripe fruit with generous flavour. It comes from an excellent grower in the hills outside Metaponto in Italy s instep. 14% ref IB-IT bottle 107 dozen Key screwcap synthetic closure 3

4 ITALIAN VALUE WHITES Grecanico Mandrarossa Sicilia 2013 With good fresh flavour, delicate citrus bouquet and clean aftertaste, this makes an attractive inexpensive white. Grecanico, related to the garganega of Soave and greco di tufo, has adapted well to the Sicilian climate. 12% ref IB-IT bottle 71 dozen Palladium Garganega Veneto 2013 Immediately appealing, smiley white for regular drinking from garganega, the Soave grape. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 78 dozen Vittoria Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave 2013 There is too much dubious pinot grigio about, but this is the genuine article from growers with extensive vineyards in Friuli. Attractively rounded fruit. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 83 dozen The Society s Verdicchio This single-vineyard verdicchio, one of Italy s very best dry white grapes, is full of flavour and character. Thanks to the support of the excellent Monte Schiavo cantina that make this wine, we are delighted to offer a 10 saving per dozen in this offer. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 73 dozen SAVE 10 NEW Dalila Bianco Sicilia Feudo Arancio 2013 A seductive mix of full-flavoured Sicilian grillo with very lightly oaked viognier (20%) which brings its special floral apricot-like bouquet and creamy texture. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 87 dozen NEW Basilicata Bianco, Alovino 2013 A cunning mix of malvasia, giving attractive scent; fiano, which adds fruit acidity and length; and chardonnay to give roundness. All three grapes have long been planted in Basilicata and Oronzo Alò has mastered the way of marrying them together to produce a complete, well-balanced wine. 12% ref IB-IT bottle 90 dozen NEW Vernaccia di San Gimignano Alata Rampa di Fugnano 2012 Traditional full-flavoured vernaccia in the best sense, with full intense flavour and generous bouquet reminiscent of lemon, apple and peach. Works well with full-flavoured dishes. 12% The 2013 follows. ref IB-IT bottle 93 dozen The Society s Gavi A lovely unoaked single-vineyard Gavi from La Battistina. Remarkably good value, medium-full and dry and extremely useful gastronomically in a similar way to white Burgundy. 12% ref IB-IT bottle 102 dozen Poggio Verde Frascati Superiore, Pallavicini 2013 This distinguished estate makes the finest Frascati we know, from a judicious blend of carefully tended local grape varieties, malvasia di Candia and malvasia di Lazio giving aroma, and grechetto and semillon adding body and length. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 107 dozen Vermentino di Sardegna localia, Melis 2013 Vermentino is one of Italy s most rewarding wine grapes, with generous fragrant aroma and full gutsy palate to match spicy food. It thrives close to the sea, particularly in Sardinia. 13.5% ref IB-IT bottle 107 dozen NEW Orvieto Classico Superiore Castagnolo, Barberani 2013 The Castagnolo hill vineyard made particularly fragrant Orvieto in The base is the full and flavoursome local grechetto grape, but a little chardonnay adds roundness and riesling lends fragrance to a well-balanced complete wine. 12.5% ref IB-IT bottle 107 dozen The Society s Prosecco Year in, year out, blind tastings show the Adami family s Prosecco to be the best, and best value. Their vineyards are in Valdobbiadene in the heart of Prosecco country and we buy their Prosecco di Treviso, because there is a price premium for the Valdobbiadene DOC, though the wine is the same. Thanks to the Adamis support, it is now available with a tempting saving on the case. 11.5% ref IB-IT bottle 99 dozen SAVE 15 Key - bone dry to intensely sweet screwcap synthetic closure 4 To order thewinesociety.com/italy smartphone app

5 SPOTLIGHT ON SICILY, SARDINIA AND THE SOUTH The south of Italy is often seen as the poor relation by the industrial north, but it has been the source of fantastic fruit and vegetables for thousands of years, and vines, particularly indigenous varieties, flourish. We buy from growers who show what splendid wines the likes of negroamaro, aglianico and nerello mascalese can make. Ottoventi, whose outstanding whites from Trapani in west Sicily we recently introduced, has already gained lots of praise from the press. Here for the first time are Vallone s gorgeous Riserva Brindisi and an intriguing red from the island of Pantelleria. REDS Etna Rosso Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2011 This Sicilian red is from nerello mascalese grapes grown on mineral-rich volcanic soil at 650 metres on Mount Etna s south-eastern slopes. There is real elegance here backed by rich, silky almost Burgundian texture. Will age well to % ref IB-IT bottle 131 dozen Brindisi Riserva Vigna Flaminio, Vallone 2008 Fine Puglian negroamaro. Rich and full with lovely balanced mid palate, this reserve Brindisi is given six months in Slavonian oak to add roundness and is worth every penny of its price. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 131 dozen Carignano del Sulcis, Buio 2012 From a dynamic Sardinian producer specialising in old-vine carignan. Rich, round, spicy balsamic red. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 138 dozen NEW Kuddia di Ze Rosso Sicilia Abraxas 2008 Splendid discovery for us from the volcanic island of Pantelleria. A bouquet of ripe black fruit and a soft Burgundy-like palate with concentration, freshness and length. A cunning mix of grenache, syrah and carignan from the expert hands of Giacomo Tachis. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 174 dozen Alvolo Aglianico del Vulture, Alovini 2008 A splendid example of south Italy s finest long-living grape, aglianico, with intense fruit lovely balance and classy bouquet still developing more complexity. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 179 dozen Graticciaia, Vallone 2009 One of Italy s great red wines and a true vino da meditazione for savouring slowly with good friends. Rich, multi-layered, fragrant and seductive with generous spicy flavour. Made from the best fruit of Vallone s old bush-vine negroamaro, partially dried on grattici (straw mats) in the Puglian sun to intensify the flavour. Now to % The 2010 follows. ref IB-IT bottle 384 dozen 5

6 SPOTLIGHT ON SICILY, SARDINIA AND THE SOUTH WHITES Punto 8 Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 The 8 is the eight of Ottoventi, the name of this quality winery under the rock of Erice, overlooking the port of Trapani where winds blow all year long and the sailing is great. The wine, made from the native Sicilian white grape grillo, has an engaging flowery bouquet and lovely full creamy palate. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 93 dozen Catarratto Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 Catarratto is the most widely planted white grape in Sicily but very seldom shown proper respect as it is here. Bone dry with bright citric and herbal aromas, good full flavour and appetising freshness, this will be an eye opener to many. It comes from a small family estate with vineyards close to Erice and the sea. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 119 dozen Zibibbo Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 The trick with making wine from muscat of Alexandria grapes(zibibbo in Sicily, derived from the Arabic) is to capture the beautiful rose and lily-scented aroma without losing freshness and elegance. This small high-quality winery has captured the spirit of the grapes perfectly. Scented, fresh, dry on the palate and quite delicious. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 126 dozen NEW Cometa Sicilia, Planeta 2013 With an intriguing aroma reminiscent of lychees, mandarins and Mediterranean herbs, this full, dry, satisfying Sicilian white made from the fiano grape is a true Italian original of great quality. The perfect bottle for tuna, slowly confit in olive oil with bay leaves, lemons and a dried chilli or two. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 270 dozen SOUTHERN ITALY MIXED CASE A six-bottle case with free UK delivery containing one bottle each of the following: WHITE Punto 8, Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 Catarratto Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 Zibibbo Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 RED Etna Rosso Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2011 Brindisi Riserva Vigna Flaminio, Vallone 2008 Carignano del Sulcis, Buio ref IB-MX Key - bone dry to intensely sweet

7 TUSCANY CHIANTI CLASSICO BRUNELLO SASSICAIA ORNELLAIA The last 20 years have witnessed a revolution in the the quality and cultivation of Tuscany s top red grape, sangiovese, and the growers we follow have been at the forefront. A first release of the new vintages of Ornellaia and Sassicaia top the bill of this section, but do not miss Canalicchio di Sopra, a rising star in Brunello di Montalcino. Morellino, Montefalco and Isole e Olena each has its own distinct personality and all give great pleasure. Morellino di Scansano Podere Generously flavoured red from a husband-andwife team who cultivate their vineyards organically. Lovely ripe sangiovese of excellent quality, blended with a bit each of colorino, ciliegiolo, alicante and syrah to add complexity. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 138 dozen The Society s Exhibition Chianti Classico 2011 Full of ripe fruit and abundant charm. Poggiopiano s 2011 vintage has immediate appeal, generous bouquet and soft ripe flavour, and we are pleased to offer the results under our flagship Exhibition label. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 143 dozen NEW Montefalco Rosso, Scacciadiavoli 2009 Spicy undergrowth aromas and soft voluptuous palate. This is an astute mix of 60% sangiovese with 25% merlot and 15% sagrantino. The powerful structured sagrantino gives the distinctive flavour. 14% ref IB-IT bottle 143 dozen NEW Rosso di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra 2012 Rich, full and seductive following the warm 2012 vintage, this is superior to many Brunello s at higher prices. Francesco Ripaccioli s wines from his two vineyards north of the town always retain their finesse too. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 167 dozen Chianti Classico, Fontodi 2010 Ripe, expressive, generous Chianti with warm afterglow reflecting the vintage but retaining the freshness characteristic of this superb Panzano vineyard. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 210 dozen Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena 2011 Entrancing bouquet, freshness and ripe fruit are hallmarks of Paolo de Marchi s Chianti and fully evident in his One secret is the care taken in his vineyards on the western edge of the Classico district. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 210 dozen Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra 2008 Francesco Ripaccioli makes some of the finest Brunello we know with finesse as well as depth of flavour and vitality. His production in 2008 was small and all the Riserva-quality grapes went into this very lovely wine. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 312 dozen NEW Guidalberto, Tenuta San Guido 2011 A serious rival to a classed-growth claret with elegance, lovely middle palate and good grip to the flavour; this is 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot, beautifully balanced together by the Sassicaia team. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 324 dozen 7

8 NEW Le Serre Nuove dell Ornellaia 2010 The second wine of Ornellaia is aromatically rich with generous many-faceted silky flavour as we expect from this top estate. 45% merlot, 41% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 432 dozen NEW Cepparello is a huge success for Cepparello, Paolo de Marchi s flagship red, because it shows off the lovely fragrant bouquet which distinguishes his wines and backs it with full, long-lasting balanced palate. Enjoy this Tuscan star young or mature, but do not miss it. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 570 dozen NEW Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 2011 Beautifully balanced, classy long-lasting Sassicaia. As always, the emphasis is on finesse and elegance with excellent potential to age to % ref IB-IT bottle 1,320 dozen NEW Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2011 In this sun-filled vintage Ornellaia is immediately impressive with wonderfully ripe glossy fruit and depth of seductive spicy flavour, but it needs some time in bottle to show all its quality, so we suggest you drink Le Serre Nuove while you wait to % ref IB-IT bottle 1,464 dozen TUSCAN TREASURES MIXED CASE A six-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following: Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra 2008 Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena 2011 Chianti Classico, Fontodi 2010 Rosso di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra 2012 Montefalco Rosso, Scacciadiavoli 2009 Morellino di Scansano Podere ref IB-MX14129 To order thewinesociety.com/italy smartphone app 8

9 PICK OF PIEDMONT Nebbiolo, the Barolo grape, is at its best when its incomparable bouquet is allowed to shine and develop to its full complexity. To that end, we are glad to say that winemaking trends are moving away from new oak and bringing the grape s perfume to the fore. Mauro Mascarello is one of Italy s great originals. To join him we have chosen best buys (not their priciest wines but of superb quality) from Gaja and Giacosa, and some textbook examples of Piedmont s other grapes. Barbera d Alba, Poderi Colla 2012 Lovely ripe perfumed plum-scented barbera with plenty of ripe fruit and a real touch of class. A super vintage here. 14% ref IB-IT bottle 107 dozen Verduno Pelaverga, GB Burlotto 2013 A remarkable and completely original light-bodied red from pelaverga, a Piedmont native and a grape in which Burlotto is a specialist. Evocative scented white-pepper bouquet and fresh summery flavour. 13% ref IB-IT bottle 138 dozen NEW Dolcetto d Alba, Bruno Giacosa 2012 Not the cheapest dolcetto, but probably the most delicious on the market, Giacosa s wine has wonderful fragrance, balance and lightness of touch, that makes you long for a second glass. 12.5% The equally delicious 2013 follows. ref IB-IT bottle 179 dozen Nebbiolo Langhe, GD Vajra 2012 The Vajra family have done it again. This delicious, scented, gently textured nebbiolo will give more pleasure than many a Barolo. With its seductive flavour and charm it would appeal to Burgundy drinkers too, when they want a change of scene. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 192 dozen NEW Barbera d Alba Scudetto, Giuseppe Mascarello 2010 A barbera with splendid rich, generous flavour, fine individual length and style. What more can one ask? Scudetto is the western part of Mascarello s Santo Stefano di Perno Monforte vineyard. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 240 dozen Barbaresco Rabajà, Giuseppe Cortese 2010 Sweetly scented, with flowery red fruit and lovely rounded balanced flavour and middle palate, this shows Barbaresco s ace card, abundant charm. Rabaja is a prime vineyard and Giuseppe Cortese knows how to make the most of it. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 312 dozen NEW Barolo Monvigliero, GB Burlotto 2010 Outstanding quality from this top Verduno vineyard with individuality, fragrant bouquet and long-lasting haunting flavour. A keeper to % ref IB-IT bottle 348 dozen NEW Barolo Dagromis, Gaja 2008 Full, rich and perfect to drink now, and an excellent example of Angelo Gaja s skill. Now to % Low stock. ref IB-IT bottle 528 dozen NEW Barolo Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello 2009 A particularly successful wine from Mauro Mascarello s vineyard in Monforte Alba, with splendid open fragrant bouquet and generous full flavour. Beautiful wine. Now to % ref IB-IT bottle 672 dozen BAROLO MIXED CASE A six-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following: Barolo Dagromis, Gaja 2008 Barolo Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello 2009 Barolo Monvigliero, GB Burlotto 2010 ref IB-MX open to reveal 6 more wines 9

10 EVERYDAY ITALIAN REDS A 12-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following: Piemonte Grignolino Araldica 2013 Nero d Avola La Ferla, Sicilia 2012 The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo Copertino Eloquenzia 2010 Rosso Piceno Cantina Offida 2012 Dogliani, Clavesana 2012 Valpolicella Valpantena, Torre del Falasco 2013 Cirò, Barone di Bolaro 2012 The Society s Chianti Rúfina Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Mezzacorona 2010 Foresco Umbria, Barberani 2012 Primitivo Basilicata Taverna ref IB-MX14126 EVERYDAY ITALIAN WHITES A 12-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following: Grecanico Mandrarossa Sicilia 2013 Palladium Garganega Veneto 2013 The Society s Verdicchio Vittoria Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave 2013 Dalila Bianco Sicilia Feudo Arancio 2013 Basilicata Bianco, Alovino 2013 Punto 8, Sicilia, Ottoventi 2013 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Alata Rampa di Fugnano 2013 The Society s Gavi Vermentino di Sardegna localia, Melis 2013 Poggio Verde Frascati Superiore, Pallavicini 2013 Orvieto Classico Superiore Castagnolo Barberani ref IB-MX14127 CLASSIC ITALIAN GRAPES MIXED CASE A 12-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following: WHITE Palladium Garganega Veneto 2013 The Society s Verdicchio Vittoria Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave 2013 The Society s Gavi Poggio Verde Frascati Superiore, Pallavicini 2013 SPARKLING The Society s Prosecco RED The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo Nero d Avola La Ferla, Sicilia 2012 Dogliani, Clavesana 2012 Valpolicella Valpantena, Torre del Falasco 2013 The Society s Chianti Rúfina Barbera d Alba, Poderi Colla ref IB-MX14131 EXPLORE ITALY S REGIONAL HEROES MIXED CASE A 12-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following red wines: Barbera d Alba, Poderi Colla 2012 Primitivo Basilicata Taverna 2012 Brindisi Riserva Vigna Flaminio, Vallone 2008 Etna Rosso Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2011 Carignano del Sulcis, Buio 2012 Verduno Pelaverga, GB Burlotto 2013 The Society s Exhibition Chianti Classico 2011 Montefalco Rosso, Scacciadiavoli 2009 Kuddia di Ze Rosso Sicilia Abraxas 2008 Alvolo Aglianico del Vulture, Alovini 2008 Dolcetto d Alba, Bruno Giacosa 2013 Nebbiolo Langhe, GD Vajra A SAVING OF ref IB-MX14132 This offer is open until Sunday 31st August, 2014 while stocks last. Uncork with confidence The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise To order thewinesociety.com/italy