Punta Aquila IGT Salento, Tenuta Rubino 2007

This full and enveloping wine shows ethereal, fragrant and rich notes. It displays scents and nuance of cherries in brandy, mulberry jam, blueberry and blackcurrant, humus, tobacco and ginger, black pepper and herbs. Dynamic, coherent and of strong impact, it shows fascinating mineral aromas that well combine with the powerful structure of the fruit, the acidity and the pleasant and exuberant tannins. It's a warm and complex wine with a flighty personality, generous and vibrant, intense and concentrated, surprising while ageing.

Nebbiolo d'Alba DOC, Marco Porello 2008

This is a great wine at a great price. Deep ruby red colour, unmistakable berry (raspberry and blackberry) and flowers scents (violet and dog rose) with a gentle wood fragrance that gives delicate balsamic notes to the taste. If you like Barolo but find it financially hard to swallow this is an ideal choice.

Roero Arneis Camestri DOC, Marco Porello 2009

A young, rising star producer from the Roero in Piedmont, Marco Porello produces wines of depth and richness. His arneis is pale yellow with glints of green. Herb, tangerine and wet stone notes on the nose with medium body on the palate and a bright, mouth-watering acidity like you'd expect from arneis. Great as an aperitif or a delightful companion to antipasti, particularly salumi and olives. The 2007 vintage of this wine was named the "Best of the Tasting and Best Value" by the Wall Street Journal.

Montefalco Rosso DOC, Antonelli San Marco 2007

Deep ruby red with purple tints. The bouquet abounds in fruits of the forest, cherries and plums and enjoyable toasted aromas. In the mouth it is generous, warm and beautifully balanced.

Food Pairings

This wine pairs well with flavoursome first courses like risotto, tagliatelle, ravioli, rare red meat and mature hard cheese.

Grumello Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Mamete Prevostini 2006

The sub-zone of Grumello lies East of Sondrio, on Valtellina Superiore grounds. The name derives from the 12th century Grumello castle overlooking the valley. Bright garnet colour with brick red hints. Heady, fine, fragrant bouquet of violets and spice with a hint of berries. Elegant and balanced with a lingering finish.

Food Pairings

This wine pairs well with roasts, highly-flavoured dishes of wild game, mature cheeses.

Salento Primitivo Visellio IGT Salento, Tenuta Rubino 2006

"The 2006 Salento Primitivo Visellio is a heady, opulent wine loaded with sweet blackberry jam, minerals, earthiness and French oak. The wine offers notable depth and richness, with a long, satisfying finish. Made in a soft-textured, generous style, this mouth filling red is sure to deliver much pleasure over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014."

91 points - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate issue #182, Apr 2009

Jaddico Rosso DOC Brindisi, Tenuta Rubino 2006

"Tenute Rubino's 2006 Rosso Jaddico (mostly Negroamaro with Montepulciano and Malvasia Nera) is a gorgeous, fruit-driven wine. Sweet dark cherries, grilled herbs, spices and flowers all make an appearance in this accessible super-ripe Puglian red. The quirky aromas and flavors of Negroamaro are present, and the wine offers lovely balance. This juicy offering is best enjoyed in its youth and also happens to be a great value. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012."

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate issue #182, April 2009

Avi Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva DOC, San Patrignano 2006

"The 2006 Avi is a brooding wine layered with incense, French oak, grilled herbs, dark cherries, plums and earthiness, all of which come together in a powerful expression of Sangiovese. The intensity of the fruit matches the tannins all the way to the building, long finish. In 2006 Avi is impressive for both its sense of power and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021."

92 points - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate issue #189, June 2010

Barolo Serralunga DOCG, Ettore Germano 2005

"The 2005 Barolo emerges from the glass with sweet-Pinot like aromas that lead to soft, expressive fruit. This entry-level Barolo offers terrific balance and harmony in an attractive, accessible style that is sure to find many admirers. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020."

89+ points - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate issue #185, Oct 2009