Southern Italy Tasting Case

Product description

Arini Vini - Grillo DOC Sicilia
The Arini family has been making wine in Marsala, in western Sicily, since 1952. They have deliberately stayed small so they can keep every step of the process in their own hands. This Grillo comes from organic vineyards in Marsala and Mazara del Vallo, just a few metres above sea level. The grapes are hand-picked. After a gentle pressing, the wine ages for four months in stainless steel. The result is a dry, soft and refreshing white with floral notes, white fruit and a hint of sweet spice. Delicious with smoked fish, shellfish or grilled vegetables.

Francesco Loi - ‘Vallée d’Olmè’ Bianco (Catarratto)
Francesco Loi (born in 1997) started with an experiment in his garage in 2018. It has since grown into a fully fledged, sustainable estate in Valledolmo, high up in Sicily’s Madonie mountains. The Catarratto for this wine comes from bush vines planted in 1954, at 850 metres altitude on clay-limestone soils. The cool mountain air and big difference between day and night give the wine a wonderful freshness. It is made organically and aged entirely in stainless steel. On the nose you’ll find citrus, flint and white flowers. The wine is soft, fresh and saline, with a long, mineral finish. Lovely as an aperitif, with fish, or with olives and fresh cheese.

Elena Catalano - Falanghina Taburno DOC
Elena Catalano’s vineyards lie on the slopes of Monte Pino near Benevento in Campania, at around 400 metres altitude. The rows follow the traditional rittochino system, running down the slope. This lets water drain away naturally and prevents soil erosion. The Falanghina is gently pressed and fermented at low temperature to keep the aromas pure. You’ll taste exotic fruit, flowers and light mineral notes, with a lively structure and a fresh, long finish. It’s already beautiful young and gains depth with a little more time in bottle. Perfect with seafood, fish carpaccio or young cheeses.

Ômina Romana - ‘Diana Nemorensis I’ 2021
Ômina Romana lies in the hills around Velletri, southeast of Rome, on volcanic soil. The name refers to the omens (omina) the ancient Romans used to foretell fate. This red is named after Diana Nemorensis, the Roman goddess of the hunt. It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged in steel with a small portion in French barriques. On the nose you’ll find ripe plum, cassis and cranberry, with sweet spice, vanilla and a touch of dark chocolate. Juicy and velvety, with approachable tannins. Delicious with grilled red meat, pasta with a rich sauce or aged cheese.

Miali - ‘Spalla Grande’ Susumaniello
The Miali family has been making wine in Puglia’s Valle d’Itria since 1886, and the fourth generation is now at the helm. With Spalla Grande they put the spotlight on Susumaniello, a rare native grape from Puglia. After around ten days of skin maceration, the wine ferments in stainless steel. It then ages for a few more months in bottle. Deep ruby red, with ripe black berries, juicy cherries and a subtly spicy touch. Full and silky, with velvety tannins. Ideal for the barbecue, roast meat or a mature cheese.

Cantina Ziu Andria - ‘Nastallai’ Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
In the early 1970s, brothers Totoi and Andrìa Secci planted their vineyards in S’ena de Iloghe, one of the most special terroirs of Dorgali in Sardinia. Their grandson Gabriele now makes around 8,000 bottles a year together with his father Antonio, taking great care of the old vines. Nastallai is 100% Cannonau. It first ages in wooden vats for structure and depth, then in stainless steel to preserve its freshness. You’ll taste ripe red fruit, spice and earthy notes, with fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish. A powerful wine for grilled meat, goat or a semi-aged pecorino.