Italian classics: Barolo, Puglia primitivo and Sicilian Mt Etna red

From the home of Barolo in Italy’s north-west, to sun-soaked Puglia and rustic Sicily in the south, we’ve fossicked across one of the world’s great wine countries.

Winter reds bursting with flavour.

From Piedmont, home of Barolo in Italy’s foggy northwest, to the volcanic mountains of Sicily in the south, we’re tripping through one of the world’s great wine countries.

While I wish my Italian tour was physical as well as sensory, there’s something about tasting European wines that instantly transports you to the rustic country lanes of those beautiful wine regions.

The last time The Australian Wine Club scratched its Italian itch, we focused on rich, soft generous reds from Puglia, in the sun-soaked south.

But this time we’ve stretched our wings more expansively, lining up four high-quality wines that highlight classic Italian varieties.

We’ve assembled a velvety montepulciano-driven blend from just outside Rome; a Barolo dripping with rose petals and tar; a stylish Silician wine grown in the shadows of Europe’s highest active volcano; and (we couldn’t resist) a fruit-packed Puglia negroamaro/primitivo with a sophisticated edge.

If you love winter reds bursting with flavour but haven’t yet tried Italian wines, this collection is a wonderful place to start. If you simply love the sumptuous feast that is Italian wine, jump right in!

Antonio Federici Vino Rosso Roma DOC 2019

This gold medal winner is a blend of montepulciano (60 per cent) and cesanese (40 per cent) from Italy’s Lazio region just outside Rome. Awarded 99 points by leading Italian wine writer Luca Maroni, the wine is beautifully balanced. Aromas of dark cherries, plums, vanilla and spice lift from the glass, leading to a plush, luxurious palate flowing with fruit richness. Soft tannins backed by a bright burst of natural acid extend the finish. Montepulciano is Italy’s second most widely grown indigenous grape variety after sangiovese. Lazio is cesanese’s spiritual home but it is also grown in other regions, notably Tuscany and Umbria. The grape is known for producing rich, ripe cherry flavours with floral characters and sometimes a touch of red pepper. This is an absolute pleasure to drink and outstanding value. Won the Berlin Wine Trophy Gold award for the 2019 and 2018 vintages. 14% alc; RRP $27.99 a bottle.

SPECIALS $21.99 a bottle in straight dozen; $28.99 in mixed Italian dozen

Il Poeta Barolo 2017

Those classic Barolo aromas of rose flower, tar and dried herbs can’t be missed, along with violets and touches of nutmeg, mocha and licorice. The nebbiolo, from the world-famous Piedmont region in Italy’s northwest, was grown by a chap called Natale Seghesio, who is referred to as “il Poeta” (the Poet) by his friends. Winemaker Paolo Sartirano takes Natale’s grapes each year, crafting the wine at his family’s cellar, which was founded in 1871 and has been in business for four generations. You’ll also find in this Barolo the firm tannins and high acid associated with the thin-skinned nebbiolo. Aged in oak for three years; Barolos must be aged at least two years in oak and one year in bottle under the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Best enjoyed with good home cooking – perhaps a mushroom risotto. Scored a gold at Mundus Vini this year. 14.5% alc; RRP $55 a bottle.

SPECIALS $45.99 a bottle in straight dozen; $28.99 in mixed Italian dozen

La Fonte d’Oro Negroamaro Primitivo 2020

 

From southern Italy’s Puglia region comes this fruit-packed blend of negroamaro and primitivo grapes. The hot climate of Italy’s “boot” is well known for producing rich, ripe, full-bodied reds. This is a little more sophisticated: big fruit flavours of dark cherries, blackberries and satsuma plums shine brightly but there’s a hint of smoky charcuterie and dark spices in the background and a structure that weaves these flavours together. Winemaker Simone Cortese dries the grapes for two weeks before pressing to extract the rich flavours. The wine was aged in oak for six months, adding layers of vanilla and spice to the fruit. A treat, especially with a braised beef stew and winter vegetables. 14% alc; RRP $29.99 a bottle.

SPECIALS $24.99 a bottle in straight dozen; $28.99 in mixed Italian dozen

Armagia 2017

Perhaps not as famous as Barolo, but Sicilian wines from Mount Etna are quickly growing in stature. Lighter than the other Italians in this line-up, you’ll find delicate red fruit flavours and tobacco leaf and floral notes supported by supple tannins. These are attributes characteristic of the Nerello grapes – mascalese and cuppuccio – blended together here. Nerello is believed to be related to sangiovese. The grapes for this wine are grown about 700 metres above sea level and deliver a juicy acidity which flows to the finish. A compelling experience. 13.5% alc; RRP $38 a bottle.

SPECIALS $31.99 a bottle in straight dozen; $28.99 in mixed Italian dozen

SPECIAL ITALIAN DOZEN Three bottles of each wine for $28.99 a bottle

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