Sexy Italian reds: from Barolo and Barbaresco to Tuscan sangiovese and Puglian primitivo
From Barolos to Tuscan beauties, this is a line-up of thrilling reds from our wine club’s European connections to inspire your next tasting adventure.
For lovers of rich reds, Italian wines bring sex appeal to the cellar.
From the world-famous Barolos of Piedmont to superb Tuscan sangiovese and juicy primitivos from Puglia, Italian winemakers know how to get pulses racing.
The Australian Wine Club this week draws on long-held relationships in Europe to present a line-up of thrilling reds (plus a special white) that will appeal to both long-term Italian fans and those looking to jump-start a new wine adventure.
Barolo is running hot. Made from nebbiolo in Italy’s foggy northwest region of Piedmont, Barolo has a reputation for living long in the cellar due to the grape’s firm tannins and high natural acid. While this remains true, our Italian wine specialist, Leonardo Bassano, believes smart local winemakers are today crafting wines that are more approachable at a younger age. This finely balanced six-year-old proves the point. You’ll be entranced by classic Barolo aromas of cherries, truffles, violets and dried herbs, along with touches of nutmeg, mocha and leather. A little decanting brings alive moreish red fruit flavours, flecked with herbs and spices that linger on. Winemaker Paolo Sartirano’s family have been in the game for four generations. The Il Poeta was aged for 40 months, including 18 months in oak. A brilliant opportunity to sample high-quality Barolo at an affordable price. Just add a bowl of home-cooked bolognese. 14.5% alc; RRP $55 a bottle.
SPECIALS $45.99 a bottle in any dozen; $30.99 a bottle in Italian dozen or six-pack
Like Barolo, Barbaresco wines are made from nebbiolo. The Barbaresco region is located near Barolo in Piedmont but the soils are sandier and higher in nutrients, which means the vines produce less tannin. As a result, Barbarescos are generally more approachable at a younger age than Barolos. You’ll notice this if you try these two Il Poeta wines side by side – the 2018 is softer although it is a year younger and was matured for 26 months, less than the 2017 Barolo. You’ll find lovely cherry aromas, with hints of Turkish delight and vanilla. Silky tannins carry generous cherry and raspberry flavours. Pure pleasure. 14% alc; RRP $50 a bottle.
SPECIALS $42.99 a bottle in any dozen; $30.99 a bottle in Italian dozen or six-pack
Collezione di Paolo Contrappasso 2020
From Tuscany in central Italy comes this rich sangiovese and shiraz blend, courtesy of the Masi wine family. Pretty aromas of raspberries, cherries, rose, bramble and thyme transport you to the high hills of Chianti, east of Florence. Bright strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavours meld with rustic notes of anise and herbs, while soft subtle tannins and fresh acidity round out this luscious wine. Our team in Italy has sourced wines from the Masi family for more than 30 years, first from Renzo and now his award-winning son, Paolo. Paolo uses in this blend some grapes that have been partly dried on the vine as well as on racks, creating a rich and weighty wine that is also fresh. 14% alc; RRP $32 a bottle.
SPECIALS $23.99 a bottle in any dozen; $30.99 a bottle in Italian dozen or six-pack
La Fonte d’Oro Negroamaro Primitivo 2020
This fruit-packed blend of negroamaro and primitivo grapes comes from southern Italy’s Puglia region. The hot climate of Italy’s “boot” is well known for producing rich, ripe, full-bodied reds. This delivers big fruit flavours of dark cherries, blackberries and satsuma plums, with a hint of smoky charcuterie and dark spices in the background. Winemaker Simone Cortese dries the grapes for two weeks before pressing to extract the rich flavours. A treat, especially with a braised beef stew. 14% alc; RRP $32 a bottle.
SPECIALS $24.99 in any dozen; $30.99 in Italian dozen or six-pack
Doppio Passo Copertino Riserva 2017
Also from Puglia, the Doppio Passo is made from negroamaro grapes grown in the subregion of Copertino. Negroamaro, known as Italy’s “dark beauty” of grapes, is almost exclusively grown in Puglia and produces intense rustic wines that combine perfume and earthiness. The Doppio Passo greets you with aromas of plums, smoky berries and black tea. Tongue-coating flavours of baked cherries and plums are supported by soft tannins and subtle acidity. As a Riserva, the wine is matured for at least two years. These generous styles of southern wines are super drinkable. 14% alc; RRP $28 a bottle.
SPECIALS $21.99 a bottle in any dozen; $30.99 a bottle in Italian dozen or six-pack
Selvarossa dei Confratelli 2018
If you want to know more about the wines of Puglia, it’s worth knowing the story of Angelo Maci, the winemaker behind this power-packed beauty. Born to a small winemaking family, Angelo has done as much as anyone to elevate the global reputation of Italy’s second-biggest wine region by setting up a co-operative of 15 grape growers in 1989 and investing in modern technology and sustainable cultivation to lift quality. The cooperative has grown to 1200 growers and Angelo’s Cantine Due Palme has been awarded southern Italy’s winery of the year three times. This is Angelo’s flagship blend of negroamaro grapes with a smaller portion of malvasia nera, from the sub-region of Salice Salentino. It’s a luscious wine of dense berry fruit: aromas of cherry jam, dates, vanilla and licorice are irresistible. 14.5% alc; RRP $44 a bottle.
SPECIALS $38.99 a bottle in any dozen; $30.99 a bottle in Italian dozen or six-pack
SPECIAL 15-bottle deal: $29.99 a bottle. Save $137
Two bottles of each red plus three bottles of Villa Broglia Gavi di Gavi 2020. Gavi is a refreshing Italian dry white, known for delicate aromas of citrus fruits and roasted almonds. 13.5% alc; RRP $35 a bottle.
Two bottles of each red for $30.99 a bottle. Also available in six-packs for $30.99 a bottle.
Order online or phone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals available only while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550.
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