Italian wine from our partner shops

Super Superiore! When you hear the name "Asti", do you first think of the famous Asti Spumante, the sweet, white sparkling wine from Piedmont? Then you might be surprised to learn that the vineyards around the city of Asti are largely planted with red wine. The Barbera grape variety clearly sets the tone here. And not just in terms of area. Since 2008, Barbera d'Asti has had the status of a DOCG region, the highest Italian level for quality wines. But that's not all: A Barbera d'Asti Superiore, such as the one produced by the Villa Pani winery, goes one step further in terms of quality... "A Barbera d'Asti requires four months of maturation, whereas a Barbera d'Asti Superiore matures for at least 14 months," explains Stella Grasso. The young winemaker heads up red wine production at Villa Pani and, as a true Piedmontese, is very familiar with the region's peculiarities. "To give the wine more depth and flavor, our Superiore is stored for the full 14 months in small 225-liter barriques. The typical cherry fruit of the Barbera also comes out even better," Stella is sure. In fact, her ruby-red Superiore with its powerful fruit aromas invites you to enjoy it straight away. Piedmont cherry, plum, violet, basil and fine spices characterize the scent. On the palate you feel the stately body and great harmony. Juicy, finely structured and long-lasting, this Barbera d'Asti Superiore is one thing above all: super! Try its excellent quality on its own, with pasta, mature cheese or spicy dishes from the grill.

The best of tradition and modernity When we talk about highly individual wines with strong character, we quickly end up with Barolo. The combination of light red color, fine fruit, strong structure and enormous storage capacity is simply unique in the world of wine. It is no wonder that the impressive wines from the small municipality of the same name in Piedmont enjoy great fame. The Villa Pani Barolo from winemaker Stella Grasso provides you with a modern taste of its highest class. Stella has known the vineyards of Piedmont since she was a child. She comes from Canelli, which is about 30 kilometers east of the Barolo region. She studied oenology in Alba before heading out into the wide world. In Australia, Stella then became acquainted with a very modern, international red wine style, which she has been incorporating into the Villa Pani winery since she returned home. She matures the Barolo in barriques for an extra long time. "Unlike the large barrels, the small barrique gives the wine more of its soft wood aromas. This makes the taste rounder and the sometimes somewhat prickly Barolo accessible a little earlier," explains Stella. The Barolo from Villa Pani is stored in barriques for an impressive 38 months before it is bottled.The wine appears very classic in the glass: a light garnet red sparkles at you. The typical cherry fruit and fine spice notes are immediately present on the nose, accompanied by delicate caramel aromas. On the tongue, the Barolo then positions itself with a powerful body and juicy tartaric acid. In fact, the structure is very polished, despite the present tannins. The long finish reveals fine vanilla notes.The young Stella, that much is clear after tasting, combines tradition and modernity in the best way in this Barolo. See for yourself and try this wonderful red wine both on its own and with strong dishes with truffles and mature cheese.

Apulia with a difference Apulia - but not Primitivo! With this short formula, the Virgolato invites explorers and lovers of full-bodied red wines to a new wine experience. Because Primitivo may be on everyone's lips, but "Virgolato" is the wine of the moment! Why this is so is clear to anyone who has tried this wine slightly chilled. That is when the advantages of this Rosso come into their own. Fresh fruit and an elegant body nestle against the palate. Juicy, cherry-like and subtly spicy, the Virgolato rolls along the tongue and is soft and balanced. No wonder, since the three old southern Italian grape varieties Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera and Nero di Troia were brought into perfect harmony. With this wine, amazement is simply allowed. Because so much fruit and freshness is quite unusual for a red wine - especially at this moderate price. Try for yourself what Apulia can taste like and enjoy the Virgolato at 12 to 14 degrees simply on its own or with delicious grilled dishes.

Homage to Portofino "I found my love in Portofino" - that's how the French music icon Dalida sang the song by the duo Chiosso-Buscaglione at the end of the 1950s about the picturesque port town near Genoa. And in doing so, she made it famous almost overnight. Since then, not only tourists but also world stars have been flocking to the small town. In the past, it was Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot; today it is the summer residence of such famous families as Armani and Prada. Their holiday homes may not be accessible to the average tourist. But there is something that is shared locally. Namely, the high-quality wines, whose grapes grow on the lush slopes high above the dreamy harbor. This is exactly where the grapes for the great Portofino homage by Cantina Volpi come from. The "Rosafino" Rosato is made from 100 percent Grenache. A grape variety that is rarely found in Liguria, but which nevertheless brings the full Italian feeling of life into the glass: rich fruit (blackberry, black currant and black cherry) is paired with an enchanting freshness and a magnificent liveliness. Every sip is an enjoyable short vacation!