Umbria

Bordering on Tuscany and right above Rome, Umbria has as a capital Perugia. The city is famous for its University and chocolates, thanks to Perugina/Baci brand! Another famous city is certainly Assisi. The Franciscan structures of Assisi have been selected as a World Heritage Site in 2000.
The region is also named the Green Heart of Italy. Umbrian agriculture is noted for its tobacco, olive oil, black truffles (45% of Italian production in Valnerina) and vineyards.
The notable wines are the crisp, dry white wine Grechetto and the antioxidant-rich reds of Sagrantino, a deep coloured, recognized as the world’s most tannic red wine!

Arnaldo Caprai

The family operation began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased a 5ha vineyard, Val di Maggio, in Montefalco. In 1988, management passed on to Arnaldo’s son, Marco.
Today, the estate extends for around 150 hectares, 136 of which are currently in production.
The winery is the leading producer of top quality Sagrantino di Montefalco, a 100% Sagrantino wine. The Grape is recognized to have the highest level of Polyphenols and Tannins compared to any other variety in the world.
Marco, who dedicated himself to develop & promote this unique variety growing in the Montefalco region for more than 400 years, is recognized in Italy and in the world as one of the top Italian producers.

Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.

According to legend, it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.

In the past, Sicily was famous for its Marsala and cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.

The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, the winery is now led by José and Antonio.

Donnafugata boasts vineyards in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily, as well as on Pantelleria island, situated between Sicily and Africa.

The 2016 harvest marked a milestone for Donnafugata, fulfilling the aspiration to produce wines in eastern Sicily with the distinguished Etna, Cerasuolo, and Frappato di Vittoria appellations.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ originates from the novel ‘Il Gattopardo’ and alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

Sicily

The largest Mediterranean island, separated from the Italian peninsula by the very narrow Messina strait, Sicily is probably among the richest regions in history, art and cultural heritage, a mosaic of colours and contrasts.
According to legend, it was Dionysus (Bacchus) who brought pleasure to mankind, and wine to Sicily.
In the past, Sicily was famous for its Marsala and cheap bulk wines. Over the last 30 years, however, Sicily’s wine culture has changed dramatically and is now considered as one of the best regions.
The Sicilian has the largest vineyard in all of Italy. It is three times the size of the vineyard in New Zealand, larger than vineyard in South Africa and equivalent to the vineyard in Germany.

Donnafugata

Established in 1983 by Giacomo Rallo, the winery is now led by José and Antonio.

Donnafugata boasts vineyards in Contessa Entellina, nestled in the heart of western Sicily, as well as on Pantelleria island, situated between Sicily and Africa.

The 2016 harvest marked a milestone for Donnafugata, fulfilling the aspiration to produce wines in eastern Sicily with the distinguished Etna, Cerasuolo, and Frappato di Vittoria appellations.

The name Donnafugata, meaning ‘lady in flight,’ originates from the novel ‘Il Gattopardo’ and alludes to the tale of a queen who sought sanctuary in what are now the company’s vineyards, a narrative that also inspired the company’s logo.

Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history and artistic legacy. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the region has an incredible art and architecture heritage.

Tuscany is certainly the most famous of all Italian regions for its wines.

Sangiovese reigns in all its forms in the vineyards of Chianti but also Montepulciano and Montalcino.

It is also the land of the Super Tuscan, the Bordeaux blend style that laid the foundation of some of the greatest Italian wines.

As a pairing with these wines, Tuscany cuisine is based on simplicity but high quality and certainly topped with Tuscan olive oil, recognized all over the world.

Caccia al Piano

The Tenuta lies in Bolgheri, a village in the commune of Castagneto Carducci. The ancient hunting preserve, dating back to 1868 and belonging to the noble Della Gherardesca family.

In 2003, Franco Ziliani, owner of the Guido Berlucchi, acquires Caccia al Piano turned into a wine estate at the end of the nineties.

The estate comprises about 30 hectares overall, of which 23 are planted to vineyard. Averaging between 13 to 23 years old, they are divided into four crus: San Biagio, Grottine, Cantina, and Le Bozze.

140,000 bottles are produced per year. Red wines are from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. White wines rely on Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc.

Piedmont

Located, as its name suggests, at the foot of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland, Piedmont is the second largest of Italy’s 20 regions, after Sicily.

Recognized for its industry like Fiat in Turin, Piedmont is also one of the greatest regions in the world in terms of cuisine (don’t forget the white truffles from Alba!) and wine!

With 42 DOC and 17 DOCG, Piedmont has more wine appellations than any other Italian region.

Giuseppe Cortese

Since 1971, Giuseppe Cortese has been producing in the heart of “Rabajà,” a historic cru in the Barbaresco region.

Their high-quality wines from 4 hectares of vineyards benefits from a southwesterly exposure, offering optimal microclimate, soil, and ripening conditions.

The winery adheres to traditional winemaking practices while incorporating modern technology. They are ageing their wines in Slavonian oak barrels and storing them in underground cellars at ideal temperatures.

Their Chardonnay, Dolcetto, and Barbera vines, planted on the slopes opposite Trifolera, yield wines that are noted for their refined elegance and characteristic style.

Argentina

Argentina is one of the major wine countries in the world.

Out of all of the wines that Argentina produces, it is perhaps best known for creating outstanding Malbecs. They are representing almost half of red varieties cultivated area in the country.

The most highly rated Malbec wines originate from Mendoza. They are located in the foothills of the Andes mountains between 850 and 1,520 m.

A Malbec is a wine that is known for having a strong and fruity flavor and a very smooth texture and finish. It is allowing to enjoy an exciting flavor that is delightful to drink. It is a rich and dark wine that some say has a flavor that can be compared to a plum.

Achaval Ferrer

Founded in 1998, Achaval Ferrer has become one of the best producers of Argentinean wines from the Mendoza mountains.

It is a small winery – 54 hectares – focused quality.

Low yields allow the vineyards to express their personality in the grapes.

Low intervention winemaking allows the grapes to fully express their vineyard in the bottle.

The outstanding reputation came from their Fincas, single Malbec vineyards.

The vines range in age from 70 to over 110 years old and are un-grafted. Aged for 15 months in new French oak barrels.

The Fincas have their own unique personalities and profiles. However, they are united by the common threads of rich, dark berry fruit flavors and aromas. Hints of espresso and leather, and lifted with floral notes and noticeable minerality.

Veneto

The Veneto, located in the north-east of Italy, is about five million population, ranking fifth in Italy. The tourists are very attracted by the capital, Venice but also Verona, the hometown of Giulietta!
It is also a region that contributes a significant percentage of the country’s total wine industry. With now 14 DOCGS & 24 DOCs, Veneto is producing every style of wine and with great success.
Soave, Valpolicella and Bardolino, Amarone, are produced there. The super trendy sparkling wine Prosecco has its origins and its best expression in the Veneto.
Much of Italy’s Pinot grigio hails from the Veneto, where the crisp and refreshing style is easy to maintain.

Inama

The winery was established in 1967 by Giuseppe Inama.  At the time, he began to purchase small plots of vineyards in the heart of the Soave Classico and as a result, the Inama winery today owns most of the vineyards on the prestigious Mount Foscarino.

Today the winery is run by the 3rd generation, pushing up the quality of the Soave and developing their other project in Colli Berici.  Here, mineral-rich terra rossa soils (red clay over limestone) and a hot, dry climate make ideal conditions for growing red grapes, in particular Carmenere.

Lombardy

Lombardy is the most populous, richest and most productive region in the country. 16.2% of the national population (10 million people) live there and create 21% of the total GDP.

The region is an important producer of wines but not really well recognized except Franciacorta or Valtellina.

If Italy is known for its spaghettis, Rice is very popular in the region, often found in soups as well as risotti, such as “risotto alla milanese”, with saffron. Butter is used, no olive oil!

The region is famous for its historical figures such as Virgil, Caravaggio, Claudio Monteverdi, Antonio Stradivari and popes John XXIII or Paul VI.

Arpepe

The “Pelizzatti” winery was born in 1860.

In 1973, after many trials and tribulations, both the trademark and the business were sold.

In 1984, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, decided to make a comeback, using his own acronym, ArPePe.

Now, the family owns 13 hectares of vineyard. They are all standing in grass, in the heart of the Valtellina Superiore DOCG area, dotted around Sassella, Grumello and Inferno.

In 2018, Gambero Rosso awarded Best Italian Red Wine of the Year ARPEPE’s Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse.

Rhône

One of the demanded red wine regions in France is the Rhône, a valley that starts due south of Lyon and continues along the Rhône River until Provence.

Due to its notable length, it has varying soils, expositions, micro-climates and varieties. The north is home to appellations such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St-Joseph, Cornas and features Syrah as its sole red grape. Its whites include Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.

In its southern half of the Rhône, the wines are notably different. The vineyards are hotter, flatter and composed of different soils and varieties, such as Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan as well as the ubiquitous Syrah. The resulting wines such as Châteauneuf du Pape, are rich and robust with lots of character and warmth.

Domaine de La Solitude

La Solitude belongs to one of the oldest families of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Their history goes back to the XVth century. From generation to generation, the Estate is still a family affair and is now run by Florent Lançon.
La Solitude stretches over 37 hectares of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The domain begins on “La Crau”, high terraces of the Rhône and then descends into the valley of la Solitude. It is a patchwork of terroirs ranging from sandy soils (safres) to clay and pebbles (galets roulés). Thirteen different grape varieties are cultivated there!
The vineyard has been practising organic viticulture for a long time and will be officially certified from 2021 vintage and biodynamic from 2022.

Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history and artistic legacy. As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the region has an incredible art and architecture heritage.
Tuscany is certainly the most famous of all Italian regions for its wines. Sangiovese reigns in all its forms in the vineyards of Chianti but also Montepulciano and Montalcino.
It is also the land of the Super Tuscan, the Bordeaux blend style that laid the foundation of some of the greatest Italian wines.
As a pairing with these wines, Tuscany cuisine is based on simplicity but high quality and certainly topped with Tuscan olive oil, recognized all over the world.

CastelGiocondo

Brunello di Montalcino “Castelgiocondo” is a wine that is a bearer of the passage of time and respect for tradition, a value that the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi winery, even today, after 700 years of history, continues to emphasize in each of its labels. This is a territorial red, expressing the potential of Sangiovese within one of the most renowned terroirs in all of Tuscany and giving a powerful but never out of control sip, always harmonious thanks to elegant tannins.

This “Castelgiocondo” Brunello di Montalcino comes from a careful selection of Sangiovese grapes made by the Frescobaldi winery team. The vineyards, facing south and southwest, are situated at an optimal altitude of between 250 and 450 meters above sea level and are rooted in a terroir rich in sand, clay and calcium. .