Sebastian s Italian Love Affair

Sebastian s Italian Love Affair IBAUG18/1

Exploring Italian wines is a life-changing experience. There is always something new and exciting to discover RED SEBASTIAN S ITALIAN LOVE AFFAIR For me, exploring Italian wines is a life-changing experience. Every time I visit I discover new flavours and exciting new growers, and return to find those I have known for many years with a sparkle still in their eyes. The Italians reputation for excellence and individuality shines through in the variety of delightful bottles here. This year we take an excursion to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily a little overlooked in the past to show their special strengths, before shining a light on four outstanding producers from four different regions. You can t do better than beginning with a mixed case of reds and whites to add a little magic to your wine rack; simply imagine these wines as a tour of Italy in the comfort of your own home. Sebastian Payne MW Your buyer for Italy 4 Isola della Fiamma Nero d Avola 2017 Sicily s native nero d Avola grape keeps its fresh flavour balanced by natural ripeness from the island s heat. Refreshing and delicious. 12.5% ref IB-IT24811 6.50 bottle 78 dozen The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo 2016 Italy s montepulciano grape produces full, vibrant, gutsy reds, and ours is made by a small, topquality co-operative called Roxan. This vintage has lovely perfumed fruit and freshness. 13.5% ref IB-IT24011 7.25 bottle 79 special dozen price thanks to supplier support SAVE 8 Basilicata Rosso Terre degli Eventi, Alovini 2015 The wines of Basilicata are some of the least known in the country, but are a great discovery. This mouthwatering blend of aglianico and sangiovese bursts with red-fruit flavours. 12.5% ref IB-IT24191 7.50 bottle 90 dozen Biferno Rosso Riserva Palladino 2013 A bold, powerful blend of montepulciano, aglianico and trebbiano, this oozes rustic warmth, with good grip and a velvety palate. 13% ref IB-IT25441 7.95 bottle 95 dozen Janare Aglianico Sannio 2016 This food-friendly red is packed with the savoury-fruit character of aglianico, Campania s star red grape. It s a good match for rich tomato-based dishes. 13% ref IB-IT25381 7.95 bottle 95 dozen The Society s Sicilian Reserve Red 2014 Smooth, generous and fragrant red from Sicily s native nero d Avola grape. This is one of the great successes of the excellent 2014 vintage and is brilliant value for money. 13.5% ref IB-IT25131 8.25 bottle 99 dozen The Society s Chianti Rufina 2015 A much-loved Italian red, fruity and soft with the charming perfumed bouquet typical of Chianti s Rufina Valley. Perfect for friendly gatherings over a bowl of tomato pasta. 12.5% ref IB-IT23551 8.75 bottle 90 special dozen price thanks to supplier support SAVE 15 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Castel Firmian, Mezzacorona 2013 A full-bodied, fruity red polished by well-judged barrel ageing while keeping a freshness that keeps you coming back for more. 13% ref IB-IT24231 9.25 bottle 111 dozen Foresco Umbria, Barberani 2016 Niccolò Barberani has perfected this sangiovesebased blend and this generous warm-flavoured wine makes a splendid alternative to pricier Supertuscans. 13.5% ref IB-IT26191 9.50 bottle 114 dozen NEW Oltrepo Pavese Pinot Nero della Quercia, Castel del Lupo 2016 Beguilingly fragrant Italian pinot noir, with charming, naturally sweet fresh fruit. A stylish wine made from organically cultivated grapes. 13.5% ref IB-IT25461 9.95 bottle 119 dozen The Society s Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 We re delighted with this intense, full-bodied Italian wine, with its ravishing ripe-fruit character and persistent fig-and-raisin flavour. Drink now to 2021. 13.5% The 2016 follows ref IB-IT23021 10.50 bottle 126 dozen NEW Susumaniello Salento Rosso, Vallone 2016 Spicy red with a velvety yet fresh palate that leads all too easily to the next glass. Susumaniello is an ancient grape variety that has been reintroduced on Vallone s estate. Drink now to 2020. 13% ref IB-IT25851 10.95 bottle 131 dozen Key - Bone dry to intensely sweet Screwcap Synthetic Red wine White wine Rosé Sparkling wine Organic

WHITE Isola della Fiamma, Grillo Sicilia 2017 Grillo, the fullest-flavoured of western Sicily s white grapes, has here been given extra lift and zing by the addition of a small percentage of aromatic zibbibo, with lovely results. 12.5% ref IB-IT24801 6.50 bottle 78 dozen Vermentino Sicilia, Mandrarossa 2017 This shows the vermentino grape s typical character and body, with a nicely rounded texture and peachy fruit on the palate. Enjoy with antipasti or a vegetable risotto. 12.5% ref IB-IT25321 6.50 bottle 78 dozen Palladium Garganega Veneto 2016 Immediately appealing smiley Italian white for anyday drinking, made from garganega, the Soave grape. A summer wine-rack staple. 12.5% The 2017 follows ref IB-IT22711 6.75 bottle 81 dozen NEW Inzolia di Sicilia, Feudo Arancio 2017 Fresh Sicilian white with a delicious nutty character, made from early-picked grapes for extra freshness. The inzolia grape flourishes on vineyards close to the sea. 13% ref IB-IT25721 6.75 bottle 81 dozen The Society s Verdicchio 2016 They do not remember a better vintage for verdicchio here and our wine, selected from the Coste del Molino vineyard, has a lovely fresh bouquet and full dry flavour. 12.5% The 2017 follows ref IB-IT24101 7.50 bottle 79 special dozen price thanks to supplier support SAVE 11 NEW Basilicata Bianco, Alovini 2016 Malvasia gives an enchanting scent to this native blend, with fiano adding fruity acidity and length and chardonnay adding roundness. A complete, well-balanced wine. 12% ref IB-IT23891 7.95 bottle 95 dozen NEW Pinot Grigio Valparadiso 2017 Pinot grigio as it should be, made with loving care by specialist Antonio Fattori, with fruit from his hillside vineyard. A lovely drop. 13% ref IB-IT25911 9.95 bottle 119 dozen Regaleali Bianco, Tasca d Almerita 2017 This famous Italian estate has been making this blend for over 50 years and they always get it right. Balanced and approachable, this has a delicate perfume and juicy fruit flavours. 12% ref IB-IT25611 8.25 bottle 99 dozen Every time I visit Italy I discover new flavours and exciting new growers Frascati, Principe Pallavicini 2017 A delightful introduction to Frascati. This has a distinctive, almost toffee-ish flavour from the malvasia di Candia, with dashes of greco, for vibrancy, and trebbiano for its lovely bouquet. 13% ref IB-IT25541 8.50 bottle 102 dozen The Society s Falanghina 2016 A seductive and highly versatile white with tangy citrus fruit flavours, this is made especially for us. La Guardiense use only the best latepicked fruit from hillside vines for ripeness and intensity. 13.5% ref IB-IT24111 8.75 bottle 90 special dozen price thanks to supplier support SAVE 15 Grechetto Umbria, Barberani 2016 Grechetto is the star white Umbrian grape and Barberani make a delicious example with a creamy texture and lovely clean aftertaste. Organically produced. 12% ref IB-IT24411 9.95 bottle 119 dozen The Society s Gavi 2017 A delicious vintage, with fresh citrus and pineapple aromas and crisp, fruity flavour, this wine, made from the cortese grape, thoroughly deserves its popularity. 12.5% ref IB-IT25781 9.95 bottle 119 dozen 3 Litre Box of Coffele Soave, Coffele 2017 We re delighted to have found a bag-in-box that we can wholeheartedly recommend. This Soave is made from organically grown grapes and has been bagged specially for us! Enjoy it within eight months of purchase. 11.5% Available mid August ref IB-IT26033 27 per box To order thewinesociety.com/italy 01438 741177 3

SARDINIA Sardinia marches to a different beat from mainland Italy, and its fierce independence which allowed the island to harbour pirates and bandits in the past is still evident in its wines. The now-native cannonau grape is a version of Spanish garnacha, and carignano, along with the wonderful white grape vermentino (aka rolle) are also found in the south of France. 2017 was a very small harvest on the island but we stocked up with earlier vintages I suggest you do too. Cannonau di Sardegna Primo Scuro, Cantina Mesa 2016 This garnacha has a distinctive Sardinian style; silky, with aromas of red berries and sweet violets. Bursting with juicy fresh fruit flavours. 14.5% ref IB-IT24221 9.50 bottle 114 dozen NEW Cannonau di Sardegna Costera, Argiolas 2015 A seductive example of Sardinia s signature cannonau (garnacha) grape, from bush-trained vines. Ripe, sweet fruit, with notes of strawberry, cherry, and spice is rounded by eight months in French oak barrels. Drink now to 2020. 14% ref IB-IT25241 NEW Carignano del Sulcis Cardanera, Argiolas 2016 Sip this and imagine the fierce Sardinian sun beating on herb-covered hills. This is full of vibrant scents of fresh red fruit. A lovely wine rooted with a sense of place. Drink now to 2022. 13.5% ref IB-IT25231 14.50 bottle 174 dozen NEW Barrua, Isola dei Nuraghi 2013 A luxurious rich full-flavoured red made principally from old-vine carignan with 15% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot. The brainchild of a trio of skilled winemen, Sebastiano Rosa (ex-sassicaia), Antonello Pilloni (ex-santadi) and the famous Giacomo Tachis who guided Antinori for many years. Drink now to 2023. 15% ref IB-IT25041 27 bottle 324 dozen Vermentino di Sardegna localia, Melis 2017 Here is a great match for spicy pasta dishes a lovely full-flavoured white with ripe spicy fruit and creamy texture. Vermentino thrives close to the sea and is a Sardinian speciality. 13.5% ref IB-IT25661 8.95 bottle 107 dozen NEW Vermentino di Gallura S Eleme 2016 With a zingy lemon-sherbet bouquet and ripe palate, this is a shining example of Sardinia s star white grape, from its heartland in the north of the island. 12.5% ref IB-IT24821 9.50 bottle 114 dozen 6

SICILY Mount Etna has been hot and fiery recently, and in more senses than one. Growers have re-learned the potential of its volcanic soil and the advantage of planting at altitude in a warm climate (giving cool nights and therefore freshness) and understand the native grapes that work best in this unique landscape. Frappato from further south near Syracuse and zibibbo from Erice next to Trapani in the west make for great summer drinking. Frappato di Sicilia, Nicosia 2017 A bouquet of fresh raspberry and strawberry invites you to taste and enjoy. Frappato is native to south-east Sicily and Nicosia have produced a lovely example from their own vineyards. 12.5% ref IB-IT25881 9.95 bottle 119 dozen Etna Rosso Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2016 There s real elegance here, supported by a rich silky texture. From a stunning vineyard on Mount Etna overlooking the glittering sea below. Drink now to 2022. 13% ref IB-IT25831 NEW Etna Rosso Barbazzale, Cottanera 2016 Bright and vibrant with fragrant fruit and a touch of raspberry, this Etna rosso shows the gentle perfumed quality of the nerello mascalese grape, indigenous to the region. Drink now to 2020. 13.5% ref IB-IT25001 13.95 bottle 167 dozen NEW Etna Rosso Carusu, Terrazze dell Etna 2014 A stylish and charming wine with an elegant bouquet leading to ripe red fruit and spice on the gentle palate. Made from 80% nerello mascalese and nerello cappuccino grown high up on Etna. Drink now to 2021. 14.5% ref IB-IT24891 18 bottle 216 dozen Zibibbo Sicilia, Ottoventi 2017 Zibibbo, the Arabic name for muscat, reflects the island of Sicily s multinational history. This excellent modern version is subtly scented with a round but fresh palate. Drink now to 2020. 13.5% ref IB-IT25361 10.95 bottle 131 dozen NEW Etna Bianco Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2017 Very fine with haunting apple and hawthorn aromas, this is made mainly from carricante and catarratto grapes and makes a great match with shellfish risotto. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref IB-IT25811 To order thewinesociety.com/italy 01438 741177 5

GROWERS FEATURES SANTA VENERE, CALABRIA The hillside vineyards overlooking the sea at the toe of Italy are stunning but remote, and the location is matched by the vibrant quality of the wines Giuseppe Scala makes here. Everything is cultivated organically and the wines are both original and a joy to drink. Cirò Rosso Gaglioppo, Santa Venere 2016 Brilliant fruity Calabrian red from gaglioppo grapes grown organically in a vineyard overlooking the sea. This is a revelation. 13.5% ref IB-IT25391 9.50 bottle 114 dozen Cirò Greco, Santa Venere 2017 An enticing and intriguing white with ripe lemon aromas and a touch of spice. This is delicious paired with a classic dish of pasta with walnut sauce and, of course, with seafood. 12.5% ref IB-IT25421 9.50 bottle 114 dozen Vescovado Guardavalle Calabria Bianco, Santa Venere 2017 The guardavalle grape has produced a wonderfully individual wine with a honeyed bouquet and creamy flavour. The richness goes particularly well with a mushroom risotto with cheese. Drink now to 2020. 13% ref IB-IT25411 the wines are both original and a joy to drink CASTELLO DI POTENTINO, TUSCANY Charlotte Horton s drive and, some might say, eccentricity has led her to make her mark with wines that surprise and delight. Vines surround her castle home on the north side of Mount Amiata, the extinct volcano that dominates south Tuscany, and all are organically cultivated. The below wines are as wonderfully original as she is. NEW Castello di Potentino Sacromonte 2011 Floral, harmonious and mellow red made from sangiovese from the northern slopes of Monte Amiata (the sacred mountain ) in southern Tuscany. Drink now to 2020. 14.5% ref IB-IT25341 10.95 bottle 131 dozen NEW Castello di Potentino Balaxus Alicante 2013 Balaxus is made from Alicante (grenache) which here gives a bright sappy wine with sweet, spicy, slightly rustic fruit rounded by time in large oak casks. Drink now to 2021. 14% ref IB-IT25351 NEW Castello di Potentino Lyncurio Pinot Nero 2016 A delicious rosé made from pinot nero, this has an engaging and original bouquet evocative of strawberry leaves and cherries, followed by a rounded, nutty but vibrant flavour. The colour is the soft pink of a winter sunset. Drink now to 2020. 14.5% ref IB-IT25331 14.95 bottle 179 dozen 6 To order thewinesociety.com/italy 01438 741177

GB BURLOTTO, PIEDMONT Fabio Alessandria s reputation as a producer of some of the loveliest, most fragrant wines in Piedmont grows each year. Luckily we have been buying them for some years so The Society has a good allocation, but they will sell fast so don t wait before ordering. Dolcetto d Alba, GB Burlotto 2016 Bright and fine with lightness of touch, this is a delightful aperitif or lunchtime red with a glorious flowery bouquet. Drink now to 2020. 12.5% ref IB-IT24511 11.50 bottle 138 dozen Low stock Verduno Pelaverga, GB Burlotto 2016 A totally original Italian wine with a bouquet evocative of Mediterranean herbs, thyme, oregano and rosemary, a touch of white pepper and a fragrant fresh palate. Works well with a plate of fresh vegetables, tuna, cod or carpaccio. Drink now to 2020. 14% ref IB-IT24541 NEW Langhe Freisa, GB Burlotto 2016 With a wilder, untamed bouquet and flavour, this 2016 has real charm and aromas evocative of strawberries and pine trees. Will age well. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% Available only as part of The Burlotto Case (see Mixed Cases) NEW Langhe Nebbiolo, GB Burlotto 2016 Full of charm and fragrant fruit, this comes from younger vines in Fabio Alessandria s Barolo vineyards, and bears all the charisma of this splendid vintage. Drink now to 2022. 14.5% ref IB-IT24521 14.95 bottle 179 dozen Low stock NEW Barbera d Alba, GB Burlotto 2016 Lovely bright and succulent fruit with full yet fresh flavour. Fabio Alessandria makes this from a selection of his best grapes. It keeps well, but Fabio loves to drink it young while it s most fragrant and fruity. Drink now to 2020. 15% ref IB-IT24551 16 bottle 192 dozen Barolo Monvigliero, GB Burlotto 2014 Individual and complex wine with a bouquet of raspberries, black olives and flowers supported by gentle fruit flavour and a lovely fresh aftertaste. Drink now to 2030. 14%. Maximum of six bottles per member ref IB-IT25091 39 bottle 468 dozen

HOFSTÄTTER, ALTO ADIGE I was struck by the Alpine freshness and purity of Hofstätter wines on my first visit to Alto Adige over 30 years ago. Under Martin Foradori s able direction they have grown in focus and excellence; you won t find better pinot bianco or pinot nero and their lagrein and gewürztraminer are delicious too. you won, t find a better pinot bianco or pinot nero NEW Meczan Pinot Nero Alto Adige, Hofstätter 2017 Tempting pinot nero with a spicy wildstrawberry bouquet and vibrant sweet fruit flavours. The warm summer ripened the grapes perfectly. Drink now to 2020. 13% ref IB-IT25601 13.50 bottle 162 dozen NEW Lagrein Alto Adige, Hofstätter 2016 A bright vibrant black-fruit bouquet leads into a naturally sweet and juicy palate, with an appetising salty finish. A delightful example of this local speciality. Drink now to 2021. 13% ref IB-IT25571 13.95 bottle 167 dozen Pinot Bianco, Hofstätter 2017 With delicate Alpine fragrance and freshness and good clean ripe fruit, this is a delight. Hofstätter have long experience of growing this underrated variety and do it extremely well. Drink now to 2020. 13% ref IB-IT25561 Gewurztraminer Joseph, Hofstätter 2017 Spicy bewitchingly-scented gewürztraminer with succulent fruit. Hofstätter s cellar is in the centre of Tramin, the birthplace of the grape, and their vineyards are on the slopes above, so naturally they take great pride in this wine. Drink now to 2021. 13.5% ref IB-IT25581 14.50 bottle 174 dozen SPARKLING AND PINK Three summer sparklers with a difference. Delicious as an aperitif or for pairing with summer fruits and puddings. Moscato d Asti Elio Perrone 2017 All sweet, fresh grapes, blessed with floral scents and the hauntingly delicate smell of white peaches. Very gently effervescent and only 5% alcohol. ref IB-IT24771 8.25 bottle 99 dozen The Society s Prosecco A delicious grower s Prosecco from the heart of the best vineyards belonging to the Adami family. Light in style and all about the purity. 11% ref IB-SG2201 10.50 bottle 126 dozen NEW Lambrusco Rosé, Rosato Secco, Rinaldini A salmon-pink sparkling rosé with a lovely fresh raspberry fragrance and dry but fruity flavour. Made at a small family estate with love and understanding by Paola Rinaldini. A good deed in the naughty world of Lambrusco! 11.5% ref IB-SG2551 11.50 bottle 138 dozen

MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY SANTA VENERE CASE Organic wines from a stunning vineyard overlooking the sea. This six-bottle selection is equally as breathtaking. A six-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: RED Cirò Rosso Gaglioppo, Santa Venere 2016 WHITE Cirò Greco, Santa Venere 2017 Vescovado Guardavalle Calabria Bianco, Santa Venere 2017 ref IB-MX18195 59 POTENTINO CASE A case of truly original artisan wines from the talented Charlotte Horton. A six-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: ROSÉ Castello di Potentino Lyncurio Pinot Nero 2016 RED Castello di Potentino Balaxus Alicante 2013 Castello di Potentino Sacromonte 2011 ref IB-MX18196 72 BURLOTTO CASE A wonderfully fragrant collection from one of Italy s most renowned winemakers. Don t miss it! A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Dolcetto d Alba, GB Burlotto 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, GB Burlotto 2016 Langhe Freisa, GB Burlotto 2016 Verduno Pelaverga, GB Burlotto 2016 Barbera d Alba, GB Burlotto 2016 Barolo Monvigliero, GB Burlotto 2014 ref IB-MX18197 105 The Italians reputation for excellence and individuality shines through in the variety of delightful bottles here.

MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY ITALIAN REDS CASE A mouthwatering line-up of Italy s most gluggable reds, from cherry-scented Valpolicella to beautifully structured Chianti. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Isola della Fiamma Nero d Avola 2017 The Society s Chianti Rufina 2015 Basilicata Rosso Terre degli Eventi, Alovini 2015 Biferno Rosso Riserva Palladino 2013 The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo 2016 Foresco Umbria, Barberani 2016 Susumaniello Salento Rosso, Vallone 2016 Castel del Lupo Pinot Nero della Quercia Oltrepo Pavese 2016 The Society s Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 Janare Aglianico Sannio 2016 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Castel Firmian, Mezzacorona 2013 The Society s Sicilian Reserve Red 2014 ref IB-MX18191 ITALIAN WHITES CASE A dozen vibrant, fruit-packed whites, showcasing Italy s most refreshing styles. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Isola della Fiamma Nero d Avola 2017 Basilicata Bianco, Alovini 2016 Grechetto Umbria, Barberani 2016 Vermentino Sicilia, Mandrarossa 2017 Pinot Grigio Valparadiso 2017 The Society s Falanghina 2016 The Society s Verdicchio 2016 Palladium Garganega Veneto 2016 Frascati, Principe Pallavicini 2017 The Society s Gavi 2017 Inzolia di Sicilia, Feudo Arancio 2017 Regaleali Bianco, Tasca d Almerita 2017 ref IB-MX18192 99 95 SEBASTIAN S SEDUCTIVE DOZEN Sebastian s pick of the most beguiling reds and whites from this fascinating region. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: RED The Society s Montepulciano d Abruzzo 2016 The Society s Chianti Rufina 2015 Biferno Rosso Riserva Palladino 2013 The Society s Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 Janare Aglianico Sannio 2016 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva Castel Firmian, Mezzacorona 2013 Isola della Fiamma Nero d Avola 2017 WHITE Vermentino di Sardegna localia, Melis 2017 Pinot Grigio Valparadiso 2017 The Society s Falanghina 2016 The Society s Verdicchio 2016 Frascati, Principe Pallavicini 2017 ref IB-MX18193 99 EXPLORE SARDINIA & SICILY Take a delicious voyage of discovery to the, for many, uncharted island winelands of Sardinia and Sicily. A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: RED Carignano del Sulcis Cardanera, Argiolas 2016 Cannonau di Sardegna Costera, Argiolas 2015 Barrua, Isola dei Nuraghi 2013 Cannonau di Sardegna Primo Scuro, Cantina Mesa 2016 Etna Rosso Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2016 Frappato di Sicilia, Nicosia 2017 Etna Rosso Carusu, Terrazze dell Etna 2014 Etna Rosso Barbazzale, Cottanera 2016 WHITE Vermentino di Sardegna localia, Melis 2017 Vermentino di Gallura S Eleme 2016 Etna Bianco Fondo Filara, Nicosia 2017 Zibibbo Sicilia, Ottoventi 2017 ref IB-MX18194 145 SAVE 14.80 This offer is available until Sunday 9th Sept, 2018 while stocks last. To order thewinesociety.com/italy 01438 741177 thewinesociety.com/italy