When you ask Alessandro Gallici if he comes from a family of winemakers, he laughs gently at the notion – no, his father was a truck driver. However, he was born in Friuli and his family had a little bit of land and a few rows of vines that had been theirs for generations. They vinified the fruit in a shed just for their own consumption. Now, for a number of years he’s been president of an important local winery, but in 2010 he started up on his own. Made with grapes selected from top areas – Colli Orientali and Grave – this wine delivers delicate pear fruit and crisp minerally ‘zing’. Enjoy solo or match with salads, mushroom ravioli or creamy linguine.

Saracosa is inspired by the ‘Super Tuscans’ – a style first developed in the 1970s. These wines kickstarted the region’s renaissance and became some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world. Saracosa is from the Barbanera family estate, where half the vineyards are in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, and the remainder just beyond. In the 5-Star 2017 vintage Saracosa’s old vines delivered exceptional concentration. Dense, dark cherry and chocolatey tones make this a serious choice for pasta with pork ragù or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak with cannellini beans in tomato sauce).

Established in 1858 by the first king of Italy, Fontanafredda is now the single largest contiguous wine estete in the Langhe region, with a fierce commitment to organic viticulture as well as woodland regeneration. The Platinum label represents the unique tradition of the Estate and more than 160 years of history. The Nebbiolo grapes used to produce this Barolo are grown on claily soils very rich in calcareous marl. The wine ages for 2years in large Slavonian and French oak casks. An attractive ruby-red colour with garnet highlights. Clean, full and intense aromas with the wine's typical traces of dried flowers, crushed leaves and underbrush. There is plenty of structure, with robust tannins supported by fleshy red fruits, liquorice, and subtle mocha notes Pair with rich red meats, game and mature cheese.

The colour is light ruby red with garnet reflections, it smells fine with scent of cherries, wild berry fruits, violet and spicy hints, dry and fresh, with good body and agreeable tannins and spicy hints in flavour. When young it is excellent with rich flavoured dishes, especially the traditional specialities of Tuscan cuisine.

Nero di Troia is named after the city of Troia in northern Puglia, which Greek hero Diomedes is said to have founded after helping to defeat the city of Troy with the famed Trojan Horse. There, outside the city walls, he planted vine cuttings, which flourished and were named Nero after their dark skin grapes and the deep coloured wine they produced. Rich, warming, full-bodied Corsiero is rich and velvety with intense black fruit and spice flavours … just perfect served with full-flavoured pasta and rich meat dishes.

Wine Spectator calls Portugal “the most exciting wine place on the planet”, with its terrific range of native grape varieties and wines that always offer standout value. The rich, mouthfilling Lobo e Falcão fits firmly in that category. It’s made at a 17th century estate owned by the Lobo de Vasconcellos family, once the location of the king’s falconry. Special barrels of wine were kept for the king when he visited. Today, talented winemaker Joana Lopes makes this red specially for us, blending Syrah with Portugal’s exciting native grapes. Previously awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Award, the 2018 has lovely intensity of flavour due to another low yield year. Generous wild berry fruit and spice with a velvet texture – a very moreish red.

Nero Davola is one of Italy’s most important indigenous red varieties. Named after its historic birthplace around the town of Avola in southeastern Sicily, it is most widely planted in Sicily and accounts for the largest share of red wines produced on the island. Today Nero Davola is the primary grape used in the majority of Sicily’s best red wines. Colour - Deep red colour. Bouquet - Multiple aromas on the nose, especially notes of black cherry, spice and liquorice. Flavour - A lively personality with soft, long lasting tannins. Food Pairing - The high acidity that characterizes Nero. Davola means it will work well with any of your favourite tomato based recipes. For the lighter styles think grilled fish and light meats in Mediterranean style dishes.