Tim Atkin MW says Sicily is “now one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe, blessed with a combination of abundant sunshine, varied terroirs, good indigenous grapes.” Plus, it has the investment to make the most of these advantages. This gorgeous Syrah comes from David di Prima, whose grandfather Gaspare planted the vines decades ago. The vineyards lie on high hills overlooking the Lago Arancio (Orange Tree Lake) reservoir. Originally a river, it was dammed in the 1950s. On rare occasions the water level drops to reveal the ruins of a Moorish temple. With deep colour, cherry, spice and chocolate character, this Syrah goes well with grilled red meats and full flavoured local dishes such as aubergine caponata or cucuzza squash bake.

Bright, intense ruby red, Tasca Lamuri Nero d'Avola displays rich aromas of cherry, blackberry and mulberry. Vanilla bean, tobacco and aromatic herbs on the palate lead into dark forest fruits and oak adding a beautifully balanced flavour. Good structure and pleasantly fruity with red and black berries.

Cantina Vallebelbo is located in Piemonte, in the small village of Santo Stefano Belbo, between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti. The name of the winery is inspired by the river Belbo that runs through the valley. Over the centuries, the river has shaped the surrounding hills, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Very bright crimson red color, with intense aromas of redcurrants and complex notes of dusty baked earth. Very juicy berries on the palate with sweet, plump red fruits on the mid-palate in particular, supported by floral notes and prominent but refined Nebbiolo tannins. An excellent, well-priced introduction to this classic Italian variety.

We used to think that Sofia Barbanera's regular Saracosa was intense. And then she upped the ante, with this lavish, luscious, silky smooth Saracosa Governo. A limited-edition luxury version of her already indulgent ‘Super Tuscan’, Governo uses an ancient Tuscan method of allowing a portion of the grapes to air dry for a period of time, dialling the flavour concentration way up. Italy’s top critic, Luca Maroni, has long been a fan of the Saracosa reds, and this one is no exception – he has rated both the 2016 and the 2017 vintagehere a stunning 98 points! English wine writer Oz Clarke is also smitten by Governo’s many charms, calling it “indulgent and exotic”. One taste and we think you’ll fall in love with it too.

Save the vines and enjoy a gorgeous, rich red! Poggioreale used to be an important wine village in Sicily. It was where Dino Taschetta grew up, like generations of his family before him. After an earthquake reduced Poggioreale to ruins in 1968, a new town was built further down the hill and the vineyards above the village, the highest and oldest in Sicily, were then neglected for decades. Now, with many of the island’s oldest Nero d’Avola vines grubbed up, there’s even more reason to treasure what’s left. Dino recently returned to the family estate and began to restore the vineyard. His first vintage was 2017 and he was in urgent need of a customer. Our Buyer tasted the wine and reserved it all. A year later, we’ve returned for more.

Isole e Olena owner and winemaker Paolo de Marchi, is a legend in Tuscany and in the wider world of wine. His obsession with Sangiovese has led him to study the grape at a genetic level in pursuit of greater knowledge and striving for perfection in winemaking. Paolos wine are appreciated around the world be discerning collectors as well as those who appreciate the complexity of the wine and the pains taken in their production. The Cepparello IGT is the flagship Super Tuscan from Isole e Olena. Paolo de Marchi was at the vanguard of the revolutionary Super Tuscan movement and these wines are the product of his vision. An extraordinary wine still brimming with revolutionary energy after all these years.

The Aperol Spritz pack makes it easy to make this popular Aperitivo at home. The pack includes a 700mL bottle of Aperol and a 750mL bottle of Riccadonna Prosecco. Aperol Spritz is a refreshing drink that is perfect for summer. It is a bitter sweet tasting drink with notes of candied orange. It also easy to make with 90mL Prosecco, 60mL Aperol, 30mL Soda Water.

Luciano Sandrone crafts wines of profound integrity, purity and deep expression. The Barbera d'Alba is matured for 15 months in wooden barrels, a good part of which are new, which balances the natural fruity and fresh texture of the wine with soft tannins.