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.

Santa Cristina offers a red colour with purple highlights. The nose shows notes of ripe cherries, typical aromas both of Sangiovese and of Syrah well integrated with the balsamic sensation of mint which characterize merlot. Pleasurable sensations of vanilla and coffee complete the bouquet. The palate is soft and ample with a fruity finish and aftertaste. The grape varieties were fermented separately. After destemming and a soft pressing, the grapes were macerated on their skins for approximately one week in stainless steel tanks. During this phase, the wine finished its fermentation at a temperature held to a maximum of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees centigrade). The wine was then racked and terminated its malolactic fermentation by the end of the year. The wine aged for a few months in small oak barrels and began to be bottled in November of 2018. Antinori is a name synonymous with wine in Italy, the equivalent of the royal family of wine in the country. Intimately involved in the wine industry of Italy since 1385, initially in Tuscany, but in more recent years their influence has grown seeing them involved in wine-making projects across the country. They were instrumental in the renaissance of Chianti and their portfolio of wines includes some stellar names such as Tignanello - the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc blend that was most influential in the Super Tuscan movement, Solaia - the Cabernet dominant blend also from the Tignanello Estate and the beautiful Peppoli Chianti Classico.

Situated between Neive and the town of Barbaresco itself, Cotta beautifully combines the rich, fuller-bodied nature of Neive, with the tannic structure of Barbaresco. With a south-west exposure, it is usally the richest and roundest of the Sottimano crus, typically showing abundant red and black fruits with refined nuances of mint, leading to a palate of notable length. The tannins are there, but beautifully expressive and silky. A benchmark Barbaresco with a 15-20 year cellar life.

Ruby Red. Fresh on the nose, with notes of berries and cherries. Pleasant on the palate, with echoes of the aromas of red fruits which balance the salinity and tannins in this wine. Grape Variety:Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara Region:Verona Food Pairing:Served with an antipasto,summer menus, light pasta and rice dishes with lots of herbs, green salads and vegetables, white meats, fish and seafood.

From the moment it's poured, anticipate a sophisticated fragrance of ripe blackcurrant, a whisper of menthol, and subtle earthy undertones. The palate is expansive and dense, yet remarkably elegant, with a core of vibrant dark fruit, hints of exotic spice, and a firm but supple tannic backbone that culminates in a long, complex, and utterly satisfying close.

Garnet red. Intense and persistent, fruity with a winy note and wood flavour. A medium bodied wine, goodmtannins, balanced and ready to drink. Excellent with all the typical courses of Italian traditional cooking, with meat and baked fish.