Back in 2009, Justin Bubb had spent almost a decade in Italy leading the transformation of the winemaking at famed winery, Castello Di Gabbiano. He had been sent there to help improve the winemaking and also be a conduit for the Australian owners at the time. Originally only planning to stay for a short period, Justin was instrumental in growing the winery. He also was able to spend time working vintage in some of the most famed wine regions of Italy including Piedmonte, Veneto and Sicilia. His time in Europe had also helped him see there was an opportunity to bring great quality Italian wines back to Australia. Having decided to return to Australia with Anna Pooley his new wife, he sketched out very briefly wanted to do. He wanted to produce great value Italian wines, to shake any stuffy stereotypes of Italian wines, by offering contemporary styles that suited the wine savvy palates of Australians. He also wanted to continue working with the amazing growers and connections he had with his adopted country of Italy. Taking an Italian nickname for a tool that measures ‘baume’ in fruit, Babo was born. The vineyards it Piedmonte where this fruit is sourced are layered clay and limestone soils near the famed town of Castiglione Falletto. The fruit was selected from vineyards 300-400 m above sea level - mostly Southwest facing, with fantastic quality fruit. 100% Nebbiolo, handpicked fruit was destemmed with 6-8 day maceration at a controlled temperature, pumped over twice a day. Short aging in large concrete tanks completes this wine making journey. Bright purple and garnet highlights. On the nose delightful floral bouquet. Medium body, classic bright red berries, a little tar, roses and spice. Lovely weighted tannin gives a the perfect persistent finish. Delicious.

There are very few stories in the world of wine that are more important to tell than that of Bruno Giacosa. A man’s legacy etched into lore, and with such gravitas that it is still felt today in his native Piemonte by almost all the producers in the region. Born in 1929 in Neive where the winery remains, Bruno Giacosa spent his formative teenage years working with his father Carlo as a ‘commerciante’ or grape broker. This very important but often overlooked part of Giacosa’s history is perhaps the key to understanding his unrivalled ability to select fruit, even that which he hadn’t grown himself. The family’s income at that time revolved solely around the ability to sell fruit to winemakers, and taking any fruit to Vinify themselves would have been a conflict of interest. In fact, his father so vehemently opposed the young Bruno’s intention to bottle his own wine in the early 1960’s, that he had to do so without the blessing of the family. The first vintage wearing the label Bruno Giacosa was 1961, a single Barbaresco bottling from a mixture of vineyards as was custom at the time. It was the prominent wine author and critic Luigi Veronelli who at the time was crusading for Piedmont’s adoption of the French ‘cru’ classification of vineyard that convinced Giacosa to bottle and (importantly) label single vineyard wines soon after his first vintage. The first labelled cru bottling was the 1964 Barbaresco Vigna Santo Stefano, but it is possible that even the first wine used fruit exclusively from there. While the obsession with site continued and strengthened throughout Bruno Giacosa’s career, so did the predilection to purchase fruit from growers rather than buy vineyards himself. Though Giacosa was not the only winemaker somewhat late to the party in buying land in the Langhe, it is regarded as his greatest missed opportunity. Some of Italy’s greatest wines ever were Giacosa’s red label bottlings from Santo Stefano di Neive, Villero and Collina Rionda, none of which are produced today by the estate. In vinous literacy, it is impossible to read about the Langhe without reading about Giacosa and his contemporary Angelo Gaja. While Gaja was a willing frontman for the region, Giacosa continued to toil in the background. Both leading from the front and each producing the region’s best wines. Winemaking involves a great many small decisions, each affecting the next. One can only hope to get them right, to capture what there was in the grapes to begin with. - Bruno Giacosa Very few wines in the world come close to matching the complexity and presence of red label ‘Vigna Le Rocche’. In the vintages this plot is kept as a Riserva, the acidity, tannin and above all the balance must be in complete harmony due to the rigorous demands of both extended barrel ageing and the potential for a half-century in bottle. In their youth, Le Rocche Riserva is an immense wine. It is not forthcoming with its fruit when young, but nor is it disjointed in alcohol or tannin at any point. A rare kind of wine that seems carved from billet rather than made up of different parts. A cohesive wine of the tallest order, with some vintages vying for greatest wine of Italy. Intense red garnet colour with orange hints. The bouquet is complex and elegant, with notes of small ripe red fruit, blackcurrants, pomegranate and raspberries. On the palate it is full bodied, with an excellent tannic structure, the tannins are silky that give an excellent persistence to the wine.

Beautiful glowing ruby. Fine earthy nose. Succulent palate with a powerful tannic structure. Really long and a little vibrant. Firm, long red-fruit finish Hearty stew, wild game, roasted red meats and cheeses. The grapes are selected from small vineyards spread in the Barolo region. The vines are between 8 and 41 years old, planted in a clay-limestone soil. Plants are trained with guyot method, with an average density of roughly 4500 units per hectare. All the different crus are vinified and aged separately with slightly different processes to underline the singular characteristics of each parcel and terroir. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel with daily cap submersion for extraction of flavor and color. The history of the Vietti winery traces its roots back to the 19th Century. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, however, did the Vietti name become a winery offering its own wines in bottle. From 1919 Patriarch Mario Vietti began making the first Vietti wines, selling most of the production in Italy. His most significant achievement was to transform the family farm, engaged in many fields, into a grape-growing and wine-producing business. Then, in 1952, Alfredo Currado (Luciana Viettis husband) continued to produce high quality wines from their own vineyards and purchased grapes. The Vietti winery grew to become one of the top-level producers in Piemonte and was one of the first wineries to export its products to the USA market. Alfredo was one of the first to select and vinify grapes from single vineyards (such as Brunate, Rocche and Villero). This was a radical concept at the time, but today virtually every vintner making Barolo and Barbaresco wines offers single vineyard or cru-designated wines. Alfredo is also called the father of Arneis as in 1967 he invested a lot of time to rediscover and understand this nearly-lost variety. Today Arneis is the most famous white wine from Roero area, north of Barolo. Setting such a fine example with Arneis, even fellow vintners as far away those on the west coast of the United States now are cultivating and producing Arneis!

Pasquale Pelissero is a small, family-run winery that originated in a garage under the guidance of "Papa" Pasquale, a trailblazing figure in Neive known for being among the first to independently bottle and market his wines. Despite being a traditionalist, Pasquale remained receptive to new winemaking and cellar management methods. The vineyards are highly esteemed, often attracting visits from fellow producers in the region. Nestled near the summit of Bricco San Giuliano hill, the cellar is entirely enveloped by Pelissero vineyards. Following Pasquale's passing in 2007, his daughter Ornella has admirably upheld the family's legacy, managing all aspects of the vineyards and cellar, with her only innovation being the acquisition of a temperature-controlled fermentation tank. Their Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco originates from an 8-hectare plot situated approximately 400 meters above sea level and undergoes exclusive aging in large casks, while the Dolcetto, characterized by its plum notes and intriguing hints of flint and smoke, matures in stainless steel. Situated in the historically significant and picturesque Neive, the winery's annual output totals around 15,000 bottles. The estate is a proud member of "Biotipicità," a recently established consortium of Langhe producers committed to sustainable farming practices in accordance with the Italian "lotta integrata" regulation. Crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, the Pasquale Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo 2022 eloquently expresses the unique terroir of its origin. Cultivated in vineyards with a south-west exposure at an elevation of 400 meters, the grapes thrive in marly-calcareous soil and are nurtured using the Guyot training system, reflecting the vineyards' 10-year maturity. This wine entices with a captivating pale garnet red hue and emanates an enchanting bouquet of rose, violet, small fruits, black pepper and cardamom. On the palate, it delivers a decisive, fresh and bold experience, making it a delightful choice for shared moments.

Vietti is a winery with a rich history spanning almost 150 years. Founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto, the winery was transformed into a high-quality wine producer by Carlo's son, Mario Vietti, upon his return from living in the United States in 1917. In the 1950s, Alfredo Currado, oenologist and art lover, brought new intuitions to the winery, intertwining wine knowledge with art and culture. Vietti produced one of the first Barolo Crus in 1961 and the first vinification of Arneis in 1967. The wines were accompanied by Art Labels starting in 1974, making the Vietti brand an icon and standard-bearer of important revolutions. The winery's commitment, vision, culture and passion have contributed to its growth and recognition as one of the best Italian wine labels. The Krause Family purchased Vietti in 2016 and decided to extend the winemaking properties with new, renowned crus in the denomination of Barolo and Barbaresco. In 2023, the Heritage was taken over by the Krause Family, already owner of the Cellar since 2016 and standard-bearer of the new future of the Vietti brand. Vietti maintains its founding values and looks towards the future with even more promising and stimulating prospects, with each wine being the result of artisanal work and the profound understanding and interpretation of each individual terroir. Since 1974, Vietti wines have been adorned with specially-designed original works inspired by the wine of that particular vintage. These works include lithographs, xylographies, etchings, silkscreens and linocuts. The print run is the same as the number of bottles produced and the first hundred labels are signed by the artist. Each work is only used once, just for the wine of that vintage. Since the presentation of the 1982 Barolo Villero in 1988, the artist’s labels have been dedicated exclusively to the wines grown on this great vineyard. The idea for these unique labels was conceived by Alfredo Currado and a group of artist friends over a bottle of Barolo Rocche. They believed that wines like these deserved to be graced with labels unlike any other and the idea began to take shape the following day. These art labels have become an iconic part of the Vietti brand, adding a touch of art and culture to their already exceptional wines. Barolo is a renowned red wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine is made from Nebbiolo, a small, thin-skinned red grape varietal known for its high acidity and tannins. Harvesting of Nebbiolo grapes generally takes place in late October, as it is one of the first varietals to undergo budbreak and last to be picked. Barolo wines are required to be solely composed of Nebbiolo, with no exceptions. The Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest classification for Italian wines and guarantees specific production methods and quality. Wines from the Barolo DOCG must be 100% Nebbiolo and aged for at least 38 months, with 18 of those months in wood barrels. This results in a wine with a unique flavor profile and exceptional quality. Vietti's Barolo Lazzarito is a premium wine made from grapes grown in the MGA “Lazzarito” vineyard in the municipality of Serralunga d’Alba. This fabulous amphitheatre-shaped plot has a south-western exposure and is situated at an altitude between 260 and 390 m asl. The soil is rich in limestone and clay, making it ideal for growing high-quality grapes. The average age of the Guyot-cultivated vines is 42 years, and there is a density of around 4500 plants per hectare. The Vietti Barolo Lazzarito Serraluna d’Alba 2019 is a stunning example of a Barolo D.O.C.G. wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The grapes were harvested by hand on 09 October 2019 and underwent gentle pressing before fermenting for around four weeks in a steel tank, in contact with the skins. The wine was aged for around 30 months in oak barrels and for a small portion, barriques. This wine has an intense ruby-red color with garnet hues and an alluring and profound nose. Notes of hay, cut grass, tobacco, white pepper and wild mint emerge. On the palate, it is robust and potent, with a taut, mineral finish. As is typical of Serralunga, the tannins are stark, sharp and very profound. The sweet persistence of the finish is delightful. This wine pairs perfectly with game, red meats and cheeses. The Vietti Barolo Lazzarito Serraluna d’Alba 2019 is an exceptional wine that showcases the best of the Nebbiolo grape variety and the unique terroir of the Lazzarito vineyard.

Architects of Wine is a small batch winery that was founded in 2013 by an architect turned project manager turned winemaker. What started as a simple backyard hobby quickly turned into an obsession, and the team at Architects of Wine has been creating minimal intervention, handcrafted wines ever since. The philosophy at Architects of Wine is simple: create interesting and textural wines with restraint, while maintaining transparent expressions of the vineyard, vintage and terroir. To achieve this ideal, each wine is carefully crafted and considered with a 'less is more' mantra and a hands-off style of winemaking. The winery has a strong focus on Italian varieties and primarily sources fruit from the Adelaide Hills, although they occasionally venture out to other wine regions in South Australia depending on where the vintage takes them. The team at Architects of Wine is committed to sourcing fruit only from sustainably farmed vineyards, and all their wines are fermented with native yeasts from their respective vineyards. Their wines are unfined, unfiltered and contain no additions with the exception of a small dose of SO2 prior to bottling in some wines. This dedication to minimal intervention winemaking allows the true character of the grapes to shine through in each bottle. Architects of Wine is a winery that is passionate about creating small batch, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of each vineyard. With a focus on Italian varieties and a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking, their wines are sure to impress any wine lover looking for something unique and interesting. Australian Nebbiolo is a relatively new addition to the Australian wine scene, but it is quickly gaining popularity. This grape variety is most famously known for its production regions of Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. However, Australian winemakers are now producing their own unique take on Nebbiolo, showcasing the grape's versatility and ability to express different terroirs. With a focus on minimal intervention winemaking and careful consideration of each vineyard's unique characteristics, Australian Nebbiolo is becoming increasingly distinctive and sought after. The Architects of Wine Nebbiolo Normale 2021 is a lacey and fragrant wine that showcases a floral and elegant nose with pronounced notes of rose, mint and vibrant red berries. On the palate, fine, cool red fruit is matched with hints of spice and a good lick of tannin. This Nebbiolo is a standout from the Hills, with each vintage becoming more distinctive than the last. Due to its clone, this wine is on the lighter side, but it still packs a punch in terms of flavor and complexity. The winemaking process involved wild fermentation, with 100% destemmed grapes and a 36-day maceration. The wine was then aged for 13 months in neutral French oak, allowing it to develop its full flavor profile and complexity. The Architects of Wine Nebbiolo Normale 2021 is a delightful wine that is sure to impress any Nebbiolo lover. Its floral and elegant nose, combined with fine, cool red fruit on the palate, make it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes.

Vietti is a winery with a rich history spanning almost 150 years. Founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto, the winery was transformed into a high-quality wine producer by Carlo's son, Mario Vietti, upon his return from living in the United States in 1917. In the 1950s, Alfredo Currado, oenologist and art lover, brought new intuitions to the winery, intertwining wine knowledge with art and culture. Vietti produced one of the first Barolo Crus in 1961 and the first vinification of Arneis in 1967. The wines were accompanied by Art Labels starting in 1974, making the Vietti brand an icon and standard-bearer of important revolutions. The winery's commitment, vision, culture and passion have contributed to its growth and recognition as one of the best Italian wine labels. The Krause Family purchased Vietti in 2016 and decided to extend the winemaking properties with new, renowned crus in the denomination of Barolo and Barbaresco. In 2023, the Heritage was taken over by the Krause Family, already owner of the Cellar since 2016 and standard-bearer of the new future of the Vietti brand. Vietti maintains its founding values and looks towards the future with even more promising and stimulating prospects, with each wine being the result of artisanal work and the profound understanding and interpretation of each individual terroir. Since 1974, Vietti wines have been adorned with specially-designed original works inspired by the wine of that particular vintage. These works include lithographs, xylographies, etchings, silkscreens and linocuts. The print run is the same as the number of bottles produced and the first hundred labels are signed by the artist. Each work is only used once, just for the wine of that vintage. Since the presentation of the 1982 Barolo Villero in 1988, the artist’s labels have been dedicated exclusively to the wines grown on this great vineyard. The idea for these unique labels was conceived by Alfredo Currado and a group of artist friends over a bottle of Barolo Rocche. They believed that wines like these deserved to be graced with labels unlike any other and the idea began to take shape the following day. These art labels have become an iconic part of the Vietti brand, adding a touch of art and culture to their already exceptional wines. Barolo is a renowned red wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine is made from Nebbiolo, a small, thin-skinned red grape varietal known for its high acidity and tannins. Harvesting of Nebbiolo grapes generally takes place in late October, as it is one of the first varietals to undergo budbreak and last to be picked. Barolo wines are required to be solely composed of Nebbiolo, with no exceptions. The Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest classification for Italian wines and guarantees specific production methods and quality. Wines from the Barolo DOCG must be 100% Nebbiolo and aged for at least 38 months, with 18 of those months in wood barrels. This results in a wine with a unique flavor profile and exceptional quality. Vietti's Barolo Cerequio is a premium wine made from grapes grown in the historic “Cerequio” vineyard, one of the most significant MGAs in the entire Barolo winegrowing region. The vineyard is located in the municipality of Barolo, with a southern exposure and a density of around 4600 plants per hectare over an area spanning almost one hectare. The average age of the vines is around 36 years and the soil is rich in limestone and clay, with Marls of Saint Agatha present. The 2018 vintage was the first iteration of this momentous Vietti cru. This wine is a testament to the quality of the grapes and the dedication of the winemakers. The Vietti Barolo Cerequio La Morra 2019 is a stunning example of a Barolo D.O.C.G. wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The grapes were harvested by hand on 12 October 2019 and underwent gentle pressing before fermenting for around three weeks in a steel tank, in contact with the skins. The wine was aged for around 32 months in total, in barriques and large wood barrels, before being bottled without being filtered. This wine has an intense ruby-red color and an intense nose, with notes of ripe red berries and fine spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied with fruity (strawberry, plum, cherry) and citrusy notes. The tannins are simultaneously fine and imposing, supporting the wine's enveloping and persistent structure.The finish reveals balsamic notes that further enliven this wine, whose elegance and balance are rare indeed. This wine pairs perfectly with red meat, lobster, game, pot roast and mature cheeses. The Vietti Barolo Cerequio La Morra 2019 is an exceptional wine that showcases the best of the Nebbiolo grape variety and the unique terroir of the Cerequio vineyard.