Winemaker Justin Bubb splits his year between Tasmania (Pooley Wines) and Tuscany, where he makes a delicious collection of wines under the Babo label. There are a couple of firsts here; this is the first Chianti to be bottled under screwcap and it's one of the first to be bottled in a Burgundy bottle as opposed to the traditional Claret shape (for the Fiasco wicker bottle!) For this Chianti-Beaujolais hybrid, Justin has employed whole berry fermentation with roughly 30% carbonic maceration, simply fermented and then raised in concrete vats for six months. It's a wonderfully bright and aromatic Sangiovese with notes of raspberry and red cherry, good texture and lightweight tannins, with sappy acidity and a thirst quenching finish.

Situated near the captivating Ionian Coast, Cantine Lavorata is a cherished family-run winery nestled in Roccella Jonica, a town on the enchanting Ionian Coast in the Province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. Embracing the essence of tradition, family and passion, the winery is dedicated to crafting exceptional local wines, born from the meticulous selection of sun-kissed grapes thriving in the ideal cultivation conditions of their native vineyards. The legacy of viticulture within the Lavorata family traces back to Luigi, who in the mid-1800s, laid the foundation for this enduring passion. His son, Domenico, fervently carried forward his father's love for winemaking. In 1958, Vincenzo, the second of twelve children, imbued each bottle with meticulous care, sharing the fruits of his labour throughout Italy. The journey of wine production flourished under Ilario, Domenico's eleventh child, as he harmoniously intertwined the values of tradition and family with innovation and globalization. In a remarkably short span, their wines captivated foreign markets, particularly in Belgium and Germany. Today, the winery is fervently nurtured by Domenico, Ilario's son, an esteemed oenologist overseeing vineyards and production, along with Adele, tending to the administrative aspects, and Domenico and Danilo, sons of Vincenzo, entrusted with managing the commercial endeavours. Through the synergistic efforts of the family, an unwavering commitment to tradition and the fastidious selection of native vines, Cantine Lavorata has propelled the production of "particular" wines, revered by both national and international markets. The numerous accolades and recognitions garnered by their wines stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and a profound source of pride, inspiring them to further elevate their land through the art of winemaking. Specializing in promoting Calabrian wines cultivated from some of the oldest native vines in the world, Cantine Lavorata has expanded its investment in production and vineyards to other localities, including Sicily, cementing their commitment to sharing the rich heritage and exceptional flavours of their land through the art of winemaking. The Cantine Lavorata Anfisya Rosso 2022, bearing the typical geographical indication of Calabria, is a captivating blend of Calabrese, Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera grapes sourced from the southern area of Calabria, overlooking the Ionian Sea, at an elevation of 300-350 meters above sea level in clayey-calcareous soil. The hand-harvested grapes undergo red vinification with cold fermentation, resulting in a visually striking ruby red wine with purple reflections, offering an intense, complex and fine aroma characterized by fruity scents of mulberries, plums, blackcurrants and cherries, complemented by floral notes of tulip, alongside mineral and vegetal nuances. On the palate, it delivers a dry, warm and soft experience, with good freshness, moderate tannins and a well-balanced, full-bodied flavour profile, culminating in an intense, persistent, fine and harmonious development, encapsulating the essence of its geographical origin. Best enjoyed at a serving temperature of 16°C.

If one is an Italian winemaker established in King Valley region, chances are that he would use a grape variety like the great Sangiovese to craft a Rosetta wine. This is exactly what the Pizzinis have done, making them a revered name in the Australian wine industry. Their Rosetta is a marvellous and savoury pink wine that matches well with a wide variety of food. Flavours of strawberries and cherries along with aromas of fresh berries and carefully selected cranberries are integrated into each drop of this wonderful wine. Serve this Rosetta with seafood or antipasto.

Deep dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to brick red hue. Spicy red currant and red cherry aromas tinged with hints of rose petals are followed by earth, tobacco, dried herb and subtle graphite like notes. Medium bodied spicy ripe red currant and red cherry fruits are underpinned by graphite like tannins and vibrant acidity. Notions of scorched earth, tobacco and dried herbs ensue. Concludes long and spicy with a rustic feel. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 14.5%

Poggiotondo Toscana Rosso IGT shines in a deep cherry red with ruby red highlights. The nose reveals a fragrant bouquet, which is carried by aromas of black cherries, wild berries and a fine spice. On the palate, this Italian red wine is carried by a wonderful fruit aroma and soft texture. Poggiotondo, meaning round hill, is the family estate of Alberto Antonini, established in 1969 by his father Carlo in the Chianti DOCG of Tuscany. Alberto has spent the past decade replanting the vineyards and transforming the property into one of the best in the region.

Allora Rosso is a delicious medium-bodied red wine produces by Joel Pizzini (of Pizzini Wines). Sourced and made in King Valley, these Italian-style wines play on the meaning of “Allora,” which rolls beautifully from the tongue and buys the Italians a moment in time. It’s a word for everyday use, much like the Allora wines are made for enjoying every day with good company and good food. Allora Rosso is an Italian style blend made from Canaiolo, Sangiovese and a splash of Shiraz. Violets, cherries, plums, licorice and spice with a hint of chocolate on the finish. This is a perfect midweek wine, versatile enough to be enjoyed with pizza, osso bucco or even a spicy tomato pasta.

Poggiotondo is in western Tuscany and has been certified organic since 2014. Made from grapes grown on six individual parcels from the best vineyard sites, this wine has flavours of ripe cherries balanced by grainy, classic Chianti tannins. The grapes were destemmed and gently crushed then fermented in concrete tanks just with their native yeasts, after two weeks they were pressed and the wine went into large casks and concrete tanks to do the ageing This wine is a deep garnet red in the glass.. On the nose, dried oregano aromas are entwined with dark and red cherries. Ripe cherries on the palate are balanced with grainy tannins so typical of traditional Chianti, with a vibrant, fresh acidity on the finish.

The wine has a bright crimson colour. On the nose, it exudes black cherries, lightly spiced plums and a tinge of leather that will wrap around your senses and tempt you to take a sip. The palate will feel soft and fleshy, and comes loaded with wild raspberries, cherries, dark chocolate and earthy undertones. This wine tastes great with rustic homemade Pappardelle Ragu.