2017 Italy

Citra Vini is a consortium of nine co-operatives spread between the Majella and Gran Sasso mountains, and the Adriatic Sea. Founded in 1973, the company aims to work with local grape varieties, sourced from the finest plots in the Terre di Chieti appellation, seeking out individual terroirs and the best microclimates. Production is relatively small, its purpose firmly to produce wines of indisputable quality.

This is an inviting wine, both perfumed and elegant, silky and suave. Perfectly ripe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grapes from the region’s gentle slopes offer inviting cherry and plum flavours. On the palate, the wine is enticing and voluptuous, delivering a tender month-feel with a juicy, lingering finish. Drink now or to 2020.

This Corvina-based blend comes from vineyards located in Sommacampagna, southeast of Lake Garda. Vivid yet delicate cherry-blossom pink in colour, it has a clean nose of red berry fruits, wild flowers and green apples, along with some subtle spicy notes. On the palate, the juicy sensation of fresh berries is fully revealed. The uplifting, youthful acidity makes it the perfect match for your aperitivo and can be drunk on its own or accompanied with summery Italian classics: prosciutto and melon, caprese salad or bruschette.

This intriguing and extremely versatile white is made from a field blend of ancient indigenous aromatic varieties gown in Campania. The result is a golden-coloured, complex wine showing aromas of nectarine, orange peel and white pepper. The palate has an incredible saline character imparted by the vineyard’s close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. White peach and orange blossom are finished with spice and a hint of grip on the finish. A winner with grilled seafood. Drink now to 2020.
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)

This beautifully composed red wine is made from Aglianicone, an ancient, unregistered variant of Campania’s famous Aglianico grape. The thinner skin of this variety allows for a fresher and less tannic expression of the region’s classic style. Aromas of dark cherry, tobacco leaf and black pepper lead to a palate displaying balsamic cherry, wild herbs and more spice, with fresh, natural acidity. A period of ageing in large old oak barrels has softened the structure and given further texture and complexity. Pairs extremely well with roast lamb or rich aubergine dishes. Drink now to 2021.
Matt Smith, Buyer (spring 2019)

Founded in 1977, Grattamacco was one of the first estates to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Bolgheri after Tenuta San Guido, the estate behind Sassicaia, the first “Super Tuscan”. The estate is situated on top of a hill, facing the sea between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, overlooking most other Bolgheri wine producers.

This has a deep core of black cherry and cassis with balsamic flashes, showing an enticing fruity evolution. Layers of sweet spice, smoke and oak emerge from the glass, thanks to 10 months in oak, framed by firm, yet silky tannins. Mineral and saline. Drink now to 2026.

Sassicaia’s younger brother Guidalberto consistently offers incredible value from the Tenuta San Guido stable and the 2017 is a shining example. With 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. it offers classical aromas of cassis and blackcurrant. The fruit is very pure and inviting, and harmonises beautifully with sweet spice notes from the oak: it spent 15 months in French barriques. There is already a touch of cigar box adding an extra degree of depth and complexity. On the palate the wine is well-built and rather muscular, but the bright acidity keeps it light on its feet. There is great concentration of flavour with a long, rich finish. If you can manage not to drink it immediately, it will certainly reward your patience for 5-10 years.
Armit Wines

Ninety percent of the fruit is from the Berri vineyards, where the vines are young, planted in 2007 on alluvial river soil which produces juicy and upfront styles. With ripe and fragrant strawberry fruit aromas, there is a touch of rose. The wine is pure and juicy, with a wonderful lightness of touch, very fine tannins and concentration. Drink now to 2025.
Davy Zyw, Wine Buyer

Grown from Davide Rosso’s vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba and nearby Roddino, this Langhe Nebbiolo is an elegant and pure style, showcasing the best of the region. Like its bigger Barolo siblings, the wine was fermented in cement, but with a shorter maceration to preserve the wine’s elegance and aromatics. It was then aged in large 5,000-litre oak barrels for six months. The 2017 shows rose and violets on the nose, with a vibrant palate of cherry and raspberry fruit, and tightly grained tannins. Drink 2020-2030.