Trigger an Italian stallion stampede with these exotic examples…
Vigneti del Vulture Pipoli Basilicata IGP Greco Fiano 2016 $20.21
Here’s a 60:40 blend of greco (gree-ko) and fiano (fee-ah-no) grapes from Acerenza in the Basilicata region of Italy. The greco is responsible for the lime and herbaceous layers while fiano adds white florals, white peach, yellow plum, and hints of white pepper. There are even beautiful guava and peachy layers that extend the ripe, textural, and musky finish.
Sip with: Pork chops baked with pears and green olives.
www.touchofitaly.co.nz
Montesole Vigna Vinieri Taurasi DOCG 2008 $48
Located on the volcanic hills bordering two Campania regions of Irpinnio and Sannio, the Montesole winery have created a Taurasi (made from 100% aglianico grapes) that’s deeply spicy and saturated with black guava, cherry, boysenberry characters and shows strong, stretchy, dusty tannins. It’s common for these wines to wait decades to be opened, so we’ve done the hard yards for you! Big and buxom.
Sip with: Rich, venison ragu and gnocchi.
www.planetwine.co.nz
Grati Chianti Riserva Rufina DOCG 2012 $26.60
With 90% sangiovese at play in this Tuscan treasure, it was always a given that it’d boast lashings of leathery loveliness on both the nose and palate. Boosted by regional natives canaiolo nero and colorino, this Chianti is interwoven with notes of cherry and black guava, then boasts muscular tannins and an ultra-long finish. Definitely decant into a larger vessel and then pour back into the bottle before serving.
Sip with: venison meatball bake.
www.stvincentscave.com
