Italy
Musso 2017 Pora Barbaresco DOCG
Blue flower, baked plum and pipe tobacco lead a full, concentrated nose. The palate is firm but polished, layering dried cherry, steeped prune and liquorice over fine-grained tannins. Structured and composed, it balances savoury depth with measured fruit, carrying the darker notes through a persistent, clean finish.
Trinoro 2018 Le Cupole Toscana IGT
Bright garnet in the glass, with an intense nose of ripe damson, cherry and elderberry joined by subtle balsamic and savoury notes. The palate is lavish and juicy yet energetic, layering generous dark fruit over a balanced frame. Freshness carries the concentrated flavours into a poised, lingering finish.
La Valentina 2015 Bellovedere Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Terre dei Vestini Riserva
Mentholated herbs, tobacco and anise frame a concentrated core of brandied cherry. The palate is medium-bodied, polished and bright, with red fruit folding neatly into measured barrel spice. Well-mannered tannins provide supportive structure, extending the fruit and savoury detail through an assured, composed, lingering finish.
Carpineto 2010 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva
Violet and ripe fruit open the aroma, with polished wood adding a measured frame. The palate is dry and harmonious, carrying concentrated fruit through a velvety texture and firm, well-integrated structure. The wine stays composed as it develops. The finish is long and balanced, returning to violet, ripe fruit and gentle wood tones with an elegant, mature sense of proportion.
Fattoria La Rivolta 2017 Terra di Rivolta Aglianico del Taburno Riserva
Zenato 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Dried black cherry and cassis open an intense, aromatic nose, followed by truffle and dark chocolate. The palate is silky and luscious, with concentrated fruit carried by ripe tannins and enough freshness to keep the richness composed. Complex and lingering, it closes on savoury cocoa and spice and suits slow-braised beef, game or mature cheese.
Mastroberardino 2018 Radici Taurasi
Cherry, violet and wild berries shape an intense, aromatic opening, followed by plum, black cherry, strawberry and warm spice. The palate is full and composed, with generous fruit, balanced structure and a lingering savoury edge. A poised southern Italian red for slow-cooked ragout, roast beef, porcini mushrooms or mature cheese.
Paternoster 2013 Don Anselmo Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Bright, deep ruby in colour, with red fruit, leather, balsamic herbs and dark spice on a broad, complex nose. The palate is dry, powerful and structured, combining an earthy, brooding character with pure fruit and a mineral core. Elegant through its weight, it closes with balance and exceptional length.
Rocca di Montegrossi 2015 Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Bright ruby in colour, opening with raspberry, ripe cherry and plum, followed by violet, fine toast, leather and herbal spice. Dense and full across the palate, it balances vibrant acidity with decisive yet elegant tannins. Mineral and savoury notes add definition, while a light cocoa nuance lingers through the long, harmonious finish.
Elena Italian Gin
Juniper sets a clear, aromatic lead, joined by fresh citrus peel, alpine herbs and delicate floral notes. The palate is rich and silky, with almond, thyme, mint and chamomile adding layered detail around the core of juniper. Chinotto and citron bring a lightly bitter lift, while angelica and warm spice shape a persistent, herb-led finish that feels polished rather than heavy.
Cavallotto 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo
Wild cherry and red berries lead, joined by liquorice, rose, cedar and a gentle earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied yet substantial, with fresh acidity and dry, fine-grained tannins giving the fruit a sturdy frame. Tobacco leaf and sandalwood add savoury depth before a balanced, persistent finish.
Foradori 2011 Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Elderberry, cranberry and blackberry lead a dark, youthful nose, followed by sour cherry, black pepper, clove and cinnamon. The palate is taut and densely structured, with juicy fruit, firm minerality and increasingly approachable tannins. Complex and built to develop, it benefits from air and suits braised beef or lamb shanks.
Podere San Cristoforo 2020 Ameri Toscana IGT
Deeply coloured and expressive, with blackberry compote, ripe plum and dark cherry layered with violet, rose, mocha, clove and licorice. The palate is concentrated and racy, supported by firm, chewy tannins and a fresh line of acidity. Herbal and resinous notes bring lift to the rich fruit, leading to a bold, persistent finish.
Umani Ronchi 2013 Pelago Marche IGT 750 mL
Deep ruby colour introduces coffee, black pepper, liquorice and tobacco, followed by ripe berries and vanilla. The palate is fruit-rich yet structured, with mineral detail adding lift beneath the darker flavours. Firm tannins give the wine shape and measured grip, while extended time in barrique and bottle brings integration. It finishes savoury and persistent, leaving berries, spice, tobacco and a cool mineral impression.
Zenato 2018 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico
Intense garnet colour introduces black cherry, brandied marasca cherry, dried fig and plum, with cocoa and sweet spice adding depth. The palate is lush and velvety, its generous sweetness balanced by freshness and soft tannins. Dark fruit and spice remain poised through the long finish. Pair with blue cheese, panettone or dark chocolate.
Michele Reverdito 2016 Barolo Castagni
A youthful Barolo with dark Morello cherry, forest fruit, sweet spice and leather. The palate is savoury and smoky, with firm but rounded tannins framing the fruit and carrying it into a harmonious finish. Give it generous air, then serve with braised beef, roast lamb, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese; further cellaring should bring added softness.