Italian Winter Warmers Mixed Case

Produced for us from nero d'Avola grapes grown in the Ragusa and Agrigento regions of Sicily, where the Mediterranean climate, tempered by a cooling coastal breeze, produces bold yet balanced reds. Partly aged in French oak, this raspberry and cherry-flavoured wine is ripe and refreshing, with a rounded, spiced finish.

An ancient southern Italian grape variety which had almost disappeared, but has been successfully reintroduced on Vallone's estate, part of the nature reserve of Torre Guaceto. This is round and easy-going, with juicy ripe mulberry and raspberry fruit and spice on the finish that would suit pasta in a game ragù. The name susumaniello, meaning 'load the donkey', was earned because the variety has the potential to be highly productive. Vallone have found that with careful pruning and good vineyard management, after five years the vines produce grapes with lots of flavour and ripeness while keeping their freshness in Puglia's hot summers. They blend it successfully with negroamaro in their excellent Castel Serranova, but we love this single variety version for its appetising and moreish character. Worth a try if you enjoy Beaujolais.

This smooth, supple Italian red is an ingenious blend of two beautifully expressive grape varieties native to the Dolomites - teroldego and marzemino - with a little merlot for softness. Perfumed with violet, blueberry and red plums, and a touch of sweet spice, this balances richness of fruit with the natural freshness of these mountain grapes. The perfect 'winter warmer', try with hearty winter stews or Bolognese, but it's equally delicious with pizza.