Explore: Italy

Mediterranean Sun-Kissed Bounty

When it comes to Italy’s Mediterranean sun-kissed countryside, its bountiful and fresh-ingredient-driven cuisine, and remarkably diverse wines—is there any reason to wonder why the world is so infatuated with the boot-shaped country? From crisp white Pinot Grigio and Friulano to bold, savory Barolo and fruit-driven Primitivo, no other country offers the kind of diversity, value, and iconic wine labels as those from Italy. This set will introduce you to three wine regions that we consider the ultimate Italian trifecta: Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Piedmont, both in the north, and Tuscany, which sprawls from Florence west to the Tyrrhenian Coastline. You’ll discover two classics (Barolo and Brunello), two that break-with-tradition (Super Tuscans), and one of the world’s top white wines from Friulano.

Wine Set Includes: 

2013 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 

This is one of our highest-rated and most-anticipated bottlings each year. In an era when sub-$50 Brunellos are a rarity, Caparzo delivers practically unheard-of quality far below the price of most Brunellos. With 95 points from Wine Spectator, even Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate considers it one of Brunello’s “go-to producers.” Aged in large Slavonian oak casks according to Brunello tradition, the Caparzo boasts tons of bright cherry freshness, grilled herbs, and an underlying smoky note: a perfect wine for pasta, grilled sausages, or steak.

2013 Carlo Revello & Figli Barolo R.G. 

As Piedmont enthusiasts know—the lovers of Italy’s elegant, finesse-driven, collector-worthy Nebbiolo-based reds—2013 was potentially the greatest vintage of recent memory, equaling or bettering 2008 and 2010. “If you love age-worthy Nebbiolo, then stock your cellar with 2013 Barolo,” advised Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. This wine offers a terrific example of a pure-fruited, finesse-driven Nebbiolo (the grape of Barolo wines). Critic James Suckling called it “impressive” with “full body, fine and silky tannins,” in his 95-point review. We love its fleshier mouthfeel, delicious red berry notes tinged with red florals, and savory spice. A mere 333 cases were produced for the entire world.  

2011 Campo alla Sughera Arnione Bolgheri Superiore Rosso

This 2011 “Arnione” Bolgheri Superiore hails from an estate neighboring Super Tuscan giants Ornellaia, Sassicaia and Gaja’s Ca’ Marcanda and is far less than half the price of its storied neighbors. With 93 points from Wine Spectator, this “elegant and intense” Super Tuscan Superiore is a hidden gem, with production at a fraction of the tens of thousands cranked out by its famous friends Gaja and Antinori each year. Layers of warm dark fruit and exotic spice over a core of mineral, leather, tobacco and garrigue. The palate is lush, elegant and intense, packed with juicy black plum, mocha and espresso with notes of cigar box and dried herbs.

2012 Tenuta di Ceppaiano Violetta Ceppaiano Toscana IGT

Called “one of the most exciting new Italian wine projects of the moment,” by Decanter, this lush coastal Super Tuscan red is a joint venture between wine impresario Piergiorgio Castellani and the British wine savant Simon Farr. The two founded this winery to take advantage of the incredible terroir lying at the extreme western edge of Chianti. With 93 points from James Suckling this is your ticket to a generous, juicy and ripe Super Tuscan red—exclusive to Wine Access. Bright red cherry fruit aromas overlay hints of aromatic herbs, orange zest, and dusty earth.

2015 Mario Schiopetto Collio Friulano DOC

Mario Schiopetto, and his eponymous estate continues to produce critically-acclaimed head-turners. This bottling earned 95 points from Italian wine expert James Suckling who called it “gorgeous” and “superb,” while praising its stone fruit aromas, and intense spiciness. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s vigilant guardian of quality, awarded it Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses), their highest honor. It is one of the finest examples of Friulano. Intense, generous aromatics of apricot and pear, powerful, full-bodied, long, and savory finish.