Re-discover the classic, rich flavours & aromas of great Italian reds with a modern twist! We've put together a collection of outstanding value wines selected by Master of Wine, Stephen Bennett. "Stephen has built his reputation on the quality of his import" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine. Explore these modern renditions with friends at your next dining occasion and transform it into an Italian affair to remember.

Collection includes:

2 x Monte Giove Rubicone IGT Sangiovese Merlot 2016 (Italy)

Awarded 90/100 Points: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2018

Awarded Top 10 Wines of 2019: Metro Top 50

Awarded 17/20 Points: Raymond Chan, Mar 2018

"This mid-body red combines the savoury funk of sangiovese with the bright fruitcake characters of the merlot. Some nice tannins and freshness lift this above the ordinary. Outstanding value for money" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

"Very dark, deep, black-hued purple ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim, youthful in appearance. The nose is elegantly concentrated with a rounded and well-packed core of ripe dark-red berry fruit along with notes of black plums, unfolding fragrant dark-red floral elements. A little whole berry ferment jam-like lift shows, the aromatics possessing freshness and depth. Medium-bodied, the palate is moderately concentrated with up-front dark-red cherry fruit entwined with dark herb and curranty notes. The fruit is sweet and juicy, and enlivened by soft acidity, and underlined by light tannin extraction lending background structure. The flavours carry with good drive along a rounded line, leading to a soft finish of cherries and currants. This is a sweet and juicy Rubicone red with cherry and curranty flavours and light structure. Serve with pasta, pizza and barbecued fare over the next 3 years. A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, from the Rubicone, north-east Italy, fermented to 12.5% alc" Raymond Chan, Mar 2018

"A lovely modern rendition, the beautifully lifted bouquet shows blackcurrant, blueberry compote, thyme, warm spice and almond characters. It is equally delightful on the palate, offering bright fruit intensity and rounded mouthfeel, elegantly framed by silky tannins. At its best: now to 2019" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2018

Food Pairing: Perfect with pasta, pizza, grilled vegetables and all rich red meat dishes.

Alc: 12.5%

2 x La Chiave Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016 (Italy)

AWARDED 90/100 POINTS: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

AWARDED 89/100 POINTS: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

"Sweetly fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows spiced cherry, plum, vanilla, hazelnut and game characters with a hint of cocoa. The palate delivers succulent fruit flavours and beautifully rounded mouthfeel, leading to a lingering smooth finish. This brilliantly priced montepulciano is flavoursome and friendly with lovely spicy complexity. At its best: now to 2020" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jan 2019

"Smooth, savoury red with slightly rustic dark berry, floral and spice flavours supported by fine, sappy tannins. A moderately gutsy red in a quaffable style. Good value at this price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

“La Chiave” means “the key”. In this case we’ve scoured the Abruzzo region of Eastern Italy and unearthed a ripe, soft, fruity, approachable Montepulciano that, until now, has been safely locked away (the locals have a habit of keeping it for themselves). Montepulciano (“mon-ta-pull-cheeanno”) is is the 2nd most planted red grape in Italy (after Sangiovese)and has had a reputation for well-priced juicy “pizza-friendly” wines that are delicious to drink.

Food Pairing: All Italian favourites like Spaghetti Bolognese, plus BBQ and spicy food.

Alc: 13%

2 x Saluti Puglia Rosso Merlot/Negroamaro 2016 (Italy)

AWARDED 4 STARS: Joelle Thomson

AWARDED 17/20 POINTS: Raymond Chan

AWARDED 89/100: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Drinkable Italian wines under $15 are thin on the ground but this newcomer breaks the mould and is made mostly from Merlot (65%) with Negroamaro providing the Italianesque je ne sais quoi of ripe black fruit, savoury spice and liquorice flavours. Saluti means ‘greetings’. It’s made by a big company in Puglia; the hot, arid, sun drenched heel of the Italian boot, and is imported here by Master of Wine Stephen Bennett; a long time Italiaphile who has opened many doors for Spanish wine in this country. Let’s hope he can do the same for Italy" Joelle Thomson

"Dark, deep, ruby-red colour with black hues and lighter purple tints on the rim. The nose is elegantly proportioned with up-front ripe aromas of dark-red plums and savoury red berry fruits along with subtle notes of dark herbs and earth. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate possesses flavours of sweet dark red plums and savoury berry fruits entwined with subtle notes of herbs and earth. The palate is juicy, unfolding suggestions of plum jam and liquorice, and is enlivened by bright acidity with light tannin extraction providing background support. The fruit is carried to a lingering, lush finish with balancing grip. This is an elegant, up-front, sweet-fruited Puglia red with lively plum and red berry flavours and light textures. Serve with antipasto, tapas and Mediterranean cuisine over the next 2-3 years. A blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Negroamaro, from Brindisi, hand-picked and cool-fermented in tank to 12.5% alc" Raymond Chan

Alc: 12.5%