A fabulously priced collection of Organic Italian wines selected by Steve Bennett, Master of Wine.

"Stephen has built his reputation on the quality of his imports" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review.

2 x Pietra Organic Primitivo 2018 (Italy)

awarded 94/100 Points & 5 stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

awarded 94/100 Points: Luca Maroni

awarded 90/100 points & 4 Stars: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine

“Sumptuous and opulent in rich tones of dark fruit and cocoa together with seductive notes of hazelnut, toasted spice and tapenade on the nose. It’s concentrated and mouthfilling on the palate, offering terrific power and persistency, superbly complemented by savoury nuances and velvety tannins. Gorgeously expressed and deliciously drinkable" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Deep ruby colour. An elegant rather than blockbuster style, with plenty of weight and flavour that's supported by vibrant acidity which gives the wine energy. Dark berry, spice, anise, violet and spicy oak flavours" Bob Campbell, MW

Pietra is situated in the heart of the historical centre of Minervino di Lecce about 10km from the breathtakingly beautiful coast of the Adriatic in Puglia, Italy’s “heel of the boot”.

Enologist Vincenzo Laera oversees the 40 hectares of alberello-trained vines, which are grown on shallow red soils with layers of calcareous rock. Primitivo from 50-year-old vines is hand harvested and given a pre-fermentation maceration at 12℃ for 24 hours. Temperature controlled fermentation at 18℃ for 5 days. Aging on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 6 months.

Seal: Cork - Alc: 14%

2 x Barone Montalto Organic Pinot Grigio 2019 (Italy)

Awarded 90/100 points & 4.5 stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

awarded 88/100 points & 4 Stars: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

“It’s pristine and delicate, showing nectarine, lemon peel and green tea aromas on the nose, followed by a finely textured palate that’s light and bright. It’s well focused and lingering with mouth-watering acidity, making it attractively refreshing" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Organic wine from Sicily with green apple, grapefruit and green pear flavours. Exactly what I would expect from an Italian pinot grigio in this price category - dry, crisp, restrained wine" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

"I have to admit that I am no big Pinot Grigio fan – either the wines are so unripe as to be vapid and soulless, or they are too creamy and fat as to be undrinkable past the first glass. This Sicilian grown example is a surprise – boasting classic pear and honey characters, with crisp, punchy acidity that makes it appetising and interesting. The perfect everyday white for those guests that cannot handle powerful Chardonnays or bone dry Rieslings" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

Pinot Grigio is now Italy’s second most planted grape variety with a 500% growth since 2000. Barone Montalto was established in the small town of Santa Ninfa, in the province of Trapani, Sicily in 2000. The company manages around 400 hectares of vineyards in total, the majority of which are located around the winery in the rolling hills of the Belice Valley, 500m above sea level, 100km SW of Palermo. The balance are located in are in the province of Agrigento, in the Valle dei Templi and in Noto to the SE of the island. Barone Montalto produces clean, modern wines balanced by an authentic Sicilian terroir. The abundant sunshine and relatively deep, alluvial, Argilloso Limoso soils have a mix of limestone and sand and are high in organic material producing ripe, healthy grapes that can produce ripe Pinot Grigio phenolics in a dry style at an appealing 12% ABV. NE facing slopes and the cooling Mediterranean breeze ensures low disease pressure and is perfect for organic viticulture and helps the grapes retain a delicious, fresh acidity.

Light, freshing and dry with lower alcohol. Perfect with seafood and vegetarian dishes

Seal: Screwcap - Alc: 12%

2 x La Piuma Organic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 (Italy)

awarded 90/100 points & 4.5 stars: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

awarded 89/100 points & 4 Stars: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

“Fruit forward and comfortingly appealing, the wine shows Black Doris plum, clove and toasted nut aromas on the nose, leading to a beautifully supple palate that’s ripe and flavoursome. Medium-full-bodied and silky with an appealing spicy finish" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Big, rich, fruity, organic red with plum, dark berry, chocolate and five-spice supported by fine, ripe tannins. A mellow, warming red that's probably as good as it's going to get. Offers a lot of bang for the buck" Bob Campbell, aster of Wine, Real Review

"For a few dollars more, the certified organic La Piuma represents a step up – a plush, creamy, somewhat decadent example of Montepulciano. Fresh berryfruit is complemented with a smoky, brooding note. Montepulciano’s edgy tannins are still present, but overall the mouthfeel is more supple, and textured, making for a great sipping wine of an evening. Best of all is the sweet and sour finish, distinctively Italian, adding a touch of class" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

The rolling hills of the Abruzzo region in Eastern Italy are the spiritual home of Montepulciano, Italy’s 2nd most important red grape. This is a wine-style where spending just a few extra dollars can make a world of difference. As is the case here. Excellent drainage and sunlight exposure on rolling hills, calcareous clay soils, lower cropping and organic viticulture have all contributed to a wine that has ripe, bright, juicy berry characters and lush texture to balance the vibrant acidity and sappy tannins. 

Most definitely a food wine where the savoury flavours compliment those of the food and the acidity acts as a freshener balanced against the richness of pizza/ragout/cheese. 

Seal: Cork - Alc: 13.5%

Vintages may change.