Italy has over 800 indigenous grapes. Escape a Pinot Grigio rut with one of these lesser-known varieties Vermentino You might know Vermentino, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for it under its pseudonyms, Favorita and Pigato. The aromatic white grape’s origins are much debated. Some believe its name derives from vermene, a Piedmontese word […]

Just returned from Piedmont, Assistant Buyer Chloe Dale-Harris espouses the virtues of the region’s lesser known varieties, considering the charm of Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis Barolo and Barbaresco are arguably the wines that put Piedmont on the map. Made from the elegant and powerful Nebbiolo grape, they have helped to develop Italy’s reputation for fine […]

Piedmont is without doubt the most beautiful vineyard region I have ever seen. It combines the discreet valleys and small vineyards of Burgundy, with a stunning landscape reminiscent of the Douro’s striking slopes. Driving south from Turin you are greeted by the fertile plains of the Po Valley, which for millennia have been a cross […]

If you, like me, have a wee problem rolling your ‘r’s then exploring the Roero region just north of Alba can prove to be a tongue-twisting experience. Some would say – with a perfect roll if they’re oh-so lucky – that the Roero is best left to growing (exquisite) apricots. Compared to the orderly, monocultural […]