Best of Italy Premium Red Mixed Wine ~ 6 Pack Value
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Best of Italy Premium Red Mixed Wine ~ 6 Pack Value
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Best of Italy Premium Red Mixed Wine ~ 6 Pack Value

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Discover the pinnacle of Italian winemaking with our best of Italy premium red mixed wine ~ 6 pack value. This exclusive collection showcases the essence of Italy's famed red wines, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and character.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Esperienza Numero 8 Brunello di Montalcino 2017 (Organic)- Tuscany, Italy

Winesearcher "This is more affordable than many Brunello di Montalcino wines. Not as widely known as other Brunello di Montalcino wines. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year."

Vivino, Yomme (Five Star Buyer rating) "Stupendous Sangiovese balanced and already with some complexity."

Vivino, Boris Kingston (Vivino's N# 3 Wine Rater) "Everything you want from a Brunello..... Impressive and delicious. Elegant, integrated barrel and light cherry. Intense and rich bouquet. Palette of rich acidity, marzipan character and juicy, concentrated fruit. Hint of prunes, delichious strawberry, a slight hint of vanilla and a crisp cherry character. And a sureprisingly feature of blueberry. Long finish." (2009 vintage)

Winemaker "Intense ruby ​​red, complex on the nose with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and red berries, well balanced with notes of tobacco and liquorice, also beautiful harmony on the palate, elegant tannins and a long finish, can be stored very well"

Sangiovese 100%

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

1 x Castello di Gabiano - Barbera D'Asti 'Adornes Superiore' 2013 ~ Piedmont, Italy

89/100 Wine Enthusiast
89/100 James Suckling (2011 Vintage)
89/100 Wine Enthusiast (2011 Vintage)
88/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine

Wine Enthusiast rater
James Suckling favourite

Kerin O' Keefe, Wine Enthusiast "Tobacco, dark berry and new leather aromas take shape in the glass. The structured, juicy palate offers blackberry jam, licorice and white pepper alongside polished tannins."

Wine Enthusiast - "This dense, savoury wine has tobacco, black-skinned berry and red plum aromas and licorice, blackberry jam and black pepper flavours. Fine-grained tannins provide support." (2011 Vintage)

The Winemaker - "Concentrated and balanced... with a long finish. This wine can be a lovely match with grilled red meats, roasted meats, wild fowl and aged cheese." (2011 Vintage)

The Castello di Gabiano vineyard and winery, situated in the Piedmont Region of the northwest of Italy, boasts more than a century of history. In the 8th century, a document signed by Carlo Magno indicated the presence of a “Cortem magnam nomina Gabianam,” proving the land has been owned by the Gabiano family since that time. Today, Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno, the last Marquis of Gabiano, and his wife Emanuela are personally involved in the winery.

Castello di Gabiano vineyards are planted on the highest fields with exposure at noon. The chalky clay soil enhances the wines' unique terroir. Two different prunings are made throughout the year: the first one in July, which equalizes the bunches, the second one in August, aims to achieve the maximum concentration and quality. Harvest in small cases with an accurate selection of the best grapes. Fermentation with native yeast in cement tanks and oak vats. Many délestages and pumping over ensures a rich extraction with the calcareous clay soils giving great structure and complexity to this wine. The wine is finished in barrels for 18 months and in bottle for 12 months.

1 x Renato Ratti Barolo 'Marcenasco' Nebbiolo 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy

88/100 Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)

Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 Vintage)
Commended Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Silver - (Best In Class)
International Wine & Spirit Competition (2006 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2005 vintage)

Award-Winning Winery

Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish.

Drinking Window 2022 - 2032"

Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 Vintage)

James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse. Drink in 2024." (2017 Vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 Vintage)

Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2040" (2017 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long. Best from 2023 through 2037. 3,750 cases made, 3,750 cases imported. — BS" (2017 Vintage)

Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 Vintage)

Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. Better from 2022." (2016 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there. Best from 2022 through 2043. 3,500 cases imported. —BS" (2015 Vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 Vintage)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 Vintage)

James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 Vintage)

The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)

Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.

Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Riserva di Fizzano Chianti 2019 (Organic) - Chianti Classico, Italy

95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Spectator
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter
95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2018 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
95/100 Daniele Cernilli, Guida Essenziale
93/100 Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
92/100 Ernesto Gentili
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter (2018 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)

Gold - Mundus Vini
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)

3 Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso (2018 vintage)

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Full body, well-smoothed soft tannins and a warm and enveloping finish that everyone likes for its volume and power...Open and very vibrant in the sensory profile, it offers notes of currants, raspberries, ripe strawberries and wet flowers. "

James Suckling "Composed and traditional.....Sweet cranberries, plums and some savory cinnamon, seaweed and white pepper, extending to a medium-bodied palate that unleashes juicy and savory berry fruit with firm, polished tannins."

Wine Spectator "A fluid red, featuring a mix of plum, cherry, leather, iron and sanguine flavors. Tips to the dry side in the balance, remaining long and savory in the end. Sangiovese and Colorino."

Decanter "The nose is rather shy, hinting at flint and pepper; but the palate is more giving: plump red cherry is punctuated by pretty violets and sage, remaining juicy throughout. Tannins appear quite fine at first, then stick assertively to the finish."

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Solid and centred showing energy and character in the fruity profile, rich with black plums, wild myrtle, cumin, white pepper and hot crumbled stone. In the background the slight riduction is well integrated and will go away with time but also protects the matrix from oxygen. Full bodied.perfectly polymerized fine grain tannins in the matrix and an authoritative finale, rich in gustatory beauty." (2018 vintage)

James Suckling "Fresh and vivid with black-cherry and violet aromas. Full-bodied with firm, lively tannins and a fresh, linear finish. Very fine and polished." (2018 vintage)

Wine Spectator "Savory and fruity combine in this dense red, whose wild rosemary, eucalyptus and woodsy notes meet cherry, plum and floral flavors. Firms up, so decant now or cellar a few more years." (2018 vintage)

Decanter "It leads with aromas of warm, dry earth, baked stone and hints of green herbs. Robust and packed with fruit, the palate demonstrates the region’s generosity. Plush, plump plum is accented by cinnamon, clove and sundried tomato, with flinty mineral notes underneath. The tannins are chalky and dry, but cushy acidity lends accessibility." (2018 vintage)

Falstaff "Dark shining ruby ​​red. In the nose of fresh cherries, blood oranges, strawberry yoghurt, also delicately of sealing wax. Red berries on the palate with slightly vegetal fruit, juicy and finely structured, but widens in the rear area and dries out, narrow." (2018 vintage)

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

2 x Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi Le Rose 2018 (Organic) - Barolo, Italy

93/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places
91/100 Stephen Blandford, The Real Review
93/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places (2019 vintage)
96/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2017 vintage)
95/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2016 vintage)
95/100 Decanter (2016 vintage)
94/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2015 vintage)
94/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2015 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Poderi "...Poderi Colla remains one of the under the radar gems in Piedmont. Specifically, the Barbaresco (and Barolo, too) is consistently outstanding."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Poderi Colla is a beautiful hilltop winery located on the outskirts of the hamlet of Treiso, one of the four communes of the Barbaresco production zone. The estate is well-known for the many excellent wines it produces."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "The perfumed, delicate nose offers aromas of sour red fruits, flowers and spices, complicated by mineral notes. .... I loved this wine’s attractive light touch. Closes clean and juicy, with polished tannins but leaves behind hints of green nuances as well as of small red fruits and minerals."

Stephen Blandford, The Real Review "Garnet colour tending to brick. There's an appealing bouquet of toasty, vanillin notes over spiced plum with some fresh leather and tobacco, violet scents giving a top note. To taste, the wine is firmly structured, almost rustic, with a slight hollowness in the mid-palate accentuating the grippy, though ripe tannins, and savoury elements on the finish."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "The Dardi Le Rose estate vines are planted on soil that is roughly 63% loam, 20% sand, and 17% clay. The vines are at least 35-60 years old and though not all the rootstocks are known, there is some du Rupestris present which gives very small productions but ensures outstanding drought resistance, a matter of no small consequence given the times of climate change we live in. For this reason, my readers would be wise to look at and buy Colla’s wines in not just the great years, but in hot/dry vintages too, because this estate’s Nebbiolo vines usually suffer less than those of others in similar years."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Intensely floral aromas of redcurrant, sour red cherry, mint and minerals are lifted by a top-note of blood orange. Juicy, sappy and savory on entry, then with strong soil tones in the middle, closing long with vibrant, sweet red cherry and mineral flavours. Finishes very fresh with smooth tannins and outstanding subtle length. A very pretty wine, this is tapered and precise, but it shut down in the glass and displayed an increasingly firmer tannic backbone, not to mention a building green note on the back end. (2019 vintage)

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Captivating nose offers red fruits, flowers, tobacco and minerals. Then seriously rich in extract, broad and full, with nuances of dark red cherry and incense emerging and gaining sweetness with air. The finish is firmly tannic, tactile and very long. At once very pretty and floral, but also very powerful, unlike most of Poderi Colla’s Barolo Bussia wines the 2017 is more saline and spicy than it is floral, with the brown spice note reminiscent of some Barolos from Brunate." (2017 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous "a wine of total finesse. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint and spice give the 2016 captivating inner perfume to match its translucent, mid-weight personality. Pliant, exquisitely layered and so incredibly inviting, the 2016 is going to be tempting early. It is a fabulous wine in every way" (2016 vintage)

Decanter "...recognising it as a superior Barolo site. Here, over 6ha of Nebbiolo are planted on the steep slope rich in calcareous marls. The 2016 is restrained, taut and slightly austere at the moment but exceptionally enduring and not lacking in grace. With a sinewy palate and firm, chalky tannins, there is ample fragrance and flavour to back this up. Raspberry, strawberry, cinnamon and cedar lead to a tangy pomegranate and sour cherry finish. Traditionally crafted and clean, with heaps of soul and intrigue." (2016 vintage)

James Suckling "Deeply complex and moody aromas with a wealth of dried roses and fresh red to black cherries, as well as terracotta and fragrant spices. The palate has a core of deliciously ripe darker cherries and plums with a long, seamless and finely focused finish." (2015 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous " ...one of the most intriguing wines of the vintage... I imagine the 2015 will always retain a slightly mature character in its aromas and flavours, but it also has the structure to develop beautifully in bottle for many years to come. This is an especially powerful edition of the Dardi Le Rose. I loved it." (2015 vintage)

Winemaker "Intense garnet red, wide and elegant bouquet delicately spiced with hints of flowers, small red fruits and goudron. Rich structure on the palate supported by soft tannins, enveloped in ripe fruit and liquorice. A 'majestic' traditional Nebbiolo with the power, harmony, and complexity of a great orchestra! Extraordinary ageing potential. It is perfect with red meat and furry game dishes, but also for very rich fish dishes, such as baked turbot, as well as for a fine cheese dinner."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Poderi Colla's Dardi’s Barolos are much more perfumed and lighter in texture (I mean “lighter” in terms of a Monforte-lightness, which means hardly light at all, of course). In any case, the typical note of Dardi Barolos is a floral one (spicy too depending on the vintage’s growing season characteristics); these are wines that are never outwardly fruity, and their mouthfeel has a certain austerity and tannic presence (in this they do resemble those of Mondoca quite a bit). Colla’s holding is named Dardi Le Rose (also the name of the estate buildings) because of the large presence of roses peppered among the vines."

100% Nebbiolo

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Poderi "...Poderi Colla remains one of the under the radar gems in Piedmont. Specifically, the Barbaresco, and Barolo, too is consistently outstanding."

Poderi Colla is a highly regarded Italian, family owned winery with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. The winery is known for its dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Langhe region in Piedmont. The winery was founded by the Colla family, who have produced wine for more than five generations. Brothers Tino and Beppe Colla brought Poderi Colla to international fame. Prominent figures in the winemaking world, the bothers studied winemaking in Burgundy and brought Pinot Noir cuttings back to Italy to propegate at their family's wine estate. Tino and Beppe Colla both played significant roles in elevating the reputation of Barolo and Barbaresco wines to international acclaim.

The Poderi Colla winery focuses on sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, producing wines that showcase the authentic flavors of the grapes. Poderi Colla produces a range of wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and other regional varieties. Their Barolo and Barbaresco wines are especially revered, and they often age them in large oak casks to allow the wines to develop complex and nuanced flavors over time.

Talk to us at Pop Up Wine and we'll gladly organise a tour of the Poderi Colla winery when you are next in Italy. We can arrange a tour of the vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms where you will be able to learn about the winemaking process and sample Poderi Colla wines. Visiting the estate offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Langhe region while enjoying some of Italy's finest wines.

The Barolo wine region is one of the most prestigious and renowned wine-producing areas in Italy. It is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, specifically in the Cuneo province, and is considered the heartland of the Nebbiolo grape. Barolo is often referred to as the "King of Wines" due to its exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential. Barolo wines are renowned for their complex and nuanced flavors. They often exhibit aromas of red fruits (such as cherry and raspberry), floral notes (rose and violet), and earthy undertones (tar, leather, and truffles). As the wine ages, these flavors evolve, and secondary characteristics like dried fruit, tobacco, and spice may develop.

Barolo wines are renowned for their complex and nuanced flavors. They often exhibit aromas of red fruits (such as cherry and raspberry), floral notes (rose and violet), and earthy undertones (tar, leather, and truffles). As the wine ages, these flavors evolve, and secondary characteristics like dried fruit, tobacco, and spice may develop.

Barolo and Barbaresco
Barolo shares some similarities with Barbaresco, another esteemed Nebbiolo-based wine produced in the Langhe region. Both wines come from the same grape variety and share similar winemaking techniques. However, Barolo is generally considered more powerful and robust, while Barbaresco is often perceived as more elegant and approachable.

Discover the pinnacle of Italian winemaking with our best of Italy premium red mixed wine ~ 6 pack value. This exclusive collection showcases the essence of Italy's famed red wines, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and character.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Esperienza Numero 8 Brunello di Montalcino 2017 (Organic)- Tuscany, Italy

Winesearcher "This is more affordable than many Brunello di Montalcino wines. Not as widely known as other Brunello di Montalcino wines. This wine has been becoming increasingly popular over the past year."

Vivino, Yomme (Five Star Buyer rating) "Stupendous Sangiovese balanced and already with some complexity."

Vivino, Boris Kingston (Vivino's N# 3 Wine Rater) "Everything you want from a Brunello..... Impressive and delicious. Elegant, integrated barrel and light cherry. Intense and rich bouquet. Palette of rich acidity, marzipan character and juicy, concentrated fruit. Hint of prunes, delichious strawberry, a slight hint of vanilla and a crisp cherry character. And a sureprisingly feature of blueberry. Long finish." (2009 vintage)

Winemaker "Intense ruby ​​red, complex on the nose with aromas of plums, ripe black cherries and red berries, well balanced with notes of tobacco and liquorice, also beautiful harmony on the palate, elegant tannins and a long finish, can be stored very well"

Sangiovese 100%

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

1 x Castello di Gabiano - Barbera D'Asti 'Adornes Superiore' 2013 ~ Piedmont, Italy

89/100 Wine Enthusiast
89/100 James Suckling (2011 Vintage)
89/100 Wine Enthusiast (2011 Vintage)
88/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine

Wine Enthusiast rater
James Suckling favourite

Kerin O' Keefe, Wine Enthusiast "Tobacco, dark berry and new leather aromas take shape in the glass. The structured, juicy palate offers blackberry jam, licorice and white pepper alongside polished tannins."

Wine Enthusiast - "This dense, savoury wine has tobacco, black-skinned berry and red plum aromas and licorice, blackberry jam and black pepper flavours. Fine-grained tannins provide support." (2011 Vintage)

The Winemaker - "Concentrated and balanced... with a long finish. This wine can be a lovely match with grilled red meats, roasted meats, wild fowl and aged cheese." (2011 Vintage)

The Castello di Gabiano vineyard and winery, situated in the Piedmont Region of the northwest of Italy, boasts more than a century of history. In the 8th century, a document signed by Carlo Magno indicated the presence of a “Cortem magnam nomina Gabianam,” proving the land has been owned by the Gabiano family since that time. Today, Giacomo Cattaneo Adorno, the last Marquis of Gabiano, and his wife Emanuela are personally involved in the winery.

Castello di Gabiano vineyards are planted on the highest fields with exposure at noon. The chalky clay soil enhances the wines' unique terroir. Two different prunings are made throughout the year: the first one in July, which equalizes the bunches, the second one in August, aims to achieve the maximum concentration and quality. Harvest in small cases with an accurate selection of the best grapes. Fermentation with native yeast in cement tanks and oak vats. Many délestages and pumping over ensures a rich extraction with the calcareous clay soils giving great structure and complexity to this wine. The wine is finished in barrels for 18 months and in bottle for 12 months.

1 x Renato Ratti Barolo 'Marcenasco' Nebbiolo 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy

88/100 Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)

Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 Vintage)
Commended Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Silver - (Best In Class)
International Wine & Spirit Competition (2006 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2005 vintage)

Award-Winning Winery

Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish.

Drinking Window 2022 - 2032"

Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 Vintage)

James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse. Drink in 2024." (2017 Vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 Vintage)

Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo.

Drinking Window 2021 - 2040" (2017 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long. Best from 2023 through 2037. 3,750 cases made, 3,750 cases imported. — BS" (2017 Vintage)

Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 Vintage)

Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. Better from 2022." (2016 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there. Best from 2022 through 2043. 3,500 cases imported. —BS" (2015 Vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 Vintage)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 Vintage)

James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 Vintage)

Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 Vintage)

The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)

Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.

Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Riserva di Fizzano Chianti 2019 (Organic) - Chianti Classico, Italy

95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Spectator
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter
95/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2018 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
95/100 Daniele Cernilli, Guida Essenziale
93/100 Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
92/100 Ernesto Gentili
91/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter (2018 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)

Gold - Mundus Vini
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)

3 Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso (2018 vintage)

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Full body, well-smoothed soft tannins and a warm and enveloping finish that everyone likes for its volume and power...Open and very vibrant in the sensory profile, it offers notes of currants, raspberries, ripe strawberries and wet flowers. "

James Suckling "Composed and traditional.....Sweet cranberries, plums and some savory cinnamon, seaweed and white pepper, extending to a medium-bodied palate that unleashes juicy and savory berry fruit with firm, polished tannins."

Wine Spectator "A fluid red, featuring a mix of plum, cherry, leather, iron and sanguine flavors. Tips to the dry side in the balance, remaining long and savory in the end. Sangiovese and Colorino."

Decanter "The nose is rather shy, hinting at flint and pepper; but the palate is more giving: plump red cherry is punctuated by pretty violets and sage, remaining juicy throughout. Tannins appear quite fine at first, then stick assertively to the finish."

Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critic "Solid and centred showing energy and character in the fruity profile, rich with black plums, wild myrtle, cumin, white pepper and hot crumbled stone. In the background the slight riduction is well integrated and will go away with time but also protects the matrix from oxygen. Full bodied.perfectly polymerized fine grain tannins in the matrix and an authoritative finale, rich in gustatory beauty." (2018 vintage)

James Suckling "Fresh and vivid with black-cherry and violet aromas. Full-bodied with firm, lively tannins and a fresh, linear finish. Very fine and polished." (2018 vintage)

Wine Spectator "Savory and fruity combine in this dense red, whose wild rosemary, eucalyptus and woodsy notes meet cherry, plum and floral flavors. Firms up, so decant now or cellar a few more years." (2018 vintage)

Decanter "It leads with aromas of warm, dry earth, baked stone and hints of green herbs. Robust and packed with fruit, the palate demonstrates the region’s generosity. Plush, plump plum is accented by cinnamon, clove and sundried tomato, with flinty mineral notes underneath. The tannins are chalky and dry, but cushy acidity lends accessibility." (2018 vintage)

Falstaff "Dark shining ruby ​​red. In the nose of fresh cherries, blood oranges, strawberry yoghurt, also delicately of sealing wax. Red berries on the palate with slightly vegetal fruit, juicy and finely structured, but widens in the rear area and dries out, narrow." (2018 vintage)

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

2 x Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi Le Rose 2018 (Organic) - Barolo, Italy

93/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places
91/100 Stephen Blandford, The Real Review
93/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places (2019 vintage)
96/100 Terrior Sense Wine Reviews / Barolo Terroir, Grapes Crus People Places (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2017 vintage)
95/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2016 vintage)
95/100 Decanter (2016 vintage)
94/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
94/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2015 vintage)
94/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2015 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Poderi "...Poderi Colla remains one of the under the radar gems in Piedmont. Specifically, the Barbaresco (and Barolo, too) is consistently outstanding."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Poderi Colla is a beautiful hilltop winery located on the outskirts of the hamlet of Treiso, one of the four communes of the Barbaresco production zone. The estate is well-known for the many excellent wines it produces."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "The perfumed, delicate nose offers aromas of sour red fruits, flowers and spices, complicated by mineral notes. .... I loved this wine’s attractive light touch. Closes clean and juicy, with polished tannins but leaves behind hints of green nuances as well as of small red fruits and minerals."

Stephen Blandford, The Real Review "Garnet colour tending to brick. There's an appealing bouquet of toasty, vanillin notes over spiced plum with some fresh leather and tobacco, violet scents giving a top note. To taste, the wine is firmly structured, almost rustic, with a slight hollowness in the mid-palate accentuating the grippy, though ripe tannins, and savoury elements on the finish."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "The Dardi Le Rose estate vines are planted on soil that is roughly 63% loam, 20% sand, and 17% clay. The vines are at least 35-60 years old and though not all the rootstocks are known, there is some du Rupestris present which gives very small productions but ensures outstanding drought resistance, a matter of no small consequence given the times of climate change we live in. For this reason, my readers would be wise to look at and buy Colla’s wines in not just the great years, but in hot/dry vintages too, because this estate’s Nebbiolo vines usually suffer less than those of others in similar years."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Intensely floral aromas of redcurrant, sour red cherry, mint and minerals are lifted by a top-note of blood orange. Juicy, sappy and savory on entry, then with strong soil tones in the middle, closing long with vibrant, sweet red cherry and mineral flavours. Finishes very fresh with smooth tannins and outstanding subtle length. A very pretty wine, this is tapered and precise, but it shut down in the glass and displayed an increasingly firmer tannic backbone, not to mention a building green note on the back end. (2019 vintage)

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Captivating nose offers red fruits, flowers, tobacco and minerals. Then seriously rich in extract, broad and full, with nuances of dark red cherry and incense emerging and gaining sweetness with air. The finish is firmly tannic, tactile and very long. At once very pretty and floral, but also very powerful, unlike most of Poderi Colla’s Barolo Bussia wines the 2017 is more saline and spicy than it is floral, with the brown spice note reminiscent of some Barolos from Brunate." (2017 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous "a wine of total finesse. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint and spice give the 2016 captivating inner perfume to match its translucent, mid-weight personality. Pliant, exquisitely layered and so incredibly inviting, the 2016 is going to be tempting early. It is a fabulous wine in every way" (2016 vintage)

Decanter "...recognising it as a superior Barolo site. Here, over 6ha of Nebbiolo are planted on the steep slope rich in calcareous marls. The 2016 is restrained, taut and slightly austere at the moment but exceptionally enduring and not lacking in grace. With a sinewy palate and firm, chalky tannins, there is ample fragrance and flavour to back this up. Raspberry, strawberry, cinnamon and cedar lead to a tangy pomegranate and sour cherry finish. Traditionally crafted and clean, with heaps of soul and intrigue." (2016 vintage)

James Suckling "Deeply complex and moody aromas with a wealth of dried roses and fresh red to black cherries, as well as terracotta and fragrant spices. The palate has a core of deliciously ripe darker cherries and plums with a long, seamless and finely focused finish." (2015 vintage)

Antonio Galloni, Vinous " ...one of the most intriguing wines of the vintage... I imagine the 2015 will always retain a slightly mature character in its aromas and flavours, but it also has the structure to develop beautifully in bottle for many years to come. This is an especially powerful edition of the Dardi Le Rose. I loved it." (2015 vintage)

Winemaker "Intense garnet red, wide and elegant bouquet delicately spiced with hints of flowers, small red fruits and goudron. Rich structure on the palate supported by soft tannins, enveloped in ripe fruit and liquorice. A 'majestic' traditional Nebbiolo with the power, harmony, and complexity of a great orchestra! Extraordinary ageing potential. It is perfect with red meat and furry game dishes, but also for very rich fish dishes, such as baked turbot, as well as for a fine cheese dinner."

Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata "Poderi Colla's Dardi’s Barolos are much more perfumed and lighter in texture (I mean “lighter” in terms of a Monforte-lightness, which means hardly light at all, of course). In any case, the typical note of Dardi Barolos is a floral one (spicy too depending on the vintage’s growing season characteristics); these are wines that are never outwardly fruity, and their mouthfeel has a certain austerity and tannic presence (in this they do resemble those of Mondoca quite a bit). Colla’s holding is named Dardi Le Rose (also the name of the estate buildings) because of the large presence of roses peppered among the vines."

100% Nebbiolo

Antonio Galloni, Vinous Poderi "...Poderi Colla remains one of the under the radar gems in Piedmont. Specifically, the Barbaresco, and Barolo, too is consistently outstanding."

Poderi Colla is a highly regarded Italian, family owned winery with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. The winery is known for its dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Langhe region in Piedmont. The winery was founded by the Colla family, who have produced wine for more than five generations. Brothers Tino and Beppe Colla brought Poderi Colla to international fame. Prominent figures in the winemaking world, the bothers studied winemaking in Burgundy and brought Pinot Noir cuttings back to Italy to propegate at their family's wine estate. Tino and Beppe Colla both played significant roles in elevating the reputation of Barolo and Barbaresco wines to international acclaim.

The Poderi Colla winery focuses on sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, producing wines that showcase the authentic flavors of the grapes. Poderi Colla produces a range of wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and other regional varieties. Their Barolo and Barbaresco wines are especially revered, and they often age them in large oak casks to allow the wines to develop complex and nuanced flavors over time.

Talk to us at Pop Up Wine and we'll gladly organise a tour of the Poderi Colla winery when you are next in Italy. We can arrange a tour of the vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms where you will be able to learn about the winemaking process and sample Poderi Colla wines. Visiting the estate offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Langhe region while enjoying some of Italy's finest wines.

The Barolo wine region is one of the most prestigious and renowned wine-producing areas in Italy. It is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, specifically in the Cuneo province, and is considered the heartland of the Nebbiolo grape. Barolo is often referred to as the "King of Wines" due to its exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential. Barolo wines are renowned for their complex and nuanced flavors. They often exhibit aromas of red fruits (such as cherry and raspberry), floral notes (rose and violet), and earthy undertones (tar, leather, and truffles). As the wine ages, these flavors evolve, and secondary characteristics like dried fruit, tobacco, and spice may develop.

Barolo wines are renowned for their complex and nuanced flavors. They often exhibit aromas of red fruits (such as cherry and raspberry), floral notes (rose and violet), and earthy undertones (tar, leather, and truffles). As the wine ages, these flavors evolve, and secondary characteristics like dried fruit, tobacco, and spice may develop.

Barolo and Barbaresco
Barolo shares some similarities with Barbaresco, another esteemed Nebbiolo-based wine produced in the Langhe region. Both wines come from the same grape variety and share similar winemaking techniques. However, Barolo is generally considered more powerful and robust, while Barbaresco is often perceived as more elegant and approachable.