Italy's Famous Piedmont Premium Mixed - 6 Pack Value

Six highly rated and acclaimed Italian wines. Showstoppers from Italy's famous Piedmont wine region.

2 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.

Barbera d’Asti is one of the most famous wines from the Piedmont region of north-western Italy. It became a DOC in 1970 and was upgraded to its DOCG classification in 2008, adding to Piedmont's impressive haul of DOCG titles (the highest level of Italian wine classification). The Barbera d'Asti title covers the area around the town of Asti, and exclusively focuses on red wines made from Barbera. Softer and more approachable in its youth than the Nebbiolo used to make Piedmont's most prestigious wines, Barbera is a firm favourite among winemakers and consumers. It is also the region's most widely planted red-wine variety.

The Asti area is located in the hilly areas of the Asti and Alessandria provinces in eastern Piedmont, where the region shares its borders with Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. The vineyards which produce Barbera d'Asti wine are typically situated on hilly terrain, ranging in altitude anywhere from 300ft to 1000ft (90m to 305m). They span a relatively large area that adjoins the production area of Barbera d’Alba to the north-east.

According to DOC regulations, any Barbera d'Asti wine must consist of at least 85% Barbera. The remaining 15% can comprise Freisa, Grignolino and Dolcetto. The bottles must not be released for sale before 1 March in the year after harvest and must achieve a minimum final alcohol level of at least 11.5% alcohol by volume. There is also a Superiore designation which requires a minimum of 12 months of ageing, with at least six months of this time spent in barrel.

Barbera d'Asti is a particularly good ageing wine, with the potential to reward cellaring for up to eight years. At its best it is a rich, tangy, full-bodied wine characterized by an intense ruby-red color which graduates towards garnet red with age. It is a full-bodied wine whose flavors become more balanced and appealing as it matures.

1 x Conterno Fantino - Barolo Vigna del Gris 2016 ~ Piedmont, Italy

96/100 Robert Parker
96/100 Wine & Spirits
95/100 James Suckling
95/100 Wine Spectator
93/100 Vinous
96/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
95/100 Robert Parker (2015 vintage)
94/100 Robert Parker (2013 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2013 vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2013 vintage)
92/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2012 vintage)
94/100 Falastaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2010 vintage)
93/100 Wine & Spirits Magazine (2011 vintage)
93/100 Wine Spectator (2011 vintage)

Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2011 vintage)

Robert Parker "The Conterno Fantino 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris comes from a site in Monforte d'Alba that has a big component of loose sand in the soils. These well-draining conditions add to the softness and concentrated aromatic intensity of Nebbiolo. In fact, the bouquet here brings us a medley of red and purple fruits with some ripe blackberry and plum. It shows a hint of pretty cherry sweetness with spice, tobacco and candied licorice. The mouthfeel is full and generous, and this supple Barolo wraps smoothly and luxuriously over the palate."

James Suckling "Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. Try after 2023."

Wine Spectator "Focused on bright cherry, black currant and freshly cut hay aromas and flavors, this red is vibrant, verging on racy. Accents of iron, tobacco and tar add complexity, and this is balanced and long on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2045."

Antonio Galloni, Vinous "The 2016 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris offers a striking balance of density and the more floral, high-toned notes that are so typical of this wine. Dried flowers, rose petal, mint, sweet spice and cedar are all nicely lifted. Beams of incisive tannin give the wine its vibrant, energetic feel. I would drink it first among these four wines. 2021-2031"

Wine & Spirits "This wine captures the character of the 2016 vintage with exuberant aromas of rose petals, mint and sage and vibrant red berry and cherry flavors. Those aromas and flavors remain poised and balanced for days after the bottle has been opened, suggesting a long life ahead, though the sheer energy of this wine makes it immensely appealing even now."

Robert Parker "The 2015 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is perfectly executed, so measured and harmonious in its approach. Its lightly spicy notes are seamless and beautiful, with the same great texture, richness and succulent structure we have been seeing a lot of in this vintage. This is a Barolo with gravity and power and, at the same time, silkiness and grace. When uncorked five years from now (or more), the wine would pair with an elegant pâté." (2015 vintage)

James Suckling "Impressive aromas of ripe and rich red cherries, red plums and darker berries that are swathed in fresh and spicy oak to good effect. Orange zest, too. The palate has a soaring build of sturdy tannins that carry abundant sweet and ripe cherry flavors long and unwavering into the fresh finish. This is impressive." (2015 vintage)

Founded in 1982, Conterno Fantino testifies to the talent and vision of viticulturist Claudio Conterno and his partner, oenologist Guido Fantino. These great wines start in exceptional vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Conterno Fantino’s historical nucleus is Ginestra, one of Monforte’s historical crus documented as far back as the 1800’s. is based on a hillside close to the village of Monforte d'Alba. The focus of the estate falls to four key grape varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Chardonnay.

Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.

Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.

1 x Marchesi Di Barolo Barbaresco Tradizione DOCG 2015 - Piedmont, Italy

95/100 Decanter
94/100 Raffaele Vecchione
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
92/100 Wine Advocate
91/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)

Gold Medal, 2020 World Wine Awards

Raffaele Vecchione “Ripe and solid on the nose: it dispenses notes of ripe cherries, black cherries and raspberries. I like the delicacy thanks to the hints of rose petals and lavender. Medium body, ripe and perfectly polymerized tannins and a broad and enveloping finish. How wonderful! Best from 2021 to 2030 and beyond.”

Wine Advocate “This is a classic expression of Nebbiolo that will appeal to people who want the complexity and depth of aged Nebbiolo without too much extra hassle or intellectual effort. It is a subdued wine with direct, clean lines followed by pretty tones of wild berry, dried cherry, licorice and balsam herb. I noticed an evident menthol-like signature in most of these new releases from Marchesi di Barolo, and you immediately sense it here too.”

Wine Spectator "A sleek, racy style, this red boasts raspberry, boysenberry, graphite and spice flavors. Balanced and focused, with lingering echoes of fruit, mineral and spice. Drink now through 2024. 10,000 cases made, 7,800 cases imported. —BS" (2017 vintage)

Marchesi di Barolo is an Italian wine estate in Piedmont, particularly known for its single-vineyard and riserva wines from the Nebbiolo grape - Barolo forms the heart of the range. The estate was established in the early 1800s, when the Marquis of Barolo married the French noblewoman Juliette Colbert. She provided the impetus to the development of the estate that bore her husband's name. Five generations of the Abbona family have now owned and managed the winery.

Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.

Barbaresco is a red wine produced in northwest Italy’s Piedmont region. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, like its Barolo counterpart, is a highly tannic and acidic wine that needs years of cellaring to reach harmony. Prior to being released in the market, DOCG regulations require that the wines are aged for a minimum of 26 months, with at least 9 months spent in wood barrels; for the riserva bottlings, there is a mandated period of 50 months aging, with at least 9 months spent in wood barrels. Although Barbaresco and Barolo have much in common, traditionally Barbaresco tends to express a more feminine side, while Barolo is characterized as masculine and stately—but certainly exceptions exist. Expressive aromatically, scents of dried cherry, raspberry, licorice and rose petals are typical of the wine.

Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.

2 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.

Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.

Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.