Hand-Picked, Hidden-Gem Favorites from Italy

Remarkable depth of rewarding selections: discover your next favorite bottle... Monday Aug 29th, 2022 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( [Italy News]( [Today's Newsletter]( shines the spotlight on arguably the most diverse and complex wine-producing country in the world. By volume and variety, nowhere tops Italy, which can make this ancient wine landscape somewhat difficult to navigate for the average consumer. Thankfully, K&L's Greg St. Clair is here to distill all these incredible styles and traditions into his absolute favorite picks, starting with three under-the-radar, off-the-beaten-path value gems from some lesser-known regions. Our direct-import portfolio continues to grow with a stable of must-have Montalcinos that will appeal to collectors and casual consumers alike. Next, we survey Italy's white wine scene with hand-selected stunners that run the gamut from everyday, go-to performers to superb boutique gems that can stand with the finest collectible examples anywhere. Finally, we've curated a truly jaw-dropping roster of monumental cellar centerpieces that showcase the astounding depth of Italy's world-class collectible appeal. [San Polino Estate] --------------------------------------------------------------- Top Hidden-Gem Picks from Greg St. Clair Italy can be a dizzyingly complex place for wine lovers to wrap their heads around. With over 600 indigenous grape varietals, as well as numerous other European transplants now in the mix, there's a seemingly never-ending parade of options from which to choose. But all that breadth and depth of diversity can make for difficult decisions for consumers. Thankfully, Greg St. Clair makes things a little easier by hand-selecting three of this favorite hidden gems to set you on the right path on your Italian wine journey. The fabulous yet underrated Arneis varietal shines in the 2021 Almondo Vigne Sparse, while Sicily's meteoric rise in quality is on full display in Emiliano Falsini's impeccable Etna Rosso. Finally, Italy's most regal red grape, Nebbiolo, shows its royal pedigree in a thoroughly unique expression from the lesser-known but up-and-coming Monferrato region. Vintage Item Name Retail Link 2021 Almondo "Vigne Sparse" Arneis Roero $17.99 [View]( 2019 Emiliano Falsini Feudo Pignatone Etna Rosso $49.99 [View]( 2018 Montefiorito Monferrato Rosso (Nebbiolo) $29.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Montalcino Masters: Our Favorite Direct-Import Stars The cornerstone of our Italian Direct Import program is undoubtedly our incredible stable of outstanding Montalcino estates. With his deep contacts in Montalcino and his extensive insider knowledge of the region, Italy buyer Greg St. Clair has cultivated treasured relationships with several top-performing, under-the-radar estates that we likely wouldn't otherwise see in the U.S. market. The wines of Gigi Fabbro at San Polino are always can't-miss highlights, especially the flagship, single-vineyard 2017 Helichrysum, a 96-point stunner that James Suckling calls "breathtaking ... gorgeous and delectable." Le Potazzine is quickly making their presence known stateside with their 2019 Rosso, "another standout wine that builds momentum and recognition for this entry-level category," according to Wine Advocate, while Ludovico Ginotti's Poggiarellino estate continues to deliver unbeatable QPR in all categories, as evidenced by a pair of gems from the now-legendary 2016 vintage, each one coming in at an absolute steal. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2018 Albatreti Rosso di Montalcino $24.99 [View]( 2016 Albatreti Brunello di Montalcino 91 $49.99 [View]( 2019 San Polino Rosso di Montalcino $29.99 [View]( 2017 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino 94 $59.99 [View]( 2017 San Polino "Helichrysum" Brunello di Montalcino 96 $74.99 [View]( 2020 Le Potazzine Rosso di Montalcino 92 $35.99 [View]( 2017 Le Potazzine Brunello di Montalcino 95 $96.99 [View]( 2020 Poggiarellino Rosso di Montalcino 90 $19.99 [View]( 2016 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino 93 $36.99 [View]( 2016 Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva $49.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Italy's Unsung White Wine Treasures The lion's share of attention typically goes to Italy's world-class collectible reds, but the sheer size and scope of the Italian wine industry means there are countless thrilling options for white wine lovers as well. Well-versed connoisseurs searching outside the box for a new go-to, everyday option should look no further than the absolutely charming and refreshing Verdicchio di Matelica from Tenuta Grimaldi for under $20. You can't get much further off the beaten path than Calabria, the very toe of the Boot, but that's where you'll find Antonella Lombardo's Pi Greco. With "superb balance, excellent length, and a whole lot of WOW ... . It’s the best thing I have ever had from Calabria," according to Greg. Astute collectors should likewise take serious interest in the singular works of art from Friuli's Lis Neris estate. Winemaker Alvaro Pecorari has the Midas touch with both indigenous varietals and transplants, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and the examples below show why this region should be on the radar of serious white wine drinkers everywhere. Vintage Item Name Retail Link 2020 Tenuta Grimaldi Verdicchio di Matelica $19.99 [View]( 2020 La Ginestraia Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente $29.99 [View]( 2020 Antonella Lombardo "Pi Greco" Calabria $35.99 [View]( 2018 Lis Neris "Jurosa" Chardonnay $44.99 [View]( 2017 Lis Neris"Lis Bianco" $54.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Cream of the Crop: Acclaimed Collectible Standouts Now In Stock What would any survey of Italy be without a selection of all-star, world-class cellar centerpieces? Each of the wines below is a critically acclaimed, collectible stunner of epic proportions that offers a definitive expression of its category. Elio Grasso has turned out "easily one of the wines of the vintage" in his 2017 Gavarini Chiniera Barolo, according to Vinous' Antonio Galloni, while the potentially legendary 2019 Tuscany vintage is already proving its mettle with the 99-point, sub-$100 Saffredi. One of the most towering, age-worthy masterpieces in our inventory, the 2016 Fuligni Brunello Riserva "seduces the senses" with thoroughly captivating intensity and definition that highlight exactly why this vintage is already prized for its generational excellence. Finally, a supremely rare magnum of perfection calls out to the most committed Italian collectors in the AG100 2016 Trinoro, which Galloni calls "one of the most extraordinary wines I have ever tasted from [this estate]" for its "mind-bending intensity and persistence." This is truly a next-level specimen that will stand tall against all comers from anywhere in the world. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2015 Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" Toscana 98 $74.99 [View]( 2017 Massolino "Margheria" Barolo 96 $79.99 [View]( 2017 Petrolo "Galatrona" Toscana 97 $86.99 [View]( 2019 Bibi Graetz "Testamatta" Toscana Rosso 97 $89.99 [View]( 2014 Produttori del Barbaresco "Asili" Barbaresco Riserva 97 $89.99 [View]( 2017 Elio Grasso "Gavarini Chiniera" Barolo 96 $89.99 [View]( 2018 Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 98 $94.99 [View]( 2019 Fattoria Le Pupille "Saffredi" Maremma Toscana 99 $99.99 [View]( 2016 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 98 $99.99 [View]( 2015 San Giusto a Rentennano "Percarlo" Toscana 98 $149.99 [View]( 2016 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 99 $169.99 [View]( 2016 Tenuta Di Trinoro Rosso Toscana (1.5L) 100 $549.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [New Feed]( [Auction]( [Local]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [BORDEAUX]( | [NAPA]( | [BURGUNDY]( | [CHAMPAGNE]( | [ITALY]( | [RHÔNE]( | [SPIRITS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Delivery]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? 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