Forget Pinot Grigio and Chianti. This Master Selection is a deep dive into Italy's incredible biodiversity, showcasing six rare indigenous grapes from five different regions. These are the wines that Italian nonnas drink, the local secrets that rarely leave their villages. From the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna to the alpine foothills of Piedmont, this pack is a celebration of Italy's unsung heroes.
2024 Ciavolich, Colline Pescaresi Pecorino "Aries"
The Mountain White - Abruzzo
Pecorino, not to be confused with the cheese, is a high-altitude grape from the Apennine mountains. Ciavolich's "Aries" is a benchmark example, with notes of white flowers, citrus, and a saline minerality that speaks of its mountain origins. It's crisp, clean, and utterly refreshing.
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Grape: Pecorino
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Region: Abruzzo
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Farming: Sustainable
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Pairing: Fresh cheeses, grilled fish, prosciutto
2024 Casa Setaro Campanelle Falanghina Campania
The Volcanic White - Campania
From 70-year-old, own-rooted vines on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, this is Falanghina as it was meant to be. Casa Setaro's Campanelle is riotously fragrant, with notes of orange blossom, lemon zest, and a smoky, volcanic minerality. It's a taste of ancient Rome in a bottle.
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Grape: Falanghina
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Region: Campania (Mount Vesuvius)
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Farming: Organic
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Pairing: Seafood pasta, grilled octopus, mozzarella di bufala
2024 Luigi Ferrando, Erbaluce di Caluso "La Torrazza"
The Alpine White - Piedmont
From the foothills of the Alps, Erbaluce is a rare grape that produces wines of incredible precision and minerality. Luigi Ferrando is the undisputed master of the grape, and his "La Torrazza" is a benchmark: Chablis-like in its structure, with notes of green apple, white flowers, and crushed stone.
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Grape: Erbaluce
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Region: Piedmont (Caluso)
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Farming: Sustainable
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Pairing: Risotto, freshwater fish, goat cheese
2022 Torre dei Beati, Abruzzo Pecorino DOC "Giocheremo con i Fiori"
The Structured White - Abruzzo
Another expression of Pecorino, this time with more structure and complexity. Torre dei Beati's "Giocheremo con i Fiori" ("We will play with the flowers") is a powerful, age-worthy white with notes of ripe stone fruit, honey, and a long, mineral finish. It's a testament to Pecorino's noble character.
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Grape: Pecorino
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Region: Abruzzo
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Farming: Organic
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Pairing: Roast chicken, pork loin, aged cheeses
2022 Umani Ronchi, "Vecchie Vigne" Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore
The Old Vine White - Marche
From 45-year-old vines, this is Verdicchio at its finest. Umani Ronchi is a legendary producer that put Verdicchio on the map, and their "Vecchie Vigne" is a masterpiece of texture and complexity. It ages like white Burgundy, with notes of ripe apple, almond, and a saline finish.
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Grape: Verdicchio
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Region: Marche
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Farming: Sustainable
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Pairing: Seafood risotto, roasted fish, veal cutlets
2016 Tenuta Fessina il Musmeci Etna Rosso Riserva Sicily
The Volcanic Red - Sicily (Mount Etna)
From 70-110 year old vines on the slopes of Mount Etna, this Nerello Mascalese is a dead ringer for fine Burgundy or Nebbiolo. Tenuta Fessina's Riserva is a wine of incredible elegance and complexity, with notes of wild strawberry, rose petals, and a smoky, volcanic minerality. It's a taste of one of the world's most exciting wine regions.
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Grape: Nerello Mascalese
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Region: Sicily (Mount Etna)
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Farming: Certified Organic
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Pairing: Grilled swordfish, lamb chops, mushroom pasta