Northern Italy

Bin 1 Veneto

Pieropan Soave DOC Classico 2025

Pieropan Soave has always been one of my favourite Italian white wines. It was actually the first Italian white wine I tasted in a professional capacity, at a trade show in Melbourne. I will always order it if it is on a restaurant wine list, and have always included it in any wine list I have developed. I absolutely love this wine and it always represents terrific value for its price.

Pieropan produces a few distinct expressions of Soave. The Classico is the estate's benchmark, from the Garganega variety plus Trebbiano di Soave, and it is famed for its bright, elegant profile. Expect delicate aromas of almond blossom, marzipan and white flowers. The palate is crisp and refreshing with pear, apple and citrus, balanced by a zesty, mouthwatering acidity and a distinct mineral finish.

Drink with Seared scallops, mussels, grilled asparagus, mushroom tagliatelle.

Bin 2 Delle Venezia

Kris Pinot Grigio DOC 2025

This wine comes from the stable of wines produced by the seven generations of the Franz Haas winery in Alto Adige. I had the pleasure of visiting while I was in the region in June last year, to see first hand what a rich family history of winemaking is able to achieve.

Delle Venezia is the historical term for the three regions of the Veneto, encompassing Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia and the Veneto, and the fruit is a blend from these three regions. Acacia flowers, lime, tangerine, apricot and honey. Light to medium bodied, with lively citrus, green pear and a smooth almond finish.

Drink with Prawn risotto, grilled white meats or salmon sashimi.

Bin 3 Monferrato, Piedmont

Gaudio Bricco Mondalino Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOC 2023

The Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG from the Gaudio winery, produced by Tenuta Bricco Mondalino, founded in 1973 in Vignale Monferrato. A structured, spicy and juicy Italian red crafted from 90% Barbera and 10% Freisa, which adds complexity and natural tannins. Matured in stainless steel tanks and finished for six months in old barriques. Aromas of black cherry, plum, blackberry, violet and sweet spices, with a fresh, velvety finish.

Drink with Osso buco, mushroom risotto, or a rich meat sauce like bolognese.

Bin 4 Veneto

Tedeschi ‘Lucchine’ Valpolicella DOC Classico 2023

Lucchine Valpolicella Classico: fresh and bright aromatics, medium bodied, with vibrant aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, fresh berries and delicate floral notes. Vinified completely in stainless steel to emphasise its pure, juicy fruit, with tannins that stay soft and savoury. A traditional blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara.

Drink with Tomato based sauces and white meats like roast chicken.

Bin 5 Piedmont

Marcarini ‘Lasarin’ Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2024

I have been incredibly lucky to have had three visits to Piedmont, and every time I go it grows on me even more. I always have a car while I am there, as you need one to get around the various communes, and I find myself stopping on the side of the road to take in the hilly countryside dotted with spectacular villages. They produce outstanding wine here. The region is famous for Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape, and I am absolutely in love with it as a variety.

A fresh red with floral aromas, bright raspberry notes and velvety tannins, from the Poderi Marcarini winery in La Morra. 100% Nebbiolo from young Barolo vines and vineyards in Neviglie. Scents of roses, raspberries and blackberries, with a dry, balanced and smooth taste. Aged in stainless steel to retain its aromatics and keep that appealing natural fruit freshness.

Drink with Nebbiolo is perfect with slow braised meats like beef and pork belly, ravioli del plin, and strong flavoured cheeses like Taleggio.