4-BOTTLE RED CASE WINE DESCRIPTION - NOVEMBER 2025

ABBAZIA DI NOVACELLA – Pinot Nero Alto Adige DOC

Grape
100% Pinot Nero, one of the most elegant red varieties, prized for finesse and aromatic complexity.

Region
Produced in Alto Adige (South Tyrol), Italy’s northernmost region, where vineyards sit at high altitudes along the Isarco Valley, benefiting from cool nights and abundant sunshine.

Tasting Notes
Ruby-red with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice. The palate is smooth and balanced, with fine tannins, lively acidity, and a delicate earthy finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel and matured partly in oak barrels to add structure and depth.

Ageing Potential
Drink within 5–7 years to enjoy its elegant fruit and refined structure.

Food Pairing
Pairs perfectly with roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, or alpine cheeses.

Fun Fact
Abbazia di Novacella is one of the world’s oldest active wineries, founded by Augustinian monks in 1142. The abbey continues to produce exceptional wines rooted in centuries of tradition.

Discover more about this producer on our Blog: A Visit to Abbazia di Novacella

 

LE BERNE – Rosso di Montepulciano DOC

Grape
Predominantly Sangiovese (locally called Prugnolo Gentile) with small additions of traditional local varieties.

Region
From the rolling hills around Montepulciano, in southeastern Tuscany, known for its clay-limestone soils and balanced climate.

Tasting Notes
Vivid ruby colour with aromas of red cherry, violet, and spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, fresh, and juicy, with polished tannins and a lively finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in large oak barrels to preserve fruit and enhance smoothness.

Ageing Potential
Best enjoyed young, within 3–5 years, for its bright, expressive fruit.

Food Pairing
Perfect with pasta al ragù, grilled meats, or Tuscan pecorino.

Fun Fact
Rosso di Montepulciano is often called “the younger brother” of Vino Nobile, more approachable, but made with the same care and terroir-driven character.

 

AYUNTA – Nerello Mascalese Rosso

Pronunciation: “Neh-rel-loh Mahs-kah-leh-seh”

Grape
100% Nerello Mascalese, a native grape of Mount Etna celebrated for its elegance, minerality, and complex aromatics.

Region
From the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, where vineyards rise up to 1,000 metres above sea level on black lava soils.

Tasting Notes
Pale garnet with aromas of red berries, rose petals, and smoky volcanic notes. The palate is refined and silky, with savoury minerality and a long, lifted finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, followed by ageing in neutral oak to retain purity and texture.

Ageing Potential
Can evolve gracefully for 8–10 years, gaining depth and earthy complexity.

Food Pairing
Superb with roasted lamb, grilled tuna, or mushroom-based dishes.

Fun Fact
Ayunta is a small family-run estate that farms its vineyards organically on Etna’s northern slopes, among the most dramatic and terroir-driven wine regions in the world.

 

CIGLIUTI – Barbera d’Alba “Vigna Serraboella” DOC

Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 92 

Pronunciation: “Bar-beh-rah”

Grape
100% Barbera, Piedmont’s beloved red variety, known for its vivid acidity, deep colour, and bright, juicy fruit.

Region
From the Serraboella cru in Neive, one of the most celebrated hills in the Barbaresco area. The vineyards sit on steep slopes of calcareous clay, facing south and southwest, capturing ideal sunlight and producing wines of remarkable intensity and balance.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red with aromas of cherry, plum, violet, and sweet spice. On the palate, it’s full and expressive yet elegant, vibrant acidity keeps it fresh, while layers of red fruit and fine tannins lead to a long, savoury finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermentation in stainless steel with temperature control. The wine then ages for about 12–18 months in French oak barrels (partly new), gaining roundness and depth without losing its varietal brightness.

Ageing Potential
Best enjoyed between 3 and 10 years after vintage. With time, it develops hints of tobacco, dried herbs, and balsamic spice.

Food Pairing
Perfect with pasta al ragù, roasted pork, grilled lamb, or aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.

Fun Fact
The Cigliuti family has tended the Serraboella vineyards for over 80 years. Sisters Claudia and Silvia now carry forward their father Renato’s legacy, crafting wines that express the soul of their hillside: elegant, pure, and unmistakably Piedmontese.