6 BOTTLE MIXED CASE WINE DESCRIPTION - DECEMBER 2025

CONTADI CASTALDI – Franciacorta DOCG Brut

It's the holiday season and Franciacorta is the perfect way to toast in style!

Pronunciation: “FRAHN-chah-KOR-tah”

Grape
A classic Franciacorta blend, typically dominated by Chardonnay with Pinot Nero and small amounts of Pinot Bianco. Known for elegance, tension, and refined bubbles.

Region
Crafted in Franciacorta, Lombardy’s premier sparkling-wine region. The vineyards lie on glacial soils with limestone and minerals, ideal for high-quality Metodo Classico wines with precision and finesse.

Tasting Notes
Bright straw yellow with a fine, persistent perlage. Aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, and fresh green apple mingle with notes of toasted bread and almond. The palate is crisp, creamy, and well-balanced, with vibrant acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Made using the Metodo Classico (Traditional Method): secondary fermentation in bottle followed by long lees ageing to develop complexity, texture, and delicate autolytic notes.

Ageing Potential
Best enjoyed within 3–4 years for freshness, though extended ageing brings greater depth and brioche-like nuances.

Food Pairing
Perfect with oysters, sushi, fried seafood, soft cheeses, or as an elegant aperitivo.

Fun Fact
The name "Franciacorta" comes from "corti franche," or "free courts," which were medieval tax-exempt villages in the region. Wine has been made in the area since ancient times, with records of sparkling wine production dating back to the 1500s.

Discover more about this producer: Contadi Castaldi

 

VALLE REALE – Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC

Pronunciation: “Treb-BYAH-no dah-BROOT-zo”

Grape
100% Trebbiano Abruzzese, a high-quality local clone prized for purity, acidity, and aromatic finesse.

Region
Produced in the mountainous inland of Abruzzo, near the Majella National Park. Cool temperatures, high elevations, and pristine natural surroundings shape the wine’s exceptional freshness.

Tasting Notes
Pale lemon in colour. The nose offers white peach, lemon blossom, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate it is clean and linear, with bright acidity, saline minerality, and a precise, elegant finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatics and freshness. A period on fine lees enhances texture and complexity without compromising vibrancy.

Ageing Potential
Enjoy young for its crisp profile, though it can age 3–6 years, developing gentle honeyed and nutty undertones.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, seafood crudo, simple pasta dishes, and fresh cheeses.

Fun Fact
Valle Reale farms within a protected national park, making this one of the most pristine vineyard environments in Italy.

Discover more about this producer: Valle Reale 

 

PLANETA – Nocera Sicilia DOC

Pronunciation: “NOH-cheh-rah”

Grape
100% Nocera, a rare indigenous Sicilian grape known for vibrant acidity, juicy fruit, and savoury depth.

Region
Produced in northeastern Sicily near Capo Milazzo, an area influenced by the Tyrrhenian Sea and volcanic soils. Cooling breezes and maritime exposure shape a wine of freshness and aromatic lift.

Tasting Notes
Bright ruby red. Aromas of wild berries, violets, pomegranate, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is lively and medium-bodied with crisp acidity, soft tannins, and a savoury, salty finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel to highlight purity of fruit. Short ageing in neutral vessels preserves freshness and the grape’s distinctive aromatic character.

Ageing Potential
Best enjoyed within 4–6 years for its vibrant fruit and energy.

Food Pairing
Excellent with tuna steak, caponata, grilled chicken, or pizza with Mediterranean flavours.

Fun Fact
Planeta revived the near-forgotten Nocera grape, helping to rescue it from extinction.

Discover more about this producer: Planeta

 

BORGO PAGLIANETTO – Terravignata Marche IGT Rosso

Grape
A blend dominated by Sangiovese with other local varieties, offering structure, red-fruit purity, and Marche’s signature freshness.

Region
Produced in the rolling hills of the Marche, near Matelica. The continental climate, elevation, and calcareous soils contribute to tension and aromatic clarity.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red. Notes of cherry, plum, rose petals, and gentle spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, soft tannins, and a clean, savoury finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel to maintain freshness, followed by a short period in large wooden casks or concrete to build polish and harmony.

Ageing Potential
Enjoy within 4–5 years for its fruit-driven charm, though it can gain subtle earthy complexity with time.

Food Pairing
Ideal with roast chicken, charcuterie, tomato-based pastas, or grilled vegetables.

Fun Fact
“Terravignata” is a tribute to the hillside vineyards that define the identity of Borgo Paglianetto’s wines.

Discover more about this producer: Borgo Paglianetto

 

CAPOLINO PERLINGIERI – Sciascì IGT Campania Sciascinoso

Grape
Red indigenous blend (Sciascinoso, Aglianico) that reflects the estate’s commitment to native Campanian varieties.

Region
Produced in Sannio, a historic wine area in inland Campania. Volcanic soils, limestone, and significant diurnal temperature swings create wines of character and lively acidity.

Tasting Notes
Red berries, violets, and spice. The palate is fresh, balanced, and gently textured with a savoury finish.

Vinification & Ageing 
Fermentation in stainless steel to enhance purity, followed by brief ageing on fine lees for added complexity.

Ageing Potential
Best within 3–5 years, maintaining brightness and varietal clarity.

Food Pairing
Pasta al ragù, roasted meats, aged cheeses.

Fun Fact
The winery is female-led, run by agronomist Alexia Capolino Perlingieri, who champions sustainable viticulture and native grapes.

Discover more about this producer: Capolino Perlingieri

 

CASTELLO DI LUZZANO – Carlino Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC

Grape
100% Croatina, the grape traditionally used for Bonarda in Lombardy. Known for juicy fruit, soft tannins, and an approachable, lively style.

Region
Produced in the Oltrepò Pavese hills of Lombardy, an area with clay-limestone soils and a mild climate influenced by the Po Valley and northern Apennines.

Tasting Notes
Deep purple with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, violet, and gentle spice. The palate is fruit-forward and smooth, with light tannins, fresh acidity, and a vibrant, playful finish.

Vinification & Ageing
Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness. Often bottled young, sometimes with a slight natural sparkle depending on style.

Ageing Potential
Best within 2–4 years for maximum fruit expression and energy.

Food Pairing
Perfect with salumi, lasagne, grilled sausages, or traditional Lombard dishes.

Fun Fact
While called Bonarda, the grape variety used is actually Croatina. This is a common regional difference, as other places named "Bonarda" use different grapes, such as the "Bonarda Novarese" (Uva Rara) or the true Bonarda Piemontese.

Discover more about this producer: Castello di Luzzano