Italy

A juicy and finessed wine from Giovanni Almondo, that's the perfect way to discover their wines, and the Arneis grape. Crunchy pears and apples, and a citrus edge to this brilliantly drinkable white, from one of Piedmont's best producers.

The 2019 Bricco delle Ciliegie from Giovanni Almondo is an astonishingly good expression of the Arneis grape. Incredibly complex, notes of orange blossom, rosemary, and pine needles swirl from the glass. The palate is textured and savoury, with a core of fresh conference pears, and a thread of acidity that makes this so thirst-quenching.

The 2019 Bricco delle Ciliegie from Giovanni Almondo is an astonishingly good expression of the Arneis grape. Incredibly complex, notes of orange blossom, rosemary, and pine needles swirl from the glass. The palate is textured and savoury, with a core of fresh conference pears, and a thread of acidity that makes this so thirst-quenching.

A classically styled vintage, the 2018 Chardonnay from Isole e Olena is a beautiful wine. Notes of peaches and candied lime on the nose, with buttery almonds and plenty of grip on the palate. The finish is long and focussed, and there’s stunning purity. Surely Italy’s best Chardonnay?

One of our favourite whites, this is a wine that really shows off its origins. Smoky and savoury, with a taut, linear palate, and so much saline energy. This is such a joyful wine: not to be missed.

Broader than the Ribolla Gialla, this washes over the palate with notes of lemon pith and orange blossom. The finish is ever so slightly waxy, but the wine is not lacking freshness. Delicious.

This is so atypical from Prosecco, the DOC wouldn't let Primo label it as such. But never mind: it's one of the best sparklings we know. Notes of orange blossom and iodine on the nose, and hints of wild strawberry and lots of salinity on the palate. So impressive.

Crisp acidity and drive on the palate give way to fresh flowers and crunchy pears. There’s so much complexity here, with notes of acacia and peach supported by crushed rocks and a hint of white pepper. Brilliant, and so moreish and a truly remarkable Prosecco.

A contender for Italy's greatest white, the 2018 La Rocca has loads of bright peach fruit, notes of greengage, and lots of stem ginger on the finish. It's a real joy: a wine that blossoms in the glass.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a little Vermentino and Viognier, this is a white from Ornellaia that shows again how this estate can combine classicism and flair. A fine-boned structure, and real energy, combined with opulent fruit, and a long, herb-tinged, vibrant finish. A surprising, and delicious, white.

This single vineyard Trebbiano made from eighty year old vines could deal with the drought of 2017 better than most. Incredible, profound depth and minerality to this, with a tightly coiled core and a finish that lasts an age. While more open than some vintages, this will still blossom with time in the cellar. Very much like a Grand Cru Chablis.