The June Spotlight: Discover Italy
Discover Italy: Six Wines, Six Regions, One Brilliant Month
Italy makes more wine than almost anywhere else on earth — from the Alpine foothills in the north to the sun-scorched islands of the south. It's home to hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, dozens of distinct wine regions, and a winemaking tradition that stretches back thousands of years. And yet, for most people, Italian wine begins and ends with Pinot Grigio and Chianti.
This June, we're putting that right. Our 'In the Spotlight' collection takes you on a journey from Emilia-Romagna to Sicily, with six wines that between them tell the story of just how diverse and exciting Italian wine really is. All six are 10% off throughout June, with the discount applied automatically at checkout.
Vecchia Modena Lambrusco Sorbara, Cleto Chiarli 2024 — Emilia-Romagna
£19.35 (single) | £17.55 (mixed six) (usual prices £21.50 / £19.50)
Forget everything you think you know about Lambrusco. Cleto Chiarli — Modena's oldest winery, founded in 1860 — makes this finely judged example from Sorbara, the most delicate of the Lambrusco grapes. Pale ruby with a gentle froth, it's dry, bright, and refreshing, with tart cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and a lift of violets. A world away from the sticky stuff.
Ciù Ciù 'Merlettaie' Pecorino, Offida 2024 — Marche
£17.55 (single) | £15.75 (mixed six) (usual prices £19.50 / £17.50)
Pecorino is a speciality of the Marche and Abruzzo regions and rarely pops up anywhere else — which makes this organic example from the rolling Piceno hills all the more worth trying. Six months in oak adds a gentle touch of creamy vanilla and silky texture to its natural brightness. Citrus, pear, almonds, and herbs on the nose; bright, taut, and full of regional character on the palate.
Monte del Fra Chiaretto di Bardolino 2024 — Veneto
£16.11 (single) | £14.31 (mixed six) (usual prices £17.90 / £15.90)
From the shores of Lake Garda, this gossamer-light rosé is all about delicacy and freshness. Pale, dry, and elegant, it's crafted from Corvina with strawberries and cream on the nose, vibrant cherry and raspberry on the palate, and a crisp, refreshing finish. Bright, breezy, and very moreish — the one to open on a warm June evening.
Alpha Zeta 'V' Valpolicella 2024 — Veneto
£13.41 (single) | £12.51 (mixed six) (usual prices £14.90 / £13.90)
Valpolicella at its most effortless. Packed with fresh cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant, with a whisper of cinnamon spice and soft, rounded tannins that keep it satisfying without ever feeling heavy. This is the kind of wine that disappears quickly — juicy, vibrant, and straight to the point. Perfect with pizza or a tomato-based pasta.
Alasia Barolo 2021 — Piedmont
£25.65 (single) | £22.95 (mixed six) (usual prices £28.50 / £25.50)
Barolo is the King of Italian wine — and this is a very likeable example of why. Three years in large oak casks has smoothed out the tannins, making it approachable for a youngish Barolo without sacrificing any of its character. Dark plum, leather, violets, woodsmoke, and warm spice, with a long, persistent finish. Worth decanting — and well worth the occasion.
Logistilla Nerello Mascalese, Luna Gaia 2023 — Sicily
£17.01 (single) | £15.21 (mixed six) (usual prices £18.90 / £16.90)
Sicily's answer to Pinot Noir — and a brilliant one at that. Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna by a collective of biodynamic farmers working old bush vines, this unoaked Nerello Mascalese is light, refined, and full of character. Wild strawberry, tart cherry, earthy minerality, and a slight smoky edge from the volcanic terroir. Serve lightly chilled and enjoy.
All six bottles are 10% off throughout June, with the discount applied automatically at checkout. Available in store at Hampton Hill, online with free Click & Collect, or free local delivery.