Italy

Abbazia di Novacella has two lines of wines, its standard, or classic line, and its premium line, called Praepositus, made with a selection of the best grapes.

'Sori' is Piedmontese dialect for the sunny south face of a hill. 'But' or Butti is the name of the hamlet where Anna Maria and her husband Franco's house and cellar are, a stunning spot in a very beautiful area.

This is classic Dogliani Dolcetto, fermented and aged in stainless steel. It shows great color, reddish purple and violet-tinged, aromas of blueberries and tealeaf, and some tea tannins to go with the abundant fruit on the palate. Dolcetto is one of the best table wines I know; so grill some lambchops, pour everyone a glass, and all will be right with the world. Oliver McCrum Importer

Adami Prosecco 'Bosco di Gica' captures the essence of lively Italian Prosecco with bright apple/pear and dry peach flavors. It's enhanced by a crisp edge and floral and herb notes that grow in the finish. There's just a touch of Chardonnay (about 5%) that broadens the body and finish. Very nice bubbles throughout keep the palate engaged, making this both an excellent aperitif and mealtime wine.

94 points The Wine Advocate:Conterno’s 2004 Barolo Colonnello reveals a core of ripe dark cherries and a beautifully layered, sweet personality with superb length and a refined, fresh finish. With air the wine’s perfumed, spiced qualities emerge to complete this terrific effort. The Colonnello vineyard lies on the Monforte border with Barolo, with which it shares several attributes. A higher percentage of sand in Colonnello gives the wine its signature aromatics and refined tannins. This is an especially successful vintage for this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Antonio Galloni

Frappato is a light ruby red with a fragrant and fruity bouquet. The taste of cherries and blackberries is envolped by a slight spiciness. It's gentle tannins have a great personality and are well balance making it particularly recommended as a pairing with semi-aged cheeses and grilled fish. Villa Italia Importer

94 points The Wine Advocate:The 2008 Tignanello is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The 2008 isn’t a huge or obvious Tignanello, rather it is a wine that impresses for its sublime elegance and precision. Understated layers of fruit caress the palate like cashmere in this impeccable, soft wine. There is not a hard edge to be found. Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that come through on the finish. The flavor profile is decidedly on the dark side, but the wine’s structure is medium in body and intensity. In 2008 the Tignanello has more energy, focus and length than the Solaia. It is a fabulous achievement! The 2008 Tignanello is 80% Sangiovese aged in 300-liter French oak barrels (1/3rd new), 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, both aged in 100% new 225-liter French oak barriques. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Antonio Galloni