Never Have I Ever :)

G’day,

I wasn’t back in work for 5 minutes before being reminded that my comments last week about cricket hadn’t aged well, by an Englishman no less. Should make for an interesting southern hemisphere summer. No more sport chat, I promise, we’re here for wine and also for soul.

Things don’t get much more spiritual than an offering of estate pressed olive oil and home baked ciabatta on a misty late autumn morning at Collecapretta. A real you had to be there moment. Such a shame I was alone and was polite enough to finish the whole plate. Sometimes working in wine is tough, this wasn’t such a moment.

We don’t import the oil, yet, but we do import the wines. Joy.

The Mattioli’s have been residents of the rolling hills of southern Umbria for over 1000 years, a feat of permaculture that sees their now 8ha of farmland divided between local olive trees, farro and ancient grains, and indigenous vines that have spent generations drawing character from the soil. It’s a place that has an energy, in a beautifully chaotic sense. I really want to go back.

Late last year I was being taken around by Danilo Marcucci, who will hopefully become my guru this Autumn if I haven’t come on too strong, and Collecapretta was one of our final stops. In what was a fruitful trip, I’d already flagged this as the jewel that I’d probably really have to work to win over. I knew the wines, knew the reputation and was expecting a bit more of a classic top tier wine producer reception than the genuine hospitality that awaited me.

Across the board the wines are full of life and personality, in a classy way. They speak of generations of tending to the land, learning from the land and perfecting methods. In the winery things are gentle and there are no adds.

We’ve just unloaded fresh stock, and it’s all tasting heaps good! Have a sip via this link.

Staying in Italy, just further north and into full on primo red wine territory.

Whisper the name Giovanni Canonica in the ear of your nearest wine nerd and they’ll likely weaken at the knees. These are hens teeth, and we have a small allocation to offer out today, just in time for summer!

Elite BBQ Reds are available right here until they aren’t.

And lastly, some more hens teeth :)

L’Anglore has landed, and what little we have is available in packs alongside a wine inspired by this mythical Tavel producer. Do your worst and enjoy it a lot.

So happy to spoil you all!

xoxo

Dan