Kings of the South

No obvious names, no easy choices. These are three of the oldest and most characterful grapes in southern Italy — Nero di Troia, Aglianico and Montepulciano — each with centuries of history behind them and a personality that needs no introduction.

Nero di Troia is structured and elegant, with a whisper of clove and cinnamon that comes from the oak and stays with you. Aglianico is ancient and mineral, deep ruby with forest berries and spice — powerful but with a freshness that keeps it alive. Montepulciano is bold and direct, dark fruit and firm tannins with that Abruzzo freshness underneath that stops it ever feeling heavy.

Pierluigi's Note: These three grapes have nothing to envy the big names of the north — but they're more honest. No performance, no prestige price tag. They taste like home to me. This is the bundle I'd open for anyone who wants to understand the real south.