A selection of our favourite Italian wines. Worldwide famous wines, such as Chianti and Pinot Grigio, are joined to niche choices, such as the Sardinian island wines Cannonau and Vermentino. A sparkling white Prosecco and a Limoncello liquor from Southern Italy complete this selection of Mann Italian families favourites. From the Anderlini, Battaglia, Caloia, Fontana, Iacoviello, Pala, Shaik families.

RED WINES

Chianti Classico Peppoli DOCG 2007 Antinori "Chianti" is produced in seven distinct regions in Tuscany, and "Chianti Classico" (the eight region) is in the center of Chianti. Chianti Classico Peppoli, from Piero Antinori, is made out of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot & Syrah. It has scents of wild berries, some flowers and a bit of licorice. Aged for nine months in oak barrels, Chianti Classico Peppoli is smooth and fruity on the palate with delicate tannins.

Chianti Superiore DOCG 2008 Ruffino This un-oaked Chianti version has fruity notes of fresh plums, black cherries, well matched with nice flavors of black pepper and spices. Its lively acidity provides balance to the decisive tannins in this medium-bodied wine.

Morellino di Scansano DOC 2006 Molino di Sant'Antimo This Sangiovese-based blend, from Montalcino-Italy (Tuscany), is made out of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Petit verdot & Syrah. It has a complex bouquet of pepper, cloves, prunes, and violets over earth and animal scents. This wine displays good balance between its elegant tannins and its measured acidity, with a noticeable persistence.

Sangiovese di Toscana IGT Santa Cristina 2008 Antinori (2 bottles) Sangiovese is the most commonly-planted red grape in Italy. This 90% Sangiovese -- 10% Merlot blend is an "easy" drink. It presents itself with intense fruity and floral aromas, smooth/sweet tannins, and a lingering finish.

Cannonau Di Sardegna DOC Riserva 2006 Sella & Mosca Cannonau is the most important red grape in Sardinia. This "Reserve" version from Sella & Mosca has an intense ruby-red color that tends to garnet with age. It has an elegant "nose" of ripe cherries, violets tobacco, geraniums and oregano. Full and round, this fine red-wine has been aged in oak barrels for 24 months.

Aglianico Campania IGT 2008 Terredora Di Paolo "Aglianico" is a tannic grape planted in the Campania and Basilicata regions in Italy. In this 100% Aglianico version from Campania, maceration (the resting of the grape juice in its skins) is interrupted after seven days to avoid a heavy tannic structure, and ageing is carried out in both wood and stainless steel tanks to maintain acidity.

WHITE WINES

Orvieto Classico DOC 2009 Ruffino This white wine, from Orvieto-Umbria, is a blend of indigenous grapes for the region: 40% Grechetto, 20% Tuscan Trebbiano, 40% White Canaiolo & Verdello. Vibrant and fresh, this wine presents citric fruits, golden apples and white flowers.

Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino DOC 2009 Argiolas Vermentino is a white grape thought to be imported to Italy from Spain at the end of the 14th century. Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino gives scents of white peaches, green leaves and apples. Fresh with mineral notes, this is a friendly wine.

Pinot Grigio IGT 2009 Cavit This white grape was introduced in Italy in the early 19th century from France. "Grigio" stands for "grey." This grape is known as "petit gris" in France. Pinot Grigio Cavit is a "varietal" (i.e. made out of a single grape variety) from Trentino/Alto-Adige, and displays a crisp and light character, bright straw gold color and appealing scents and fruit flavors,

Falanghina DOC dei Feudi di San Gregorio 2009 The Falanghina is a very old grape. The Romans first planted it in Sannio, Campania. This wine has a straw yellow color with green reflections. The perfume is intense and persistent with sensations of delicate white flowers and pears. The taste offers freshness, mineral tones and balance, with a clean finish.

Fiano di Avellino DOCG dei Feudi di San Gregorio 2007 Fiano is a white grape cultivated mostly in Campania and Puglia. This example from the winemakers at Feudi di San Gregorio comes from Avellino (Campania). This is a balanced wine with scents of pears, limes and other citrus.

WHITE SPARKLING WINES

Prosecco Lamberti 2009 The Prosecco is the most common grape used for the production of sparkling wines utilizing the "Martinotti" method (second fermentation in autoclave, as supposed to in the bottle like in the "Champenoise" or "Classic" method). Prosecco wines tend to be fruity, with scents of pears and mature white fruits, and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

LIQUORS

Limoncello Il Convento Limoncello is an "after dinner" drink ("digestivo") made out of lemon peels. It is mainly produced in the Naples area in Southern Italy.