If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that international shipping loves to keep us on our toes. But after a few delays (and more paperwork than we’d like to remember), our latest shipment of European wines has finally arrived! And trust us, it was worth the wait.
While Australian wines are a go-to for many, sometimes it’s exciting to shake things up and explore new flavours from classic old-world wine regions. From elegant French GSM blends to bold Italian Amarone and iconic Spanish Rioja, we’ve got something special for every wine lover.
Matt, our wine buyer, has been busy scouring the vineyards of France, Spain, and Italy (tough job, right?) to bring back a lineup of absolute gems. These wines aren’t just picked at random; each one has been sipped, swirled, and scrutinized to make sure it’s worthy of a place in your glass.
Italy – From Prosecco to Powerhouse Reds
Colli Vicentini
• The Romeo Prosecco NV ($35) is light, zesty, and full of crisp green apple and citrus, with a touch of sherbet fizz. It’s fresh, fun, and dangerously easy to drink - perfect for pairing with spicy food.
Ca Vegar
• If you love Pinot but want to try something different, the Bardolino 2023 ($45) is your new best friend. Juicy red fruit, bright acidity, and a floral lift make this a dream with rich pasta or a big, juicy steak.
Alberto Bartali – Chianti & Montalcino Specialists
• The Terraiolo Organic Chianti DOCG 2021 ($50) is bright, fresh, and ridiculously good value.
• Stepping up in richness, the Chianti Riserva DOCG 2020 ($60) brings deeper fruit, spice, and silky tannins.
• Love Brunello but don’t want to break the bank? The Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2022 ($65) is a baby Brunello in style - pure Sangiovese goodness.
• And for the serious collectors, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 ($150) is a stunner. Bold, structured, and built to age.
Ca’ de Lion
• The Monteluna Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2021 ($65) is a stunning expression of Piedmont’s legendary terroir. With a beautiful balance of violet, red fruit, and spice, it’s a wine that’s both approachable and complex. A perfect match for roasted meats or a hearty cheese board, this Nebbiolo will only improve with age.
• Barbera d'Asti L'Altera DOCG 2022 ($50) is a vibrant and juicy wine that dances with red fruit, violets, and cherries, alongside a touch of earth and coffee. Grown on the slopes of the San Marzano hills, one of the best areas for Barbera, the wine is crafted in limited quantities, ensuring exceptional quality. Definitely one to cellar.
Ca ‘Botta – The Amarone & Ripasso Masters
• The Alta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2020 ($65) gives you all the depth and intensity of Amarone, but in a more approachable style.
• The Costa Rossa 2018 ($120) is extremely limited and absolutely worth the hunt - rich, concentrated, and seriously impressive.
• And for the true Amarone lovers, the Cajo Amarone DOCG 2016 ($180) is as powerful as they come; intense, complex, and made for slow sipping.
What is the difference between Amarone and Ripasso?: The Quick Breakdown
Amarone and Ripasso are both wines from Italy's Veneto region, but they’re made using different methods, giving them distinct flavors.
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Amarone is made by drying the grapes before fermentation, creating a rich, bold wine with flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and spices. It’s intense, full-bodied, and higher in alcohol (15-16%), making it a special-occasion wine. It's also more expensive due to the labor-intensive process.
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Ripasso, on the other hand, is made by re-fermenting regular Valpolicella wine over the leftover skins from Amarone. This gives it a smoother, fruitier taste with more complexity, but it’s more affordable and has a lower alcohol content (13-14%).
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France – From the Rhône to Champagne
Domaine Des Garriguettes – Côtes du Rhône GSM
• If you love Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but not the price tag, the Gadagne Côtes Du Rhone GSM 2023 ($70) is right up your alley. Plush dark fruit, spice, and enough structure to handle a slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
Champagne Bouché – Champagne Grower Since 1920
• The Rosé Champagne ($130) is fresh, elegant, and packed with vibrant red berries.
• The Blanc de Blancs NV ($140) is all about citrus, minerality, and finesse - classic Chardonnay Champagne.
• For something extra special, the Millésime 2009 ($150) has spent 12 years aging in bottle, developing deep complexity and richness.
Champagne Bernard Remy – Boutique & Beautiful
• The Carte Blanche ($79) is a crowd-pleaser; crisp, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.
• New to us this year, the Blanc De Noirs NV ($120) is already a team favourite. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, it’s rich, vibrant, and full of red fruit energy.
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Spain – Rioja Icons
Carlos Serres – One of the First Rioja Producers
• The Organic Rioja Tempranillo 2022 ($50) is fresh, bright, and bursting with red berries - an easy-drinking, everyday Rioja.
• The Crianza Rioja 2021 ($55) takes things up a notch with a bit more oak and spice.
• The Reserva Rioja 2018 ($65) is layered, complex, and a perfect match for grilled meats.
• And for those who love a seriously aged Rioja, the Gran Reserva Rioja 2016 ($80) is smooth, silky, and built to impress.
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There you have it; the best new arrivals from across Europe, ready to land in your glass. Whether you’re planning a long lunch with friends, stocking up for cooler nights, or just in the mood to try something different, this lineup has you covered. The hardest part? Deciding which bottle to open first.
Cheers to finding your new favourite!