Italy is one of the most diverse, historic, and prolific wine-producing countries in the world. Rather than relying on a few international grapes (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay), Italy’s identity is built on over 350 officially recognized indigenous grape varieties grown across 20 distinct wine regions. This StarDozen shows the diversity of Italina Wines.
 

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles     Fletcher Dolcetto D’Alba 2021
3 bottles     Vigneti Vecchio Sciare Vive Etna Rosso 2021
3 bottles     Chionetti Dogliani Briccolero 2015
3 bottles     Leonardo da Vinci Linarius Toscana Syrah 2016

Fletcher Dolcetto D’Alba 2021
Endlessly pure and floral. The colour of garnet and purple with a magenta rim. It smells of summer pudding, a bright sweet almost strawberry character and then marzipan. The acid sits flush with the fruit, a seamless transition from fruit to structure. It’s featherweight but has beautiful concentration. The tannins are chalky and drying, the most “old world” part of the wine, but take nothing from it, rather they frame the wine beautifully. 

Vigneti Vecchio Sciare Vive Etna Rosso 2021
Dusty, slightly peppery, liquorice root, cherry and raspberry, a smattering of dried herb and orange peel. It’s medium-bodied, dusty tannin grip, ash and stones, distinctly volcanic character, blood orange and strawberry, plenty of dry tannin on an aromatic finish of fine length. No shortage of tannin here, which some may find a little too much, granted, but also freshness and personality. Tasted: Oct 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $59; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2022-2028+; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Chionetti Dogliani Briccolero 2015
The 2015 Dogliani Briccolero is superb and also one of the wines of the vintage. Rich, ample and generous on the palate, the 2015 exudes richness from start to finish. A host of super-ripe blue fruits, crème de cassis, lavender, menthol and dark spices are infused in this unctuous, deep Dogliani. All the elements meld together effortlessly. The 2015 can be enjoyed now, but it also has the depth and pedigree to age for a number of years. Date: Aug 2016; Rating: 93 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous

Leonardo da Vinci Linarius Toscana Syrah 2016
This is more than a wine. It is a true declaration of intent. Linarius is made from a selection of the best Syrah grapes grown in the vineyards on the property around Villa Da Vinci, and fully expresses the characteristics of this variety: the fragrance, intensity and spice of its meaty, purple, fruity colouration. Alcohol: 13.5%; Drink over the next 10 - 15 years.
The 2016 was rated 98 Points by Luca Maroni; Annuario Dei Migliori Vini Italiani 2021 (Best Italian Wines Annual).