A variety of Italian wines, mostly red, beginning in the North West

Renato Ratti Langhe Nebbiolo “Ochetti” 2015, Piedmont, Italy (£20.49 Hailsham Cellars, Hoults, CMT Wines, Larner Bros, Mumbles Fine Wines, Liquorice, Framlingham Wines, Banstead Vintners)
Promising young wine, starts off with (reduced) aromas of blackcurrant pastilles but then open up to reveal a softer, fleshier fruit core, with fleshy plum and red berry flavours layered with noes of herbs, spice and rose petals. The longer you swirl it, the deeper, richer and earthier it becomes. One for the future, but the wait will be worthwhile. S(+)

Now the first bag-in-box wines I think I’ve ever posted here

When In Rome Beneventano Falanghina 2016, Campania, Italy (£27 for 2.25l When In Rome, Waitrose)
Pithy young wine, with a notes of herbs and pine on top of the waxy walnut, nectarine and custard apple flavours. Still fresh and lively two weeks after opening. B(+)

When In Rome Nero d’Avola Terre Siciliana 2014, Italy (£27 for 2.25l When In Rome, Waitrose)
Juicy and vibrant, with blackcurrant, blackberry and plum to the fore, dark chocolate, tar and herbs waiting in the wings and a ripe but form finish. Tried this over three weeks, and the last glass was as good as the first. B(+)

Next, Valpol with knobs on

Tedeschi Maternigo Valpolicella Superiore 2014, Veneto, Italy (£24.99 Partridges of Sloane Square, St Swithins Wine Shop, Peake Wine Associates)
Fascinating wine, quite bold aromas of rich, dark plum, prune, and black cherry, but when you taste it, while you feel the warmth of alcohol, there’s still plenty of freshness and bounce to the flavours, along with some chewy tannin and a light bitter edge. Serious Valpol, and seriously good. S(+)

Finally, way down south…

Sette Muri Brindisi Riserva 2014, Puglia, Italy (£10 Tesco)
Nearly a very good wine. I really like the gentle southern warmth, soft plummy bramble and dark cherry flavours and notes of spicy tobacco, but it’s been overoaked, resulting in a rubbery, green bitter note that dampens its charms and doesn’t seem to fade with time. Shame. B-