Big wines from central Italy

Plus, for the twitcher breed of wine geek: knock another grape variety off your list!

Today we have a featured new producer to the ranks. Colin researched Tabarrini early in the summer and even bought some. Then, while on holiday he selflessly visited, took a tour on which he was banned from photography and then bought more wine. He persuaded the team to buy loads of the wines because he was impressed. Tabarrini is a family winery in the Montefalco district close to Spoleto that believes very strongly in artisanship, authenticity and craftsmanship, all in a context of respecting heritage without worshipping it.

The Grimaldesco is an all out Sagrantino, the Rosso is a blend of Sangiovese, Barbera and Sagrantino. The inclusion of Barbera might seem a tad radical, but in Montefalco Barbera has been on written record for over 200 years. It is associated so completely with Piedmont only because they labelled varietally.

And the unusual grape variety? Trebbiano Spoletino. Tastes like Vermentino, which is why we've put it up against the Pigato (synonym alert: this is Vermentino) for your delectation and delight. Only it is a bit heavier. So come and have fun.