One of the most exciting things about building a wine list is you occasionally stumble across something completely unusual, but is so delicious you know you have to have it. Welcome Operetta.

Made in Verona using the ‘appassimento’ method of drying the grapes before fermentation, it has all the hallmarks of a great Amarone, but at a fraction of the cost: It’s an incredibly well-balanced and intense wine, with liquorice and prunes on the nose, a palate full of juicy, dark fruit and sweet spice and a long, Port-like finish.

Great with roasted beef and lamb dishes, hearty stews, sausages and lentils, it also makes a great partner with mature cheeses, and even rich, dark fruit puddings.

Wine info:

Vintage: 2010

Closure: Screwcap

Grape: Rondinella, Corvina, Cabernet Sauvignon

Country: Italy

Region: Venezie

ABV: 13.0%