Bring on the warmer weather with our Italian Rule-Breakers & Rarities 4-Pack, a collection of unique bottlings that quietly challenge traditional winemaking norms. Begin with the ColleStefano's Spumante, a remarkable rarity given how infrequently the pristine Verdicchio grape is ever transformed into a traditional-method sparkling wine. Follow it with the Ca Lojera Lugana, an elegant white centered around Turbiana, a highly localized and obscure grape rarely found outside its small lakeside enclave. The exploration shifts gears with the La Scala's Rosato, an unexpected pink wine crafted from Calabria's ancient Gaglioppo grape, which vintners almost exclusively reserve for heavy, highly tannic, dry reds. The lineup comes full circle with the Angelo Negro's Brachetto Rosso, a dry, chillable red that intentionally upends expectations for a grape nearly always destined for sweet, fizzy dessert sparklers.
2022 ColleStefano, 'Le Prata' Spumante - Crafted using the Metodo Classico with zero dosage, this 100% organic Verdicchio from Marche spends 20 months on the lees to develop complex aromas of wild fennel, ginger, and subtle brioche. The palate is sharply defined by an electric, citric acidity and a deeply mineral, salty finish driven by its high-altitude, stony alluvial terroir. A rare treat, this is a pure, bone-dry, and highly vertical expression of the Matelica region.
2025 Ca' Lojera, Lugana - Sourced from the hyper-local and rare Turbiana grape—grown almost exclusively on the southern shores of Lake Garda—this wine captures the unique, clay-rich terroir of the tiny Lugana DOC. It opens with vibrant aromas of green apple, tangerine, and a distinctive hint of fresh mint. The palate delivers a medium-bodied, savory essence balanced by crisp citric acidity and a long mineral finish marked by a classic green almond touch.
2025 La Scala, Ciro Rosato - While the rare, ancient Gaglioppo grape typically yields rustic, highly tannic red wines, its translation into a rosé style is exceptionally vibrant, revealing an electric copper-pink hue alongside aromas of tart cherry, blood orange, and fresh herbs. The palate offers a remarkably structured, food-friendly profile, balancing juicy watermelon and wild strawberry flavors with a distinct, lip-smacking iron minerality and savory finish.
2024 Angelo Negro, Brachetto Vino Rosso - Forget the sweet, bubbly dessert wines you usually get from this grape—this bottle flips the script as a completely dry, wild, and unfiltered red! It is an incredibly rare find that trades standard sugary frizzante notes for fresh, juicy berry flavors and a funky, cloudier profile. Each chilled sip bursts with tart cranberry, fresh raspberry, and a fragrant hint of rose petals. With hardly any tannins to speak of, this rosso drinks more like a bianco. Consider it a delicious rule-breaker for wine lovers looking to shake up their routine.