Wine Type: Southern Italy

Gladiator

Primitivo di Manduria 2004

This is Italy's Zinfandel - it has been recently proven that Primitivo is genetically identical to California's Zinfandel - however, it not only looks different on the vine, but it produces a leaner but no less juicy wine. Deeply colored and showing lots of sweet purple berry fruit.

  • Price (bottle) ~ $35

‘Duca San Felice’

Librandi, Ciro Riserva 2001

  • Price (bottle) ~ $31

Nero D’Avola, Vulcania

IGT Sicily 2005

A nice, fruity wine not unlike what you might call Italian 'shiraz' - a bit jammy and showing high alcohol but with an opulent texture, lots of fruit and low tannin. A good value wine that packs a crowd-pleasing punch.

  • Price (bottle) ~ $32

Salice Salentino Riserva

Candido 2000

Varietal is Negroamaro, which for the most part produces cheap and cheerful wines with hot climate characteristics. You'll find this one will not disappoint, with interesting cedar notes and a pleasing core of red fruit that just screams to be consumed. And the price is oh so right.

  • Price (bottle) ~ $29