Piccini, Memoro Rosso, Italy NV

A warming high street red with instant appeal thanks to the silky richness of partially dried grapes. If you’re a fan of Italian Amarone or Ripasso and looking for an affordable kitchen table alternative, this could be right up your street. Founded in 1882 based in the Chianti Classico region with fourth-generation Mario at the helm, Piccini produces 16 million bottles annually and the company owns seven estates across Italy. This non-vintage blend is cleverly constructed to deliver affordable grandeur and while it appears a touch pale in the glass, don’t be discouraged. This red has plenty of sweet fruitcake aromas and is gorgeously silky to sip with dried cherries and cranberries, a hint of sultana and a pleasing bite to the finish that falls somewhere between a sundried tomato and a cherry skin. Thanks to its lean intensity it’s great to pair with bold game dishes from wild boar to venison, also fab with a cheeseboard.