The wine: There is a nose of almonds, apricots and just a touch of marzipan. On the palate there are full-on flavours of peaches and apricots and again a nutty character on the finish. This is richer and more flavoursome than your run-of-the-mill Pinot Grigio .

The story: The award-winning Santa Sofia estate inhabits an ancient villa dating back to 1560 in Italy's historic Valpolicella Classico region between Venice and Verona. With the weight of such history on its shoulders, it would be easy for an estate to lose itself in the past, holding on to traditions of no relevance to the modern market. Santa Sofia makes authentic and traditional Valpolicella Amarone and Ripasso wines but it has also embraced the modern demand for Pinot Grigio and makes a super rich and tasty example.