February Mixed Dozen 2026 - Italy: mare a montagna

One of our favourite packs of the year, and really, how can you not fall in love with the wines of Italy? Few countries offer such a breadth of styles and flavours, from alpine freshness to sun-soaked Mediterranean richness, all driven by an extraordinary diversity of grape varieties. Italy remains one of the world’s most compelling wine cultures, with nearly 500 native grape varieties, delivering everything from everyday charm to profound, age-worthy bottles, often with a sense of place that’s unmistakably Italian.

This year, we wanted to push the boundaries a little with a mixed dozen that balances the familiar with the unexpected. Think of it as two halves: six classic Italian styles, six more esoteric or lesser-known varieties and styles that highlight just how fascinating Italy’s wine landscape really is.

On the more adventurous side, we’ve included things like grechetto from Umbria, an ancient variety that delivers floral, zesty whites with real charm, alongside gecorino, whose lemony brightness and mineral edge make it one of Italy’s most exciting modern white wine stories. For reds, a beautifully crunchy nerello mascalese from Sicily offers snappy freshness, vibrant acidity and a subtle earthy edge, light on its feet, yet packed with flavour. We’ve also included a high-altitude Nebbiolo made in a lighter, chillable style: lithe, aromatic and effortlessly refreshing, showing a different side to this noble grape. Of course, there is plenty more here to explore.

The classic selection leans into some of our favourite Italian styles, made by producers you may be unfamiliar with, but who are quietly doing great work. There’s a crisp, mineral Soave (because how could you not), and a brilliant Pinot Bianco from the eastern hills, perfect for summer sipping. The reds stay vibrant and drinkable, with a lively Valpolicella and a terrific Dolcetto from its quality heartland in Dogliani. For those who prefer a little more richness, we’ve added a generous new Chianti we’re loving, along with one of our favourite Montepulciano producers.

Rounding out the “classic” side is something a little different but deeply Italian: a cracking vermouth from Turin. Some might argue this belongs in the esoteric camp, but vermouth was born in Italy, and this bottle, served over ice with a splash of soda, is one of the great warm-weather aperitifs.

Altogether, this is a brilliant cross-section of Italian wine, with something for every palate and plenty to spark curiosity. Whether you’re here for the classics or the discoveries, or a little of both, this dozen celebrates everything that makes Italy such an endlessly fascinating place to drink from.