Put a few recent Italian wines that came to the door to the test on a hot August day (with a breeze blowing through, thankfully).
Bozen 2022 Pinot Grigio
Aromas of lemon and lime kick things off, those follow onto the palate, adding some pith along the way. There’s a zestiness here, plus the bonus of smoky or toasty nuances that give the wine an extra element of enjoyment; could be due to lees contact. Fresh and light for a hot summer day. (*** ½+)
Bozen 2022 Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
A very simple wine with notes of Bosc pear skin, subtle minerality, and pineapple core. That hint of tropicality really adds to the enjoyment of this wine. (*** ½)
Castelli del Grevepesa 2018 Clemente VII, Chianti Classico Riserva 
Notes of floral, smoke and cigar box creep up the nose, well on the palate there are notes of raspberry-strawberry-balsamic. The fruit on the finish comes across as brambly dark fruit. This wine has a nice complexity from start to finish. (****+)
La Regola 2018 “Lauro”, Toscana Bianco
A Viognier-Chardonnay blend that comes across quite leesy with notes of quince, grapefruit zest, bruised apple and citrus pith. (*** ½)
La Regola 2019 Vallino
There’s a touch of VA that comes out of the glass, but thankfully after a few minutes it disappears. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Italy seasoned with some Sangiovese. The acidity is good. There’s plenty of dark berry fruit and smoky nuances … There are even hints of leather and earth to round it all out. (****)
La Regola 2021 Ligustro
Sangiovese and Syrah married to perfection … website claims of the Syrah to be minimal, but it adds something to this wine that is unmistakable as peppery goodness hangs out among the smoky-cherry and great acidity. This wine is lively and fresh, and dare I say juicy. (****+)
Rocca delle Macie 2019 Famiglia Zingarelli, Chianti Classico Riserva
There’s a rustic quality to this Classico, could be the earthy, smoky or woodsy character; but once it opens, there’s a lovely smoothness that materializes. Red and black fruit, nice balancing acidity – silky across the tongue … after a while that rustic note becomes a memory. (****)
Honourable Mention …
Capezzana 2019 Villa Capezzana, Carmignano
I know these wines to be high alcohol, high tannin and in need of a few years or more. Right now, the 2019 is very dark fruited and tannic; this needs to resolve itself over the next five years.