Five Exceptional European Wines to Discover
Dominio de Pingus Psi
Named after the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet, PSI is regarded as a labour of love and has earned accolades from renowned wine critic Robert Parker, who called it “one of the greatest and most exciting wines” he has ever tasted. This organic and biodynamic wine is crafted exclusively from 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grapes, sourced from meticulously balanced vineyards with an average vine age of 30 years.
Grapes are hand-harvested and manually destemmed to ensure optimal quality. The winemaking involves long maceration in concrete tanks, maximizing fruit expression, followed by maturation in large oak vats and barrels with minimal new oak influence. The wine’s bright purple hue gives way to enticing aromas of cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and a subtle hint of vanilla.
On the palate, fresh cherry, cassis, and blackberry flavors are balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity, creating a fruit-forward, elegant wine with a long, rich finish that carries a touch of sweetness. This wine pairs wonderfully with cheeses, rich red meats, pâtés, and foie gras, offering a luxurious tasting experience for those who appreciate depth and finesse.
Dominio de Pingus Psi (Second Vintage)
The second vintage of Dominio de Pingus Psi continues the tradition of excellence. Maintaining its organic and biodynamic roots, the wine emphasizes purity and expression of terroir. The vineyard’s bush vines, planted in soils of varied composition, contribute to the wine’s complexity and character.
This version also showcases the hallmark bright purple color, complemented by rich aromas of ripe cherries and dark berries, layered with vanilla nuances. The palate delivers concentrated flavors of cassis and blackberry, supported by balanced tannins and crisp acidity that provide freshness and structure.
The finish is long and velvety, with a subtle sweetness that makes it accessible even in its youth. Ideal pairings include aged cheeses, hearty red meats, and delicacies such as pâté or foie gras, making it a versatile choice for both special occasions and refined everyday enjoyment.
DaGromis Barolo
This elegant Barolo hails from the prestigious vineyards of Serralunga and La Morra in Piedmont, Italy. The Nebbiolo grapes are grown on south-east and south-west facing slopes at altitudes between 1000 and 1500 feet, benefiting from intense sunlight balanced by cool mountain air. The terroir of clay and marl soil contributes to the wine’s classic structure.
DaGromis undergoes a meticulous winemaking process beginning with hand-harvested grapes fermented over three weeks in temperature-controlled steel vats. The wine then matures in oak barriques for a year, followed by an additional year in large oak vats, which enhances its complexity and smoothness.
With a deep red color, the nose reveals floral notes, ripe red and black fruit, spices, herbs, and a hint of licorice. The palate is silky and full-bodied, with balanced tannins, notable acidity, and a long, lingering finish touched by spice. This Barolo pairs beautifully with rich beef stews, venison, game, and mature cheeses, making it an ideal wine for special dinners.
Feudo Croci Primitivo
Located in the sun-drenched Salento region of southern Italy, Feudo Croci was established in 2001 by Gian Andrea Tinazzi, who recognized the exceptional potential of the indigenous grape varieties thriving there. This Primitivo is crafted entirely from grapes grown in the family’s vineyards near Carosino.
The winemaking process emphasizes preserving the grape’s varietal character with crushing, destemming, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The young wine then ages in French and American oak barrels for 6-8 months, which adds complexity and richness to the final product.
Bursts of ripe dark berries, plums, and cherries dominate the nose, while the palate offers a robust full body with firm yet supple tannins and a well-built structure. Its bold flavors make it a perfect companion to hearty dishes like barbecue ribs, venison, steak, or tomato-based pasta, embodying the richness of Puglia’s winemaking tradition.