Luigi Dezzani 2003

Known as the 'King of wines' - it's said that Barolo was the wine of choice at the courts of Louis XIV - great Barolo ranks alongside classed growth clarets in stature. In terms of volume, though, cru classé Bordeaux dwarfs this tiny Italian "Grand Cru" by producing a staggering 10 million bottles a year more!

Top Barolo then, is extremely rare. Even harder to find is Barolo of the quality that the Dezzani family produces. The family have painstakingly handcrafted fine wines in this remote region of Piedmont for the last 70 years, keeping alive the passion and skill of their grandfather, Luigi Dezzani, who founded the estate in 1934.

It's their attention to quality that has seen their wines rack up plenty of medals, plus a mention in top Italian wine writer Luca Maroni's Yearbook of the 200 Best Italian wines.

"Hard-harvested, using only the ripest, most concentrated Nebbiolo grapes from the superb 2003 vintage, this garnet-coloured red reveals delicate aromas of violets and fresh plums. Two years' ageing in oak barriques adds layers of complexity and depth, with flavours of black pepper and cinnamon on the finish. A must with game, roast duck or braised beer."