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From Prosecco to Pecorino: A Guide to the Best Italian White Wines of 2023

December 22, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Close up of sparking wine being poured in to glass

It’s no secret that Italy produces some of the world’s best wines, both red and white. But the sheer variety of its regions, grape varietals and terroir can be dizzying; from sparkling bottles that provide a great-value alternative to champagne, to crisp island whites just made for a seafood pasta pairing. 

For the best Italian wine, we’re now looking to the lesser-known regions: think central Abruzzo, with vines that pick up the Adriatic sea breeze; or Friuli, with its Alpine proximity creating an aromatic peachiness. Chardonnay’s had its moment and Prosecco is a thing of the past: here are the top Italian wines to watch out for.

 

Orlandi Contucci Pecorino Superiore DOC 2019

Wine bottle - Orlandi Contucci Pecorino Superiore DOC 2019You may know Pecorino better as a cheese ‒ and indeed, it shares its moniker with a hard, flaky Tuscan number often used in pasta sauces. But in the world of white, this is one of the best Italian wines. Largely produced in Italy’s Abruzzo region (but also made in Marche, Umbria, Liguria, and Tuscany), Pecorino is a native Italian grape that grows well at high mountain altitude and by the coast. 

Its notes of stone fruit, sea salt and rosemary that have seen it compared to the top Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs. Take the Abruzzo-made Pecorino Superiore 2019 by Orlandi Contucci, which scooped 98 points in the Luca Maroni Awards and 4 grape bunches in the Bibenda Guide; not only a critics’ favorite, but an affordable bottle at around $40 online.

Foodies read on: Indulge your inner gourmet with these luxury food experiences

 

Tenuta Stella Ribolla Gialla Collio 2021

Wine bottle - Tenuta Stella Ribolla Gialla Collio 2021The Ribolla Gialla is a grape is so fashionable that it’s now being used in Napa Valley, but it also produces some of the new top Italian wine, most prominently in the Friuli-Venezia region of northern Italy. Typically producing light-bodied, greenish-hued white wines, this ancient variety is often paired with seafood or creamy dishes due to its zingy acidity. Tenuta Stella’s Ribolla Gialla Collio, is a classic choice. Not only did it win in this year’s Decanter Awards; critics at Wine Enthusiast awarded it 85/100, describing it as “a lean, simple white” that “offers yellow flower, citrus zest and grilled herb flavors”.

Food for thought: Acclaimed Sydney restaurant Bennelong and its love affair with Australian food

 

Podernuovo Palazzone Nicoleo, Toscana Bianco 2020

Win bottle - Podernuovo Palazzone Nicoleo, Toscana Bianco 2020Anyone who doesn’t know the top Italian wines beyond the odd glass of Pinot Grigio may not be acquainted with Grechetto. Primarily used in blends, this white grape originated in Greece (hence the name), but grows well in the Italian regions of Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany and used for its concentration of flavour. 

In Podernuovo Palazzone’s Nicoleo 2020 ‒ named for the winemaker’s two sons, Nico and Leone, Grechetto is blended with Chardonnay to great effect, producing one of the best Italian wines of the year. Wine magazine Falstaff praised its “delicate aromas of lemon and pear, with freshly cut grass and a hint of stony minerality”; while USA Wine Ratings awarded it a 2023 Gold Medal.

Save for later: Where to find the most rare and expensive food in the world

 

Orvieto Classico Superiore Castagnolo 2021

Win bottle - Orvieto Classico Superiore Castagnolo 2021Another wine region that uses Grechetto with flair is the Orvieto DOC, which spans Umbria and Lazio. Winemaking has been here since the Etruscans, with the namesake wines traditionally perceived as sweet; but plenty of dry, bright whites are being produced there these days. An example of a top Italian wine from the region is Barberani’s Orvieto Classico 2021: with notes of green apple and almond opening up to a peachy fullness, with moderate acidity. The maker’s most popular bottle, the 2021 pairs beautifully with garlic prawns, shellfish risotto or swordfish and salad.

Read next: Seven ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

 

Tenuta di Tavignano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2018

Win bottle - Tenuta di Tavignano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva 2018If you’re after a refreshing, easy-drinking table wine for an Italian lunch, look for a Verdicchio from Italy’s Marche region. These bright white wines often have a nutty, almondy note as well as zingy fruit profiles; this year Forbes called it “arguably the greatest white varietal” from Italy, while Vivino users praise Tenuta di Tavignano’s bottles for their mixture of sweet peachiness and salinity. 

Made from 100% Verdicchio in the Marche region of Italy, Tavignano’s Verdicchio dei Castelli 2018 is a solid choice, with textures of beeswax and roasted hazelnuts. The makers have been farming organically for the past five years, as well as hand-harvesting their grapes. 

We think you’ll also like: Why South Africa is the ultimate setting for a gourmet road trip

 

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2022

Wine bottle - Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2022Another genre to watch in the category of “best Italian wine” is Roero Arneis ‒ that is, white wines made in the Roero area of Piedmont, Italy, from the Arneis grape. Distinctive for their yellowish, straw colour, these whites The critics’ choice for this year is the Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2022, from a Piedmont winemaker better known for his reds. 

The 2022 vintage was raved about for its accents of citrus, minerals and white flowers; a higher-alcohol choice at 14% ABV, Giacosa’s take on the wine is praised on Vivino for being a “crowd pleaser” and “the benchmark by which all other Arneis producers should be compared”.

We think you’ll also like: Journey into the world of luxury coffee: Meet the award-winning producers

Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Italy journey involves an expert wine tasting in Tuscany.

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Concierge Tips

These are the Most Beautiful Christmas Decorations Money Can Buy

December 22, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
Christmas tree decorations

Looking to create a Christmas wonderland in your home? Elevate your festive decor this year with some of the most luxurious Christmas decorations from sparkling Swarovski tree toppers to handcrafted wooden nutcrackers. Whether you’re looking for traditional craftsmanship or exquisite ornaments, wreaths and table displays, these are 7 of the most beautiful Christmas decorations to invest in for some extra dazzle this holiday season. 

Swarovski

Swarovski Christmas ornaments

Photo credit: @swarovski

Renowned for its precision-cut crystals, Swarovski offers an array of breathtaking Christmas ornaments. From sparkling crystal snowflakes and nutcrackers to intricately designed Christmas tree toppers, Swarovski’s decorations are all about elegance and timeless style. These stunning pieces can become cherished heirlooms, adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday decor.

We think you’ll also like: The Ultimate Luxury Gold Souvenir Guide to Europe

Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill Christmas decorations

Photo credit: @balsamhill

Balsam Hill is famed for its incredibly realistic artificial Christmas trees, but they also offer a stunning selection of ornaments and decorations for your tree and around the home. From classic glass ornaments to wreaths and tree toppers, these decorations really bring the magic.

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Kaethe Wohlfahrt

Kaethe Wohlfart handcrafted nutcracker

Photo credit: @kaethe_wohlfahrt

Originating in Germany, Kaethe Wohlfahrt is a family-owned company specializing in handcrafted Christmas decorations. Their traditional wooden ornaments and nutcrackers reflect the rich heritage of German craftsmanship. If you’re looking to add a touch of old world charm to your holiday festivities, these are your go-to decorations.

We think you’ll also like: Christmas on the tracks: 7 of the world’s most beautiful, festive train journeys

Frontgate

Frontgate Christmas decorations

Photo credit: @frontgate

Ready to go big this Christmas? Look to Frontgate. From stunning wreaths and garlands to oversized outdoor displays and giant 9-foot-tall nutcrackers, Frontgate’s decorations exude extravagance. Their attention to detail and quality ensure their decorations are not only beautiful, but also durable, making it the ideal investment.

We think you’ll also like: From a festive cruise to parading puddings, this is how Ashford Castle celebrates Christmas

Christopher Radko

Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments

Photo credit: @christopherradkoco

If you appreciate hand-blown glass ornaments, you’ll adore Christopher Radko’s creations. This company has been creating collectible glass ornaments for over 35 years, and their designs are all about intricate details and vibrant colors. Each ornament tells a story, perfect for creating a meaningful Christmas tree.

We think you’ll also like: The Luxury Gold Travel Gift Guide: a Gift for Every Journey

Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus Christmas tree ornaments

Photo credit: @neimanmarcus

This iconic luxury retailer has an array of exclusive Christmas decorations that cater to the most discerning tastes. From designer Christmas ornaments to elegant tree skirts and stockings, Neiman Marcus’ selection of decor will deliver the high-end glamour to your holiday celebrations.

We think you’ll also like: The Ultimate Luxury Shopping Guide to Edinburgh

Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts Christmas decorations

Photo credit: @markrobertsmagic

If you love a whimsical Christmas decor scheme, look to the Mark Roberts brand’s selection of beautifully handcrafted Christmas fairies and elves. These intricately detailed figurines are a favorite among collectors and make for stunning tabletop displays. 

We think you’ll also like: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

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Concierge Tips

The Luxury Gold Travel Gift Guide: a Gift for Every Journey

December 21, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments

Looking for the perfect gift for the avid traveler in your life? Get inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, crafts and traditions. From an Indian silk headscarf or a Japanese washi paper journal to an Italian leather camera bag or French travel skincare, here are some of the greatest travel gift ideas, inspired by our journeys.

1. Handmade stationary

Japanese stationary

Photo credit: @itoya_official

Inspired by: Japanese washi paper and Egyptian papyrus paper

Handmade stationery is the perfect travel gift inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage of Japan and Egypt. Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of washi paper making embodies simplicity and sustainability, while Egypt’s mastery of papyrus production dates back to ancient times. You can find beautiful journals to document your travels, notebooks to jot down important info, or even gorgeous artworks made on handmade canvases. 

Where to buy: In Egypt, head to the local markets or visit shops like the Papyrus Institute in Cairo for sustainably made products. In Japan, you can find local artisans who sell their creations online, or explore specialty shops like Itoya, a 100-year-old stationary store in Tokyo.

Explore local Egyptian markets on: Elegance of the Nile

Shop for washi paper stationary on: Majestic Japan

2. Woollen knitwear

Woollen knitwear

Photo credit: @daleofnorway

Inspired by: Norwegian, Scottish and Peruvian knitwear

High quality woollen knitwear is an essential travel item. A snug jumper, cosy scarf, or warm blanket are the ultimate comfort items to bring wherever you go, from winter destinations to chilly airplanes. Countries like Norway, Scotland and Peru are all famed for their woollen knitwear. Norway’s iconic woollen sweaters are famed for their unique patterns and durability. Scotland’s woollen tartan products are a symbol of its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Peru’s alpaca and llama wool products are not only super soft but often made by Indigenous communities using traditional weaving techniques. 

Where to buy: Dale of Norway is an iconic Nordic knitwear brand, and you can find responsibly sourced woollen products at The Tartan Blanket Co (TBCO) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Explore Scandinavian knitwear on: Timeless Scandinavia

Shop for tartan products in Edinburgh on: British Royale

When you travel to Peru with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Learn about the center’s mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and watch local artisans creating beautiful handwoven pieces. 

Learn about traditional weaving in Cusco on: Treasures of the Incas

3. Leather bags

Leather bag

Photo credit: @scuoladelcuoio

Inspired by: Italian and Spanish leather craftsmanship

Leather is known for its longevity and timeless style, and Italy and Spain are known for producing some of the most high quality leather products in the world. Whether you’re looking for a duffel bag, backpack, or camera bag, and Italian or Spanish leather bag is the perfect travel gift. 

Where to buy: Go for leather products made from eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned leather and support artisans who follow ethical standards. In Spain, Ubrique is the most famous leather producing region, and Loewe and Castañer both create excellent leather goods. In Italy, Florence is the place to go for premium leather goods, and you’ll find luxury items at stores like Ferragamo and Gucci. You can also visit the historic Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) in Florence, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase handcrafted leather items.

Shop for leather products in Florence on: Ultimate Italy

Discover Spanish leather craftsmanship on: Spain & Portugal in Style

4. Slippers

Slippers and socks

Photo credit: @nootkas

Inspired by: Merino wool products in New Zealand

A quality pair of slippers are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it’s a true comfort while you’re traveling. If you’re looking for the cosiest slippers, you can’t go past pure Merino sheep wool. Soft and durable, it’s a gift your friends and family will adore. 

Where to buy: Consider New Zealand brands that use ethically sourced sheepskin and sustainable production methods, like Cosy Toes, Nootkas and Glerups.

Shop for sheepskin slippers and other products on: The Long White Cloud

5. Silk scarf

Silk scarf

Photo credit: @hermes

Inspired by: Silk products in France and India

Both India and France have centuries-old traditions of silk production and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you go for a silk headscarf, pyjamas, robes, eye masks, or pillowcases, be sure to look for silk items made using eco-friendly, ethical silk farming practices.

Where to buy: Consider supporting artisanal cooperatives like FabIndia for sustainable silk products or Hermès for luxury French silk products.

Shop for Indian silk on: Essence of India with Ranthambore

Discover French silk products on: Ultimate Southern France

6. Bamboo travel cutlery set

Travel cutlery set

Photo credit: @mujiaus

Inspired by: Japan’s bamboo forests

This gift is the ultimate luxury sustainable travel product. You combine the sustainability of bamboo with reusable cutlery, so you can ditch the single-use plastic cutlery. Bamboo is naturally renewable as it regrows from its own roots and regenerates at a whopping speed of up to 90cm a day. When you explore the beautiful bamboo forests in Japan, you’ll really get an understanding of the magic of this plant.

Where to buy: Look for products made from sustainably harvested bamboo at stores like Muji.

Explore bamboo forests and shop for Japanese bamboo products on: Majestic Japan

7. Travel skincare

Skincare bottles

Photo credit: @biologique_recherche

Inspired by: French skincare  

Good skincare is so important when you travel. Whether you experience dry skin after flying, irritated skin in cold weather, or need extra protection from the sun, you’ll likely find yourself needing extra skincare products when traveling. If you’re looking for iconic brands and soothing rituals, turn to French skincare. The top French beauty brands focus on preventative skincare and source the finest ingredients, having refined their products for decades or even centuries. 

Where to buy: French brands like Lancôme, Clarins and Biologique Recherche stock a range of high quality beauty and skincare products. They offer many of their products in travel sizes and can even create a personalized skincare ritual for you. 

Shop for French skincare in Paris on: Ultimate Southern France

8. Watches

Omega watch

Photo credit: @omega

Inspired by: Swiss watchmaking 

Timekeeping is an essential part of travel for anyone and no one does timepieces better than Switzerland. Geneva has been the heart of the watchmaking industry since the 16th century and is renowned for its intricate designs, excellent craftsmanship and precise timekeeping. 

Where to buy: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin are some of the most iconic Swiss watchmakers. You can also explore Swiss brands that use recycled materials and sustainable practices like Omega or Swatch. 

Shop for Swiss watches in Geneva on: Majestic Switzerland

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