While Piedmont is best known for Barolo, the region also produces distinctive varietals like Cortese, Dolcetto, and Barbera—each reflecting the character of its terroir.
La Smilla’s vineyards lie in the steep hills of Bosio, near the Ligurian Apennines, where traditional farming and thoughtful winemaking bring out the best in every vintage.
From crisp, mineral-driven whites to vibrant, fruit-forward reds, La Smilla wines are a true taste of Piedmont, where steep, challenging slopes are cultivated with minimal machinery, honoring age-old traditions and the natural rhythm of the land.
La Smilla is a new addition to our wine program, discovered on our most recent visit to Italy. We are delighted to feature a selection of their range in this curated 6 pack:
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2024 La Smilla Gavi DOCG x 2 bottles
Gavi, often referred to as the "Chablis of Italy," is a crisp, elegant white wine made from the Cortese grape in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Known for its refreshing acidity and delicate floral aromas, Gavi typically showcases notes of green apple, citrus, and white peach, with subtle hints of almond and minerality that reflect its terroir. The wine is dry and light-bodied, making it a perfect companion to seafood, light pasta dishes, and fresh cheeses. Its finesse and purity have earned it DOCG status, Italy’s highest wine classification, and it continues to be celebrated for its refined character and food-friendly versatility.
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2022 La Smilla Barbera del Monferrato DOC x 2 bottles is a vivid expression of Piedmontese winemaking, shaped by the region’s distinctive terre bianche (white soils) and temperate climate. The grapes are macerated for two weeks on the skins, a traditional method that enhances the wine’s deep red colour, aromatic purity and character.
Barbera is known for its naturally high acidity, which lends freshness and lift, balanced by moderate tannins and generous fruit. Flavours of ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry dominate the 2022 La Smilla Barbera di Monferrato, which is aged in oak for 12 months to add subtle notes of spice and structure. Its vibrant profile and food-friendly nature make it a reliable companion at the table, reflecting the warmth and authenticity of northern Italy’s culinary traditions.
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2023 La Smilla Dolcetto di Ovada DOC x 2 bottles is a distinguished expression of the Dolcetto grape, cultivated in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Known for its deep ruby-red color and elegant structure, this wine is crafted from grapes harvested in vineyards with optimal sun exposure. The result is a wine of notable depth and character.
Despite its name, translating to “little sweet one,” Dolcetto is traditionally dry. The 2023 La Smilla Dolcetto di Ovada exemplifies this with its firm structure flavour profile which reveals notes of black cherry, plum, and subtle hints of licorice. The relatively low acidity and soft tannins make it smooth and approachable, while still offering complexity and balance.
The Dolcetto di Ovada pairs exceptionally well with meat-based dishes, especially Agnolotti del Plin (a traditional Piedmontese pasta filled with a mix of beef and pork), Risotto with Sausage and Fennel or even alongside a salumi/charcuterie board. Its vibrant yet refined character makes it a versatile choice for both casual and formal dining, and a fine representation of Piedmont’s winemaking tradition.