As ever at this time of year the Gambero Rosso, Italy's foremost wine publication, releases (tantalisingly, one region each day) the coveted 'Tre Bicchieri' (three glasses) awards. The Gambero Rosso team taste each year over 2300 wines, and this year 402 won the highest distinction.

We are really pleased to have 16 wines which were awarded Tre Bicchieri in our range. From the whole length of the country, we hope it shows how consistently excellent our Italian range is. Everything from top class Barolo to Nero d'Avola and 3 different Fianos made the grade. Roberta Ursa, of Mandrarossa in Sicily, has just returned from picking up their award for Cartagho in Rome. She says "I felt good sharing the same stage as Franco Biondi Santi, Angelo Gaia and Sassicaia!". A worthy champion indeed.

Here are the winning wines:

North West

Gavi di Gavi Nicolas Bergaglio 2009

Lugana Superiore Molceo 2008 Ottella

Nino Negri 5 Stelle Sfursat 2007

North East

Il Rosso dell Abazia 2007 Serafini e Vidotto

Prosecco Extra Dry Giustino B 2009 Ruggeri

Amarone Classico Bertani 2003

Vintage Tunina 2008 Jermann

Central Italy

Conero Cumaro 2007 Umani Ronchi

Castello di Fonterutoli 2007

Chianti Classico Riserva della Famiglia 2007 Cecchi

Vino Nobile Asinone 2007 Poliziano

Vernaccia di San Giminiano Riserva 2007 Panizzi

South and Islands

Fiano di Avellino Colli di Lapio 2009

Fiano di Avellino Pietracalda Feudi di San Gregorio 2009

Planeta Cometa 2009

Mandrarossa Cartagho 2008