Ippolito 1845.

The oldest winery in the Calabria region of Southern Italy dating back over 175 years.

Winner of award after award.

And selected by Wine Spectator to be one of the 100 best Italian wineries of 2021.

But never distributed in this country even though the UK imported £627m worth of Italian wine last year.

Until now.

And the man bringing it to Dorset – and the UK?

Bournemouth resident Simone Ippolito.

Second generation cousin to the members of the Ippolito family now running the business: Vincenzo, Paolo and Gianluca.

“I feel ridiculously proud to bring the family wine to this country but also feel the responsibility” said Simone, 28.

“There are high expectations.

“But the response from everyone who has tried the wines has been absolutely amazing.

“I strive under pressure.

“I just want to make the family proud.

“They are buzzing and love what I’m doing.”

It was last November that Simone, who arrived in Bournemouth from Italy six years ago, and close friend Liam Wyatt, pictured left, hit on the idea of importing wine from Italy on a wholesale distribution basis.

Simone had been sent a box of wine from the Ippolito family vineyard.

The quality and complexity of the wines appealed to both Simone and Liam and left a lasting taste in more ways than one.

A further tasting, this time with another close friend, Kevin Gunputh, cemented the plan.

Simone said: “Liam and Kevin both felt the wine was totally different to anything they’ve had.

“They were really impressed.

“It’s been a secret dream to bring Ippolito 1845 to this country.

“The UK is one of the largest markets for wine and Italy is the largest provider in the world.

“I saw an opportunity.”

In December Simone and Liam, now business partners, incorporated their new company.

Winederful Ltd, trading as Winederful UK.

A month later they secured distribution approval under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme.

Winederful UK is now the exclusive distributor of Ippolito 1845 wines in the UK.

Initially it is offering 11 wines – six red, three whites and two rosé – priced at between £15 and £50.

All originate from the Ippolito farm which includes a 100-hectare agricultural estate, distributed between rolling hills and sunny plains near the Ionian Sea, in the classic Cirò area.

The vines grown are indigenous and a true heritage of Calabria.

They include Gaglioppo, Greco Bianco, Calabrese, Pecorello and Greco Nero.

Simone said: “The grape only grows in that part of the world.

“It makes the wine a totally unique product.

“The fact that my name is on the bottles makes it even more special.”

Simone said Winederful UK would be targeting events and festivals as well as restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues.

“Everyone who has tried the wine has loved it and thought the taste was amazing,” he said.

Simone, a 6ft 4in former basketball player in Italy, is no stranger to new ventures.

Last year he created the hospitality app, Capp and also launched The Green Italian, sourcing all the food from Italy.

Currently on pause during lockdown, the business included seven types of honey, 12 types of pasta, eight types of cheeses, six types of spreadables as well as organic extra virgin olive oil, sundried tomatoes, aubergines and more.

Simone said: “I’ve always wanted to bring quality, unique products from the South of Italy to this country.

“Winederful is not about building an empire.

“It’s more about working with end consumers and retailers who share our passion.

”I just feel it’s an absolute honour to be given this responsibility.”

• winederful.uk