Ben Robson is an expert. He and his wife Emma preside over this unconventional shop specialising in Italian wine, situated in a warehouse in an old prison, now a trading estate, on the edge of Oakham (good for parking). Ben indulges a long-held enthusiasm for interesting wines from smaller producers throughout Italy and is fanatical about Nebbiolo; they hold possibly the best collection of Alto Piemonte wines in the UK. A small additional selection covers a few worthwhile extras, including some excellent gins. Their stock is strong on medium-priced wines for everyday but comfortably includes collectables such as Barolo, Brunello etc.
They ship some larger bottles that would make great presents, and a strong selection of sparklers: Prosecco, Spumante, Franciacorta all bought directly from a small grower-producers.
Truly Multum in Parvo, Bat & Bottle may be a small husband/wife team, but they have been awarded “Best Italian Wine Merchant” by Decanter Magazine. Their small and very personal Wine Club has also been recognised as one of the best Subscription Wine Clubs in the UK, and in 2016 they represented small businesses at Downing Street as a “Small Business Saturday” winner. They are mostly an online business and deliver nationwide.
The Robsons have imported artisan wine from Italy for nearly 30 years and with their excellent selection, Bat and Bottle is a very worthwhile visit for lovers of Italian wine.