Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didn’t use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. It’s produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Brunello is the prince of Montalcino wines, produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes picked by hand from the oldest vines in the farm.

After a careful fermentation at controlled temperature, Tenuta Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino is aged in French oak barrels.

After being aged in wood, the wine is bottle aged: this is an essential process in guaranteeing the pleasantness and the complexity that have made the Brunello di Montalcino world-famous.

Underbrush, camphor and new leather aromas get together with grilled herbs. Full-bodied and structured, it also shows restraint, featuring dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.

The nose starts salty and umami, then turns peppery, then finally finishes with the sweetness of black cherries and blackberries. On the palate, the fruit elements flourish, while the sweet and sour of balsamic vinegar and resurgent pepper on the finish maintain the complexity. Acid glitters around supple tannins.

From the Piedmont wine region, Giribaldi 2014 is an intense and full-bodied Barolo with dark fruit, underbrush and earthy flavours on the palate and would benefit from a couple more years in cellar. The wine was aged in oak cask for 30 months and tannins are still quite firm

Frappato is a light coloured red grape produced all over Sicily, but mainly in the southeast corner. It is typically blended with Nero d'Avola to help soften the tannins (like in Cerasuolo di Vittorio). By itself though, it bursts with aromas of sweet red berries and incense spice. Light in alcohol, but with beautiful texture and acidity, it's a juicy, lively alternative to white wines of the patio for summer. Serve chilled!

85/100 Wine Enthusiast

"This is a fresh and uplifting blend of Cabernet and Malbech with buoyant aromas of wild berry, cranberry, blueberry and tart exotic spice. It has a smooth texture and easy concentration with sweet fruit flavors on the close."

Le Ragose Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso is a classic expression of the Valpolicella wine region in Veneto, Italy. Made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, this wine is crafted using the Ripasso method, where the wine is refermented on the skins of Amarone, creating a rich and complex profile. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, plum, and chocolate are prevalent, while the palate is smooth with velvety tannins and flavors of ripe berries, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

This wine is bright and focused, with a lasting finish. Its aromas and flavors of black fruit and pinpoint minerality should pair it beautifully with rosemary-accented lamb kebobs. 

This wine is characterized by its highly structured, harmonious, and delicate nature, boasting a long-lasting finish. Its refreshing acidity effectively counterbalances the wine's alcohol content, while the tannins, dense yet finely textured, contribute to its overall balance and complexity.

92/100 James Suckling
Aromas of spiced cherries, violets, bark, cloves and potpourri. It's medium-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Tight and focused finish. From organically grown grapes.

Bolgheri in Italy’s Tuscan coast evokes our minds to the famous Super-Tuscans. Powerhouse families and wines have emerged from this region to make their place onto store shelves and personal wine cellars. The Ornellaia estate was established in 1981 by the Frescobaldis, one of the three most ancient families of Italy. The quest for excellence came quickly with the first bottle of Ornellaia coming in 1985. Winemakers for over 700 years, the Frescobaldi family bring together a creative mindset, pursuit of excellence and a deep respect for tradition.  

The Vendemmia d’Artista project features a prominent artist designing a label for each vintage of Ornellaia.  Every 6-pack wooden case will feature one bottle from this project. 

The Ornellaia is pricey, yet collectible and ageable. The second label of Le Serre Nuove is no slouch and the Le Volte holds its own for quality. Add any of these wines to your collection, and you won’t be disappointed.

This “entry level” wine of Ornellaia is a bright, lively wine that will introduce any wine drinker to the beauties of Ornellaia wines as it is instantly drinkable, enjoyable, and versatile. Made with (mostly) Merlot with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, there is an abundance of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and spice aromas and flavours. Priced for instant consumption but can also be aged and held until 2030.

Unique wine, harmonious and elegant with pleasant notes of red berries, among which cherry is dominant. Fresh, delicate and pleasantly fruity with a light and velvety tannin. Slightly balsamic finish, of medium length. Extremely enjoyable and easy to drink.

Aromas of tilled soil, underbrush and dark berry lead the nose. On the savory easygoing palate, fresh acidity and pliant tannins frame black cherry, clove and a hint of licorice- KERIN O'KEEFE ( Wine Enthusiast)

Colour: ruby red tending towards garnet with ageing.
Bouquet: vinous and delicate with sometimes hints of bitter almonds.
Taste: full and velvety flavour.

From one of the "Famiglia di Amarone" this light, refreshing Valpolicella Classico shows tart strawberries, cranberries and fresh earth and wild herbs on the nose while tart red fruits dominate the core of the palate with hints of sweet tobacco, cherrywood and dried herbs on the savory and vibrant finish. These light-bodied wines are on trend with lower alcohol and can be chilled for optimum enjoyment.

Rooted in the rich heritage of Puglia, the Pajaru estate celebrates the figure of the shepherd, or "Picuraru" in dialect, symbolizing the slow, seasonal, and steadfast labor paralleled in the meticulous care of vineyards to forge exceptional wines. Inspired by the shepherds' resilience and dedication, Primitivo "PICURARU" was born—a majestic deep ruby red wine that unfurls intense aromas of ripe red fruit on the nose, transforming into layered notes of plum, cocoa, leather, and black pepper on the palate. Warm, persistent, and notably tannic, PICURARU matures beautifully, gaining expression over a couple of years. It pairs splendidly with rich legume soups accented with bacon, robust pasta with meat sauce, and aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for a variety of culinary delights.

With 170ha of vineyards in the Collio region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Jermann has four generations of winemaking under its belt with Silvio Jermann the current visionary and winemaker. This wine made from 100% Pinot Nero, is elegant with notes of sweet red fruit and slight herbaceousness, and perhaps more full bodied that its French counterpart. Pinot Nero from Italy is a thing of beauty!

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva is a red wine produced by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi winery located in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is made using a blend of Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, and Colorino grapes, which are grown in the vineyards surrounding the winery. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by bottle aging for an additional 3 months. On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with firm tannins and a good balance of acidity. Flavors of dark fruit, leather, and a hint of tobacco are present. This wine is a great pairing with roasted meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Righetti’s Amarone is produced from selected Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%) and other indigenous varietals (10%) grown in the hills of the Valpolicella Classico DOC. The finest bunches of ripe grapes are placed in shallow wood crates and left to dry over a period of 3-5 months. Thereafter, the grapes are pressed, the juice is fermented to dryness, and the wine is aged in large casks of Slavonian oak.
Full-bodied and rich with aromas of dried fruit, plums, black cherry and a distinct “earthy” note. The wine will continue to evolve in the bottle over the next 5 to 10 years. What remains is a highly extracted fruit-driven wine that presents with 15.2% Alc.

Intense ruby red color, with the perfume of wild roses, sweet thyme, tobacco, liquorices, along with dried cherries, minerals and chocolate.
This full bodied dry red has soft silky
medium+ tannins, flavours of ripe cherries,
and dried berries with hints of roses, violets, tobacco, licorice and minerals.

90 Points - James Suckling

With its usual deep ruby red colour, Ornellaia 2020 stands out on the nose with ripe red fruits and delicate vanilla and gentle tobacco notes. Upon tasting, the wine reveals itself to be rounded and velvety, making an enjoyable and engaging first impression that entices for a second sip. The tannins are dense yet elegant and the finish proves to be savoury and enduring.

A perfect summer red, this refreshing, light-bodied wine from Alto-Adige in northern Italy, is made with the indegenous Schiava (group of) grapes. Three grapes in this group, often co-planted can sometimes also be known as Vernatsch. The wine is packed full of bright red cherry, strawberry and sweet almond sensations. Thanks to soft acidity and supple tannins, it's an ideal wine to serve chilled and sip as an apéritif or pair with seafood. Your guests will enjoy this wine for the upcoming spring/summer season.

~mjh

Mastroberardino is definitely one of the founding fathers of winemaking in Campania, and put grapes like Fiano and Aglianico on the world wine map. Also from the quality region of Taurasi, the Historia is made from grapevines that are over 50 years old. Complex, broad, intense and persistent, it is full of violet, blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and vanilla with hints of earthy mushroom notes. Great structure, yet soft tannins in perfect balance. An absolutely stunning wine that will age for 50 years and beyond at a fraction of the price of Barolo! Collectors should always add aglianico to their cellar portfolio.

From the Bolgheri DOC, the Poggio Al Tesoro is owned by the Allegrini family of Valpolicella fame. Named after the Seggio river that crosses the vineyard, it is a blend of 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. The nose exhibits lovely fresh, crunchy fruit, enriched with mineral and spicy notes. The palate is medium bodied with hints of red berries and elegant silky tannins. A great wine for the price point!

Umbria, Italy’s only land-locked region is home to Italy’s most tannic grape variety – Sagrantino. This big, bold, structured wine is high in tannins, but they are polished and perfect for those big fatty, high protein meat dishes. Let this age for ten years or more for optimal taste or decant for several hours to enjoy sooner.

Cold soaked prior to fermentation to extract color and aromatics. Spontaneous fermentation over the course of two weeks in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in cement tanks. The nose is broad and complex, yet clean and fresh, with classic hints of red fruit mixed with notes of aromatic herbs and spices. In the mouth, the wine is broad, robust, and savory, with silky tannins and a long, fresh finish.

Very dark ruby red. baked fruit, plums and cherries. fruity tastes, with hints of coffee and cocoa. Very well balanced.

This is a red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy. The wine is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety, which is the traditional grape of Chianti. The Gran Selezione designation is the highest level for Chianti wines, indicating that the wine has been made from the best grapes grown on the estate and aged for a minimum of 30 months. It is expected to have a complex bouquet with a rich and elegant taste with intense and persistent aroma, with notes of red fruits, cherry, plum, and spices. It pairs well with red meats, game, and mature cheeses.

With an intense red color and purplish edges, this wine boasts great aromatic depth, featuring notes of spices and ripe fruit. Its taste is structured with a velvety, dense body and soft tannins. Perfectly paired with the savory dishes of Italian cuisine, it is best appreciated in tasting, moments of meditation, and can even be surprising as an aperitif.

Mastroberardino is definitely one of the founding fathers of winemaking in Campania, and put grapes like Fiano and Aglianico on the world wine map. Taurasi is a DOCG area for the Aglianico grape and represents history and culture of Irpinia viticulture. The wine offers complex, intense and rich notes of cherry, violets and spice. Full bodied and elegant the rich notes of cherry and plum continue with nuances of tar. These wines have the ability to age for 40+year. If you like Barolo, try the "Barolo of the South" - Aglianico. You won't be disappointed.

Through 26 generations (since 1385!), the Antinori family has forged a passionate bond with their fans. This blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah is rich and succulent, with violet floral notes, vividly expressed black and red berry fruit, tobacco, and oak spice. Pair it with roasted meats.

Passopisciaro is a small area (the name of a town) on Mt.Etna's north face on the property of the late Andrea Franchetti. Soils from this active volcano provides resulting wine with a vein of minerality that speaks of the terroir of this prestigious region. Contrada Sciaranuova is located at 850 m.In Sicilian, "sciara nuova" means "new lava flow", deposits from the relatively new lava flow from the 1600s that has turned into thick gravel.The wines produced from this site are bright, aromatic, and have a rich taste of fermented hay and a dusty herbal quality. The wine is structured, yet fresh with a youthful concentration.

A fruity nose with tart cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. After some time in your glass the fruits settle, though are still prominently featured. Slight hints of earthiness, eucalyptus, and green bell pepper tone down the fruits, but keep to the background. Try slightly chilled.

Deep ruby red. Intense aromas of marasca cherry, typical of late varieties, followed by spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper and violet. The mouthfeel is soft, with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity, essential criteria for long aging.

85/100 Wine Enthusiast
"A ruby-colored sparkling dessert wine from northern Italy, Brachetto d'Acqui enjoys a long history rooted in Italian tradition, and it can be paired with sweet foods and savory ones alike. This is soft and round with notes of raspberry and candied cherry on the close."

Tasting Notes :Fabulous fruity notes make it immediately pleasant and fascinating. Black cherry, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, cocoa, sweet and well-integrated tannins, intense and rich floral notes. Elegant nose and taste with warm and soft mineral notes.

The nose begins with earthy, stony, and slightly dusty notes, followed by a tart, astringent fruitiness with sugary hints of vanilla and cola. The fruit sweetens on the palate, yet the initial earthy minerality persists, enhanced by the tannins and acidity.

The nose of this wine is reticent at first but with a decant or time in the glass, elegant aromas of ripe red berries and blue fruits begin to shine through. Hints of clove, cinnamon and savory herbs complement the fruit on the nose. The palate is bright and fresh, with a pop of acidity that keeps the wine from being overpowering. Flavors of Bing cherry, fig and cooked plum shine but do not steal the show, finishing with a savory note. This wine will go great with braised or grilled meats and/or earthy vegetables.