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July 10, 2023

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Gaglioppo: Calabria’s Charm

Jacca Ventu Melissa DOC Rosso

La Pizzuta del Principe

 

 

From the Ionian coast of Calabria, enjoy the southern charm and deep flavours of this indigenous Gaglioppo wine, blended with 10% Greco Nero. The wine is aged in wood for 12 months, plus 6 months in the bottle which helps tame the tannins and give structure. The wine displays a deep ruby colour, with a garnet rim. The complex and elegant bouquet recalls notes of ripe red fruits of currant and plum compote, delicate spices and subtle aromas of menthol, tobacco and wet forest floor. 

Full bodied and dry on the palate, with marked and dusty tannins that are characteristic of the ancient Gaglioppo grape. Well structured, delicious red fruit notes, with a strong mineral streak and a savoury finish. Great pairing with substantial first and second meat based courses, especially beef and game, along with aged cheeses. A quality Gaglioppo at a great value.

 

$28.80 / btl
$345.60 / case of 12
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La Pizzuta del Principe: Commitment to the Land

 


La Pizzuta del Principe is located in Strongoli, on the eastern coast of Calabria, the “toe” of Italy’s boot. With a rich history dating back to 1903, the farm run by the Ranieri family has been producing oil, wine, and preserves for over a century.

In the early 1990s, Clara Ranieri and her husband Albino Bianchi, an esteemed pharmacist, established the winery with a mission to create excellent quality wines using natural methods. Today, their daughter Dorina joins them in running the company, carrying on the family legacy. Committed to the preservation of the land and area around them, the winery follows sustainable practices and has been certified organic since 2017. 

The property boasts 100 hectares of land immersed in a rich plain of vineyards and olive trees surrounded by green hills. The 13 hectares of vineyard are dedicated primarily to the cultivation of indigenous varieties, Gaglioppo, Greco Nero and Magliocco Canino for red grapes and white grapes, Pecorella, Greco Bianco and Montonico. Located on the foothills of La Sila mountains and close proximity the Ionian Sea, the cool breezes help moderate temperatures in the extremely hot summers and keep vines healthy from disease. 

The Melissa Doc appellation is located just south of the famous Cirò DOC, producing wines of similar style with Gaglioppo, one of Italy’s oldest varieties, dating back to Greek settlements. The Val di Neto lands, near Crotone have always been a land of vineyards, which has its roots in antiquity when Crotone, known in ancient times as Kroton, was the dominant city of Magna Grecia. La Pizzuta del Principe is a testament to both the region's proud winemaking tradition and its forward thinking approach to crafting excellent quality wines that express the territory.

 

 

July 04, 2023

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Rosato from Ancient Faro in Sicilia

2022 Rosato Terre Siciliane IGT

Bonavita

 

Just arrived! From the ancient and magical area of Faro in Sicilia, you don’t want to miss this special rosato made by Bonavita. A rich blend of indigenous grape varieties; Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Nocera, from vines overlooking the Messina Strait in Faro Superiore and Curcuraci, ranging from 10 to over 80 years old! This is a rosato with character and structure that drinks like a fresh, ‘light red.’ 

A gorgeous raspberry colour with captivating aromas of pomegranate, blood orange and earthy notes. On the palate you get a wonderful interplay of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry notes, beautifully balanced with nice acidity, refined minerality and sapid notes on the long finish.  The fresh and vibrant character of Bonavita Rosato makes it an excellent choice for summer sipping. Pairs well with salumi and cured meats, but also has the weight to stand up to richer pastas, seafood and salmon. 

Enjoy this beautifully crafted rosato that ranked a prestigious 2nd place in Italy’s Top 50 Rosé last year, and produced by “one of the most exciting wineries to emerge in Italy in some time, the Bonavita estate makes outstanding wines of noteworthy purity and precision.” - Ian D’Agata

With a small production of about 5,000 bottles, we are thrilled to share this hard to find rosato with you.

 

$45.93 / btl
$275.59 / case of 6
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Bonavita: The Rebirth of Faro

 

Bonavita is a small family-run winery in the village of Faro Superiore, nestled in the hills of Messina on the extreme North Eastern tip of Sicilia.  With a spectacular view of the Messina Strait and Calabria in the distance, Bonavita sits on an organic farm that has been in the Scarfone family for almost a century. In 2006, Giovanni Scarfone, a young graduate from Enology founded Bonavita, with the goal of contributing to the revitalization of ‘Faro di Messina’, one of the most ancient wine producing areas of Italy. 

Faro Superiore, formerly known as Casale del Faro, has rich historical Greek roots, dating back to the 8th century BC. The ancient Greek settlers, known as the "Pharii," (from the town of Pharis) established this land and cultivated vineyards, laying the foundation for viticulture in Faro. From the Greek era to the 19th century, Faro wine was prominent and became internationally renowned and exported internationally, in particular to France. Winemaking in this area practically disappeared in the 1900s. In the 1970 and 80s, there was one tenth of the hectares compared to 100 years previously.  

The Bonavita Estate is immersed in nature and comprises 7 hectares of land, of which 2.5 hectares are vineyards. A spectacular sight, vineyards are perched on steep terraces that sit between 250 and 300 metres above sea level. Surrounded by a lush forest of oak and century old chestnut trees, the organic vineyards create a natural "amphitheatre" with breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina, where the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea meet. The fresh winds from the sea, the altitude and protection from the forest on the eastern side of the vineyards, help moderate temperatures during the hot summer months and humid winds coming from Africa.

Located in the very small Faro DOC appellation, Giovanni cultivates only indigenous grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Nocera, planted in limestone and clay soils. The oldest vines are 80 years old and planted in Alberello style, the younger are 10 years old, trained to the espalier system. The Bonavita Rosato is classified as a  Terre Siciliane IGT because the Faro DOC permits only red wines. 

Bonavita is committed to environmental protection and preservation of the vineyards' ecosystem. Dedicated to natural and organic agricultural methods, there is no use of chemical fertilizers or alterations in the cellar. As a result of their approach, the wines of Bonavita have received numerous awards including inclusion, in 2022, in the Slow Food guide, which recognizes its commitment to the environment and the extreme quality of the final product.

June 12, 2023

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A Special Chardonnay from Etna's Volcanic Soils

2020 PASSOBIANCO TERRE SICILIANE IGP

 

 

This is an exceptional Chardonnay. It has the lively acidity of a Chablis along with beautiful Sicilian minerality. The nose features stone, honeyed lemon, apricot, peach, bay leaf, and dried white flowers. It is medium-bodied with a slightly texturally round mouthfeel with a buttery undertone from some time in neutral large oak barrels.

“ Crushed rocks, sea spray, lime skins and hints of nectarine create a savory and spicy bouquet as the 2020 Passobianco opens in the glass. It’s lifted and finessed, focused on purity, with white pit fruits accentuated by saline-mineral tones. This leaves a salty flourish, along with nuances of lime, while finishing incredibly fresh. While I prefer the energy in the 2019 Passobianco, the 2020 impresses with more of a sultry nature. ” - Eric Guido

Score 92, Wine Enthusiasts

Score 90, Vinous

 

$65.08 / bottle

$ 390.51 / case of 12

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Passopisciaro: The Etna Vision

The Passopisciaro property, established by Andrea Franchetti in 2000, is located at the top of extremely steep slopes on a hump of black volcanic gravel on Mt. Etna. This particular site is where lava spilled from a huge eruption in 1947 and caked up just before it could destroy the towns below it. Andrea was one of the first winemakers to see the potential of the lava soils and he was also among the first to recognize the potential of individual terroirs composed of distinct lava flows. He sadly passed away last year at the age of 72 which was a huge loss for the Sicilian and national wine community.

The legendary Italian winemaker was coined one of the most talented and visionary Italian producers of his generation. Franchetti first made waves in the Italian wine world thanks to his ground-breaking work with international grape varieties in the Orcia River Valley in southern Tuscany, not far from Montalcino. But it was his gamble on the slopes of Mt. Etna that entirely changed the southern Italian vinicultural narrative.Etna’s intensely volcanic soils are not the only element that makes it a great place to grow wine grapes. The nights are always cool even in the hot summer days of August which allows grapes to build layers of complexity.

When Andrea discovered this terroir, instead of planting Etna's indigenous white varietal, Carricante, he was inspired by the great whites of Burgundy, and believed that Chardonnay would grow beautifully in this location. He planted a small vineyard of 4 hectares of Chardonnay in loose, deep, powder-like lava that is high in minerals. His instincts were spot-on as this Chardonnay has won several accolades over the years and is enjoyed by serious Chardonnay drinkers.

 

 

May 30, 2023

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Stunning Riesling: Fondo San Giuseppe

2021 CIARLA RISELING RAVENNA IGT

Fondo San Giuseppe

 

 

TASTING NOTES:

STRUCTURED & COMPLEX | FRESH ACIDITY

TROPICAL & CITRUS FRUITS

 

CHARACTERISTICS:

A WINEMAKER'S DREAM | UNSPOILED LANDSCAPE

 

Fondo San Giuseppe ‘Ciarla’ is a beautifully crafted 100% Riesling Renano (Rhine) from the Romagnolo Apennines. Grapes are harvested from old vines that are over 25 years old planted in 0.7 hectares of vineyard. Riesling does best in cool climates. The vineyards are located at 400 m above sea level and have northeast exposure, fostering conditions for gradual maturation and development of the aromatic qualities of the Riesling grape. Aged partly in stainless steel and large wood casks. Certified organic, no fining, no filtering. 

An intriguing Riesling with structure and complexity. The rich bouquet reveals floral notes of jasmine and elder, exotic fruity notes and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is dry, with characteristic citrusy and tropical fruit flavours, supported by splendid acidity and freshness. Notes of saline and a terrific long lasting taste. Drink now and forget a bottle or two in the cellar for 3-4 years, letting the Riesling’s distinguishing hydrocarbon notes emerge. An amazing white wine to enjoy all summer long. Great as an aperitif, delicious with Saffron Risotto and a delight with raw, cured and smoked fish dishes, e.g. Tuna Tartare. 

The name ‘Ciarla’ means  ‘to talk’ - a wine that speaks about itself, reveals itself and discloses its territory of origin”. This wine speaks volumes, enjoy the ‘conversation.’

 

$ 314.16 / case

$ 52.36 / bottles

1 Case / 6 x 750 ml

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Fondo San Giuseppe: A Natural Approach to Winemaking

Fondo San Giuseppe is located in  the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, in the Lamone River Valley of Emilia Romagna. Stefano Bariani founded Fondo San Giuseppe in 2008. After 10 years of working with prestigious wineries, including the renowned Angelo Gaja in Barbaresco, Stefano made the courageous decision to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker.

Returning home to Emilia Romagna, Stefano found the perfect land in Brisighella in the province of Ravenna, 400 m above sea level in the Valpiana sub area, a natural and unspoiled landscape, completely surrounded by woods and rich in biodiversity. Set in a beautiful panorama of mountains, Brisighella is known for the fertility of its soil and agriculture.  

 

“I chose Brisighella because I believe it is a village located in a still intact valley, where nature has remained intact, with the river and the hills, the olive trees and the many woods”.

The winery is made up of 5 hectares of vineyards and 11 hectares of woodland. Certified organic, Stefano is dedicated to a natural approach in winemaking, rigorously organic in the vineyard and non-interventionist in the cellar. The philosophy is all about quality rather than quantity, producing fine wines that are handcrafted with utmost respect for the environment.

His production is predominantly focused on white varieties favoured by high altitudes and exposures: Albana, Trebbiano, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay and Marsanne, along with small vineyards of red varieties Albana Nera and the rare Centesimino variety. 

 

 

DISASTROUS FLOODS: PRECIOUS VINEYARDS LOST

Emilia Romagna was hit by devastating floods this past month. Described as “Italy’s worst flood in 100 years,” the Romagnolo part of the region was the worst affected. Fondo San Giuseppe is among the wineries most significantly damaged by devastating landslides in the hills of Brisighella. The landslides have covered part of his vineyards and other parts are isolated due to metre deep cracks created in the earth. Stefano has sadly lost about 35% of the 5 hectares of vineyard he owns. He expects it will take 4 years to ‘settle everything in the vineyard.’ In the next month, they will wait for everything to dry, uproot the most damaged vineyards and clear the land. In Stefano’s words 

“We are guests of Mother Nature. We cannot cry for what we have lost, we can only restart and preserve this natural patrimony which belongs to everyone”

Our heartfelt support goes out to Stefano of Fondo San Giuseppe, along with all our producers and families of Emilia Romagna. Forza e Coraggio!

 

 

May 15, 2023

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Montefalco: Distinct Reds of Umbria

2020 MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC

Antonelli San Marco

 

 

TASTING NOTES:

FRESH & BALANCED | APPROACHABLE COMPLEXITY

 

CHARACTERISTICS:

STEEPED IN TRADITION | LEADERS IN WINEMAKING

THE HEART OF UMBRIA

 

 An Italian classic from Umbria, Antonelli’s Montefalco Rosso is a smooth Sangiovese (70%) based blend with Umbria's symbolic grape, Sagrantino (15%) and Montepulciano (15%). Certified organic, the vineyards are located between 300 and 400 m above sea level with southern exposure. Blending of varietals and ageing in large 25 hl oak barrels for 12 months, followed by clarification in cement tanks and ageing in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months. 

Deep ruby red in colour, this wine opens with intense fruity aromas of cherry, wild berries and plums. Flavourful and rich on the palate and beautifully balanced. The freshness provided by Sangiovese gives the wine a very pleasant drinkability.

Drink now or store in the cellar as it will continue to age in the bottle for several years.  Antonelli Montefalco Rosso DOC is a perfect barbecue wine to enjoy all season long.

 

 $218.36 / case
$36.39 / bottle

1 Case / 6 x 750ml

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Balcony of Umbria...

The hilltop town of Montefalco situated in the province of Perugia in Umbria is known as the "Balcony of Umbria" with a breathtaking 360 degree view of the rolling hills covered with olive groves and vineyards. Rich in tradition and culture, Montefalco is famous for its wine and in particular Sagrantino, the tannic red grape variety which is grown almost exclusively in Umbria.  The two most important red wines of Umbria are: Montefalco Rosso DOC wines must contain 60-70% Sangiovese, 10-15% Sagrantino, and a max of 30% from other red grapes and Montefalco di Sagrantino DOCG is made with 100% Sagrantino. While they are from the same production area, the wines are quite different. The Montefalco Rosso is “easier” and more approachable compared to the boldness of heavyweight brother Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG. The large percentage of Sangiovese makes Montefalco Rosso fresher and softer with cherry and red fruit flavours, while providing substantial body, character and tannin presence. 

About the Producer

Antonelli San Marco is one of the oldest and revered winemakers in Umbria. The wine and farming estate of 190 hectares extends over a unique body of land in the centre of the DOCG area of Montefalco. The estate has been owned by the family for 5 generations. Francesco Antonelli, a lawyer from Spoleto purchased the estate in 1881 that belonged to the Bishop of Spoleto from the 13th to the 19th century. 

Antonelli San Marco is passionately committed to caring for their territory and attentive to the quality of their products. All of the 50 hectares of vineyards have been organically farmed since 2009 and Certified Organic since 2012. Surrounded by woodlands, the hilly area has an ideal microclimate, with southern and western exposure. The terrain is clayey and rich in limestone, dating from different geological origins and at different depths, providing intense and varied tones to the wines. As one of the historic wineries of the Montefalco DOCG region, the winery only cultivates varietals indigenous to their land; Sangiovese and Sagrantino for red and Grechetto and Trebbiano Spolentino for white wine. 

 

 

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May 08, 2023

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Franciacorta: Italy's best Sparkling

FRANCIACORTA BRUT ROSÉ DOCG

Contadi Castaldi

 

 

TASTING NOTES:

PLUSH & REFINED | HARMONIOUSLY BALANCED

CHARACTERISTICS:

SUPERIOR SPARKLING | ITALY'S ANSWER TO CHAMPAGNE
METEDO CLASSICO

 

A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero that is aged on the lees for 24 to 30 months (min is 18 months!) with additional 3 to 4 months ageing in the bottle before release. A brilliant coral pink colour, this refined Brut Rosé has a fine and persistent pérlage. The nose delivers enticing notes of wild berries, fresh rose petals, hints of apple and tropical fruit. On the palate, it is plush and complex. Elegant and beautifully balanced with a lingering finish. Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rosé is an excellent choice for aperitifs, and pairs well with seafood, sushi, salads, vegetables and light pasta and meat dishes.

93 Points: James Suckling “A salmon-orange colored sparkling with aromas of strawberries, plum stones, chalk and candied orange. It’s medium-bodied with tangy acidity, fine bubbles and fruity character. Lightly off-dry. Drink now.”

90 Points:  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate “This is a terrific value wine from Italy's prestigious Franciacorta sparkling wine region. The NV Franciacorta Brut Rosé (made with 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Nero) shows a pale pink color with copper and ruby highlights. The bouquet is refreshing and straightforward. It's not too complex really, but it offers enough intensity and finesse to keep your interest. The mouthfeel is characterized by fine and persistent bubbling.”

 

$282.39 / case
$47.06 / bottle
1 Case / 6 x 750ml

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One of Italy’s premier wine regions, Franciacorta is famous for its prestigious Sparkling wine. Located in Lombardia, only one hour east of Milano, the compact area of Franciacorta is situated between the rolling hills of Brescia and Bergamo, and sits just south of Lago d’Iseo Lake. Revered for its high-quality viticulture and meticulous production standards, Franciacorta is considered Italy’s answer to Champagne, produced in the same ‘traditional method’ or ‘Metodo Classico’ that involves a second fermentation in the bottle (instead of in steel tanks used for Prosecco and other Sparkling wines).  The ‘Metodo Classico’ Sparklings are generally less fruity, drier, more refined, structured and complex. 

Franciacorta is made from the same grapes as Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and to a smaller extent, Pinot Bianco. The strict Franciacorta DOCG rules, require maturation for no less than 18 months (15 months for Champagne), 30 months for vintage and 60 months for the Riserva. Situated in an ideal growing location with gravel and mineral rich soils of Morainic origin. While the climate is continental, the proximity to Lake Iseo is very beneficial in mitigating temperatures in both summer and winter.

Contadi Castaldi was founded in the 80s by Franciacorta pioneers Vittorio and Mariella Moretti. Today with 130 hectares of vineyard, it is one of the leading wine producers in Franciacorta, recognized for its meticulous and traditional winemaking methods. Contadi Castaldi is highly committed to sustainability, continuous research and innovation. Franciacorta is less known internationally as the majority is consumed in Italy, with only 15% being exported. We are proud to represent Contadi Castaldi and bring some of the finest Franciacorta to Ontario.

 

 

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May 01, 2023

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Pinot Bianco: Rising High in Alto Adige

Elegant and refined, made with 100% Pinot Bianco, grown on mineral rich soils from the cru Girlan, at high altitudes of 450 to 500 m above sea level.

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