Tuscany, Alsace
Tuscany is the oldest wine region in Italy, with a long history dating back over 2700 years. The region is on the Western coast of Italy, stretching from the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea all the way to the Apennine mountains, with the majority of the region being quite hilly.
Contributing to around 6% of Italy's total wine output, Tuscany is the third most planted region, but only the eight biggest producer. Much of this can be attributed to the hilly terroir and poor soils leading to lower yields, but generally higher quality wines. The region produces far more red than white wine, and is responsible for two of the most famous Italian red wines, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Chianti was first classified in 1716, and the region of Tuscany now has 29 DOC and 7 DOCG classifications. In the 1970s 'Super Tuscan' wines emerged of supreme quality, commanding very high prices. Although they were initially produced outside the DOC or DOCG zones, most of the regions have since been classified, though some producers still opt to use the simpler and less restrictive IGT labelling.
The famous red wine Chianti is based on the the Sangiovese variety, though is most commonly blended with Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The blending of multiple grapes is common, even Bordeaux blends can be found. White wines produced include Vermentino, Vernaccia, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
The Alsace wine region is in the north-east of France and borders Germany. Although the region only accounts for 2% of France's vineyards it is responsible for producing some of the worlds finest white wines. Perhaps because of its Germanic influence, it is the only Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée region in France to produce mostly varietally labelled wines. In other words it is the only region in France where you're likely to see Pinot Gris, or Riesling denoted on the wine label. Another interesting note is that the region is the birthplace of biodynamic viticulture and the region still has the country's highest proportion of biodynamic producers.
Alsace gets plenty of sunshine hours, with a deep continental climate and superb meso-climate created by the sheltering presence of the Vosges Mountains. This allows the full spectrum of aromatic flavours to show in the grapes. The soils are quite diverse, with 13 different soil types in all.
The noble grapes of Alsace are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat Ottonel and Muscat d'Alsace in the whites, and Pinot Noir in the reds. Recent decades have seen an increase in Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir plantings, while the classical Sylvaner grape is on the decline.
Wines are produced under three different appelations or AOCs:
High quality liquers and spirits are also made in Alsace by producers such as Bertrand and Vedrenne.
Contributing to around 6% of Italy's total wine output, Tuscany is the third most planted region, but only the eight biggest producer. Much of this can be attributed to the hilly terroir and poor soils leading to lower yields, but generally higher quality wines. The region produces far more red than white wine, and is responsible for two of the most famous Italian red wines, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Chianti was first classified in 1716, and the region of Tuscany now has 29 DOC and 7 DOCG classifications. In the 1970s 'Super Tuscan' wines emerged of supreme quality, commanding very high prices. Although they were initially produced outside the DOC or DOCG zones, most of the regions have since been classified, though some producers still opt to use the simpler and less restrictive IGT labelling.
The famous red wine Chianti is based on the the Sangiovese variety, though is most commonly blended with Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. The blending of multiple grapes is common, even Bordeaux blends can be found. White wines produced include Vermentino, Vernaccia, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.
The Alsace wine region is in the north-east of France and borders Germany. Although the region only accounts for 2% of France's vineyards it is responsible for producing some of the worlds finest white wines. Perhaps because of its Germanic influence, it is the only Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée region in France to produce mostly varietally labelled wines. In other words it is the only region in France where you're likely to see Pinot Gris, or Riesling denoted on the wine label. Another interesting note is that the region is the birthplace of biodynamic viticulture and the region still has the country's highest proportion of biodynamic producers.
Alsace gets plenty of sunshine hours, with a deep continental climate and superb meso-climate created by the sheltering presence of the Vosges Mountains. This allows the full spectrum of aromatic flavours to show in the grapes. The soils are quite diverse, with 13 different soil types in all.
The noble grapes of Alsace are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat Ottonel and Muscat d'Alsace in the whites, and Pinot Noir in the reds. Recent decades have seen an increase in Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir plantings, while the classical Sylvaner grape is on the decline.
Wines are produced under three different appelations or AOCs:
- - Alsace AOC: must be made from one of the 8 permitted grape varieties in the appellation (white, rosé and red wines)
- - Alsace Grand Cru: Introduced in 1983, currently recognising 50 Grand Cru sites. It is the pinnacle of Alsace, where topography, aspect and soil type must be in harmony along with a track record of producing excellent wines.
- - Crémant d'Alsace: Appelation for sparkling wines, that can be both dry or sweet.
High quality liquers and spirits are also made in Alsace by producers such as Bertrand and Vedrenne.
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Winner of a Gold medal at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Award for Meininger's Magazine 2018. A nose of complex earthy spices and a more obvious oak character (16 months in 40% new French Barriques) speak of the quality of this wine ... Learn MoreRenzo Masi Basciano Chianti Riserva Docg 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
2016 in Alsace is considered a great Riesling vintage. Dry, fresh, elegant and well structured, it has a developed nose showing lemon and lime, with mineral tones. The palate has nice ripe fruit. White peach, quince, grapefruit and lemon with lovely ... Learn MoreTrimbach Riesling 2016$33.99 Per item -
2015 in Alsace is considered a great Riesling vintage. Dry, fresh, elegant and well structured, it has a developed nose showing lemon and lime, with mineral tones. The palate has nice ripe fruit. White peach, quince, grapefruit and lemon with lovely ... Learn MoreTrimbach Riesling 2015$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes come from vineyards consisting of shale (Galestro) 70%, sandstone (Arenaria-Calcare-Pietraforte) 20%, limestone (Alberese) 10%. The vineyards age range from plantings 2003-2010. The vinification and maturation is reminiscent of a more traditional style Chianti Classico. Intense mountain herbs, aromas of cranberry, wild ... Learn MoreRetromarcia Chianti Classico Docg 2017$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Villa Antinori is, firstand foremost,an idea,a way of conceiving the production of wine: on the one hand, experimentation and evolution, on the other hand, continuityin tradition. Sangiovese and other complementary grape varieties render their homage to an historic ... Learn More -
Le Miccine is a family owned winery and vineyard that is lead by a dynamic and young team. Winemaker Paula Cook was born in Quebec, Canada, but moved to her grandparent's ancestral home of Tuscany in 2008, buying an estate that ... Learn MoreLe Miccine Chianti Classico Docg 2017$44.99 Per item -
Winemaker Notes - Estate-grown, hand-harvested grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with approximately 15 days maceration. During fermentation, delestage and pumping-over takes place twice a day. After the malolactic fermentation, the wine is racked into barrels and 4,000 liter casks ... Learn MoreIsole E Olena Chianti Classico Docg 2017$50.00 Per itemOut of stock -
"Querciabella has been on a roll over the last few years" Antonio Galloni Perfumed and pretty, red cherry and strawberry, dusting of pepper and spice. Light and fresh, wonderful savoury note to go with the beautiful cherries notes of Sangiovese. ... Learn MoreQuerciabella Chianti Classico 2016$50.00 Per item -
“Without a shadow of a doubt, Andrea Cortonesi of Uccelliera lands high on my list of favorite Brunello di Montalcino producers.” – The Wine Advocate ... Learn MoreUccelliera Rosso Di Montalcino 2015$55.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan ... Learn MoreLe Volte Dell' Ornellaia 2017$59.99 Per item -
Grapes are pressed for about 8 hours. Then they are vinified in big traditional Alsatian casks and ferment with natural yeasts. ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Buehl' 2017 (En Primeur)$59.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Montalcino is one of the grand Italian wine regions, developed in the 19th Century by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi from a clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso or locally Brunello. One of the first varietal Tuscan wines intended for ageing. Rosso ... Learn MoreVal Di Suga Rosso Di Montalcino 2017$59.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Le Miccine is a family owned winery and vineyard that is lead by a dynamic and young team. Winemaker Paula Cook was born in Quebec, Canada, but moved to her grandparent's ancestral home of Tuscany in 2008, buying an estate that ... Learn MoreLe Miccine Chianti Riserva Docg 2016$59.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The grapes are harvested by hand into 20kg trays. Fine with notes of plum, fresh tangerine citrus, grapefruit, with menthol and celery. Slender and crisp on the palate. This wine has a weave of salty bitters underscored by a dash ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Berg' 2015$63.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Grapes are pressed for about 8 hours. Then they are vinified in big traditional Alsatian casks and ferment with natural yeasts. The nose exhibits exotic fruit aromas such as pineapple and mango with mineral notes of blossoms. The palate is powerful ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Buehl' 2015$63.00 Per itemOut of stock -
This vineyard was purchased around 2010 by Eric Kientzler and is quickly proving to be one of the most distinguished Rieslings in the fabulous line-up of spectacularly dry and mineral Rieslings at this address. The 2018 sports 6.6 gms RS which is balanced ... Learn MoreKientzler Schoenenberg 2018$79.00 Per itemOut of stock -
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This pack contains a bottle of 3 different wines to be opened during an online tasting held on Thursday the 22nd of October 2020. This event is all about the perfect summer ... Learn More
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One of the grand Italian wines, developed in the 19th Century by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi from a clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso or locally Brunello. One of the first varietal Tuscan wines for ageing. Ageing is for 50 months for ... Learn MoreVal Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2014$89.99 Per itemOut of stock -
In 1987, Paolo De Marchi grafted Chardonnay onto existing vines on the Isole e Olena estate. Since then they have produced some of Tuscany’s finest Chardonnay. An inviting golden colour with perfumes of toasted, buttery almonds. An inviting golden colour. ... Learn MoreIsole E Olena Chardonnay Collezione Privata Igt 2017$94.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Le Miccine is a family owned winery & vineyard that is lead by a dynamic & young team. Winemaker Paula Cook was born in Quebec, Canada, but moved to her grandparent's ancestral home of Tuscany in 2008, buying an estate that had been ... Learn MoreLe Miccine Chianti Gran Selezione Docg 2014$99.99 Per item -
Poggione was established in the 1800's and has built a reputation for high quality Brunello at below market pricing - Brunello di Montalcino is the most pure expression of Sangiovese that can be found. Sourced from the oldest vines on ... Learn MoreIl Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2015$119.99 Per item -
‘one of the great wines of Tuscany, but beyond that, it can also stand next to the very best Cabernets from anywhere in the world’ Antonio Galloni ... Learn MoreIsole E Olena 'Cepparello' Igt 2014$125.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri who with his great vision and passion understood the huge potential of wine in the Montalcino territory, it was passed on to his son Giacomo in 1991.The production started in the Eastern part of Montalcino ... Learn MoreCasanova Di Neri Brunello Di Montalcino 2015$135.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Founded by Primo Pacenti in 1962, in 1987 Primo was joined by son- in-law Pier Luigi Ripaccioli, and since 2001, Canalicchio di Sopra has been in the highly capable, thoughtful hands of Pier Luigi’s three children, Francesco, Simonetta and Marco. The Rosso ... Learn MoreOut of stock -
The exciting news from Le Ragnaie is the release of a new wine, made entirely with fruit from Montosoli. Otherwise, about half of the estate vineyards are located in the higher-elevation parts of the appellation. These locations usually show lots ... Learn MoreLe Ragnaie Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2015$150.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Fontodi is located in the heart of Chianti Classico precisely in the valley which lies south of the town of Panzano and is called the “Conca d’Oro” (the golden shell) because of its amphitheatre shape. A genuine and characteristc “ ... Learn MoreFontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'Vigna Del Sorbo' 2015$170.01 Per itemOut of stock -
It is impossible to exaggerate my enthusiasm for this set of new releases from Giovanni Manetti's venerable Fontodi. - Monica Larner ... Learn MoreFontodi 'Vigna Del Sorbo' Chianti Gran Selezione 2013$179.99 Per item -
The Il Carbonaione is a lovely mid-weight expression of Sangiovese produced by Podere Poggio Scalette ... Learn More -
Founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri who with his great vision and passion understood the huge potential of wine in the Montalcino territory, it was passed on to his son Giacomo in 1991.The production started in the Eastern part of Montalcino ... Learn MoreCasanova Di Neri Brunello Di Montalcino 'Tenuta Nuova' 2015$220.00 Per itemOut of stock -
"The 2015 Ornellaia is a dream wine with magnificent balance." - 98 points, Antonio Galloni On the nose it reveals notes of ripe red berry fruit, tobacco, spices and vanilla. The palate is rich, thick and broad, characterized by an excellent tannic ... Learn MoreOrnellaia Doc 2015$340.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Biondi-Santi remains a beacon for traditionally made Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino. The Greppo vineyards of the Biondi Santi family date back to the 1800s. Clemente Santi, nephew of Giorgio Santi, was the first to create red wines suitable for ... Learn MoreBiondi Santi Brunello Di Montalcino 2013$350.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Alessandro Mori is the undisputed Sangiovese whisperer. I am absolutely impressed by the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie - a wine that stood tall above the rest. It also breaks ties with past editions released from this boutique winery ... Learn MoreIl Marroneto "Madonna Delle Grazie" Brunello Di Montalcino Docg 2012$359.99 Per itemOut of stock -
During pre-harvesting the first days of September created stability into the best grape clusters then harvested. 2015 was a perfect vintage, warm but not dry or wet, ideal weather conditions for a grape variety that in fact does not love too ... Learn MoreTua Rita Per Sempre Syrah Toscana Igt 2015$389.00 Per item -
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This pack contains a bottle of 12 different wines to be opened during a series of 4 online tastings held throughout May and early June 2020. During the COVID-19 lockdown, we will be ... Learn More
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Ornellaia was founded in 1981 undergoing several changes of ownership until it was taken over by the Frescobaldi family in 2005. Located near Bolgheri with around 192 hectares in total encompassing the vineyards, winery and the adjacent Bellaria property just North of Bolgheri. ... Learn MoreOrnellaia Doc 2016$500.01 Per itemOut of stock -
"Soldera Brunellos are made with painstaking care in the vineyard, minimal handling in the cellar, indigenous fermentations and long aging in cask, typically around six years. The wines often drink well young, but really start opening up around age fifteen ... Learn MoreSoldera Case Basse 2014$649.00 Per item -
Solaia is a 50 acre (20 hectare) vineyard with a southwestern exposure located at an altitude between 1150 and 1325 feet (350-400 meters) above sea level and with a stony soil of “alberese” (hard limestone) and “galestro” (flaky calcareous clay) rock. The vineyard is ... Learn MoreAntinori Solaia 2016$750.00 Per itemOut of stock -
"Thick extraction and quality fruit craft a memorable wine that will last many long and happy years in your cellar." - Wine EnthusiastDrinking beautifully now, 2014-2026 ... Learn MoreAntinori Solaia 2015$784.99 Per item -
**THIS ONLINE TASTING IS OVER**
This pack contains a bottle of 12 different wines to be opened during a series of 4 online tastings held throughout late August and early September 2020.
Across 4 weeks we will ... Learn More
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Awarded a perfect 100 Points from Wine Enthusiast as well as 98 from Decanter Magazine. The last vintage from “Il Dotore” the late Dr Franco Biondi Santi, the ‘godfather’ of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, thankfully was a tremendous one to celebrate ... Learn MoreBiondi Santi Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 2012$999.00 Per item
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