Tuscany, Cognac
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.
Cognac is named after the town of Cognac in France and is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name. Ugni Blanc, which is known locally as Saint-Emilion, is the one most commonly used grape to produce Cognac. The region is divided in to six zones, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Bordeies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and lastly Bois Ordinaire, not to be confused with Champagne, the premier sparkling wine region in north east France.
Strict guidelines must be followed for a distilled brandy to be legally labelled as a Cognac by the Appellation d’origine contrôlée. Only specific grapes are allowed to be used, of which Ugni Blanc is the most common. The brandy must be distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged for a minimum of 24 months in French oak barrels from Limousis or Tronçais.
Blending is very common in Cognacs, and the age is derived from the age of the youngest grapes used in the blend. Cognacs develop and age in a similar way to Scotch Whiskies, though most Cognacs can age much longer than the legal requirement due to the time spent in the French oak barrels.
You might also like to view our wide range of Armagnacs
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.
Cognac is named after the town of Cognac in France and is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name. Ugni Blanc, which is known locally as Saint-Emilion, is the one most commonly used grape to produce Cognac. The region is divided in to six zones, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Bordeies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and lastly Bois Ordinaire, not to be confused with Champagne, the premier sparkling wine region in north east France.
Strict guidelines must be followed for a distilled brandy to be legally labelled as a Cognac by the Appellation d’origine contrôlée. Only specific grapes are allowed to be used, of which Ugni Blanc is the most common. The brandy must be distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged for a minimum of 24 months in French oak barrels from Limousis or Tronçais.
Blending is very common in Cognacs, and the age is derived from the age of the youngest grapes used in the blend. Cognacs develop and age in a similar way to Scotch Whiskies, though most Cognacs can age much longer than the legal requirement due to the time spent in the French oak barrels.
You might also like to view our wide range of Armagnacs
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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 -
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 -
Attractive aromas include honey, hazelnut and very ripe stone fruit notes. Soft, smooth entry repeats the aromas with moderate honey, stone fruit and spice flavours. Gently warming. Clean, persistent aftertaste of apricot and almond. Straightforward, but maintains a pleasantly refreshing ... Learn MoreRenier Blanc (White) - 5 Years$47.00 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 -
In 1865, inspired by the decorative handle of his office window, Maurice Hennessy created the star symbol that he would use to classify his cognacs. Thus was born the Three Star Cognac, better known today as V.S. Hennesey V.S. ... Learn MoreHennessy Vs Cognac$66.99 Per item -
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 -
This cognac is a product from the house of Francois Voyer: Terres de Grande Champagne ... Learn MoreFrancois Voyer Terre De Grande Champagne - 5 Years$90.00 Per item -
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 -
Delightful Grande Champagne. ... Learn MoreDudognon Vsop 10 Year Old Grande Champagne$115.01 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 -
Goes well with a cigar at room temperature, very fine cognac. Light shiny yellow. ... Learn MoreDudognon Napolean - 15Years$133.00 Per item -
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 -
This cognac comes from the blend of 2003 and 2008 vintages, two harvest that were distillated on dregs, and then aged in big grain oak casks. The water reduction was done on an 18 months period in our cellars. ... Learn More -
Totally natural, unique, and quaint. ... Learn More -
Serving circumstance: After meal drinkServing temperature : Room Temperature ... Learn MoreFrancois Voyer Napoleon - 15 Years$150.00 Per item -
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 -
Light Rancio in the finale ... Learn MoreDudognon Vieille Reserve 1er Cru De Cognac - 20 Years$160.00 Per item -
A fine mix of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. A soft and balanced Cognac with a nice floral bouquet, with notes of almond and plum. "Since 1872 five generations have contributed to the elaboration of the prestigious Cognac NORMANDIN-MERCIER. Coming from ... Learn MoreNormandin Mercier Vieille - 15 Year Fine Champagne$169.00 Per item -
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 -
Made from the finest terroirs in Cognac –Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois – Lot n°90's unique character comes from long ageing in oak barrels, which adds richness and complexity. Aromas of very fresh pear & quince notes ... Learn MoreTesseron Cognac Lot No. 90 Xo Ovation 'Selection'$175.00 Per item -
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 -
Soft, delicate, sweetish nose like stone fruit. Palate shows subtle, honeyed fruit, long length of plums & prunes, showing its twenty five year age. From culture to distillation, Paul Giraud gives priority to ancestral know-how to best serve the expression of ... 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 -
A full-throttle bouquet as well-defined notes of vanilla, paraffin, and ripe grapes fill the nasal cavity ... Learn MoreDudognon Reserve Des Ancetres - 30 Years$240.00 Per item -
"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 -
Very mouth filling and goes great with a cigar at room temperature ... Learn MoreDudognon Heritage Grand Champagne - 40Years$346.01 Per item -
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 -
A fine mix of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. A soft and balanced Cognac with a nice floral bouquet. "Since 1872 five generations have contributed to the elaboration of the prestigious Cognac NORMANDIN-MERCIER. Coming from the best vineyards of Grande and ... Learn More
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