Tuscany, Hawkes Bay
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.
New Zealand’s second largest wine region (behind Marlborough), Hawkes Bay is on the east coast of the north island, to the south of Gisborne, and is New Zealand’s leading wine and food tourism destination. Many of the finest wines come out of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
A temperate climate with lots of sun is suited to superb Chardonnays in the whites and also later ripening red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux varietals) and Syrah.
A very special sub region in the Hawkes Bay region is the Gimblett Gravels. This sub region was thought to be not even good enough to graze sheep on, but in 1981 was planted under vine and now represents some of the world’s finest full bodied red wines. The unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels comes from the old Ngaruroro River which until flowed through what is now known as the Gimblett Gravels, dumping gravel and heavy sands. The earthquake of 1931 changed the course of the river, leaving bare 800 hectares of prime new world terroir. Being 15km inland it doesn’t get the cooling sea breezes, so the region can get much hotter than the rest of Hawkes Bay.
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.
New Zealand’s second largest wine region (behind Marlborough), Hawkes Bay is on the east coast of the north island, to the south of Gisborne, and is New Zealand’s leading wine and food tourism destination. Many of the finest wines come out of the Hawkes Bay wine region.
A temperate climate with lots of sun is suited to superb Chardonnays in the whites and also later ripening red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux varietals) and Syrah.
A very special sub region in the Hawkes Bay region is the Gimblett Gravels. This sub region was thought to be not even good enough to graze sheep on, but in 1981 was planted under vine and now represents some of the world’s finest full bodied red wines. The unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels comes from the old Ngaruroro River which until flowed through what is now known as the Gimblett Gravels, dumping gravel and heavy sands. The earthquake of 1931 changed the course of the river, leaving bare 800 hectares of prime new world terroir. Being 15km inland it doesn’t get the cooling sea breezes, so the region can get much hotter than the rest of Hawkes Bay.
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Giesen's Estate Chardonnay is wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Hawke’s Bay vineyard, producing a Chardonnay with good fruit intensity and a touch of complexity through lees ... Learn MoreGiesen Chardonnay 2018$13.99 Per item -
The Kindred Spirits Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir is sourced from the maritime Te Awanga sub-region of Hawkes Bay from a 12 year old vineyard. A lifted and expressive nose with an array of red cherry, wild forest and almost gamey aromas. ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Pinot Noir 2014$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Utterly delicious. A wine bursting with crushed red-berry characters. Candy-apple crimson with a lifted confectionery nose of wild strawberries. Shows ripe, juicy cherry and cranberry on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and liquorice. As picnic-perfect as berries ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2020$21.99 Per item -
Utterly delicious. A wine bursting with crushed red-berry characters. Candy-apple crimson with a lifted confectionery nose of wild strawberries. Shows ripe, juicy cherry and cranberry on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and liquorice. As picnic-perfect as berries ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2019$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
Poggio Anima is a collection of wines representing four Italian regions typifying the cultural heartbeat of each area. Poggio Anima, translated as ‘Hill of Soul,’ personifies the individual vineyards cultivated for each bottle. Many wines have vitality and a soul ... Learn MorePoggio Anima Ragana Frizzante Pet Nat 2020$34.99 Per item -
66% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc. Vibrant deep garnet colour. Inviting aromas of cassis, ripe plum, rosemary, and cedar meld together. A lovely richness of fruit warms the palate with youthful finely textured dusty tannins carrying the wine long to a ... Learn More -
A complex & structured nod to the "old school" Chardonnay. A full, toasty nose, with generous amounts of yellow stone fruits, orange and a little struck match. Vibrant citrus, grapefruit, peach and nectarine flavours, with rich, leesy texture. Fresh acidity with ... Learn MoreAsh Ridge 'Premium' Chardonnay 2016$39.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Pale lemon with flecks of lime-green, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc ’18 overflows with tropical fruit and rich, succulent acidity. Aromatic notes of fresh lime, gooseberry, lychee and pineapple, give way on the palate to juicy pear, ripe grapefruit, citrus blossom and ... Learn MoreTe Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2018$39.99 Per item -
Closed with a natural cork that will allow Awatea to continue to evolve in bottle and provide great enjoyment up to 10 years from harvest. Swirls around lush aromas of blackberry, blueberry and bay leaf. A sumptuous core of ripe, dark ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Awatea' Cabernet Merlot 2017$39.99 Per item -
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 -
The vines of Casabianca are in the municipality of Orbetello south of Großeto directly by the sea. Straw yellow with green reflections. In the fragrance notes of citrus fruits and white peach, light almond notes. The taste is elegant, ... Learn MoreFattoria Casabianca Vermentino 2019$40.00 Per item -
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 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 -
Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognised wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. ... Learn MoreTe Mata 'Bullnose' Syrah 2018$55.00 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 -
Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognised wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. ... Learn MoreTe Mata 'Bullnose' Syrah 2016$55.00 Per itemOut of stock -
"Here's a Shiraz that follows along the lines of it's Cabernet stablemates: full bodied, dense, dark flavour that is carried aloft on a perfectly pitched backbone of acid and tannin. It is ripe, floral, peppery and spicy and is destined ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah 2014$59.99 Per item -
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 -
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 -
With an exceptionally warm, classic, long summer - Vintage 2018 gave us an explosion of flavour and colour! Continued sunshine gave us the chance to keep ripening our reds right through until 20 April. The reds have incredibly deep colours and ripe, ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Coleraine' 2018$99.99 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 -
Originally a single vineyard wine, from 1989 Coleraine has been an assemblage of the finest wines produced from distinct plots within Te Mata Estate’s oldest vineyards on the Havelock Hills. 2019 was a warm, dry, easy grape-growing season that has produced ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Coleraine' 2019$105.00 Per item -
Coleraine is New Zealand’s most famous red wine - rivals the very best wines from Bordeaux, France. The final blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Brilliant magenta, Coleraine ’16 entices with concentrated rose syrup, fresh, fragrant raspberry, wild ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Coleraine' 2016$105.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Gimblett Gravels encompasses a centuries old dry river bed in Hawkes Bay that is believed to be the first in the New World where the ultimate boundary is defined by a distinct soil type. The vines are planted in the ... Learn MoreCraggy Range 'Le Sol' Syrah 2018$114.99 Per item -
The final blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and ... Learn MoreTe Mata Estate 'Coleraine' 2017$114.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Gimblett Gravels encompasses a centuries old dry river bed in Hawkes Bay that is believed to be the first in the New World where the ultimate boundary is defined by a distinct soil type. The vines are planted in the ... Learn MoreCraggy Range 'Le Sol' Syrah 2015$114.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 itemOut of stock -
‘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 itemOut of stock -
The Il Carbonaione is a lovely mid-weight expression of Sangiovese produced by Podere Poggio Scalette ... Learn More
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