
Tuscany, Rhône Valley
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 Rhône Valley is in the South of France and is situated in the Rhône river valley. The region has been growing wines for centuries and is generally split into two sub-regions. In the Northern Rhône, Syrah is the predominant grape variety, though it is often blended with other white varieties like Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier, or the red grape Mourvedre. In the Southern Rhône, a wide range of white, red and rosés are produced alongside the undisputed king of the Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The Northern Rhône is cooler than the Southern Rhône and has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winter. The appellations from North to South are Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray.
In Southern Rhône, the climate is more Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous appellation but others include Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas and Lirac. Large pebbles are used in the region, placed at the base of the vines to absorb the suns heat during the day, to keep the vines warm at night.
Châteauneuf-du-Papes are blended from the 13 permitted grape varieties, though Grenache usually dominates, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre. These wines can be supremely rich and complex and typically warrant 5-10 years in the cellar for best results.
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 Rhône Valley is in the South of France and is situated in the Rhône river valley. The region has been growing wines for centuries and is generally split into two sub-regions. In the Northern Rhône, Syrah is the predominant grape variety, though it is often blended with other white varieties like Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier, or the red grape Mourvedre. In the Southern Rhône, a wide range of white, red and rosés are produced alongside the undisputed king of the Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The Northern Rhône is cooler than the Southern Rhône and has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winter. The appellations from North to South are Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray.
In Southern Rhône, the climate is more Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous appellation but others include Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas and Lirac. Large pebbles are used in the region, placed at the base of the vines to absorb the suns heat during the day, to keep the vines warm at night.
Châteauneuf-du-Papes are blended from the 13 permitted grape varieties, though Grenache usually dominates, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre. These wines can be supremely rich and complex and typically warrant 5-10 years in the cellar for best results.
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- Sourced entirely from a vineyard that borders the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape region, with identical 'Galet' stone soils. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge, this is absolutely astounding value for money. A brooding nose of ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Cassanets Cotes Du Rhone 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'Ombre Des Parasols Vaucluse Rose 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'Ombre Des Parasols Vaucluse Rose 2018$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced entirely from a vineyard that borders the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape region, with identical 'Galet' stone soils. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge, this is absolutely astounding value for money. A brooding nose of ... Learn MoreDomaine Des Cassanets Cotes Du Rhone 2017$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Following careful selection of the best wines in the cellar, we make a single blend, which will be bottled at the Estate about eighteen months after the harvest. Loaded with red and black berries, beautiful violets, dried provincial herbs and ... Learn MoreMont-Redon Reserve Cotes Du Rhone 2016$21.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Small red fruits, blackberry and floral violet aromas. Intensely aromatic, powerful but full of finesse. As with the white, the quality of the basic Côtes du Rhône is more than noteworthy, especially when you consider the quantity produced. ... Learn MoreE. Guigal Côtes-Du-Rhône Rouge 2016$23.49 Per item
- One of the most exciting new wines from this rapidly modernising region. Made by Philippe Cambie, former winemaker at Chateau Rayas. Cambie has received 100 point scores fifteen times and was also awarded global winemaker of the year in 2010 by critic ... Learn More
- One of the most exciting new wines from this rapidly modernising region. Made by Philippe Cambie, former winemaker at Chateau Rayas. Cambie has received 100 point scores fifteen times and was also awarded global winemaker of the year in 2010 by critic ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Voted one of the Top 5 Producers by Decanter Magazine in 2018, alongside some of the most well-known producers, Domaine JL Chave and M Chapoutier. A nose of granitic earth, smoke, garrigue herbs and blueberries. Intense palate of smoked, grilled, cured meats, ... Learn MoreVignobles Chirat Syrah Viognier 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Intense, brilliant garnet-red colour. It reveals lovely fruit, loads of body and a heady bouquet of ground peppers, raspberries cherry liqueur, currants, and spice box. Full-bodied and dense, it tastes more like a “baby Châteauneuf” than a Côtes ... Learn MoreAlain Jaume Cotes Du Rhone Les Champauvins 2016$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and Cinsault. This delicious, fresh and lively wines was fermented and matured in stainless steel creating a wineto drink and enjoy over the next 1-2 years. ... Learn MoreRive Droite Rive Gauche Cotes Du Rhone 2017$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- One of the most exciting new wines from this rapidly modernising region. Made by Philippe Cambie, former winemaker at Chateau Rayas. Cambie has received 100 point scores fifteen times and was also awarded global winemaker of the year in 2010 by critic ... Learn MoreHeredita Cotes Du Rhone 2017$24.99 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
- The ancient Côtes-du-Rhône Villages vineyards of LES CASSAGNES are located in Sérignan-du-Comtat in Domaine de la Renjarde and managed by the Château La Nerthe team with the same passion and experience for which the esteemed Châ ... Learn MoreLa Nerthe 'Les Cassagnes' Cotes Du Rhone 2018$33.99 Per item
- The ancient Côtes-du-Rhône Villages vineyards of LES CASSAGNES are located in Sérignan-du-Comtat in Domaine de la Renjarde and managed by the Château La Nerthe team with the same passion and experience for which the esteemed Châ ... Learn MoreLa Nerthe 'Les Cassagnes' Cotes Du Rhone 2017$33.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Domaine Michelas st Jemms are the oldest individual winery in Crozes Hermitage established in 1961. They were the first family to leave the Cave de Tain cooperative, becoming the first independent in the region, and setting the stage for many others ... Learn MoreDomaine Michelas St Jemms Crozes Hermitage Fleur De Syrahne 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Intense inky colour. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild Blackberry) are dominant. The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liquor and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshy ... Learn MoreOut 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
- The Gigondas comes from a UNESCO heritage site known as the Montmirail hill, that is unlike any other vineyard on Earth. The soils are white granite rocks, and produce intense, complex reds. Domaine Brusset are one of the largest vineyard ... Learn MoreDomaine Brusset Gigondas Tradition Grand Montmirail 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
- Domaine Michelas st Jemms are the oldest individual winery in Crozes Hermitage established in 1961. They were the first family to leave the Cave de Tain cooperative, becoming the first independent in the region, and setting the stage for many others ... Learn MoreDomaine Michelas St Jemms Crozes Hermitage La Chasseliere 2017$44.99 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 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
- The color is of an intense black. The nose shows a delicate but complex bouquet of aromas: pretty notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberries), smoked and grilled notes and sweet spices. In the mouth, the attack is full of freshness, ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Alexandrins Crozes Hermitage 2016$54.99 Per itemOut of stock
- “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
- 25% Grenache Noir, 25% Carignan, 25% Mourvèdre, 25% Counoise. "Slightly evolved notes of ripe apple, lees, orange rind and buttered citrus. a balanced, supple texture and nicely integrated acidity, it finishes clean and dry." Jeb Dunnuck ... Learn MoreDomaine Gourt De Mautens Rose 2011$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The color is of an intense black. The nose shows a delicate but complex bouquet of aromas: pretty notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberries), smoked and grilled notes and sweet spices. In the mouth, the attack is full of freshness, ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Alexandrins Crozes Hermitage 2017$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- As Andrew Jefford writes in The New France, “The Chave line … could make a fair claim to be France’s winemaking royal family: in no other of France’s great terroirs is the largest individual landholder so deeply rooted in ... Learn MoreJl Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Silene 2018$65.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 70% Grenache noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. An intense dark-ruby colour. The nose develop aromas of ripe black fruit (such as blackberry), cherry and spice box. The palate reveals the presence of tannins, in high quantity and elegant. The finish is long ... Learn MoreAlain Jaume Chateauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene 2017$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A beautiful red color with purple undertones, this wine develops aromas of black fruit, slightly roasted cocoa, pepper and sweet spices. The mouth is full of freshness, with fine tannins that give it volume and roundness. The finish is long ... Learn More
- This Gigondas comes from a UNESCO heritage site known as the Montmirail hill, that is unlike any other vineyard on Earth. The soils are white granite rocks, and produce intense, complex reds. Domaine Brusset are one of the largest vineyard ... Learn MoreDomaine Brusset Gigondas Les Hauts De Montmirail 2018$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Fermented in tank then racked into Burgundy barrels: 10% new, 30% one year old, 30% two years old and 30% three years old. Fresh, vibrant and spicy. Lovely notes of dark fruit, herb and licorice. A bright, sappy, juicy, red fruited wine with a ... Learn MoreMaxime Graillot Domaine Des Lises Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2016$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This Gigondas comes from a UNESCO heritage site known as the Montmirail hill, that is unlike any other vineyard on Earth. The soils are white granite rocks, and produce intense, complex reds. Domaine Brusset are one of the largest vineyard ... Learn MoreDomaine Brusset Gigondas Les Hauts De Montmirail 2017$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A beautiful red color with purple undertones, this wine develops aromas of black fruit, slightly roasted cocoa, pepper and sweet spices. The mouth is full of freshness, with fine tannins that give it volume and roundness. The finish is long ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Alexandrins St Joseph 2016$74.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 70% Grenache noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. An intense dark-ruby colour. The nose develop aromas of ripe black fruit (such as blackberry), cherry and spice box. The palate reveals the presence of tannins, in high quantity and elegant. The finish is long ... Learn MoreAlain Jaume Chateauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene 2018$80.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Domaine Michelas st Jemms are the oldest individual winery in Crozes Hermitage established in 1961. They were the first family to leave the Cave de Tain cooperative, becoming the first independent in the region, and setting the stage for many others ... Learn More