Tuscany, Rioja
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.
Rioja is located in the south of the Cantabrian Mountains along the Ebro river in the north of Spain. The region also has a river called Rio Oja, which is where the region likely gained its name. There are three main regions in Rioja, with each of them producing quite unique expressions of Rioja wines.
To the west is Rioja Alta, in the higher elevated area. This sub-region is renowned for its old-world wines that are often lighter on the palate due to the higher altitude. The wines coming out of Rioja Alavesa on the other hand are fuller bodies, with higher acid levels than those from Rioja Alta. The third area, Rioja Baja is the warmest and driest of all, and can in summer months can be exposed to very high temperatures drought so irrigation is now permitted in the region.
The reds (tinto) wines of Rioja are generally blends of Tempranillo and Garnacha with lesser amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo. Amongst the white (bianco) varieties, Viura is the most common though normally blended with Malvasia or Garnacha Blanc. Plenty of interesting Rosé wines are produced, most commonly from the Garnacha variety. Note that wineries in Spain are commonly referred to as bodegas.
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.
Rioja is located in the south of the Cantabrian Mountains along the Ebro river in the north of Spain. The region also has a river called Rio Oja, which is where the region likely gained its name. There are three main regions in Rioja, with each of them producing quite unique expressions of Rioja wines.
To the west is Rioja Alta, in the higher elevated area. This sub-region is renowned for its old-world wines that are often lighter on the palate due to the higher altitude. The wines coming out of Rioja Alavesa on the other hand are fuller bodies, with higher acid levels than those from Rioja Alta. The third area, Rioja Baja is the warmest and driest of all, and can in summer months can be exposed to very high temperatures drought so irrigation is now permitted in the region.
The reds (tinto) wines of Rioja are generally blends of Tempranillo and Garnacha with lesser amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo. Amongst the white (bianco) varieties, Viura is the most common though normally blended with Malvasia or Garnacha Blanc. Plenty of interesting Rosé wines are produced, most commonly from the Garnacha variety. Note that wineries in Spain are commonly referred to as bodegas.
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A fun, fruity wine, perfect to enjoy every day with a snack or any Mediterranean dishes, like rice, vegetable or pasta. This wine is representative of the virtues of the Tempranillo variety: intense floral aromas, very fresh red and dark ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Tinto Tempranillo 2020$19.99 Per item -
A fun, fruity wine, perfect to enjoy every day with a snack or any Mediterranean dishes, like rice, vegetable or pasta. This wine is representative of the virtues of the Tempranillo variety: intense floral aromas, very fresh red and dark ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Tinto Tempranillo 2019$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Chianti remains one of the most lauded and long-lived wine regions in Italy specialising in the variety Sangiovese. This wine is sourced from a small grower in Chianti Rufina one of the highest and coolest parts of the region resulting ... Learn MoreMaretti Chianti 2020$22.99 Per item -
Chianti remains one of the most lauded and long-lived wine regions in Italy specialising in the variety Sangiovese. This wine is sourced from a small grower in Chianti Rufina one of the highest and coolest parts of the region resulting ... Learn MoreMaretti Chianti 2019$22.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Finca Nueva Rosado is made for easy and enjoyable drinking. From the creator of Finca Allende, these wines over deliver on expectations. Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, one of the great revolutionaries pushing for modernity in Rioja, is the man ... Learn MoreFinca Nueva Rioja Rosado 2016$23.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A representative wine of the new Rioja style, interpreted from modernity. Elegant, balanced and reliable on any occasion, with classic aromas of red fruit and vanilla and subtle hints of liquorice and toffee. Versatile with all kinds of Mediterranean dishes ( ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Crianza 2018$24.99 Per item -
A representative wine of the new Rioja style, interpreted from modernity. Elegant, balanced and reliable on any occasion, with classic aromas of red fruit and vanilla and subtle hints of liquorice and toffee. Versatile with all kinds of Mediterranean dishes ( ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Crianza 2017$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Classic ruby red with a terracotta hue. Lifted aromas of red berries, cola, vanilla and subtle garden herbs. Ripe fruit flavour is pulled elegantly firm with fine sandy tannins and perky, refreshing acidity. This is an expressive yet refined Tempranillo ... Learn MoreVina Muriel Rioja Reserva 2015$25.99 Per itemOut of stock -
90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Antica Cinta, literally Old City Walls, refers to the history and the land of Piccini family, its Middle Ages villages as San Giminiano, Castellina and Siena, clustered behind massive stone defensive walls. Antica Cinta pairs a very ... Learn MorePiccini Antica Cinta Chianti Riserva ORO DOCG 2016$26.99 Per item -
Produced only in the years of the best harvests. Made from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes from selected producers different Chianti areas A nose of complex earthy spices and a more obvious oak character (16 months in 40% new French ... Learn MoreRenzo Masi Cantine Renzo M. Cornioleta Chianti Riserva 2018$29.99 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 'Cornioleta' Chianti Riserva Docg 2018$29.99 Per item -
A creamy, full-bodied red with plum and berry character. Nice purity of fruit to this. Its full-bodied and layered with polish and beauty. Lovely tannins here. - James Suckling Exopto is Latin for to long for or to desire greatly ... Learn MoreBodegas Exopto Rioja Bozeto de Exopto 2019$29.99 Per item -
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 -
A clear example of the elegance and silkiness of Rioja Reservas but with a more modern profile. With the complexity of long ageing in the barrel and bottle, and the delicateness of the Tempranillo. A wine with intense aromas of ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Reserva 2015$34.99 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 -
A clear example of the elegance and silkiness of Rioja Reservas but with a more modern profile. With the complexity of long ageing in the barrel and bottle, and the delicateness of the Tempranillo. A wine with intense aromas of ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Reserva 2014$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 -
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 2020$40.00 Per item -
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 itemOut of stock -
Villa Antinori is, first and foremost, an idea, a way of conceiving the production of wine: on the one hand, experimentation and evolution, on the other hand, continuity in tradition. Sangiovese and other complementary grape varieties render their homage to ... Learn More -
Villa Antinori is, first and foremost, an idea, a way of conceiving the production of wine: on the one hand, experimentation and evolution, on the other hand, continuity in tradition. Sangiovese and other complementary grape varieties render their homage to ... Learn MoreAntinori Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2016$41.90 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 MoreAntinori Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2015$41.90 Per itemOut of stock -
That said, the appeal of this release is easy to see. Rich dark fruit, plenty of roasted spices, fine tannin, earth and admirable mix of primary and secondary flavour. It’s both fresh with fruit and leathery at once. The ... Learn MoreVina Muriel Reserva Tempranillo 2011$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 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 itemOut of stock -
A clear example of the elegance and silkiness of Rioja Reservas but with a more modern profile. With the complexity of long ageing in the barrel and bottle, and the delicateness of the Tempranillo. This Gran Reserva spends an incredible 24 ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Gran Reserva 2012$54.99 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 -
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 2017$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 itemOut of stock -
It's naturally fermented, vinified in concrete vats and aged in low toast French and Russian oak for just 12 months. Forest fruits on the nose with some cherry aromas. There are also some earthy notes and hints of liquorice. Has liquorice, ... Learn MoreValenciso Reserva Rioja 2012$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 -
The wine that marks the beginning of a new stage in the history of this great Rioja classic interprets the personality of the old Tempranillo vines that grow in the surroundings of the town of Ollauri in a fresh and ... Learn MoreBodegas Ollauri Conde De Los Andes Tempranillo 2013$70.00 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Tempranillo sourced from an estate-owned vineyard in Rioja. ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Alberdi’ 2012$70.00 Per item -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2008$80.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2009$80.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2010$84.99 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 2018$89.00 Per itemOut of stock -
“Quite simply, these are some of the finest Riojas that can grace your cellar: complex, refined, classic but without compromising fruit intensity and to reiterate: wines that speak about where they come from.” Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate The Tempranillo ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2012$89.99 Per itemOut of stock
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