Tuscany, Wairarapa
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.
Maori for 'glistening waters’, the Wairarapa is located in the south-east corner of New Zealand's North Island, about an hour away from Wellington. Amongst the small, quaint towns and rolling fields of livestock, you'll find some of New Zealand's finest wines.
The small community of boutique winemakers in the region work hard to preserve the unique terroir of the region. Wairarapa offers hot summers, cool nights, and long, dry autumns that are perfect for ripening. The strong winds and harsh, semi-maritime climate leads to low yields of healthy, small grapes with very thick skins - these grapes are treated with care to make some outstanding wine.
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.
Maori for 'glistening waters’, the Wairarapa is located in the south-east corner of New Zealand's North Island, about an hour away from Wellington. Amongst the small, quaint towns and rolling fields of livestock, you'll find some of New Zealand's finest wines.
The small community of boutique winemakers in the region work hard to preserve the unique terroir of the region. Wairarapa offers hot summers, cool nights, and long, dry autumns that are perfect for ripening. The strong winds and harsh, semi-maritime climate leads to low yields of healthy, small grapes with very thick skins - these grapes are treated with care to make some outstanding wine.
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Harvested from 3 vineyards allows selection of the best batches to consistently produce pure Pinot Noir. The nose shows spicy savoury and bright, juicy red fruits. It is medium-bodied with soft velvety tannins, a mix of tart and sweet cherry fruit ... Learn MorePaddy Borthwick 'Paper Road' Pinot Noir 2018$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 item -
From family owned & operated estate founded in 1996, this wine has a Bouquet of maraschino cherries, plums, cranberries and cedar. A core of dark cherry, cloves and wild herbs are supported by bright fruit and French oak that complement a rich ... Learn MorePaddy Borthwick Pinot Noir 2015$31.99 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 -
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 -
"Winemaker Larry McKenna now has 30 years of experience with Martinborough Pinot Noir, and its on full display in this blend assembled from various plots around the village." Wine Enthusiast Wonderful aromatics with cherry and red currant aromas and some earthy ... Learn MoreEscarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017$53.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Winemaker Larry McKenna now has 30 years of experience with Martinborough Pinot Noir, and its on full display in this blend assembled from various plots around the village." Wine Enthusiast Wonderful aromatics with cherry and red currant aromas and some earthy ... Learn MoreEscarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2016$53.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"The product of a warm, dry summer and balanced crop loads, this is a very strong vintage for this iconic Martinborough pinot noir. On the nose, plenty of fresh red cherries and spiced red plums come to the fore. Succulent, ... Learn MoreEscarpment Regional Blend Pinot Noir 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 -
A blend of Pommard clones that were originally sourced from the University of California. Martinborough from 28 year old vines. Will easily age a decade. ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Kiwa' Pinot Noir 2018$74.99 Per item -
This wine was grown on the Barton Vineyard, Huangarua Road, Martinborough from vines 25 years old. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of many clones grown in a very sheltered spot ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Te Rehua' Pinot Noir 2018$74.99 Per item -
This wine was grown on the Barton Vineyard, Huangarua Road, Martinborough from vines 25 years old. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of many clones grown in a very sheltered spot ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Te Rehua' Pinot Noir 2017$74.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This wine was grown on the Cleland Vineyard Cambridge Road, Martinborough from 30 year old vines. A combination of deep alluvial gravels which the Martinborough Terraces are renowned for and a blend of Clones UCD 5 and 6 always rewards us with savoury, ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Kiwa' Pinot Noir 2017$74.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Consistently ranked as one of New Zealand's best Rieslings. An absolute collectors item, and incredibly rare. “Bone-dry riesling with lime-citrus, green apple, oyster-shell, mineral and a suggestion of wildflowers. A taut, high-energy wine with impressive purity and power. While it ... Learn MoreKusuda Riesling 2019$79.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Ranked #1 of 34 2018 Riesling from New Zealand by Bob Campbell MW. "Wonderfully pure Riesling with an ethereal texture. It has the Kusuda signature of delicacy and finesse. Bone-dry with lime, white flower and oyster shell mineral characters. Should age beautifully. 97 Points" ... Learn MoreKusuda Riesling 2018$79.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Fruit characters such as white nectarine and citrus mingle with the subtle nuttiness of toasted and crushed almonds. Notes of brioche almost span the components of the wine coming from barrels as well as aging on lees. The palate is ... Learn MoreDry River Chardonnay 2016$85.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Winemaker Andrea Lonardi is a winemaking Wunderkind. Our head buyer Mark Faber first met him in London where they attended the Master of Wine global seminar together, and Mark was blown away by Andrea's technical expertise and knowledge, as well ... Learn MoreVal Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2015$89.99 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 -
Fermented in wooden French cuvees, hand plunged and aged in 50% new French oak barriques the wine was given every priority during its elevation and now shows all the hallmarks of a grand young wine on its release in 2012. Over the ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Kupe' Pinot Noir 2011$89.99 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 -
Fermented in wooden French cuvees, hand plunged and aged in 50% new French oak barriques the wine was given every priority during its elevation and now shows all the hallmarks of a grand young wine on its release in 2012. Over the ... Learn MoreEscarpment 'Kupe' Pinot Noir 2018$99.99 Per item -
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 -
This Brunello is the heart of the estate’s production and its flagship wine since 1892. It is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes from their best vineyards in Montalcino. Red berry and cherry, light citrusy tones, candied fruits. Well balanced and persistent. ... Learn MoreFattoria Barbi Brunello Di Montalcino 2015$109.99 Per item
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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 -
The nose is very attractive, with a perfume-like finesse and a lighter than usual appearance. A fresh, complex and floral nose shows Christmas lilies, violets and honeysuckle. There are the hallmark, darker Dry River characters of fruit of the forest, ... Learn MoreDry River Pinot Noir 2017$135.00 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 -
If you wanted to explore the concept of ‘precision’ in wine, Kusuda is a good place to do so. Winemaking is thoughtful but simple, with a quarter of the wine seeing new oak. Some 20 months maturing in barrel. Kusuda rarely ... Learn MoreKusuda Syrah 2017$140.00 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 -
Ranked: #1 Pinot Noir 2018 from Martinborough Hiro Kusuda: From the high-density block (majority 7400 plants/ha) we started to lease in 2011 then purchased after the 2015 vintage. First ever Pinot Noir made from own vineyard. Harvested by hand, 90% de-stemmed, aged in oak barriques ... Learn MoreKusuda Pinot Noir 2018$155.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Consistently ranked as one of New Zealand's best Rieslings. An absolute collectors item, and incredibly rare, this year this wine is ever rarer, as winemaker Hiro Kusuda was able to make a tiny amount of Botrytis-infected grapes. Every single berry ... Learn MoreKusuda Botrytis Riesling 'Tba' 2018 (375Ml)$160.00 Per itemOut of stock
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