Buy Wine by the Case
Use the filters below to explore our collection of wines available to order in cases of six or twelve.
16 products
16 products
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
James Suckling
96 points
A very graceful, quietly complex red with red berries that are tinged with the mildest of spice. Medium-bodied and super well balanced with a long finish. Don't expect anything dramatic here; it's just beautiful. Enjoy now.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and portray a sense of their origin.
Their family had arrived in Traiguén and Purén from Switzerland in the 19th century, and worked in agriculture in a region of volcanoes, lakes, forests and abundant rain. Their families grew up surrounded by silos, cows, wagons, horses and wheat fields.
Francisco and Carlos' passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, together with their love for the land of their ancestors, was the inspiration for making their own wine in those terroirs. Malleco now produces tremendous wines, and Bodega Baettig is a vital member of that small but energetic community of producers.
They have nine hectares of Pinot Noir and 6.4 hectares of Chardonnay that they planted in 2013. In the first years, the fruit was sold to some leading producers in Chile (PS García, De Martino, Undurraga), and the results were very promising. They fermented their first wines in 2017, are 2020 is the first vintage that will arrive to the Ontatio market.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
96 points
Baettig selected the El Triángulo and Llaima Largo plots to produce the 2019 Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay because they deliver more vertical, mineral and tense wine to achieve finesse and complexity. The first experimental vinification was 2016, and 2019 was a year with a cold spring and a warm summer that resulted in wines that combine power, freshness and intensity, with more alcohol (13.5%), acidity (9.8 grams in tartaric!!) and freshness (pH 3.08) than previous years. The whole clusters were pressed, and the juice was put in French barrels to ferment with indigenous yeasts. It matured for 16 months in 400-liter oak barrels, 38% of them new. This is super austere, shy and closed, with subtle complexity, not very varietal, more about the soils and the cooler place. 2019 was not a large crop, and the wines have good concentration, a good year in the south. It has good depth, pungent flavors and some nutty, wax and acacia notes, not exuberant or explosive, but elegant and with density and more weight than the 2018, which gives it more depth and layers. This is superb, very complete. 2,900 bottles were filled in September 2020.
Baettig is the family project of winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig (Errázuriz) in Traiguén some 600 kilometers south of Chile. He planted 15.4 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on volcanic soils in 2013. The projection is to produce 55,000 bottles in 2021, and the potential of the vineyard Los Suizos (the Swiss, as they are Swiss in origin) is 90,000 bottles.
James Suckling
94 points
This is really aromatic with sliced apple, pear, nougat, straw and stone. Full-bodied with a creamy texture and lovely apple, honey and straw at the finish. Drink or hold.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and portray a sense of their origin.
Their family had arrived in Traiguén and Purén from Switzerland in the 19th century, and worked in agriculture in a region of volcanoes, lakes, forests and abundant rain. Their families grew up surrounded by silos, cows, wagons, horses and wheat fields.
Francisco and Carlos' passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, together with their love for the land of their ancestors, was the inspiration for making their own wine in those terroirs. Malleco now produces tremendous wines, and Bodega Baettig is a vital member of that small but energetic community of producers.
They have nine hectares of Pinot Noir and 6.4 hectares of Chardonnay that they planted in 2013. In the first years, the fruit was sold to some leading producers in Chile (PS García, De Martino, Undurraga), and the results were very promising. They fermented their first wines in 2017, are 2020 is the first vintage that will arrive to the Ontatio market.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
93 points
The entry-level white is the 2020 Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Chardonnay, produced with dry-farmed grapes from the Los Suizos vineyard in Traiguén first produced in 2019. 2020 was extremely warm and dry in most of winemaking Chile, but in Traiguén, it was moderately warm and "only" rained 815 liters, delivering a good crop of very healthy grapes that were picked early. The wine is low in alcohol (13%) and has a pH of 3.1 and 6.63 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid) and was produced fermenting the juice of the full clusters in barrel (10% new), where the wine matured for 10 months. This is subtle, elegant and varietal, with purity and in the house style of balance and harmony. The wine is clean and precise, with floral and citrus notes, transparent, with unnoticeable oak and great freshness. 15,420 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021.
Baettig is the family project of winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig (Errázuriz) in Traiguén some 600 kilometers south of Chile. He planted 15.4 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on volcanic soils in 2013. The projection is to produce 55,000 bottles in 2021, and the potential of the vineyard Los Suizos (the Swiss, as they are Swiss in origin) is 90,000 bottles.
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
Baettig’s ancestral lineage can be followed back to Switzerland when in the late 19th century the move to Chile finds the family settled on the lands around Traiguén and Purén. This is chardonnay produced 600 km south of Santiago and you may recognize the name Francisco Baettig, winemaker at Viña Errázuriz since 2003. He and Carlos are behind this volcanic soil raised and engrained wine from Viñedo Los Suizos (meaning The Swiss for those of you scoring at home) and my is this a wine to be thought upon as singulares. único and extraordinaro. Salty and of a tannic aridity multiplied by a mouthfeel so beautifully distracting. You want to think of this as being reductive, flinty and smouldering but it’s really none of those at all. What it is instead is sharp, pointed, seamless, focused, cracking a tough love whip and like nothing else out there. Also, bloody delicious. Estupendo. Drink 2022-2027. Tasted May 2021.
92 points - David Lawrason
This chardonnay hails from the southern region of Traiguen, even farther south than Bio Bio, where winemaker Francisco Baettig formerly of Errazuriz has planted cool climate chardonnay and pinot noir in volcanic soils. This is a fulsome yet refined chardonnay with very carefully placed oak cedar and nutmeg spice around ripe yellow pear. This is both generous and discreet with excellent focus and length. Tasted May 2021
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Stéphane Aviron
Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. He focuses on the Beaujolais village crus, all but forgotten gems of vineyards when the nouveau craze took over, which are the best sites for unique, expressive and terroir driven wines. All of the fruit is sourced from old vines (40+ years), so seeing Vieilles Vignes on the label is a rite of passage, not a privilege. Authenticity and a distinctly Beaujolais style of winemaking is what sets Stéphane apart from the rest.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - David Lawrason
Chenas is one of the smallest appellations of Beaujolais, situated astride more famous Fleurie. Both villages tend to make gamays with both richness and elegance. This sports a ripe nose of cherry/strawberry jam, peony and subtle pepper. It is medium bodied, smooth, firm and refined with gentle tannin. And the length is excellent. Very easy to enjoy now and should hold through 2028. Tasted June 2022
92 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a fetching gamay with buoyant fruit notes of cherries and raspberries accompanied by aromas of candied violets, rosemary, and snapped twigs. The palate echoes these flavours with subtle notes of cured meat joining the chorus. Tannins are satin smooth and acids are tart. Length is excellent with a delightful fruity finale. Best 2022-2027. Tasted June 2022 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
This is a pleasantly twiggy-herbal-stemmy expression of Chenas with plenty of joyful fruit underpinning the ensemble. I like the fleshy dark cherry fruit on the palate, the silky-firm tannins, and the excellent length in the category. A superior cru; drink or hold late into the decade. Tasted June 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Chénas by Aviron is the cru that takes what the Villages offers and simply gives more. By home and vineyard the extrapolation and extension is natural, seamless and duly noted, from dancing fruit, happy palate and now, something viably more. Salumi and wet stone, a modicum of structure, violets in perfume and furthered texture. A positive thickening that stays with the palate, lingers and gracefully moves on. This is gamay to pour for people ready to get it and get at it. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted June 2022.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
An intriguing mix of ripe and jammy along with stemmy and herbal from the warm 2020 vintage. Juicy on the palate with flavours of cherry, bramble, wet leaf and a hint of carbonic. Mouthfilling and fleshy overall with plush red fruit on the finish of very good length. Tasted June 2022.
- White Wine
- Furmint
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
- White Wine
- Rajnai Rizling
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 11.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
- Red Wine
- Baboso Negro, Listán Negro, Negramoll, Tintilla, Vijariego Negro, Vijariego Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
- Red Wine
- Listán Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
From pre-phylloxera vines grown at high altitude in volcanic soils, this is a mid-weight, quite smooth red with a generous nose that reminded me of smoke and tar, with wild chokecherry, pomegranate fruit and herbs. Flavours are a bit unusual and sour-edged yet the texture and tension are smooth and appealing. Tannins are quite mild; the length is excellent. Tasted December 2020.
91 points - Michael Godel
The volcanic midlands of Tenerife’s northwest section is THE place on the Canary Islands for growing and producing the highest quality of listán negro. The fourth and fifth generations of Juan Jesús’ family are the custodians of these pre-phylloxera vines at 500-1000m and the wines they gift. Just a kiss of oak does little to adulterate the precocious sentimentality and unknowable delight for a wine that you warm up to without knowing how or why. By now and with the 2019 vintage this unique red has come into its own at a perfect knife’s edge volatility and discreet if sumptuous behaviour. A must try and twice, each year for the next three to six. Drink 2020-2025. Tasted December 2020.
- White Wine
- Listán Blanco
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
From high altitude volcanic-soiled vineyards in the Canary Islands this is from the local listan grape, also known as palomino fina, related to the white grape grown in Jerez to make sherry. It is light to medium bodied, fresh and lively with trace minerality. Not tart acidity but enough to keep it in ballast. The fruit is pear, guava, lemon amid the reductive mineral notes, plus a distinct sourdough yeastiness on the nose that immediately recalled fino sherry. The length is excellent. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Viñátigo Listán Blanco 2021 initially emits this unusually funky and exotic perfume of wet basalt or concrete mixed with washed manchego cheese rind but quickly comes together as one inviting scent. Preps the palate for wanting a taste to see what comes next and the clarity shines right away, of gemstones and the salty sweat of craggy wet stones. There is some orchard fruit but what matters most is the saline-mineral comport. It's like a compôte of imagination built on fruit and volcanics melted into a salad that spoons straight on down. Bloody delicious and well-made. Drink 2023-2027. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
2021 marks another fine vintage for this reliably intriguing and interesting, complex wine from own-rooted listán blanco (aka palomino fino), quite ripe, showing pineapple and quince, baked apple and apple blossom flavours, less immediately flinty-reductive than the previous vintage and with more fruit. The palate is mid-weight and creamy, with balanced acids and very good length. Really delicious now, though should continue to gain in non-fruit complexity over the next 1-3 years, or hold into the mid-'20s. Tasted December 2022.
- White Wine
- Carricante
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Megha Jandhyala
Cast in a compelling golden hue, this is a riveting Etna Bianco, made with grapes grown at an elevation of 650m on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Mineral, smoky, and savoury, it is fragrant with pineapples, apricots, and peaches. The palate is gently rounded, waxy, and salty, supported and lifted by taut acidity. Concentration and complexity are remarkable at this price-point. Length is excellent, with a lingering note of crushed rocks on the finish. Tasted December 2022.
92 points - David Lawrason
From high altitude, terraced vineyards on the north slope of Etna, this pours fairly deep lemon yellow. The nose shows ripe almost tropical fruit but foremost is the flinty, waxy note from Etna's volcanic soils. Then in comes the peach/pineapple fruit, lemon marmalade, savoury dried bay leaf, with some spice. It is full bodied but built on such great acidity and minerality that it drinks with real freshness. Very intense on the palate with lemon, herbs and rocks hitting the finish running. The length is excellent to outstanding. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
Bright, salty and vibrant, this delectable volcanic-grown carricante has quickly become a consumer (and critic) favourite. Flavours of white pepper, ginger, laurel, pear and grapefruit contribute to the complex but ethereal flavour set. Mid-weight with a light viscosity. Lingering finish. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Hard to unearth better basaltic value than Tornatore’s Etna Bianco which serves as the great carricante pre-cursor to the white Etna oeuvre. Here comes a great white raised in concrete vats to preserve freshness and allow the salty terroir to work in such perfect cahoots with the fruit. A warm vintage and it shows but the volcano and these weathered, layered and cumulative rocky soils can never be denied. Open the dictionary, look for Etna Bianco and Tornatore will be there. Though not a wine of cru or sub-terroir specific reality it matters little because this is the place to begin your Etna journey. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted December 2022.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
A pure carricante from the north side of Etna, Tornatore's 2021 Bianco is a ripe and smoky wine, flinty, with grilled pineapple and quince, salty and briny, green olive tapenade flavours, unique and complex to be sure - it's quite rare to find such singular wines in this price category. Acids are bright and lively, alcohol a modest 12.5% declared, and length and depth very good to excellent. There's so much character on offer for under $25, though I can't call it a wine of mass appeal, more of a adventurer's selection. Drink or hold 4-6 years - I think this will age nicely. Tasted December 2022.
Decanter
91 points
Made from 100% Carricante, with fine balance between minerality and fruit and hints of sweetness; full of white peaches, balsamic herbs and a refreshing citrus finale. A nicely direct wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2024.
91 points
Showing white blossoms and ripe fruit on the nose, this perfumed white is salty and mouthwatering on the palate, with a touch of lemon zest enlivening the flavors of Asian pear, blanched almond, chamomile and lemon oil. Drink now through 2027.
James Suckling
91 points
For a basic Etna bianco, the concentration here is very impressive, as it delivers citrus, nectarines and Granny Smith apples. Lots of energy on the medium-bodied palate, in the form of crisp acidity and a zippy finish. Drink now.
- White Wine
- Garganega
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tessari
The Tessari family have Soave in their blood. For three generations they have been extracting delectable wine from the well cared for vines of their Monteforte d’Alpone vineyards. With only a little over a hectare of Garganega grapes in the prestigious volcanic solis of Soave Classico, Antonio Tessari hand dug his cellar back in 1933 and started the legacy that continues today with his grandchildren: Germano, Antonio and Cornelia.
From vineyard to bottle, these three siblings oversee it all; with unwavering respect for tradition, quality and passion for the art of winemaking. The volcanic soils of the hillside are rich with basaltic rocks and clays, which guarantees the health of the plant and the promotes the mineral and floral aromas that are characteristic of the Garganega grape. Truly artisanal wine making at it’s best.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This shows the vivid yellow colour I expect from good Soave. It also shows the complex, detailed nose honeysuckle, lemon blossom, camomile and almost tropical peach/mango fruit. It is mid-weight, rich and viscous yet shows some enlivening freshness, spritz and tenderness at the same time. Slightly bitter and lemony on the finish. The length is excellent. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - Michael Godel
The latest volcanically driven garganega from the Tessari family is a child of a promising vintage full of sun, fun and support. The sky is the limit for just how well this will drink and please. It is in fact bottled salty and fruit crunchy deliciousness and why shouldn’t it be? Made simply with tradition in mind, basalt in pocket and all the modern facility made available. Citrus and nectarine, basil and Maldon salt. Lime all over the finish. Spot on. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
4 Stars - Sara d'Amato
Nervy and salty with a dash of elderflower and pear, this stylish Soave Classico is a favourite of restauranteurs. Richly textured with notes of apple and lemon zest, salt and lime. Quite chalky and dry, with a pleasant degree of roundness despite the moderate level of alcohol. Nicely balanced with a pleasant finish of good length. Drink now. Tasted January 2023.
4 Stars - John Szabo, MS
The 2021 Soave Classico from Tessari shows a fine profile of both ripe and fresh fruit, on the lighter and fresher side overall, declared at 12% alc. Citrus fruit leads - lemon-lime and white grapefruit - and length and depth are solid. Acids draw saliva, a crunchy, lively expression overall. Drink or hold short term. Good fun. Tasted January 2023.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.8% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This is a very pleasant, pretty and tidy pinot noir from Oregon - with nicely ripe cherry fruit inlaid with fine spicy, forest floor complexity. The nose is very appealing. It is mid-weight at most, nicely rounded and balanced with warmish alcohol and fine tannin. The fruit core and presence is impressive. The length is excellent. Tasted April 2023
90 points - Michael Godel
Mature fruit in this triple P, substantial and upwards of at least eight out of ten on the phenolic scale as it pertains to the Willamette Valley. Some verdancy yet the right kind of green, like spring vascular plants that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. These are scents of roots, stems and leaves, earthy, twiggy and savoury, all together making for a truly authentic varietal experience. Good mid-palate weight, high level acidity yet feeling a tad boozy and also peppery upon the finish. Plenty of attack, mostly in balance, rising then culminating at a cymbaleer sound and brassy profile. Maybe let it rest a year. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted April 2023.
- White Wine
- Pinot Gris
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
- White Wine
- Olaszrizling, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
The blend in 2021 is olaszrizling (a.k.a. welschriesling), riesling and sauvignon blanc with pinot gris no longer involved. No doubt a botanical aspect ups the complexity game away and beyond the simple norms of white blends marked by citrus and stone fruit. They are in the mix but the herbal tonic and fine bitters elevate the cuvée to speak rightly and spritely for Balaton, the Szent György Hill and Robert Gilvesy’s oeuvre. This wine is an institution now and deserves plenty of attention. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted March 2023.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
Situated near an ancient dormant volcano, Gilvesy grows native grape varieties organically and sustainably in volcanic soils. This blend of olaszrizling, pinot gris, riesling, and sauvignon blanc is subtly reductive and mineral, with notes of freshly cut-grass, juicy grapefruits and lemons, peaches, and crunchy pears. It feels fleshy and rounded, but refreshing on the palate, with a long, pleasantly grippy finish. I like the layers of flavours here and the succulent texture. This wine is ready to drink and vegan-friendly. Tasted March 2023.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Gilvesy's 2021 Balatoni cuvee is the customary blend of welschriesling, riesling and sauvignon blanc, crafted in an appealingly reductive, grapefruit pith and peel-inflected style, tightly wound and bone dry, mineral and fresh. I love the saltiness on the palate and the succulent acids that draw additional sips. Crunchy, fresh, lively, drinking now or hold short term. Tasted March 2023.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
93 points - Editor's Choice (2017)
Aromas of red berry, rose, thyme and a whiff of camphor shape the fragrant nose. Sleek and graceful, the lithe, savory palate delivers juicy strawberry, crushed raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and white pepper framed in glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note evoking smoky flint lingers on the finish.
James Suckling
92 points (2017)
Lots of red plums here with glazed cherries and lemons. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a refined finish. Drink now.
Vinous
91 points (2017)
Luminous red. Pretty floral and mineral notes complement pure sour red cherry, flinty herbs and spicy blueberry aromas and flavors. Bright and juicy, with a light to medium-weight frame, with a clean, crisp presence on the long fresh finish. A lovely red that goes down like water.