912 products
912 products
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Villa Calcinaia
Nestled in the rolling hills of Greve in Chianti, Villa Calcinaia is one of Chianti Classico’s historic estates, stewarded by the Capponi family since 1524. For more than five centuries, the family has cultivated these vineyards with a deep respect for tradition, place, and the enduring character of Sangiovese.
The estate spans sun-drenched slopes, olive groves, and woodlands that frame vineyards rooted in galestro and alberese soils—hallmarks of great Chianti Classico. Here, elevation, exposure, and soil diversity converge to shape wines of elegance, structure, and unmistakable terroir.
Villa Calcinaia’s philosophy marries heritage with thoughtful innovation. Vineyard work is guided by sustainable practices and careful parcel selection, and the estate’s wines are certified organic, reflecting a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the health of the land. In the cellar, the approach favors gentle extraction and patient aging to preserve purity of fruit and nuance of site. The result is a portfolio that captures the soul of Chianti Classico—from vibrant, expressive bottlings to refined Riservas and Gran Selezione wines that reward time in the cellar.
At Villa Calcinaia, winemaking is not a trend but a legacy—an unbroken conversation between land, family, and vine that continues to define the estate’s distinctive voice within Chianti Classico.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - Sara d'Amato
A firm Chianti Classico, brightened by the purity of red fruit, simultaneously vibrant and structured. Gentle notes of tilled earth and new leather complement the cherry-driven palate, lifted by lively freshness. Fine-grained yet firm tannins frame the wine’s emerging youthful complexity. Stylish and promising, it will reward patience with further time in bottle.
Tasted January 2026.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
2023 is a fine vintage for Calcinaia's entry point "Cappone" bottling of Chianti Classico (owned by the current conte, or count, Cappone), ripe and generous but also clearly delineated and precise, with textbook savoury cherry flavours, red and black, and comfortably ripe tannins and acids. There's a pleasant ease and accessibility on the palate, an inviting profile that will be best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. Textbook; certified organic as a bonus. Tasted January 2026.
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pago Aylés
Pago Aylés was founded by Federico Ramón, who in 2003 began his dream of classifying this unique land as the first Vino de Pago in the Aragon region. In the Spanish wine quality pyramid, the Pago stands as a top tier or grand cru winery. Just before Federico died, his dream came true in 2010, as Aylés became the 10th Vino de Pago in Spain.
Today his three children continue to produce wines from this special land. The vineyard site has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 12th century by Spanish monks. Influenced by the River Huerva and the Monte San Pablo mountain, the soil is a mixture of clay, limestone and chalk – ideal for making high-quality wine. Caves, ravines and old river beds can be found all over the estate, which is brimming with wildlife.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Unexpected would indicate that strange things are forecast to occur but this garnacha from the large and historical Finca Aylés estate in Cariñena pretty much does the expected. Delivers dark varietal fruit with a mineral streak as salty as it is firm. Crunchy garnacha, full bodied and flavoured for the foreseen and well, expected. Garnacha of empowerment, helping consumers trust themselves and their palates and opinions, ultimately enabling them to confidently make wine purchasing decisions. Drink 2025-2027. Tasted March 2025.
90 points - David Lawrason
From a large and distinguished vineyard, this is a very smart and delicious garnacha. The ripe sweet almost candied nose black cherry, pomegranate juice is also quite floral. Oak is nicely in the background with a hint of mocha and spice. It is quite full bodied and rounded, but also has enough warmth and acidity to give it a sense of freshness and stability. The length is excellent. Might be a bit confected for some. Chill a bit. Last tasted Jan 2026
90 points - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.
This vegan garnacha from Aragón is almost lavishly fruity, with an engaging array of red fruit, some lightly candied. Undertones of woody spices and violet petals add to its appeal. The palate is supple, with juicy acidity, subtle warmth, and a gentle viscosity that lends it a sense of fullness. I really like the woody herbal note that lingers on the long finish. Bold, easy-to-like, and full of varietal character, this garnacha should ideally be enjoyed over the next year or so. Tasted January 2026.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A full-throttle yet effortlessly pleasing and typical garnacha. White pepper, violets, strawberry, and black currant lead the charge. Clean, stylish, and modern, with a mouthwatering degree of juiciness. At 13.5% alcohol, it sits on the moderate end for the variety, making it notably more food-friendly than the norm. The spice profile is clearly grape-driven, with little to no influence from oak. Tasted January 2026.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
“I’m a lucky man who has been given the opportunity to realize my dream and continue my family’s efforts making wine in the land where I was born.” – Tommaso Cortonesi
Tommaso is third-generation winemaker at Cortonesi that owns some of the most prized vineyards in the north and south-east of Montalcino. Favourable geography, rocky soils, and ingenious winemaking all come together to create some of the region's deepest and most elegant Brunello wines.
The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970s. At first, wines were made to be enjoyed by family, friends and neighbours, but then in 1985, Cortonesi had gained enough traction within their community that they began to offer their wines commercially. Today, Cortonesi remains a family business that continues to work according to tradition, while employing modern technologies to the enhance the quality of their production.
Lovers of Sangiovese must experience “La Mannella”, a collection of wines exclusively sourced from Cortonesi's private vine land. This farm covers 56 hectares, eight of which are devoted to the production of some of the world's most coveted and age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
Just bottled one week ago and hello to a '23 that Tommaso Cortonesi says is "very close to the Rosso di Montalcino style that I want for my winery." Tommaso has been working and honing his concept of Rosso for more than a decade and this first look at its next iteration seems somewhat of an aggressive one. That is the idea and Cortonesi admits how others who faced major 2023 challenges were jealous of the quality and quantity of La Mannella's harvest. Palate intensity is off the charts, there is a spicy element happening and structure is tops for Rosso. There are Brunello makers who would kill for this combination of substance and style. Drink 2026-2031. Tasted February 2025.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light 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
90 points (2020) - David Lawrason
This is a delicious, fairly juicy and charming young gamay. There is a hint of meatiness on the nose but all kinds of candied strawberry/cherry as well, and violet-like florals. It is light to medium bodied, open knit, slightly sour-edged with very generous fruit on the palate. The tannins are notably mild, the alcohol provides some power and the length is very good to excellent. Tasted June 2022
- Red Wine
- Primitivo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cantine Paradiso
Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. During the estate's 60-year history, the Paradiso family have always given the utmost importance to their close ties to Puglia's unique terroir, promoting the area's winemaking culture and constantly improving the quality of their production. The ongoing results confirm the choices made by three generations of down-to-earth vignerons closely bound to tradition and sensitive to innovation.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points (2016) - David Lawrason
The 2016 vintage has put some punch into this inexpensive merlot-based Bordeaux. There is a sense of volume and energy. The nose is quite lifted with blackberry/raspberry fruit, notable herbal presence, some meatiness and spice. It is medium-full bodied, with warm alcohol, juicy acidity and some slightly green tannin. The length is excellent. Best 2025 to 2030
89 points (2016) - Michael Godel
Blends merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc for a Right bank bruiser, especially at the cost. The wood is still very much in charge and if the 2014 showing at this stage is any indication then 2016 will need even more time to unwind. In this stage the merlot is in full command, verdant, savoury, herbal and with toasty oak flavours yet settled. Wait on this one. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted November 2021.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine de Mauperthuis
A family estate created by Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck, Domaine de Mauperthuis is located in Prehy, near the town of Chablis. Their wines express the terroir of this amazing region and the vineyards are currently undergoing the transition to organic. Domaine de Mauperthuis covers around twenty hectares of vineyards around Chablis. The estate, in the Burgundy appellation, is planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and César, on land facing south, benefiting from exceptional sunshine.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
92 points - Michael Godel
Goutte De Lune, “drop, or tear of the moon,” is a hefty Chablis at the top of the fruit chain. Substantial is the understatement, and still the structure stands up and carries the load. There seems to be no overstatement that can be made about such a wine, and one with the addendum of neither Premier, nor Grand Cru distinction. Just a name and simply Chablis, but the Mauperthuis is anything but. Drink 2026-2030. Tasted August 2026.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
This is one of Mauperthuis's sharper and fresher Chablis I've had in recent times, fruit of the challenging, low-yielding, but ultimately fine 2024 Chablis vintage, a return to the cooler years of the 1990s and before. It pours a concerningly sustained straw colour, but picks up the freshness on the palate, remaining stony and contained, chalky and limey, with solid complexity and concentration in the end. Good length, too. Enjoy over the nearer term, now-2030 or so. Tasted August 2026.
- White Wine
- Melon de Bourgogne
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 11.9% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - David Lawrason
Yet another riper-than-expected Muscadet as warming settles in, but this may also be intentionally later harvested. It pours with deeper more golden than expected colour. The nose is quite reserved but showing ripe peach, leesy pastry (sur lie) notes and subtle citrus marmalade. It is quite rich and soft for muscadet, with almost creamy texture, modest acidity and pleasant bitterness on the finish. Excellent length. Chill fairly well. Tasted May 2026
91 points - Sara d'Amato
A gutsy wine with more oomph than the norm for Muscadet with an almost buttery, leesy richness that doesn't feel overdone from 11 months of sur lie aging. With the stuffing for further development, I like the cut of acidity, the delicate minerality, and density of the palate. Idiosyncratic and engaging, even in its youthful condition. Tasted May 2026.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Stylishly stony the way we like Muscadet, from 40+ year-old vines on south- and southeast-facing slopes in the Côtes de Grand Lieu sub-zone and aged 11 months on its fine lees, this is also quite dense and richly proportioned at just 12% ABV declared, indicating genuine concentration and richness. The finish also lingers admirably. More than oysters, this is a Loire white for lobster and scallops; even roast chicken wouldn't be out of place. Tasted May 2026.
- White Wine
- Grüner Veltliner
- Biodynamic, Organic
- Dry
- 750ml
- 11.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Weingut Matthias Hager
The Hager Matthias winery is located in the small village of Mollands in the Kamptal area of Lower Austria. Matthias took over the 12-hectare land and the family business at an early age. He aims to produce the best quality wine possible and to focus on being in balance with nature. The lands are cultivated according to biodynamic principles and are certified Demeter.
Matthias has a vast knowledge about plants and insects, and about keeping the flora and fauna in harmony with the vines. Matthias Hager is one of the most experimental winemakers in the Kamptal region, Austria. He understood early how to work with different soil types from loess to clay. He established different product lines to highlight these differences: the blue one representing fresh, lively wines including Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc; and the brown line gravitating towards more earthy, flavourful produce and the red line stands for no sulphites!
Press Reviews
WineAlign
90 points - Michael Godel
Cut above energy and buzz from the Hager Matthias grüner veltliner, once again pumping up the aromatic volume, even more CO2 varietal buzz and kinetic, if this time frenetic energy. Subtlety be darned, caution to the wind and thrown out the window for an Austrian white with serious game. Vllages-level grüner veltliner from Mollands in the northern, higher-altitude part the Kamptal gets no more noticeable than this. Might be unusual for some. Drink 2026-2028. Tasted February 2026.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
This is a fruitier iteration of grüner veltliner than many, brimming with sweet green apples, nectarines, and oranges, with only subtle undertones of herbs and toast. I like the glassy palate, energised by acidity and dissolved carbon dioxide, as also the long, crisp finish. Balanced, correct, and appealingly clean and clear, this grüner veltliner will pair well with seafood - perhaps a cilantro-topped ceviche? Tasted February 2026.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Réva is a winery based in Monforte D’Alba, within the Langhe area, in Piedmont, west northern Italy. Its aim is to bring the most brilliant young people of the area together, entrusting them with the task of expressing themselves in the most creative and professional way possible. This is Réva’s Wave, a dynamic team that represents the new Langhe generation, in constant communication with tradition, without the fear of reinterpreting it.
Today the vineyard sites which spread over 4 villages, Monforte D’Alba, Serralunga D’Alba, Novello and Barolo are all managed directly with the entire agronomic work done manually. Strong sustainable vineyards conduction, certified organic, they believe that their biggest challenge is not inventing anything but just define and express the beauty of the land where they live.
Behind every glass of wine there is an expression, expression of terroir, varietal, the varietal is for them everything, indigenous, they speak of the land and, last but not least, passion for what they do. Simply as that.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Sara d'Amato
A light, lofty nebbiolo with an almost ethereal presence, even more so than the 2023 vintage. The fruit comes from San Sebastiano in Monforte d’Alba, rooted in clay and limestone soils, and undergoes a 17-day spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel before ageing for 12 months in Austrian oak.
On the palate, it shows finely textured, creamy tannins with a gentle, silty grip. There’s a clear minerality running through pure cherry-jelly fruit, carried by lively acidity. Fresh, poised, and effortlessly drinkable, it finishes with impressive length. Ready to enjoy now. Tasted July 2026.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
The 2024 vintage of Reva's Langhe nebbiolo is lighter and livelier than the 2023, with more spring in its step. Bright, tart red berries and cherries are joined by herbs and spice. The light to medium bodied palate is supported by powdery tannins and sprightly acidity, also a small amount of carbon dioxide. Fruit, then spice linger on the long finish. I like the elegance and poise of this wine. Tasted July 2026.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Réva's 2024 Langhe nebbiolo is a clean, supple, juicy wine with relatively light, dusty tannins and typical red fruit flavours. Acids are comfortable, as is alcohol at 14% declared. Length and depth are solid. Although '24 was a challenging vintage in many respects, cool, wet and with high mildew pressure, I like the cooler, lighter styling overall, the way Langhe nebbiolo was back in the 1990s, not a monument but a pleasant and appealing wine for current enjoyment or short term hold. Tasted July 2026.
90 points - Michael Godel
Note the cooler vintage, generally speaking, and yet if Réva’s nebbiolo is any indication, the lighter and brighter feeling gained is right here in this pleasure-gifting glass. For those who want a glass, right here, right now, with freshness and a kick of finishing spice. Drink 2026-2028. Tasted July 2026.
- White Wine
- Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Montfaucon
Just across the Rhone river from the beautiful vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends itself on the low hills alongside the river. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle's first tower was built. The castle's role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire. Montfaucon was one of many castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border.
Rodolphe de Pins took over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995 and subsequently rebuilt the winery and began practicing sustainable agriculture. He honed his winemaking skills in Barossa at Henschke and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape before returning to Lirac, so needless to say, his familiarity with the local varieties is well established.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
92 points (2023) - David Lawrason
This is a blend of usual suspects among the white grapes of southern France with marsanne leading at 40% followed by clairette at 35%. It was fermented and aged in French oak barrels which accounts for the quite deep yellow gold colour. The nose is rather reserved but exotic and complex with waxy notes, apricot, orange peel, honey and wood spice. It is full bodied, almost thick, creamy and warming with 13.5% abv. Quite a mouthful, with some sense of wood tannin on the finish. Needs very rich savoury dishes. Excellent length. Tasted Nov 2025
91 points (2023) - Michael Godel
Comtesse Madeleine is a blend of marsanne and clairette with lesser amounts of grenache blanc and picpoul, likely named for Marie-Madeleine Pioche de la Vergne, comtesse de La Fayette, a 17th century French writer known for La Princesse de Clèves. Profound is once again the first word to slip from the tongue because neither Lirac nor Côtes du Rhône are normally poised to offer such substantial qualities. Aside from the flinty opening salvo there are wisps and whispers of aromatic complexities in between, all ahead of a maturity and knowing experience showing prominently at the finish. Once again gastronomical scents, of porchetta, herbs and other aromatics coming from this meatiest of white wines. Begins slower and takes longer to reveal its charms than the previous vintage tasted but once momentum makes gains then the stirring is activated. The finish is long and true. Drink 2025-2029. Tasted November 2025.
90 points (2023) - Sara d'Amato
This blend of marsanne, clairette, grenache blanc and picpoul, aged 8 months in oak barrels, is named in homage to Madeleine de Montfaucon, grandmother of current owner Rodolphe de Pins, who stewarded the estate for over 60 years. The wine offers a gently aromatic profile: floral notes, fresh linen, a touch of musk, and yellow fruit recalling mirabelle plum. Lanonlin and a lively mineral edge keep it fresh. The palate is fleshy, with oak spice playing a minimal supporting role behind the fruit. Highly drinkable, it gains richness as it unfurls. Features a lingering finish of memorable length. Tasted November 2025.
- Red Wine
- Malbec
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodega Marco Zunino
The dream of 4 French partners in Argentina's Mendoza region can be found 200 kilometers from the district capital, in the South of the region, in the town of San Rafael. It's an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers, Diamante and Atuel, vital for agriculture and tourism in the region.The arid climate, rugged landscape coupled with the plane trees located along the country roads and weeping willows bordering its rivers that makes the area reminiscent of the midi region in the South of France.
The thirty-hectare vineyard boasts an exceptional site and an idyllic regional climate for wine producing. The low rainfall, vineyard altitude (670m) and high temperature variations are key to the diversity and quality of San Rafael’s terroir and offers the ideal setting for a truly exceptional quality of grape.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
90 points (2021) - David Lawrason
This is a quite bright and juicy young malbec. The nose has some energy with lifted mulberry/raspberry, fresh herbs, red rose and some shrubby character. It is medium-full bodied, with good acidity, some heat and slightly astringent tannin. Lacks elegance perhaps, but has some life. Very good length. Tasted January 2026.
90 points (2021) - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.
This is quite a classic representation of malbec, with notes of nutmeg, cloves, and dried leaves serving as top notes, followed by flavours of damson plums and blueberries. The palate is medium to full bodied and approachable, with fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity. The long finish displays accents of vanilla and dried henna, then diffused warmth. Balanced, with very good concentration and length, this is wine that should appeal to most. Tasted January 2026.
- Red Wine
- Montepulciano
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Jasci
Located on the hills that rise 250 meters above sea level from the Adriatic Sea just above the seaside resort town of Vasto in Abruzzo, here the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. Starting In the early 1960s, Pasquale and Maria turned the focus of their farm to producing estate wines.
In 1980, their son Giuseppe decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified. Today led by grandson Donatello Jasci and his wife Piera, the family is the second largest single grower in all of the region. Donatello’s approach in the cellar is consistent with his farming: clean and simple. The wines see little or no oak and have a purity of flavor that is rare at the price. In addition to his duties at the winery, Donatello Jasci has served as President of the local Organic Growers’ Consortium.
Press Reviews
Millésime BIO 2022
Médaille d'Argent
WineAlign
91 points (2022) - Michael Godel
Will age a bit indeed with this ’22 montepulciano having changed not an iota with nearly two further years in bottle. Superior concentration and hard to find a gaggle its equal at this price. Last tasted February 2026.
Classic perfume and style, salty upfront for montepulciano with florals part fresh and part dried. Rich as need be, full and substantial on the mid palate and then a return to savoury and also salty at the finish. Really good barrel usage and integration. Clean and classic. Will age a bit. Drink 2025-2029. Tasted March 2024.
90 points (2022) - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
This is an inky, pleasantly perfumed montepulciano d'abruzzo that is organically grown. Fruit flavours span the red and dark end of the spectrum, joined by herbal and wildflower notes. Relatively approachable and supple, the full-bodied palate is populated with fine-grained firm tannins and balanced acidity. A long, flavourful finish features notes of oak spice and cedar alongside supple dark fruit. Featuring sensible oak influence, this is a well-made and even-keeled montepulciano that is ready to drink but can also be cellared for another 2-3 years. Last tasted February 2026.
- White Wine
- Piquepoul Blanc
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign
90 points - Michael Godel
Tongue and cheek take on Picpoul de Pinet, labeled as “Poule de Pic,” a pecking hen picking at feed. The chicken’s varietal picpoul is a rich and viscous one, phenolic and platinum gold to suggest a few minutes more skin contact than the norm. Also suggestive of ripeness and another level of seriousness these wines don’t often make for the ambitious try. Tons of flavour, extract and even a spot of late appearing tannin. Brine a hen, prepare it as fried chicken and pair with some pickled peppers. Just don’t ask, if Peter Piper pickled a peck of poule di pic, where's the peck of poule de pic that Peter Piper pickled? Drink 2026-2028. Tasted February 2026.
90 ponts - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
This is a delectable picpoul de pinet, with notes of citrus and orchard fruit and apple blossoms. The real attraction here is the palate - I really like its texture. Fleshy and rounded, ripe and fruity, it has a pleasing impression of sweetness that is balanced by a hint of bitterness and lively acidity. Broadly appealing and easy-to-like, this is a relatively uncommon white wine that might spark conversation at a dinner party and should pair well with fried calamari or fish and chips. Tasted February 2026.
- White Wine
- Pinot Grigio
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Vitas
The Vitas Winery has been in the family since 1935, for four generations. It is located in the wine-producing area of DOC Friuli Aquileia, on a clayey-marly and sandy-calcareous soil (the so-called Magredi), one of the ingredients which, together with the influence of the sea and a friendly sun, create a perfect microclimate for vine-growing. A lot of importance is placed on conserving the environment and they use methods that protect their natural resources and the surrounding environment
Press Reviews
WineAlign
90 points (2022) - Michael Godel
Far from ubiquitous pinot grigio and yet knowable as a varietal wine that could not be anything else. Not a skin-macerated style but well-pressed to eek out high volume fruit intensity and so the levels of extract, pulpy muskiness and tannin are all on order. Almost chewy in this combined regard and flavourful to the pinot grigio maximum. A style for sure and one executed with top acumen. Drink 2024-2026. Tasted June 2024.
90 points (2022) - David Lawrason
This is a fairly ripe, almost tropical warm vintage pinot grigio with yellow plum, melon and subtle lemon/mandarin citrus blossom notes. It is medium weight, still nicely fresh with a hint of CO2, but a touch warm and off-dry, so do keep it well chilled. Nicely bright and generous, with a hint of minerality on the finish. The length is very good to excellent. Tasted June 2024
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points (2021) - Michael Godel
Crew Sauvage is light, bright and tension-filled pinot noir from Niagara vineyards including Quarry Road (Vinemount Ridge), Cherry Road (Twenty Mile Bench) and Tintern. Warm enough through the 2021 summer yet September brought lots of rain. In spite of the challenge there is some flesh and substance to effect varietal stability across the wine’s constituent boards. Fruit is fulsome and cherries predominate while acids are sweeter and more advanced, in other words less sharp and more involved with the fruit. Crunchy when it needs to be, a touch lactic and long in the toothsome aspect. Good work here for “qui vit en liberté dans la nature.” Drink 2023-2026. Tasted April 2023.
90 points (2021) - David Lawrason
This is a very pale, somewhat thin pinot with a lifted nose of rhubarb/strawberry pie, fresh herbs and pretty florals. It is light bodied, fresh and piquant, but also shows some warmth and richness. Quite engaging, and as the label says a touch 'sauvage'. The finish is sour-edged, the length is excellent. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Bobal
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Agrícolas de Vinos La Higuera
Agrícola de Vinos La Higuera is a small project founded in 2017 by two friends, Javier del Blanco and Jorge Navascues, to join their knowledge in the wine industry while working separately with top Estates from different regions all over Spain.
The aim is to nurture and craft honest wines that will honor their origins, with great value and genuine quality, expressing the purity of the grape variety and the environment they are grown in.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - David Lawrason
It is rare to see a 100% bobal, a variety localized in southeastern Spain. This provides impressive lift and complexity for the price with pomegranate-cherry fruit, and a scent of evergreen/fresh herbs and wood spice. It is medium weight with good structure - warm alcohol, brisk sour-edged acidity and slightly crusty tannin. But there is also generosity and balance with more energy and complexity than expected. Very good to excellent length. Tasted November 2025.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D
I really like the unaffected charm of this Bobal - there is a generosity and diversity of flavour here, and yet a lightness and ease of being. Flavours of red berries, cherries, and pomegranates mingle playfully with notes of savoury herbs, underbrush, and violets. The medium-bodied palate feels tender and tart, in the most pleasing way, and happily, the peppy energy, candour, and clarity of this wine continue on the long finish. Tasted November 2025.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ca' del Monte
Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. It has belonged to the same family for generations, and is now run by brothers Umberto and Giuseppe Zaconte. There’s nothing fancy about this place. The house and winery are modest - and are attached to a 17th century monastery.
The estate is approximately 50 acres, and its 15-65 year old vines lie on gentle slopes at 800-900 meters. They grow on four soils including clay, limestone, red volcanic soil with red stones, and “Toar,” a green volcanic soil. The vineyards of Ca Del Monte are planted with 20-40 year old vines of Corvina, Rodinella and Molinara grapes that are planted in poor soils that stress the vines and nurture the fruit. All of the farming is done traditionally and non-certified organic.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points (2018) - John Szabo, MS
Maturing, classically-styled ripasso here from the reliable house of del Monte, supple, smooth, well-balanced, juicy and silky. Flavours span the expected mature dark cherry spectrum, buffeted by gently resinous, old wood influence, with a mix of toasted almonds and dried herbs in an inviting ensemble. Length and depth more than deliver in the category. Fully ready to drink. Tasted January 2023.
90 points (2018) - Michael Godel
Über traditional so far as Ripasso is concerned and exaggeratedly so due to an extra couple of years got behind this corvina and friends by Ca’ del Monte. Persistent though, a juicy, juicy version with plenty of freshness and generosity with thanks to bright acids keeping the energy alive. Nice Ripasso indeed to serve a purpose in our lives, mainly to match a good braise in these cold winter months. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
90 points (2018) - Sara d'Amato
More refreshing than heavy, this well-balanced Ripasso style Valpolicella is effortlessly drinkable. The tannins have mellowed but still give a healthy bit of tack to the palate. Features an appealing degree of verve, authenticity and notable length. Gracefully matured and ready to drink. Best now to 2025. Tasted January 2023.