Shop from a selection of full-bodied whites and soul-warming reds that will get your cellars ready for getting together with friends and family, all through the cooler seasons.
33 products
33 products
- Red Wine
- Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Sara d'Amato
A biodynamically-grown blend of grenache (40%), syrah (30%) and mourvèdre (30%) from the schist soils of the hilly, coastal appellation of Faugères. A low-interventionist style fermented spontaneously with 10 months of maturation in stainless steel vats and neutral oak. Clean and juicy with lively red fruit and hints of peppercorn, anise, pine needles, and juniper. Silky tannins and some warmth on the finish point to a riper vintage. Notably complex but effortlessly drinkable. Very good length.Tasted in magnum at Terroirs & Millésimes 2024.
- 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
91 points - Michael Godel
Tornatore has simply, unequivocally and decidedly defined the genre that is Etna Bianco for world markets at an affordable price. The 2023 vintage was not so easy to do this way because mildew pressure and low yields were the obstacle. And yet like so many the acids are intense to insure true Etna mountain spirit is elevated as it needs be. This does precisely what wants and needs for a $25-30 Bianco. All must partake and become believers in what is possible. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted September 2024.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
Tornatore's 2023 entry point Bianco is clean, fresh, lively, and lightly smoky, with everything in place, citric, white fruit-inflected, with no evident wood. The palate is lean, tight, tart, riveted together by pointy acids in a wine lover's expression. Some will find it austere, but I appreciate the tight framing. Best from 2025 - a wine with character and personality. Tasted September 2024.
- Red Wine
- Malbec
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Lamartine
The Château Lamartine stands at the extremely west side of the Cahors Appellation, on the oldest of Lot Valley’s terraces. The terroir of the 37 hectares faces South on clay and limestone soils which guarantees a perfect maturity to the Malbec.For four generations, the Gayraud family has given the greatest care to the vines as well as the wine-making. This is the key to get the purest expression from the terroirs.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.
From old vines growing on limestone terraces above the Lot river in Cahors, this is a potent yet spry malbec. A rich concoction of blueberries, damson plums and dark cherries are joined by resinous herbs and pepper here. The palate is relatively approachable for a Cahors, with plentiful fine-grained, ripe and smooth tannins and lively acidity. I like the balance here between fruit and savoury herbs, and between firmness and pliability. The long, layered finish diffuses soft warmth all over the palate. Tasted February 2026.
90 points - Michael Godel
Persistently well made and market-entry Cahors defining malbec, at times referred to as the “Tradition” label and regardless of the working title there is nothing but quality in this wine. Lighter and more refreshing from 2021, a possible let down for some but those who desire lift and bright possibility will relish the savoury meeting umami character of this sneaky strong malbec. Drink 2026-2029. Tasted February 2026.
- 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
WineAlign
94 points (2020) - Michael Godel
Bine Longhe Costalta Soave Superiore resides at the pinnacle for Tesari with this ode to Cornelia, a garganega of the finest volcanic order and ilk. Imagine everything you’ve ever tasted in this family’s portfolio, exaggerate and hyperbolize the accents, aromatics and flavours, recalibrate your senses and take it all in. The most flesh thickens and abounds, a facsimile of lava energy infiltrates and the wine simply coats, lavishes and collates in the mouth. Feel is everything, emotion surely a part and gratitude overflows. Soave par excellence. Drink 2022-2024. Tasted June 2022.
93 points (2020) - David Lawrason
This is a lovely, rich and engaging Soave 100% from the garganega grape. It pours pale yellow-gold. The nose is not powerful but it is complex with apricot, persimmon, honeysuckle and warmed almond aromas. It is medium-full bodied, dry, warm and rich with some bitterness, a hint of tannin and heat on the finish. The length is excellent.
92 points (2020) - John Szabo, MS
Tessari's "long rows" (Bine Longhe) from the Costalta Cru is a ripe and broad, nicely concentrated wine in the ripe and warm 2020 vintage, creamy and layered, with an appealing range of white and yellow-fleshed orchard fruit, shifting into tropical nuances. I like the sapid and saline quality, the lingering finish. Quality wine, deep and concentrated, with scope to continue evolving for another half-dozen or more years - there's genuine substance here. Best after 2024. Tasted June 2022.
- Sparkling Wine, White Wine
- Garganega
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
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
WineAlign
91 points (2020) - David Lawrason
This is a very complete and well balanced sparkler, unusually made from the garganega grape of the Soave region. It pours fairly deep lemon gold. The nose is ripe peach, lemon-lime, subtle toast and mustard flower. It is medium bodied, fresh, just off-dry and very well balanced, with a dry, slightly pithy finish. Very complete, focused and well balanced. The length is excellent. Tasted June 2022
90 points (2020)- Michael Godel
Arcerus in garganega by Tessari from volcanic Soave lands (hills of Monteforte d’Alpone) is bottled under mushroom cork and cage, as opposed to crown cap in the spousal Avus. In this case Arcerus represents an ancient toponym linked to the tradition and history of Brognoligo. While Avus is “frizzante” Arcerus is “Extra Brut,” of higher residual sugar, less elemental and mineral feel, more flesh and delicacy in design. A much more festive and party favour of a sparkling wine, rich and luxurious in many ways. Flavour abounds yet it’s simpler and easier to understand than the introverted Avus. Which camp are you in? Drink 2022-2024. Tasted June 2022.
90 points (2020) - John Szabo, MS
A pure garganega-based sparkling from Tessari, quite ripe and fruity per the 2020 vintage, forward and ready to go, with moderate autolysis character. I like the texture and acids, the juiciness and generosity, the integrated effervescence, though at this price I'd hope for a little more classic method character - hopefully there are still some undisgorged bottles in the cellar for later release. Fruit also has a lightly oxidative/tropical character. As it stands, this is certainly enjoyable and well made wine. Tasted June 2022.