30 products
30 products
- 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
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light 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
91 points - Michael Godel
Tommaso Cortonesi grabs the youngest of his sangiovese not yet ready for the youthful exuberance of Rosso nor the prime time of Brunello di Montalcino and boom, Léonus is constantly re-invented in its IGT style. And yet this is a wine of evolution because vines get older and the better experienced fruit deserves further attention. The price of this IGT is reflective of an increase in quality but also Cortonesi’s understanding of his (home vineyard's) La Manella ways. Look at this label as a window into a vintage, of what Rosso will be and even imagine the prospects for the Grand Vin. Warm one, ripe and developed, a tie to the place forged and more structure in this Léonus is identified clearer than ever before. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
The 2020 Lèonus was sourced from the Cortonesi family's La Mannella farm in Montalcino. It is ripe and plush, with flavours of plums, blueberries, and cherries, alongside subtle notes of herbs, nutmeg, and cedar. The palate is medium to full-bodied, infused with plump red fruit. Tannins are fine and acids are fresh and juicy. Length is very good. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
5 Stars - Sara d'Amato
Consistently a solid value wine, the sangiovese sourced for Cortonesi's 'la Mannella' Lèonus is sourced from the winery's home farm in Montalcino, intended for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This 2021 is both warm and zesty with an abundance of red fruit, along with dried herbs and a distinct brininess. No heavy-handed winemaking. Generous, uncomplicated and widely appealing. Tasted February 2023.
- Sparkling Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Baud Père et Fils
The history of Domaine Baud dates back to 1742, and it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, the 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyard which had suffered from the phylloxera crisis and two World Wars.
Starting with only 4 hectares, the vineyard progressively expanded to 20 hectares with the help of successive generations. Now, managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, the 9th generation, the estate continues to flourish and grow, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and preserving the traditions and style that makes the wines of the Jura so unique and incredible.
The estate achieved the Terra Vitis certification in 2014 for its eco-friendly work and environmental preservation.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - David Lawrason
This is a very tasty, rich, golden hued, well aged chardonnay-based sparkler with an involved nose of cashew, baked apple, nougat and honey. It is almost creamy in texture with fine mousse and very good acidity providing counterpoint. There is pleasant nutty bitterness on the finish; length is excellent.
91 points - Michael Godel
Varietal chardonnay that sees a year of lees aging with a dosage to reach the desired Brut. A richness and also dried herbal notes plus fennel that is offset by a creamy sweetness melting and melded through the pictorial texture of a wine so sharp and yet so soft. One imagines the Baud family being led by such humans and when a wine acts as an expression of they, well isn’t that the point in a wine like this? Drink 2022-2024. Tasted July 2022.
Baud’s Crémant is made in true Blanc de Blancs style, from 100 per cent chardonnay and though faintly if beautifully oxidative, the cuvée pulses with great energy. The scents of fraying ginger batons, scraped orange skin and baking almond cookies are all a treat for the olfactory. Just enough but not too much sweetness fleshes the the body to get down to density in mouthfeel but never abandons its airy character. A terrific Champagne alternative that was disgorged in October of 2017. Drink 2018-2022. Tasted April 2018.
Treve Ring
91 points
This family estate dates back to 1742, but it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyards, expanding from 4 hectares into 20 hectares over the years. Today the estate is managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, 9th generation. This sustainably farmed chardonnay is rooted in the Jura's marl and limestone soils and was fermented in stainless before a year on lees before disgorgement and release. Green apple, white florals, oyster shells, meadow herbs, meringue run the bright, sleek palate, with a bed of creamy lees. There's a lovely streaming anise note that leads to a lengthy finish. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold over the next couple years easy.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% 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 - John Szabo, MS
Deeply coloured and sweet-smelling, very ripe and sappy red blend from Aylés (merlot, garnacha, tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon), with a solid dose of sweet wood spice and jammy black fruit in an almost new world, California-like expression. The palate is soft and plush, immediately satisfying and inviting with its vague impression of sweetness, and supple, creamy tannins and acids and solid concentration. The finish lingers on espresso-mocha notes, though not in exaggerated fashion. A bold and satisfying, widely appealing wine all in all for current enjoyment or short term hold - this is all about the ripe fruit. Tasted March 2022.
- Rosé Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Sparkling Wine
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Rosé Wine
- Prieto Picudo
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas y Viñedos Pardevalles
Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco. In 1949 Rafael Alonso founded Pardevalles continuing with the family tradition of growing grapes and making wine. The winemaking tradition in León goes back more than 400 years, famous for its centuries-old caves where wine was originally made.The vineyards of Pardevalles are located between 750 and 820 metres above sea level, in an area with a Continental climate. They grow in poor, rocky alluvial soils which helps maintain the freshness in the wines. The philosophy of the Estate is grounded in making wines which express the character and identity of their origin, with a deep respect for the earth and the indigenous varieties of grape, combining tradition, innovation, and hard work.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
John Szabo, MS – 90 points (2019)
Lovely, fresh, crunchy, strawberry-cherry, and cherry yoghurt-flavoured rose here from Spain's rare picudo prieto variety. I love the succulent, saline, vibrant profile of this wine, the infinite drinkability, and yet also the deceptive complexity underlying it all. This is tasty wine. Tasted February 2021
- Red Wine
- Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full 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
92 points - Sara d'Amato
A clean, juicy and lightly salty blend of grenache, syrah and carignan made from organically grown grapes on the hillsides of Faugères in the Languedoc, an appellation that boasts the highest percentage of organically farmed vineyards of any French AOC. As is typical with natural wines, this is fermented with wild yeast and is both unfined and filtered showing a touch of expected sediment at present when you near the bottom of the bottle. A fine example of the character that Brouca can coax out of his blends despite minimal intervention techniques. The 2020 is drinking very well now with a mouth-filling concentration of fruit, and barely perceptible wood spice from the 10% use of neutral barrels, the remainder having been vinified in stainless steel. The alcohol is well-balanced and the wine avoids the trappings of warm & jammy yet still showcases the generous sunshine of the region and natural garrigue. Very good length. Tasted January 2023.
92 points - Sara d'Amato
A clean, juicy and lightly salty blend of grenache, syrah and carignan made from organically grown grapes on the hillsides of Faugères in the Languedoc, an appellation that boasts the highest percentage of organically farmed vineyards of any French AOC. As is typical with natural wines, this is fermented with wild yeast and is both unfined and filtered showing a touch of expected sediment at present when you near the bottom of the bottle. A fine example of the character that Brouca can coax out of his blends despite minimal intervention techniques. The 2020 is drinking very well now with a mouth-filling concentration of fruit, and barely perceptible wood spice from the 10% use of neutral barrels, the remainder having been vinified in stainless steel. The alcohol is well-balanced and the wine avoids the trappings of warm & jammy yet still showcases the generous sunshine of the region and natural garrigue. Very good length. Tasted January 2023.
91 points - David Lawrason
This is a very expressive, interesting and rather juicy red made from a fairly typical blend of grenache (which dominates texturally), syrah and carignan. The nose shows quite floral violet notes with plummy/black cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of meatiness. It is mid-weight, fairly soft yet lively on the palate with some alcohol heat providing intensity. Carignan's acid and tannin complex adds to this idea. The length is excellent. Tasted January 2023.
- Rosé Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Keint-He
Keint-he Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% 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.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.2% 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
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very fine, quite elegant chardonnay that over-delivers for $25. There is a sense of sophistication here.The nose is generous and clean with very well integrated peach/pear, subtle toast, spice and lees. It is mid-weight, polished and very well balanced, with some minerality on the finish. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
Punset is an innovator when it comes to organic wine. Inheriting the estate in 1982, Marina Marcarino is a fifth generation winemaker, and she took her estate to the future whilst preserving age-old traditions. She transformed all 20 hectares of her land into a fully organic vineyard during a time where major producers of Barolo and Barbaresco were abandoning tradition to compete commercially. Instead of following the trend, she struck out on her own, and made wines that resonated with her past and passions. Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 - Michael Godel
Mainly dolcetto (70 per cent) with barbera and nebbiolo. Not much of the latter but necessary to widen the expression of the Langhe. Here it’s an explanation point, not a question, as in a confirmation of the exclamatory Piedmontese expression. Bright red amalgamated fruit with proper acidity and the ability to work alongside anyone and all. Drink 2019-2022. Tasted November 2019.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Biodynamic, Organic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 1.5l
- 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.
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
- Marsanne
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.20% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Carlot
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. Originally a 17th century farm, this beautiful estate was resurrected in the 1960's by the Blanc family—it is currently run Cyril Mares of the neighbouring and equally reputable property, Mas Bressades.
The appellation of Costières de Nîmes used to be considered part of eastern Languedoc but the climate, soil, topography and wine are far closer to those just over the river in the Southern Côtes du Rhône. It is now a region very much on the up and is widely recognized as a great source of excellent value wine.
- 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.
- Red Wine
- Biodynamic, Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Abbia Nòva
Located in the town of Pilio, about thirty miles east of Rome, Abbia Nova is the project of cousins Daniele and Pierluca Proietti. They farm 7 hectares of vines, mostly inherited from Daniele’s father, with many of the vines being indigenous varietals to the area. Some of these vines are at least eighty years old.
The cousins follow a combination of natural and traditional methods both in the vineyards and in the cellar, starting with organic and then moving to biodynamic principles. They avoid treatments like sulphur and copper and instead use natural resistance methods that they produce themselves. Their wines are vegan-friendly and organic certified from vintage 2020 on.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Keint-He
Keint-he Winery & Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Prince Edward County. The winery has a strong focus on varietals that are typically grown in Burgundy, specifically Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; through which they truly express the best of the County with wonderful individual expressions. Keint-He’s approach to winemaking is as down-to-earth as it gets and their quality is second to none.
- 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.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Led by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant arm Maison Roche de Bellene, the winery arm Domaine de Bellene, and a special back-vintage series under the Collection Bellenum label.
- Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from old vines of more than 40 years. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or sustainably farmed.
- Domaine de Bellene represents the wines that are produced and bottled from Nicolas Potel's private vineyard holdings.
- Collection Bellenum is a back vintage series that Nicolas Potel sourced from his friends in the region, offering a magnificent selection of bottled history. The wines have moved only twice in their lives, from the original cellar to Potel's and now to yours!
Nicolas Potel grew up at Volnay's Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father worked. He trained abroad and returned home in 1996 to build a négociant business and started Maison Nicolas Potel, where he sourced grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve the quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations, and the rest is history!
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This is an utterly charming, easy drinking and refined pinot. The hot 2018 vintage has layered in some ripeness with fine aromas of red cherry/raspberry compote, fine shrubby, foresty notes, and subtle oak spice. It is light to medium bodied, very smooth with fine tannin. The length is very good to excellent. Such poise and balance. Best now to 2023. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Michael Godel
Nothing quite like a “normal” year to craft the most getable and crushable Bourgogne at the behest and passionate hands of Nicolas Potel. Old vines are in the 45 to 50 year range in highest of high density plantings harvested at a “normal” time in this post-modernist, climate adjusted period. That being the 5th to the 13th of September and fruit already ripe, burning the brix and phenol candle at both ends. Nose in to the promise of violets and roses, dive in for crunchy red fruit and some pretty solid tannins. That early yet necessary pick preserved acids with much to say in a pinot noir as tart and spirited as it is enriching of spirit. Despite the high drink-ability factor the structural parts creep up so wait a year for this to settle further. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
Lovely, bright, crunchy and lively, this entry level Bourgogne from Roche de Bellene rarely disappoints. With a fine, elegant, and well-integrated oak treatment and an invitingly silky texture, this pinot noir is notably compelling and delivers solid value. Excellent length. Tasted June 2021.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
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
90 points - Michael Godel
3XP is the triumvirate styling of Tawse winemaker Paul Pender, Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce and Sommelier Will Predhomme. It's the latest song release in the epic Pearce-Predhomme négoce journey, a progressive-art-album rock venture replete with eleven-minute opus material, but this one is the hit with a recognizable and catchy hook. It's Hungry Heart, I Will Get by and Lucky Man wrapped up into one three-minute chardonnay play. The sip-swirl-swallow trilogy is like verse-chorus-verse and repeat. It's straightforward sharp, tart and flavourful chardonnay that only Paul Pender could make and it's consume-ability factor is one of threefold manifest destiny. The number three is a very important number in biblical and mythological study. It "is the first number to which the meaning "all" was given. It is The Triad, being the number of the whole as it contains the beginning, a middle and an end. The power of three is universal and is the tripartide nature of the world as heaven, earth, and waters. It is human as body, soul and spirit." As for this PPP chardonnay, just drink it up and enjoy. For the next three years. Drink 2018-2020. Tasted July 2018.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Andre Aubert
At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar. The chances are you haven’t heard the name before, few people have, but the wines are worth seeking out. It’s not a new wine region – vines have been planted here since around 500BC but it is a new name (formerly known as Côteaux-du-Tricastin). Domaine André Aubert, has been formed over decades and today comprises of more than 280 hectares spread from north to south of the prestigious Southern Rhone Valley on the appellations Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône villages, Visan, and Grignan-les-Adhémar.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is new appellation (formerly Coteaux de Triscatin) is the northernmost in the southern Rhone. It uses the typical southern Rhone varieties, but none can be more than 80% of the blend. This is a quite elegant, well structured, mid-weight red with some stony minerality, lifted pepper and savoury notes. Not as opulently fruity and rich as many peers, yet very tidy and balanced. The length is very good to excellent. Tasted March 2022
- 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
90 points - Michael Godel
A varietal bobal from Utiel-Requena where 34,000 hectares in Valencia between the two neighbouring towns of Utiel and Requena are mostly concerned with this unique variety. Here is a firm and medium-bodied example with a plenary meeting of root-earthy fruit and exemplary acidity. Not exactly tannic but structured in its own parochial way to live non-plussed for a few years. This is quite a youthful example with more getable juiciness than many. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Sarah d'Amato
A fruity, juicy red smartly packaged with a modern-utilitarian label from the Valencian sub-appellation of Utiel Requena where the bobal variety dominates in both red and rosé forms. Mid-weight, supple and easy-drinking with white pepper spice, and bramble along with wafting notes of botanicals and mint. Lightly reduced in a very pleasant fashion. Would benefit from a slight chill. Engaging and convivial with plenty of food pairing potential. Ready to drink. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This 100% bobal was sourced from a single vineyard called La Pinada planted in 1958 in the Valencian sub-appellation of Utiel-Requena. It has a sense of freshness, candour, and authenticity that is appealing. I like the ripe red fruit flavours including plump and juicy strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, accompanied by notes of savoury herbs and earthy tones. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with juicy acids and fine tannins, while alcohol is well-integrated (13.5%, per the label). Ready to drink, this bobal is best enjoyed lightly chilled. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
- 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 - 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 - 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.