12 products
12 products
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Villa Calcinaia
Villa Calcinaia is situated in the centre of Chianti Classico near the town of Greve-in-Chianti. This historic estate has been home to the Counts Capponi since 1524, and is maintained by Sebastiano Capponi and his brother Niccolo. In 1992, Count Sebastiano Capponi became the first in the history of the family to manage the winery personally, giving a new life to the vineyards and the cellar.
The family owns 200 hectares of land planted with olive trees, vines and pine trees. Organic farming is the standard at Villa Calcinaia where 75 acres of vineyard are planted with Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo, Grechetto, Vernaccia, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Through every vintage, the wines are crafted with food in mind. They are balanced, elegant, perfumed, and savoury yet refreshing with restrained vigour and intensity that ensures longevity.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Michael Godel
Hard to imagine how a 2017 Chianti Classico can raise the bar across all its constituent parts as this from Conti Cappone is able to effect. The level of primary meeting intellectual notability is well, notable. Fruit rises up to meet acidity and acidity to rise for the challenge of sweet tannin. The bond and the chain is unbreakable. In Annata. No less. Drink 2021-2027. Tasted February 2020.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Ripe, open, with a fine mix of fruit and herbal spice, and low wood impact, this shows good succulence and juiciness on the palate, a saline sapidity that draws additional sips. Good to very good length, one of the successes of the vintage, with elegance and transparency. Drink 2020-2025. Tasted February 2020.
- 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
91 points - David Lawrason
This has a nicely generous, spicy peppery and toasty nose with classic licorice and slightly candied black cherry/plummy fruit. Syrah is taking the lead here. Nicely robust flavour intensity on the palate as well with all that spice repeating. It is medium bodied, juicy and fresh with mild, slightly gritty tannin and earthiness on the finish. Some alcohol warmth at !5%. But it is not out of balance. Very good to excellent length. Tasted August 2020.
- Red Wine
- Cinsault, Syrah
- 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.
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 - Michael Godel
Having been a part of the tasting group that blended this vintage of the Pearce Predhomme Koffieklip cinsault/syrah I can confidently say that the experience shone revelatory light on the excellence of the vintage. The idea was to find the sweet spot between clarity and alacrity, a vanishing away from volatile point of perspective that is so very precise. That we did and this is the result, settled into its natural, wild fermentative and highly parochial skin. Two and half years later it is drinking as it should, firm and juicy, spirited, funky and knowingly perched at the aforementioned high-toned threshold. Resets at the edge of so many things, including restlessness and a reset of what grapes, winemaker (Jacques de Klerk) and place can conspire to want, wish and desire to be. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted January 2021.
90 points - David Lawrason
If you are fan of South African reds you will love this; if not you will be a step closer. It's a lively, engaging if idiosyncratic wine offering complexity, diversity and sheer drinkability. The nose is nicely lifted with a melange of wild blueberry, pomegranate fruit plus some meatiness, all kinds of herbality and Cape tar. It is medium bodied (only 12.5%) alcohol with crunchy acidity, a hint of sourness, fine soft tannin. Excellent length. Edgy but it works. Chill lightly. Tasted January 2021
- Red Wine
- Barbera
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cascina Castlèt
Cascina Castlèt has belonged to the Borio family for generations; Mariuccia, the current owner, inherited it from her father in 1970. Mariuccia focuses on her terroir and the local varieties. The vineyards of the estate are spread over 31 hectares, and are all located in Costigliole d'Asti.
Press Reviews
Decanter
92 points - Top 40 Barbera d'Asti
The Borio family has lived in the Costigliole hills since the 12th century. Mariuccia began making quintessential Barberas like this one in 1970 on her 30 hectares of vineyards. Floral, crunchy, fresh-tasting and engaging; juicy with focused fruit.
James Suckling
91 points
Very nice blueberry and blackberry character with some spicy orange. Medium body. Fruity and tart. Drink now.
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A Lovely, crunchy barbera in modern packaging. In addition to crunch, the palate is substantial and the long oak ageing is deliciously integrated. Offering very good structure and finesse with an unmanipulated feel. Named after great-aunt "Litina" whose dowry brought the vineyard to the family. Very good length. Tasted August 2020.
90 points - Michael Godel
Sister wine Passum by Costigiole d'Asti's Cascina Castlet is a thick varietal stew with lightning bolts of acidity and grippy structure. Such a big wine of larger than life personality with white peppery piques and properly spiced, mild dark chocolate bitterness. Will age without trepidation or any true concern. Litina repeats the mantra albeit with more depth and also more barrel concern. A stronger and more ambitious barbera than its sibling with increased bones, karst and structure. Drink 2021-2026. Tasted August 2020.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a pretty and serious barbera. Not highly lifted and aromatic but authentic with raspberry/currant fruit, barbera's charcuterie note and some herbality. It is medium-full bodied, fairly dense with firm acidity, alcohol warmth and tannin. Nice sense of proportion here. Fairly tannic and the length is excellent. Give it two years. Tasted August 2020.
90 points - Michael Godel
Juicy, lively, vibrant but dense and concentrated barbera here, with typically light and supple tannins, fresh acids, and plenty of ripe black cherry fruit on the palate. Length and depth are very good. Solid wine. Tasted August 2020.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
The “La Mannella” farm, owned by the Cortonesi family, covers a surface of 56 hectares (138 acres), eight (19 acres) of which are especially devoted to the production of “Brunello di Montalcino”. Its wine-making activity started at the beginning of the seventies, and its vineyards are placed in one of the most valuable areas of the region, both north and south-east from Montalcino. The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970’s however at the time the wine was simply for family, friends and neighbours enjoyment. In 1985 they began to offer their wines commercially. It is strictly a family business, and works according to tradition, while also employing modern technologies that help to the enhance the quality of the wines made. Tommaso, in his early 30s, is the third-generation winemaker at the winery that was started by his grandfather. The favorable location of its vineyards, and the rocky soil where they are planted, all contribute to the making of a deep and elegant Brunello. Tomasso says “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.”
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 Points - David Lawrason
This has become a personal favourite, offering lots of Italian character for the money. It nicely straddles being both juicy and structured. The nose is lifted with currant/raspberry fruit, fresh herbs/rosemary, rose-like florality and modest oak. It is medium bodied, smooth yet lively with easy tannin and a slightly bitter finish. Excellent length. Tasted December 2020.
91 points - Michael Godel
From Tommaso Cortonesi in the northeastern part of Montalcino at La Mannella beneath the village and the youngest vines deciding the fresh, high acid, sparked, spirited and lively sangiovese. No secret that the 2019 vintage will deliver top quality Rosso do Montalcino and fast forward three further years even finer Brunello. Goes to show and equate that IGT Rosso as here will rarely acquiesce this level of fortune. And so here is your portal into the territory, with a modicum of structure as well so wait eight more months to get your fill. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted December 2020.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
This is bold, fruity, dark fruit and cassis-scented sangiovese from Montalcino (young vines) that over-delivers in the price category. I love the immediate juiciness, the plump and ripe fruit, the absence of oak influence, the light, dusty tannins, and the surprisingly good length. This is an infinitely drinkable vintage for this wine, one that should win a lot of friends. Tasted December 2020.
James Suckling
90 Points
A fruity, lively red with cherry, light chocolate and walnut character. Some bark, too. Medium body, light tannins and a vibrant finish. Drink now.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Clos del Rey
In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, Clos del Rey is situated in the centre of almost 900 acres in the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family since 2001. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary and thyme). The vines of up to 120 years old are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet or bush style. However, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. The winery resides on an abandoned iron mine imparting red and orange hues to the soils of Clos del Rey, this Iron also adds a soft minerality and silky mouthfeel to the wines. Julien Montagne makes complex wines that truly represent his vineyards and his Catalan roots--you can almost smell the sun in the glass.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Sara d'Amato
A lively wine, peppery with an abundance of natural, fruit-derived spice. Sourced from grenache carignan and syrah grown in the schisty soils of Maury. Nots of tender violet petals add further dimension to the palate. Delicately structured with fine acidity, gentle tannins and well balanced oak spice. Excellent length. Tasted February 2021.
91 points - John Szabo
Wild blueberries and both sweet green and resinous herbs lead off on this concentrated and substantial Côtes du Roussillon red, a very typical expression yet with above average concentration and depth. Tannins are supple, ripe and velvety, acids creamy-balanced, and great length. A very satisfying mouthful of wine, for current enjoyment or short term hold. Tasted February 2021.
90 points - Michael Godel
Soils are black schist below Maury at 200m and above the proximate limestone soil. The mix of grenache noir, carignan and syrah is quite hematic, blended into herbal tonic and this ever-present schist sensation. Like salted liquorice and a cocoa-caramel swirl. Rich and volupté in 2018, showing more wood and density. Good acid crunch creates complexity and balance in the end. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted February 2021.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 1000ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% 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 - John Szabo, MS
Drinking really well now, more open and fruity than the Fleurie, showing a touch of old wood. Fine structure, fine-grained tannins. An explosion of fruit with a streak of granite. Tasted November 2019.
Vinous
90 points
Lurid ruby. Ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur and candied flowers on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Supple, sweet and broad on the palate, offering pliant red fruit and spicecake flavors that deepen as the wine stretches out. In a plush, seamless style, delivering strong fruity thrust and a hint of mocha on the long, gently tannic finish.
- Red Wine
- Barbera
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 15% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Réva Monforte
Réva has a dynamic relationship with tradition: respect without excessive obedience, knowledge without stuffiness. This attitude is reflected in the search for a personal style that is free to communicate their character through the extraordinary expressive possibilities of the Langhe and the Barolo area.
The winery focuses on producing wines of excellence with great attention paid to the particular characteristics of each grape variety and the utmost respect for diversity. All the vineyards are cultivated organically and monitored directly by the winery team.
The winery’s roots go back to 1867 however In 2010 the winery underwent a thorough reconstruction and the acclaimed Gianluca Colombo became head oenologist. Despite his youth, Gianluca has a great deal of experience and in 2014, received the Premio Gambelli award – a prestigious award for winemakers under 35.
- 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
Wine Spectator
90 Points - Top 100 Wines of 2020
This focused red delivers smoke and mineral undertones flanking the plum and currant flavors, backed by moderate tannins. Accents of bay leaf, spice, violet and black licorice create depth and interest through the energetic finish. Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2028.
- Red Wine
- País
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.9% alc./vol
About the Winery
Garage Wine Co.
Garage Wine was literally started in a garage in 2001, by Etobicoke expat Derek Mossman and his wife Pilar Miranda. Since then, the dynamic duo handcraft wines from a series of individual vineyards located in the Maule and Itata Valleys, in the south of Santiago, Chile.
Garage Wine Co makes wines from a series of individual parcels, small lots / bottlings of 8-22 barrels that include a series of dry-farmed field-blends of Carignan, Garnacha, Monastrell, País, Cinsault and Cab Franc grown on pre-phylloxera rootstock with small farmers in the Maule and Itata. Each wine is from a 1-2 hectare parcel in a different place.
Over the years working in the community they have raised a veritable posse of vineyard hands whose skills are working the vineyards the old way / the traditional way– originario. The vineyards are on the old coastal range of mountains closer to the Pacific and have granitic soils with cracks for roots to get deep down into.
When GWCo. speaks of the provenance of these wines they mean more than just the geological terroir. Derek and Pilar think the farming practices that have evolved over generations have as much to do with the wines’ personalities as the soils. All the wines are made by hand with native yeasts in small tanks, punched down manually and pressed out in a small basket press. GWCo is still very much a DIY operation and we still tow much of the crop back to the winery in trailers behind trusty pickup trucks 2,000 kilos at a time.
- 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.