The end of August has a certain kind of magic. We pulled together the bottles we’ll be pouring through the last sunsets of summer — crisp whites, chilled Rosés, juicy reds, and easygoing bottles made for late-August sipping.
13 products
13 products
- White Wine
- Carricante
- Sustainable, Volcanic Vines
- 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
- 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
Platter Wine Guide 2026
4.5 Stars (90/100)
These are collaborations with Canadian sommeliers. Supple & juicy, 2023 67% wholebunch carbonic maceration cinsault, shows variety’s fragrance & charm; conventional ferment syrah, supplies heft. Tannins rounded 9 months in older oak.
WineAlign
90 points - Michael Godel
Über clean C-S joint this time around from the Pearce-Predhomme duo by way of Radford Dale in Stellenbosch and the winemaking acumen of Jacques de Klerk. No lack for aromatic volume and syrah adds palate density to otherwise light and transparent Western Cape cinsault. Good showing from 2022, missing some of the natural and volatile swarthiness of previous vintages so look at this as something gained over something lost. Those who wish for crisp, crunchy and as mentioned, very clean will get on board this time. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted April 2024.
- White Wine
- Garganega
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic Vines
- 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 (2021) - 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 (2021) - 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 (2022)- 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.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese, Trebbiano
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 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.
- Rosé Wine
- Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Maison Idiart
Maison Idiart is a wine négociant based in Bordeaux and established in 2013. Nicolas Idiart, winemaker and founder of Maison Idiart, grew up with a passion for wine, something that he shared with his father and grandfather.
He graduated from Bordeaux winemaking school in Blanquefort at 19 years old. Nicolas' love for Loire wines took him to work in Chinon, Touraine and Muscadet. He also had experiences in Australia and New Zealand. After several years travelling the world, he decided to shift his work in the industry and work in sales, focusing in North America.
At 33 years old, after 7 years working in sales, he decided to go back to winemaking with an artisan approach, making small batches of handcrafted wines.
- 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
- 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 - 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. Tasted January 2026
90 points - 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.
- 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
- 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
90 points (2022) - Sara d'Amato
Pours a luminous, deep pink, this rosada from Leon is made entirely of the indigenous prieto picudo grape, more typically a blending variety with dark skins and often resulting in wines with licorice-tinged black and red fruit. With youthful exuberance and potency, this salty and succulent expression features a wealth of lightly candied red berries, slippery tannins and a touch of welcome bitterness that contributes balance and a sensation of freshness. Best to enjoy in its youthful condition but it has the concentration for another year or two of aging. Tasted February 2024.
- White Wine
- Olaszrizling, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic Vines
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 Points - John Szabo, MS
Shifted into the botanical spectrum, Gilvesy's entry-level Bohém — a spontaneously fermented blend of olaszrizling, riesling, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc from the volcanic soils of Szent György-hegy, aged six months on lees in stainless — is now in a stage of ideal enjoyment, with creamy acids and tonic, orange peel and lemon zest flavours. I like the pleasant bitterness and the lingering finish. Chill and go. Tasted May 2026. Previous: Gilvesy's estate white blend delivers a fleshy and fruity-savoury expression with notable saltiness, not an easy and simple, fruity entry cuvée by any means, but a wine of real substance and volcanic expression, what we'd call minerality, more serious than the modest price suggests. Length, too, is highly impressive in the category. A sharp buy to be sure. Tasted January 2026.
91 points - David Lawrason
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. This is an effective, different and interesting blend of olaszrizling, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc. It pours yellow-gold. The nose is lifted with a waxy note, dried flower, caraway and raw turnip. It is light to mid-weight, fresh and balanced with good acidity with refreshing CO2. The root veg flaovurs proceed on the palate. Slightly bitter and pithy citrus on the finish. Excellent length. Tasted May 2026
90 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
A blend of olasrizling, rajnai riesling, and sauvignon blanc, grown in the volcanic soils of Szent György-hegy in the Badacsony wine region of Hungary. It is fresh and zest, with notes of lemons, orange pith, crunchy apples, and crisp pears. It feels refreshing on the palate, with some dissolved carbon dioxide and bright acidity. I like the long, sweet citrus and tonic-infused finish. Tasted May 2026.
- Sparkling Wine
- Lambrusco di Sorbara, Pinot Nero
- Natural, Sustainable
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 11% alc./vol
- White Wine
- Gouveio, Viosinho
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- Rosé Wine
- Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
- 750ml
- 13% 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.