Tuscany

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.”

About the Winery

Casa Los Frailes

Casa Los Frailes is located in the valley called “land of Alforins”, south west inland province of Valencia, with average altitude of 650-700 meters above sea level. The valley is located between two mountains range, on the east the Mediterranean Sea (50km) and on the west the main “plateau” of La Mancha. Casa Los Frailes (“Cals Frares” in old valencian local language) takes their name from the Jesuit Friars that used to live in the Estate over two centuries (XVII to XVIII). The Casa Los Frailes estate now belongs to the Velázquez family and has for over 250 years, today the 13th generation runs the winery.

Frontrunners in organic agriculture and biodynamics, the estate consists of 162 hectare with vineyards, Mediterranean forest, almond and olive trees and a unique terroir. The main variety was (and still is) the Monastrell, cultivated in bush vines. "As inheritors of such legacy, we believe our wines should be part and transmit the history of our estate, as this history is obviously unique. In today's interconnected world, wines are more and more uniform, but we are committed to elaborate authentic and different wines, loyal to our personality and our history."

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.”

Groupe Bellene

Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant “Maison Roche de Bellene” and the winery “Domaine de Bellene” both located in Beaune. Nicolas Potel grew up at the Volnay Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father, Gérard, had worked since 1964.

Nicolas trained abroad and returned home in 1996, hoping to build a négociant business and that was the start of Maison Nicolas Potel. Potel began sourcing grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations.

Today he runs Maison Roche de Bellene, a micro-négoce that offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines - 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (sustainable viticulture). This enables Nicolas to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision. In addition he owns his own vineyards and bottles these wines under the label Domaine de Bellene. You can also find some special back vintage offerings that Nicolas has sourced from his friends in region, this is labelled under Collection Bellenum.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Ca' del Monte

Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. It has belonged to the same family for generations, and is now run by brothers Umberto and Giuseppe Zaconte. There’s nothing fancy about this place. The house and winery are modest - and are attached to a 17th century monastery.

The estate is approximately 50 acres, and its 15-65 year old vines lie on gentle slopes at 800-900 meters. They grow on four soils including clay, limestone, red volcanic soil with red stones, and “Toar,” a green volcanic soil. The vineyards of Ca Del Monte are planted with 20-40 year old vines of Corvina, Rodinella and Molinara grapes that are planted in poor soils that stress the vines and nurture the fruit. All of the farming is done traditionally and non-certified organic.

Cantine Barbera

Cantina Barbera is located in the Menfi Coast, on the west coast of Sicily. The vineyards are about one mile from the Mediterranean Sea: an uncontaminated deep blue sea, facing South, where low cliffs and sandy dunes create a beautiful environment protected by the Belice River Natural Reservation Fund.

A third generation farmer, Marilena Barbera farms the Inzolia that her grandfather planted in the 20's, just as she attends to the native varietals that are the new frontier of her own generation: Perricone, Nerello, Alicante, Nero d'Avola and Grillo. Marilena makes her wines praticticing organic farming and natural winemaking, while paying utmost respect to Menfi's terroir.

"At the winery, I chose to work only with spontaneous fermentations and to adopt non invasive winemaking practices, in order to respect the unique personality of Sicilian native grape varieties and the beautiful land to which they belong."

Cantine Paradiso

Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. During the estate's 60-year history, the Paradiso family have always given the utmost importance to their close ties to Puglia's unique terroir, promoting the area's winemaking culture and constantly improving the quality of their production. The ongoing results confirm the choices made by three generations of down-to-earth vignerons closely bound to tradition and sensitive to innovation.

Château de Parnay

Château de Parnay is the flagship of the AOC Saumur Champigny. The property is located along the Loire river, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, on the most reputable clay and limestone terroirs of the appellation. The historic property was taken over by Mathias Levron & Régis Vincenot in 2006 with the aim of restoring the nobility of this special place.

Drawing their strength from the authenticity of their values, they now cultivate 50 hectares of vines with the aim of producing exceptional wines in a way that respects the environment. They have been certified organic since 2013.

The Clos of Chemin des Murs is the jewel of the property! Coming from the imagination of it's orginal owner, Antoine Cristal, this Clos was built, planted and cultivated according to an unprecedented technique. On this half hectare of Chenin Blanc, each vine was planted on the north face of a stone wall. Through a hole in the stone the vine crosses through the wall and allowing the grapes to grow facing the southern sunshine. The vine is said to have its 'foot in the cool and belly in the sun'.

Clos Lapeyre

This family farm was traditionally dedicated to mixed farming with livestock, small fruits and grapes which were taken to the local cooperative. From 1985 onwards, the estate was turned over exclusively to viticulture when Jean-Bernard Larrieu gave birth to Clos Lapeyre.

Clos Lapeyre is a 12 ha domain owned by the Larrieu family, in Jurançon, Southwest France. It is situated south of Pau, nestling on steep slopes facing the Pyrenees. The vineyards are planted on terraces at an altitude of 250 m. Jean-Bernard Larrieu makes the wines, and his aim is produce wines that express the specificity of the grape varieties and the soils (pebbly clay/limestone and silex). The wines are certified Organic.

Conti Riccati

Conti Riccati is located in the rolling hills outside of Castelfranco, Veneto; in the province of Treviso. Their vineyards extend along 20 hectares inside a bigger property that has belonged to the Riccati family since the 14th century.
Valperto Azzoni, his wife along and their four children are the direct descendants of the Riccati family and have the same enthusiasm and respect for the land, that their ancestors had in the past.

Conti Riccati grows mostly Glera, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir though they are most known for their Prosecco.
​The winemaker, Salvatore Lovo and the agronomist, Giovanni Pascarella take great pride in making the wines and tending the vineyards for the family. They practice sustainable viticulture and are currently in organic conversion.

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.”

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.

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.

Radford Dale

Radford Dale and The Winery of Good Hope are two brands made by the same people, in the same winery. The team behind these wineries has been an industry leader since the 1990s in chemical free farming, and more recently in low and no sulfur winemaking. They are a founding member of PIWOSA (Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa) which sets ethical, environmental and social uplift standards. Recognizing the social inequality present in South Africa Radford Dale has also set up a trust called Land of Hope to help facilitate bright futures for children, focusing heavily on education.

Alex Dale who owns and manages both projects is an Englishman who grew up spending summers in Burgundy, France. He moved there in his late teens to follow a passion for winemaking and also opened a wine bar in Beaune. He lived in Burgundy for many years before moving to South Africa in 1998, starting Radford Dale with Ben Radford, an Australian. The idea was to produce wines using modern techniques and technology with a healthy respect for tradition, something Alex came to understand well while living in Burgundy.

Wines are made with minimal intervention in order to best express each vineyard’s individuality.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”