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- 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 (2021) - 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 (2021) - John Szabo, MS
Quite a ripe, if slightly reductive sangiovese here from Cortonesi, a solid value wine year in and year out. I like the succulent, fleshy black cherry fruit, the light, dusty tannins, the dash of oak spice and wild herbs. Everything is set up for current enjoyment or short term hold. Tasted May 2023.
5 Stars (2021) - 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.
- 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 (2022) - 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 (2022) - 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.
- White Wine
- Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Montfaucon
Just across the Rhone river from the beautiful vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends itself on the low hills alongside the river. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle's first tower was built. The castle's role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire. Montfaucon was one of many castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border.
Rodolphe de Pins took over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995 and subsequently rebuilt the winery and began practicing sustainable agriculture. He honed his winemaking skills in Barossa at Henschke and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape before returning to Lirac, so needless to say, his familiarity with the local varieties is well established.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 Points - David Lawrason
This is a blend of usual suspects among the white grapes of southern France with marsanne leading at 40% followed by clairette at 35%. It was fermented and aged in French oak barrels which accounts for the quite deep yellow gold colour. The nose is rather reserved but exotic and complex with waxy notes, apricot, orange peel, honey and wood spice. It is full bodied, almost thick, creamy and warming with 13.5% abv. Quite a mouthful, with some sense of wood tannin on the finish. Needs very rich savoury dishes. Excellent length. Tasted Nov 2025
- 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 - 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.
- Sparkling Wine
- Lambrusco di Sorbara, Pinot Nero
- Natural, Sustainable
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 11% alc./vol
- White Wine
- Pinot Bianco
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Kellerei Bozen - Cantina Bolzano
Nature’s gifts must be employed with respect and understanding.
The Cantina Bolzano winegrowers have a strong focus on near-natural methods and sustainably managed vineyards. They are committed to treating the soils and vines with the greatest care. In a slow process of maturation the best results are achieved with expert helping hands: daily inspection of the vines, thoughtful pruning, careful thinning – all the little jobs that lay the foundation for a top-quality harvest. For a unique quality wine, time is all important. During months of passionate dedication on the part of our winegrowers, top quality grapes ripen in the generous sun of Alto Adige. After the harvest in autumn, the grapes are brought in and sensitive vinification begins under the watchful eye of our winemaker Stephan Filippi and his team.
With long years of experience in winemaking and a passion for the product, he creates unique and distinctive quality wines. Subtle wines that are full of character and very much in keeping with the spirit of the times.
The many accolades and awards won by the wines of Cantina Bolzano are due in no small part to Stephan Filippi’s intuitive relationship with wine and his commitment to excellence.
Kellerei Bozen - Cantine Bolzano
Cantina Bolzano, based in the town of Bolzano, traces its roots to two of Alto Adige’s most historic cooperatives: Santa Magdalena, est. 1930 and Cantina Gries, est. 1908. After deciding to merge in 2001, Cantina Bolzano was created. Bolzano is located in the middle of a valley basin surrounded by hilly vineyards that grow from 200 meters above sea level up to 1000. North and south meet in this valley, and the sun warms the stony soils with its pronounced diurnal temperatures, protecting the vines from the cold.
The average growers’ plots in Sudtirol averages only approx. 1 hectare, and the area, with its famed reputation and steep slopes, is an expensive area to farm. The member of Bolzano (approx. 300 in all) own many of the best vineyards throughout the region, including the Valle Isarco, and pool their resources to create top quality wines. And while no grower is certified organic, many practice organic viticulture and all of them adhere to natural practices in their vineyards. Most growers have lived on their farms with their families for generations. They protect their land and cultivate their vineyards as they have done for generations with total respect of the environment where they live.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Yet another stellar pinot bianco from the collective Bozen collection to present one of the better global white wine alternatives. Not for Alto Adige mind you, but there is a world out there that knows so little about the grape and here would be the place to begin a new and exciting varietal journey. Tart and at its high moments also bracing, lime spritzing here and there, fruit pungency and intensity running amok and frankly everywhere. Pulse, energy and vitality, almost as if you can here the crackling, like ice on the coldest of days. Cool climate pinot bianco rocks. Drink 2024-2026. Tasted August 2024.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a delightfully engaging pinot bianco, with clear, bright notes of golden currants, peaches, apricots, and jasmine blossoms. The palate too is bright, with appealing layers of fresh fruit. It feels pleasantly textured and fleshy, supported by uplifting acidity, while the finish is appealingly drawn out and flavourful. Tasted August 2024.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A tart and dry style of pinot bianco, finely crafted with more intrigue than the norm. Features delicate notes of bergamot, white pepper, and the faintest touch of lees autolysis, along with citrus blossom that lingers on the finish of very good length. Offers impressive concentration and complexity that matches the premium price. Tasted August 2024.
89 points - John Szabo, MS
The reliable coop of Bolzano delivers a ripe and perfumed, gently candied citrus version of pinot blanc in the hot 2023 vintage, certainly on the softer side, carressed by creamy acids. It moves languidly across the palate, comfortably and predictably, yet lacking the mineral twang and incisive cut of the top vintages from the region, if wholly drinkable over the near term. Tasted August 2024.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
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.
- Red Wine
- Carignan
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.8% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Puiggros
Since 1843, the Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vines in the Odena region of Catalunya for the family and close friends. Over generations they had come to realize that their vineyards and techniques were something worth sharing with the world. A sincere dedication to the terroir in their zone and the indigenous varieties that grow there, allows them to constantly discover ways to unlock all of the magic that lies within their land.
Starting with conscious and clean farming in the vineyard, they hand-harvest only the best fruit for their production, and ferment each vineyard separately in varying vessels to accentuate what the vines have to show; some in stainless steel, and many in clay amphora of differing sizes. All the while seeing very little sulfur use (if any) until bottling. Puiggros is pushing the quality of northeastern Spain's wines forward, and doing so in a clean and unique way.
Bodegas Puiggròs
Since 1843, the Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vines in the Odena region of Catalunya for the family and close friends. Over generations they had come to realize that their vineyards and techniques were something worth sharing with the world. A sincere dedication to the terroir in their zone and the indigenous varieties that grow there, allows them to constantly discover ways to unlock all of the magic that lies within their land.
Starting with conscious and clean farming in the vineyard, they hand-harvest only the best fruit for their production, and ferment each vineyard separately in varying vessels to accentuate what the vines have to show; some in stainless steel, and many in clay amphora of differing sizes. All the while seeing very little sulfur use (if any) until bottling. Puiggros is pushing the quality of northeastern Spain's wines forward, and doing so in a clean and unique way.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
94 points - David Lawrason
This is a quite lovely, refined and intriguing Priorat - not as 'heavy' and powerful as some but so nicely expressing the carinyena (carignan) grape. Expect lifted aromas of pomegranate/raspberry with florals, fresh herbs, earth and mineral notes all finely integrated. It is medium-full bodied, lively and almost juicy with carignan's natural energy at work. Tannins are dry and dusty but not green. The length is excellent to outstanding. Will age another ten years but approachable now. Tasted May 2025
93 points - Michael Godel
The work of Bodegas Puiggrós happens in Catalunya and also here in Priorat where the soils are predominantly slate, known locally as “llicorella,” and the significance on the wines, inclusive of this varietal carinyena should not be overlooked. Or taken for granted because the tightly wound, focused and intensity of ultra specific mineral feels are what drive the regional machine. A serious and giving wine from a promising vintage yet here in its infancy and surely structured to be three years away from optimum potential. Drink 2027-2032. Tasted May 2025.
93 points - John Szabo, MS
This is the first vintage of this wine from Priorat produced by Bodegas Puiggròs, made of pure carinyena (carignan) form the region's steep, slate vineyards, and aged in amphora I'm led to believe, though no details can be found on the winery website. It certainly smells like a terra cotta-aged wine with its wet concrete and clay aromas, alongside lavender and rosemary, wildly resinous; fruit is very much a side show in this exotic and original example. It enters fluidly and sleekly before dusty tannins kick up; acids are balanced. It's quite tight and linear overall despite 15% alcohol declared, a far cry from the broad, base note-heavy style more typical of the region. It's an utterly new paradigm for Priorat, at least in my experience - I'd like to spend more time with it to see how the story unfolds, and watch it over several years in the cellar. I keep coming back for more. Tasted May 2025.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
This carignan-based Priorat is full-bodied and warm but well-crafted with an undercurrent of minerality and lightly salty freshness. Showing some evolution in colour and fruit with ample natural spice and hints of iron. Drinking very well now with good depth of flavour and significant length. Tasted May 2025.
- 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.