167 products
167 products
- Red Wine
- Grenache, 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
92 points - David Lawrason
Huge value in a very stylish, pure and correct southern Rhone blend from a region in the north of the region. This shows a lovely, generous sweet strawberry/cherry nose with vanillin/nougat, red rose fine tobacco/dried herbs. It is medium weight, open knit, smooth and almost a touch sweet with very fine chalky tannin. Great fruit presence and warmth make this so appealing. And the length is excellent. Tasted May 2026.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
The Auberts farm 280 hectares throughout the southern Rhône, this northerly appellation of Grignan-les-Adémar is the family's home base and they are considered pioneers in the region. The 2022 Le Devoy is a blend of grenache (40%), syrah (40%) and carignan (20%) whose vines average 40-years of age on galets roulés, is matured in cement vats. Its oak-free flavour profile highlights youthful fruit, pepper, and garrigue from this windswept appellation. Concentration is notable and the tannins are firm and linear. Excellent length. Best 2026-2029. Tasted April 2026.
- 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
- Pecorino
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4 g/l
- Light Bodied
- 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.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - Michael Godel
From vines near to the village of Vasto at 250m on hillsides above the Adriatic. Usually light, crisp and simply refreshing but 2024 takes it just a bit further. More luxe feels and phenolic grip this time for a pecorino that actually shows off a little bit of its varietal woolliness. Great persistence and length for an “entry-level” example with proof that Jasci does not mess around when quality is at stake. Drink 2026-2028. Tasted February 2026.
- 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
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- 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 high altitude hills over the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family for generations. 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. 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
WineAlign
92 points - David Lawrason
This sports a very pretty, lifted nose plum, cranberry and blackberry, with lifted lilac florals and a subtext of pepper. It is quite lively, refined and energized for the genre from the south of France, perhaps due to the schist and limestone soils in Maury (which is more famous for its sweet vins doux natural. This is almost silky texture with 14.5% abv heat and fine, drying tannin and minerality on the finish. The length is excellent. Drinks now. Tasted Feb 2026
92 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
A classic red from Maury, an appellation in Rousillon, this is a blend of grenache, samsó (a.k.a carignan), and syrah. I find its flavour profile enchanting - it is vibrant and vivid, showcasing both generosity and poise. Resinous herbs, some fresh, some gently roasted, and wild flowers are juxtaposed with ripe fruit flavours, including plums and blueberries. The palate is voluptuous, warm, and dense, supported by firm acidity and fine-grained tannins. The long, flavourful finish features a botanical bitterness, while warmth diffuses over the palate. Tasted February 2026.
91 points - Michael Godel
The black schist at 200m of elevation looking up at Maury with soils edging and abutting a line of limestone work to build character and Roussillon expression for grenache noir, carignan and syrah. A well developed style with chewy fruit maturity in a vintage more black olive Mediterranean than some others. Amaro herbal, always liquorice, saline and schisty-fine. Drink 2026-2029. Tasted February 2026.
- Red Wine
- Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.
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 points (2018) - 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
- Albarín
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% 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
Decanter
92 points - World Wine Awards
WineAlign
90 points (2022) - Sara d'Amato
The early 2000s saw a revival in the albarín grape variety planted largely in the higher elevations of Castilla y León in southwestern Spain and a majority of that is being produced by Pardevalles. This refreshing and zesty expression offers an abundance of flavour from starfruit, lime, and yellow apple, to elderflower and toasty lees. Sure to be a hit with fans of sauvignon blanc and vermentino. An effortlessly elegant sipper with notable length. Tasted February 2024.
- 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
James Suckling
91 points
Very nice blueberry and blackberry character with some spicy orange. Medium body. Fruity and tart. Drink now.
- Sparkling Wine
- Chardonnay, Macabeo, Pinot Noir, Xarel-lo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mas Codina
The Mas Codina estate is located in the heart of the Alt Penedès region, comprising of low-lying plains and hills between 250 and 300 metres high.
Until recently, the farm has always grown, and made a livelihood from, cereals, grapes, peaches and vegetables, as well as farm animals. Now, apart from century-old olive trees, all the land is devoted to vineyards.
Mas Codina has been in the same family for generations. They have adopted organic farming practices promoting natural processes and seeking a balanced ecosystem. All because of their love for land and tradition. There are currently 40 hectares of vineyards that are being organically farmed.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This is a quite fine, firm and elegant cava with nicely placed yellow fruit, mineral and some wet stone and light bready character. This has good character. Nicely firm and dry with a nutty, slightly bitter finish. The length is excellent. Tasted March 2022.
Value Rating: 5/5 Stars
91 points - John Szabo, MS
Attractive aromatics and balance on the palate are features here on this well-made and flavourful cava, in the brut nature style (no added sugar), though neither hard nor overly tart. I like the toasty, creamy citrus fruit - lees ageing flavours are in stark relief, mixing with a good degree and range of other flavours, from fruit to nuts and beyond. Very good length, too. An impressive example in the category, and better than the last bottling tasted in March of 2022. Tasted November 2025. Previous: Here's a ripe and creamy, but also crisp and bone dry Cava with fine flavour definition and concentration, and decent length. Ripe citrus, orange and lemon zest, and gentle sweet herbal notes lead on the palate. Ready to drink. Tasted March 2022.
90 points - Michael Godel
Singular Cava work from a 40 hectare estate in the Alt Penedès dating to 1681. Organic, estate bottled and vines 20-30 years of age. A blend of chardonnay, macabeo, pinot noir and xarel-lo, aged on its lees for a minimum of two years before release. Buttered golden toast brioche, baked apples and light caramel. Delicious. Drink 2025-2027. Last tasted November 2025.
- Sparkling Wine
- Riesling, Vidal
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 10 g/l
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% 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.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Villa Calcinaia
Nestled in the rolling hills of Greve in Chianti, Villa Calcinaia is one of Chianti Classico’s historic estates, stewarded by the Capponi family since 1524. For more than five centuries, the family has cultivated these vineyards with a deep respect for tradition, place, and the enduring character of Sangiovese.
The estate spans sun-drenched slopes, olive groves, and woodlands that frame vineyards rooted in galestro and alberese soils—hallmarks of great Chianti Classico. Here, elevation, exposure, and soil diversity converge to shape wines of elegance, structure, and unmistakable terroir.
Villa Calcinaia’s philosophy marries heritage with thoughtful innovation. Vineyard work is guided by sustainable practices and careful parcel selection, and the estate’s wines are certified organic, reflecting a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the health of the land. In the cellar, the approach favors gentle extraction and patient aging to preserve purity of fruit and nuance of site. The result is a portfolio that captures the soul of Chianti Classico—from vibrant, expressive bottlings to refined Riservas and Gran Selezione wines that reward time in the cellar.
At Villa Calcinaia, winemaking is not a trend but a legacy—an unbroken conversation between land, family, and vine that continues to define the estate’s distinctive voice within Chianti Classico.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 points - Sara d'Amato
A firm Chianti Classico, brightened by the purity of red fruit, simultaneously vibrant and structured. Gentle notes of tilled earth and new leather complement the cherry-driven palate, lifted by lively freshness. Fine-grained yet firm tannins frame the wine’s emerging youthful complexity. Stylish and promising, it will reward patience with further time in bottle.
Tasted January 2026.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
2023 is a fine vintage for Calcinaia's entry point "Cappone" bottling of Chianti Classico (owned by the current conte, or count, Cappone), ripe and generous but also clearly delineated and precise, with textbook savoury cherry flavours, red and black, and comfortably ripe tannins and acids. There's a pleasant ease and accessibility on the palate, an inviting profile that will be best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. Textbook; certified organic as a bonus. Tasted January 2026.
- 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
- White Wine
- Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Barouillet
Chateau Barouillet has been a family business going back at least 8 generations. Vincent Alexis works alongside his father and grandfather to cultivate the land and has moved the winery into organic viticulture, starting to convert the soil in 2010 and fully converting all the vineyards by 2014. In 2020, the obtained their biodynamic certification.
The domaine controls 45 hectares of vines throughout Monbazzillac, Bergerac Pécharmant, and Cotes de Bergerac. Vincent continues to push the biological approach further by working according to the lunar calendar in the vineyards and in the cellar.
- 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
- Red Wine
- Montepulciano
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% 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.
Press Reviews
Millésime BIO 2022
Médaille d'Argent
WineAlign
91 points - Michael Godel
Will age a bit indeed with this ’22 montepulciano having changed not an iota with nearly two further years in bottle. Superior concentration and hard to find a gaggle its equal at this price. Last tasted February 2026.
Classic perfume and style, salty upfront for montepulciano with florals part fresh and part dried. Rich as need be, full and substantial on the mid palate and then a return to savoury and also salty at the finish. Really good barrel usage and integration. Clean and classic. Will age a bit. Drink 2025-2029. Tasted March 2024.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala S.J.D., DipWSET
This is an inky, pleasantly perfumed montepulciano d'abruzzo that is organically grown. Fruit flavours span the red and dark end of the spectrum, joined by herbal and wildflower notes. Relatively approachable and supple, the full-bodied palate is populated with fine-grained firm tannins and balanced acidity. A long, flavourful finish features notes of oak spice and cedar alongside supple dark fruit. Featuring sensible oak influence, this is a well-made and even-keeled montepulciano that is ready to drink but can also be cellared for another 2-3 years. Last tasted February 2026.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points- John Szabo, MS
Maturing, classically-styled ripasso here from the reliable house of del Monte, supple, smooth, well-balanced, juicy and silky. Flavours span the expected mature dark cherry spectrum, buffeted by gently resinous, old wood influence, with a mix of toasted almonds and dried herbs in an inviting ensemble. Length and depth more than deliver in the category. Fully ready to drink. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - Michael Godel
Über traditional so far as Ripasso is concerned and exaggeratedly so due to an extra couple of years got behind this corvina and friends by Ca’ del Monte. Persistent though, a juicy, juicy version with plenty of freshness and generosity with thanks to bright acids keeping the energy alive. Nice Ripasso indeed to serve a purpose in our lives, mainly to match a good braise in these cold winter months. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
More refreshing than heavy, this well-balanced Ripasso style Valpolicella is effortlessly drinkable. The tannins have mellowed but still give a healthy bit of tack to the palate. Features an appealing degree of verve, authenticity and notable length. Gracefully matured and ready to drink. Best now to 2025. Tasted January 2023.