295 products
- White Wine
- Grüner Veltliner
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 11.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Matthias Hager
The Hager Matthias winery is located in the small village of Mollands in the Kamptal area of Lower Austria. Matthias took over the 12-hectare land and the family business at an early age. He aims to produce the best quality wine possible and to focus on being in balance with nature. The lands are cultivated according to biodynamic principles and are certified Demeter. Matthias has a vast knowledge about plants and insects, and about keeping the flora and fauna in harmony with the vines. Matthias Hager is one of the most experimental winemakers in the Kamptal region, Austria. He understood early how to work with different soil types from loess to clay. He established different product lines to highlight these differences: the blue one representing fresh, lively wines including Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc; and the brown line gravitating towards more earthy, flavourful produce and the red line stands for no sulphites!
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Review from 2019 vintage:
From one of the globe’s biodynamic gurus, non-dogmatic, he farms like we breath. Really sharp and equally earthy grüner of reaction, action and depth. Citrus is variegated and texture is for real. Really, really long. Great intensity forever here. Drink 2019-2025. Tasted November 2019.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Crew Sauvage is light, bright and tension-filled pinot noir from Niagara vineyards including Quarry Road (Vinemount Ridge), Cherry Road (Twenty Mile Bench) and Tintern. Warm enough through the 2021 summer yet September brought lots of rain. In spite of the challenge there is some flesh and substance to effect varietal stability across the wine’s constituent boards. Fruit is fulsome and cherries predominate while acids are sweeter and more advanced, in other words less sharp and more involved with the fruit. Crunchy when it needs to be, a touch lactic and long in the toothsome aspect. Good work here for “qui vit en liberté dans la nature.” Drink 2023-2026. Tasted April 2023.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very pale, somewhat thin pinot with a lifted nose of rhubarb/strawberry pie, fresh herbs and pretty florals. It is light bodied, fresh and piquant, but also shows some warmth and richness. Quite engaging, and as the label says a touch 'sauvage'. The finish is sour-edged, the length is excellent. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Hailing from Piedmont, the northwest corner of Italy, 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Michael Godel
Not just amazing but actual, verifiable and absolute truth spoken by way of transparent and clemently honest nebbiolo. Reddest of the cherry red varietal wines, not Barolo because it’s almost too perfectly what it purports to be, without aggression, grip or grandeur. If anyone should find austerity in the tannins or any part of this nebbiolo then something is amiss. For pure drinking pleasure with the grape’s natural acidity in full tact and attack, look no further than this rosy beauty by Réva. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted May 2022.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.2% 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a firm, flavourful, and elegant chardonnay, made with fruit that were organically, bio-dynamically, and sustainably grown. I like the balance between crunchy orchard fruit and juicy lemons, on the one hand, and finely-integrated notes of spice and toast on the other. It feels rounded and silky on the palate, lifted by taut acidity. The finish is long-lasting, leaving subtle salinity in its wake. Tasted April 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very fine, quite elegant chardonnay that over-delivers for $25. There is a sense of sophistication here.The nose is generous and clean with very well integrated peach/pear, subtle toast, spice and lees. It is mid-weight, polished and very well balanced, with some minerality on the finish. Tasted April 2023.
- 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
92 points- David Lawrason
This a very agreeable, well balanced Valpolicella with classic, fresh aromas of sour cherry, rosemary, tomato leaf and spice. Also a hint of pepper. It is medium bodied, smooth and well balanced without relying too much on ripasso's baby fat to carry the day. Tannins are quite mild, some minor heat on the finish. The length is excellent. Very easy drinking but don't overlook its detail. Tasted Sept 2021
- 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
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A bright and cheery malbec made with finesse. The palate is cut and refreshed with a salty component, zesty acidity and mildly sinewy tannins. Sleek with notes of earth, new leather and blackberry. Impressively complex with a memorable finish. Drink now or hold until 2023. Tasted July 2020.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very generous, open knit, dense and just slightly sweet malbec with classic aromas of mulberry/raspberry, thyme, a touch of meatiness and oak vanillin. It is very smooth, almost slippery and dense with fine tannin and warm. The length is very good to excellent. Lots here for $20. Tasted June 2021
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pago Aylés
Pago Aylés was founded by Federico Ramón, who in 2003 began his dream of classifying this unique land as the first Vino de Pago in the Aragon region. In the Spanish wine quality pyramid, the Pago stands as a top tier or grand cru winery. Just before Federico died, his dream came true in 2010, as Aylés became the 10th Vino de Pago in Spain.
Today his three children continue to produce wines from this special land. The vineyard site has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 12th century by Spanish monks. Influenced by the River Huerva and the Monte San Pablo mountain, the soil is a mixture of clay, limestone and chalk – ideal for making high-quality wine. Caves, ravines and old river beds can be found all over the estate, which is brimming with wildlife.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A crunchy sweetly rich, ripe red fruit-dominant, velvety garnacha. Absolutely endearing with oodles of textural intrigue. A hint of saltiness balances and brings refreshment to the palate. Ready-to-drink and made in a widely appealing style.
- Red Wine
- Merlot
- Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Grains d'Estuaire
Julien Bonneau, (Château Haut Grelot in the Blayais), and his friend Alexandre Lavigne, restaurateur in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, created in 2014 a range of wines, Grains d'Estuaire, from 'a 10 ha vineyard located in Saint-Bonnet-sur-Gironde, in the south of Charente-Maritime.
- 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 - Michael Godel
Comtesse Madeleine may not be a Rhône original out of the Lirac appellation but my if it does not strike as something profound. The blend is 40 per cent each marsanne and clairette with (10) grenache blanc (plus perhaps a splash of picpoul) for a devilishly flinty white with a veritable scent of animal musk, like porchetta releasing that tell-tale aroma just after the skin begins to render at heat. This is the real deal in French white wine for which the blending process and subsequent elévage can pull out meaning to change the way wine will speak to those that are listening. Intently in this case and for great reason. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted February 2023.
92 points - Sarah d'Amato
A lively and characterful blend of marsanne, clairette and grenache blanc. Expressive and concise with freshness created through a combination of acidity and minerality. Features notes of rosebud, honeysuckle and ginger spice along with thyme, pear, lanolin, fresh fig and lemon. A compelling assemblage that brings new dimension and complexity through a succession of undulating sensorial waves. Honestly made with a light-handed touch. Balanced and lengthy. Tasted February 2023.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is an aromatically expressive blend of clairette, grenache blanc, marsanne, and picpoul, from Lirac, an appellation that lies just across the Rhône river from famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I really like its glossy, smooth texture and flavours of apricots, lemons, and grapefruits, alongside subtle notes of vanilla and wet stones. The palate is integrated and balanced, with a sense of both richness and freshness. The finish is graceful and long-lasting. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
Decanter
90 points
Distinctly nutty from the oak, macadamia, gently grilled elements to the fruit. Good acidity. Little touch of honeycomb on the finish. Acidity is balanced. Drinking window 2020 - 2022.
- 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
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.63% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ramsay
Since its modest beginnings, the Kent Rasmussen Winery has evolved into one of the most important Pinot Noir producers in the Carneros region, but Kent was always keen to focus on other varietals and other AVAs. So, starting in 1989, Kent and Celia Rasmussen launched a second brand, Ramsay, which focuses on Sonoma, North Coast and Napa Valley. Kent chooses grapes and blends with great care to achieve stylistic continuity, year in, year out and to create high-value, finely crafted wines.Press Reviews
Tasting Panel Magazine
91 points
Plush tannins and ripe boysenberry are surrounded by mocha-coffee and dried brush. Well balanced, with woodsy tones on the chewy finish.
- 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 Align
92 points - Michael Godel
The 2018 “Tradition” bottling represented Cahors with good distinction and from first nose this follow-up ’19 takes that excellence one step further. Not that it gives anything away for free because there is some reserve here but the wine opens with air and agitation to reveal classicism in every respect. The fruit is mature and slow developed, ever so slightly charred and surely on a low trajectory of incrementally developing complexity. Cautious now and yet so close to drinking as well it it’s ever going to be. Drink 2024-2028. Tasted March 2023.
91 points - John Szabo
Open and fragrant, maturing nicely at this stage, Lamartine's classic Cahors (90% malbec with 10% merlot), is a lovely and succulent wine, well-proportioned and fresh, with lively acids and a real limestone twang. Wood is fully in the background, an accessory to complexity, while tannins are ripe, fine and silky and length is exceptional in the price category. Classy, well made wine, authentic, and surely better than most Bordeaux for the money. Drink or hold another 4-6 years. Tasted March 2023.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.20% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Autrand
Christine Aubert and her son Aurélien, wine-makers in Vinsobres, at the heart of the Drôme Provençale, welcome you to their family estate. As a 80Ha estate, the Autrand Wine Cellar produces AOC Vinsobres (Côtes du Rhône vintage since 2006), Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC and Côtes du Rhône AOC in each color. Vinsobres, another little known Southern Rhône commune was awarded 'Cru' status in 2006. It’s relative anonymity outside France ensures exceptional value.
- 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
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Hailing from Piedmont, the northwest corner of Italy, 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
This to me is a classic Barolo vintage captured with utmost care and respect by Réva. The 2018 Baroli are not likely going to amalgamate as the most obviously decadent or structured nebbioli but they can be timely reflections into the appellation. This is what the team at Réva has looked at, considered and coaxed from a wine that represents and by that I mean stands as a cross-sectional cuvée for their important set of vineyards. The 2016 Barolo is a great wine though its austerity means it’s still not functionally available and will serve a select few when it gets to the intended destination. In 2018 nebbiolo stands out bright, aromatic and clear, seasoned by wood, earth and herbs, linear, direct and transparent. The purity and functionality serve the people and does so with heart open wide, worn on a gifted, but never gilded sleeve. This is not a precious wine but do embrace the gift. Drink 2023-2031. Tasted May 2022.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% 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
91 points - Michael Godel
The continuing education for a Calcinaia Chianti Classico at the border of two UGAs (Greve and Montefioralle) makes for a pertinent learning experience. Does this lean one way or the other and the answer would be yes because Il Conte’s reeks of the Montefioralle hills and brush scapes. With the dissipation of zest there is a rise in savour that speaks of the smaller UGA within the larger commune of Greve. Learning about sangiovese origins in Chianti Classico is fun, especially when threads are noticed in the commonalities between wines. Last tasted April 2023.
Fine and far from presumptuous Annata here from Il Conte, exemplary of a Greve, digging a bit deeper into Montefioralle sangiovese. Firm of dark and even dusty fruit, antsy and a bit racy while still this youthful, unsettled and needing time. Firm and grippy for the vintage, absolutely Calcinaia in style and a true representation of the multifarious estate soils. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted February 2022.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is an aromatically vibrant chianti classico, with intriguing flavours of dried leaves, underbrush, and cherries, alongside subtle, pleasing notes of spice and violets. The palate is an engaging interplay of herbs and supple red fruit, supported by fine tannins and firm, tart acids. The finish is long-lasting and consistent. Tasted April 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a classic, lively, intense Chianti. The nose is lifted with redcurrant/cherry, fresh herbs, spice and a meaty/charcuterie note from some H2S. It is medium bodied, juicy, tart-edged with very good flavour intensity. Tannins are quite fine, the length is very good to excellent. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Brouca’s pinot noir is called “Foulage Gaulois,” literally “Gallic Treading,” a reference to feet stomping grapes and history tells us the Gauls were big on the fermented stuff. Their interest goes back to the fourth century and the Romans were quite fond of their work. Fréderic’s carries a seriously carbonic varietal impact with high tonality, great freshness and a piney herbal character. Quite minty evergreen and open knit though really light within its bushy parameters. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - John Szabo, MS
A low intervention, 'natural' pinot, unfined and unfiltered from 25 year-old organically-farmed hillside vineyards in the south of France (Faugères region) with evident spicy-herbal whole bunch (stem) inclusion in the ferment. I like the dried herb and herbal tea, pot pourri and spiced cherry chutney flavours, the zesty acids, the firm and dusty but forgiving tannins. Length and depth are solid. A well-made, innovative take on pinot noir from a region that really shouldn't be growing pinot noir, managing to maintain freshness and composure against the odds. A cool, wet growing season surely helped the liveliness along. This is well worth a look, and it's totally free from deviations. Drink or hold short term. Tasted January 2023.