33 products
33 products
- 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
90 points - Sara d'Amato
Bright and savoury, this Soave offers plenty of freshness and chalky minerality. Salty and delicately floral with a pleasant toastiness. Green apple, acacia and honey add further dimension to the palate. A youthful Soave that should develop nicely over the next 2-4 years. Tasted February 2022.
90 points - Michael Godel
This latest iteration of Grisela is another salty volcanic number, not the one of the most lush fruit but surely one of a particular Soave mist. Juicy and full of tang, yellow fruits and flowers, even a hot of metal and botanical tonic. Hard to find more complexity from garganega at this price. Drink 2022-2024. Tasted February 2022.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.8% 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
Wine Align
93 points - David Lawrason
Here's a quite delicious, complex, almost swarthy pinot with a sense of what I like to call vinosity - a sort of coming to together of many elements in a way that is generous and complete. Which makes it more difficult to deconstruct. Here the fruit is in the cran-cherry realm with woodsy, spicy, floral and vanillins evenly distributed. It is medium weight, rounded and smooth but not at all soft. Alcohol is a bit enlarged and warming, tannins are quite mellow. But overall there is a great sense of structure and the length is excellent. Tasted November 2021
91 points - Steve Thurlow
This is quite a rich purplish red pinot with a fragrant nose of raspberry and rhubarb fruit with soft oak spice and floral notes. The palate is midweight and firm with fine balancing acidity and mature tannin. A long lingering dry finish still has lots of fruit. Well structured and finely balanced with excellent length. Classy and well made for a good price. Tasted November 2021.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
93 points - Editor's Choice (2017)
Aromas of red berry, rose, thyme and a whiff of camphor shape the fragrant nose. Sleek and graceful, the lithe, savory palate delivers juicy strawberry, crushed raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and white pepper framed in glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note evoking smoky flint lingers on the finish.
James Suckling
92 points (2017)
Lots of red plums here with glazed cherries and lemons. Medium body, fine and silky tannins and a refined finish. Drink now.
Vinous
91 points (2017)
Luminous red. Pretty floral and mineral notes complement pure sour red cherry, flinty herbs and spicy blueberry aromas and flavors. Bright and juicy, with a light to medium-weight frame, with a clean, crisp presence on the long fresh finish. A lovely red that goes down like water.
- White Wine
- Carricante
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Decanter
91 points
Made from 100% Carricante, with fine balance between minerality and fruit and hints of sweetness; full of white peaches, balsamic herbs and a refreshing citrus finale. A nicely direct wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2024.
James Suckling
91 points
For a basic Etna bianco, the concentration here is very impressive, as it delivers citrus, nectarines and Granny Smith apples. Lots of energy on the medium-bodied palate, in the form of crisp acidity and a zippy finish. Drink now.
- White Wine
- Pinot Gris
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% 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.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium 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
92 points - Michael Godel (2019 vintage)
The fourth of six old vines wines in the Aviron Cru Beaujolais series. Chénas to the north of Beaujolais is small and in Aviron’s hands a most gregarious, open-knit and florally explosive example. Expansive aromatics, full fruit exposure, layers of palate covering and all it really wants to do is please. Dances across the tongue, turns cartwheels across the floor and fills the mouth with fruit energy. Drink early though, there are almost no tannins to speak of. Ironic in that the name derives from oak forests and wood too is not a factor. Drink 2021-2023. Tasted March 2021.
92 points - John Szabo, MS (2019 vintage)
This is a Chenas of real depth and succulence, generosity and density of fruit, very ripe, while still respecting the freshness of gamay and the region. There's a real liquor-like density of the grape here, also stemmy-leafy character in line with the appellation. Length and depth are quite exceptional. There's a terrific amount of wine here for the money. Tasted March 2021.
- Red Wine
- Listán Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
From pre-phylloxera vines grown at high altitude in volcanic soils, this is a mid-weight, quite smooth red with a generous nose that reminded me of smoke and tar, with wild chokecherry, pomegranate fruit and herbs. Flavours are a bit unusual and sour-edged yet the texture and tension are smooth and appealing. Tannins are quite mild; the length is excellent. Tasted December 2020.
91 points - Michael Godel
The volcanic midlands of Tenerife’s northwest section is THE place on the Canary Islands for growing and producing the highest quality of listán negro. The fourth and fifth generations of Juan Jesús’ family are the custodians of these pre-phylloxera vines at 500-1000m and the wines they gift. Just a kiss of oak does little to adulterate the precocious sentimentality and unknowable delight for a wine that you warm up to without knowing how or why. By now and with the 2019 vintage this unique red has come into its own at a perfect knife’s edge volatility and discreet if sumptuous behaviour. A must try and twice, each year for the next three to six. Drink 2020-2025. Tasted December 2020.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
95 points - Kerin O'Keefe
A blend of predominantly Nerello Mascalese and a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, this fragrant red opens with enticing scents of wild red berry, underbrush, blue flowers, Mediterranean scrub and a whiff of warm spices. The taut, polished palate boasts elegance and tension, delivering raspberry compote, strawberry, star anise and blood orange before a mineral, almost salty finish. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide finesse and support. Drink date: 2021-2028.
James Suckling
95 points
Wow. So perfumed and beautiful. Takes your breath away with rose- petal, citrus, violet and lilac aromas. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are firm and polished. Ultra-long finish. A wine for the future. Better in 2021.
Vinous
93+ points
Bright red-burry. Intensely mineral and floral on the nose and in the mouth, with blueberry and strawberry notes slightly dominated by the stony presence. A seamless wine with lively harmonious acidity theat finishes with a penetrating quality and intensely saline.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
95 points
Aromas of flint, tobacco, tar and carob mingle with whiffs of dried rose, cherry marinated in spirits and camphor in this full-bodied red. The smooth, delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry, blackberry, grilled herb, cinnamon and sandalwood alongside polished tannins. With delicious fruit and weightless elegance, the alcohol content is barely noticeable.
James Suckling
92 Points
I love the intensity here with glazed cherries, dried rose petals and spice box. Full-bodied with ripe and succulent tannins and a fruit-driven finish. Drink now.
Wine Align
93 Points - Sara d'Amato
An effortlessly drinkable red, dynamic and complex with a wealth of botanical elements featured on the nose and palate. Spicy and indicative nerello mascalese grown in volcanic terroir. Notes of red and black cherry, rosebud, laurel, black pepper, ginger, juniper and orange zest. Compelling, complex and with great length. Ready-to-drink. Recommended. Tasted March 2021.
- White Wine
- Listán Blanco
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - David Lawrason
Here's a bracing yet rich wine from the volcanic Canary Islands. You can smell and taste the combo of salts and mineral here, a very different experience but so much more enjoyable than poorly sulphured wines. There is a beam of tension and character that fits and carries what is otherwise a quite rich wine. There is something like kiwi on the nose as well, plus fresh herbs/evergreen. It is medium weight, fleshy yet firm and intense with excellent length. Tasted January 2021.
92 points - Michael Godel
A reminder of the story about listán blanco, a important grape variety brought to the Canary Islands in the 18th century by Andalusian conquerers. Suited so ideally to volcanic terroir and at 500m the verticality of “parrales” training is all about adaptation to braes over gullies. Always a white wine of confluent, inferential and influential aromatic meets mineral hyperbole. The 2020 takes over just where 2019 left off (literally speaking because I tasted the last one no less than six weeks ago). So fresh like a bite from an icicle cracker (were there such a thing) and like a mouthful of basil chiffonade. Actually, the presence of the sweet Genovese herb is uncanny but this special white wine takes it so much further. Can you imagine a mouthful of basaltic terroir. Of course you can. That and the label’s Pie Franco reference, “ungrafted rootstock often employed to designate wines made from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines.” Mix that with volcanic terroir and fantasize about the rest. Drink 2021-2025. Tasted January 2021.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
2020 marks a terrific vintage for Viñátigo's own-rooted listán blanco, vinified and aged in stainless, from the north side of Tenerife. There's a marked reductive, sulfhydric character in the best sense, where grapefruit meets smoke, onion skin meets lemon zest. The palate is distinctly saline, either from the volcanic soils, or the salt-laden Alisios winds from the North Atlantic, or both. Whatever the case, this is compelling, dense and quite concentrated white wine, with marked freshness and individual character. Lovely stuff. Tasted January 2021.
- White Wine
- Carricante
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
James Suckling
94 points
Together with the full-throttle minerality on the very focused, medium-bodied palate, the smoky-bacon, bonfire-ash and wild-herb aromas make this a very exciting and expressive Etna dry white. Such a long and energetic, salty finish! Drink or hold.
Wine Align - Michael Godel
94 points
Essentially carricante with three per cent catarratto at the pinnacle of Tornatore's single block, exceptional commune representative Etna Bianco. A full volcanic mouthful, inciting wise and emotional feelings. Flavour expansive and then delicate, on a hill of grace, fully trenchant of Pietrarizzo's origin. A flora greenness, floral in nature mixed with a basalt wave, joined by sweet herbals, all welling as a complex liqueur. Salty, satisfying, most excellent bianco. Drink 2022-2028. Tasted October 2021.
Wine Enthusiast
95 points - Top 100 Wines of 2020
Made predominantly from Carricante with a drop of Catarratto, this smooth, stunning white offers delicate, enticing scents of Spanish broom, chamomile, ripe white-stone fruit and a whiff of smoke. Savory and loaded with elegance, the medium-bodied, focused palate features juicy Meyer lemon, ripe Bartlett pear, golden apple and tangy, saline mineral notes. Bright acidity lends tension and balance. Drink through 2025. Ranked as #33 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2020. Score - 95.
- Red Wine
- Vijariego Negro, Vijariego Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
- Rosé Wine
- Listán Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
- White Wine
- Furmint, Olaszrizling, Riesling
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Gilvesy Pincészet
Hungarian expat Róbert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada, and began building the Gilvesy winemaking empire on the former Esterházy estate on Szent György Hill. Thanks to years of hard work, the Hegymagas-based facility now includes a modern building complex and about 13 hectares of vineyards, in addition to being the home of the family. The area is shaped by 6 million years old volcanoes, where indigenous and international varieties grow organically.
Robert’s absolute admiration for nature and the terroir translates into an immense respect for the environment. By farming using organic practices, the soils and the vines stay healthy. In the winery, by letting nature take its course without controlling the processes, and using local resources, such as Hungarian oak barrels, Gilvesy promotes and protects the Balaton region.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and portray a sense of their origin.
Their family had arrived in Traiguén and Purén from Switzerland in the 19th century, and worked in agriculture in a region of volcanoes, lakes, forests and abundant rain. Their families grew up surrounded by silos, cows, wagons, horses and wheat fields.
Francisco and Carlos' passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, together with their love for the land of their ancestors, was the inspiration for making their own wine in those terroirs. Malleco now produces tremendous wines, and Bodega Baettig is a vital member of that small but energetic community of producers.
They have nine hectares of Pinot Noir and 6.4 hectares of Chardonnay that they planted in 2013. In the first years, the fruit was sold to some leading producers in Chile (PS García, De Martino, Undurraga), and the results were very promising. They fermented their first wines in 2017, are 2020 is the first vintage that will arrive to the Ontatio market.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
92 points - Luis Gutierrez
The extremely young red 2020 Vino de Viñedo Los Parientes Pinot Noir comes from a very warm and dry year in central Chile, but more normal in the south, but even then, the grapes were picked between March 20th and 30th (before the Chardonnay), quite early. There are nine hectares of Pinot Noir that are dry farmed and without herbicides in a zone of Mediterranean climate with average rain of more than 1,000 liters; in a drier year they might get 800 liters instead... This fermented with some 8% full clusters and matured in French oak barrels, 10% new and 300-liter, for 10 months. It's quite complex, with notes of rose hip and red berries and a hint of blood and iron. It has a soft palate with some earthy tannins, juicy acidity and some spiciness. 15,180 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021.
Baettig is the family project of winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig (Errázuriz) in Traiguén some 600 kilometers south of Chile. He planted 15.4 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on volcanic soils in 2013. The projection is to produce 55,000 bottles in 2021, and the potential of the vineyard Los Suizos (the Swiss, as they are Swiss in origin) is 90,000 bottles.
- White Wine
- Gual
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Decanter
91 points
Spain’s island wines are becoming more popular and with this rich, multidimensional white from Tenerife you can see why. It’s 100% Gual (better known as Bual) and is buttery and textured. Fermented in steel and concrete egg, it shows a raft of tropical characters, including mango and guava, as well as straw, smoke and green tea. Laser-focused acidity pins it all together. Drinking Window 2021 - 2024. Tasted by Chris Wilson at Best new Spanish wines tasting, 21 Jun 2021.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Scribe Winery
Scribe Winery in Sonoma, California, produces vibrant, terroir-driven wines.The winery–founded in 2007 on a property that pioneered pre-prohibition Sonoma Valley winemaking–is managed by fourth-generation California farmers and brothers, Andrew and Adam Mariani. Andrew and Adam believe that the best wines are a result of a healthy relationship between man and nature, and that a vineyard managed in harmony with the greater ecosystem results in more site-specific wines that represent a sense of time and place. When vinified with non-interventionist methods, the result is a distinct wine that faithfully reflects what the vineyard naturally expresses.