Italian Wine

Adami Bosco di Gica Brut NV · Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG · Veneto, Italy · 750ml

Winemaker Description

Adami: A straw yellow in color with creamy mousse and delicate, long-lasting bead. On the nose, it is rich, with excellent fruit, releasing scents of yellow apple, peach, wisteria, and acacia blossom. Wonderful balance and elegance are complemented by a pleasurable crispness on the palate. It holds a delicious vein of acidity, displaying a crisp, savory mouthfeel. Generous, lingering flavors nicely mirror the nose and achieve perfect balance.

Expert Reviews

Monica Larner, Robert Parker Wine Advocate: A classic wine from one of the region's top producers, the Adami NV Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica Brut is steely and tonic with pummelo, white grapefruit and unripe pear. There are crisp mineral tones of crushed rock and sandstone. This is your quintessential Brut-styled Prosecco Superiore. The wine represents a blend of fruit from 34 different lots…

Eric Guido, Vinous, 91 Points: The NV Brut Prosecco Superiore Bosco di Gica wafts up with a delicate mix of sweet smoke, crushed stone and nuances of sage. It washes across the palate with ease, soft-textured yet juicy and vibrant, with ripe orchard fruits and hints of sour citrus that add contrast. This finishes a bit short, yet clean and refreshing, leaving the slightest hint of salted lime to resonate on.

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Andy Howard MW and Susan Hulme MW, Decanter: Floral with a touch of fresh pear, delicate lemon sweets and a fresh elegant palate.

Jeb Dunnuck: Mostly Glera, yet mixed with 3 to 5% Chardonnay, the NV Prosecco Superiore Brut Bosco Di Gica has a pretty, lively bouquet of apple blossom and citrus as well as a medium-bodied, balanced, lively style on the palate. It's a smoking value and as easy to drink as they come. Drink this uncomplicated yet well-made, balanced sparkler over the coming year or so.

Walter Speller, Jancis Robinson: Very pale straw. Flowery white fruit with an attractive, leesy note. Sappy acidity and at the high end of brut, but the sweetness neatly enhances the fruit and balance.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Region: Veneto, Italy
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Grapes: 97% Glera, 3% Chardonnay
• Type: Sparkling
• Style: Brut

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Claire Nesbitt writes 92 Points | Mocha, chocolate truffles, cassis, oranges and lavender on the nose of this fragrant red. It’s full-bodied, warming and aromatic, filled with ripe blue and orange fruit and accompanied by ripe tannins.

Winemaker Description

Hand harvested grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation.

Each variety is vinified separately, and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques (2-3 years old) with a medium toast. The wine ages for 12 months then rests for about 45 days in cement tanks before being bottled without filtration. Released after 3 months in bottle. 

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Vermentino is the star white grape variety of the Tuscan coast, perfectly capturing the feel of an afternoon in the Maremma hills looking out at the Tyrrhenian Sea. Aia Vecchia blends in a small amount of Viognier to add an intriguing hint of tropicality. The aged in stainless steel tanks for four months; aged two months in bottle before release. 

Allegrini · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG · Veneto · Italy · 2021

Allegrini is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most celebrated families — a benchmark producer whose Amarone has become emblematic of Italian oenology, standing alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino as one of the country’s great red wines. The 2021 is a true classic of the appellation: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes air-dried until at least December, checked daily for perfect health, then vinified with the patience and precision that only a family with generations of expertise can bring. Lengthy refining and aging yields a wine of imposing structure, depth, and the kind of complexity that rewards both the cellar and the table. Rated 94 by James Suckling and 93 by Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator.

The 2021 is still very youthful but with enormous potential. The nose is intense and classic — bay leaves, fresh black pepper, prunes, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, and plums simmering with herbs. On the palate, creamy and full-bodied with roasted peppercorn, crushed black cherry, espresso, thyme, and cocoa, framed by firm, velvety, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long, fresh, and elegant on the finish with graphite and spice. Drink now through 2040.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Still very youthful, but with so much potential. Intense and zippy on the attack, there’s some wonderfully bright fruit fighting to break through the woody veil, with an orange peel halo. Beautifully balanced — but don’t open this yet!”
— Decanter · 93 Points

“This is what happens when earth meets elegance. Forest walks lead to a kitchen where plums simmer with herbs for wild game while cocoa adds its luxury touch. The palate keeps that old-school Amarone soul but adds modern polish, dusty tannins framing everything just right.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 93 Points · Cellar Selection

“Sleek and well-structured, offering flavors of crushed black cherry and black plum, black licorice, espresso, and thyme, all enmeshed with sculpted, fine-grained tannins. Long and fresh, with delicate notes of spices and graphite playing on the finish.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

• Producer: Allegrini, Fumane, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta
• Method: Appassimento — grapes air-dried until at least December; checked daily
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, imposing structure, velvety tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bay leaf, black pepper, prune, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, espresso, cocoa, graphite, velvety tannins
• Cellar: Drink now through 2040
• Pairings: Braised short rib, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, venison, osso buco, dark chocolate

JS:94 · D:93 · WE:93 · WS:93 · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG — Allegrini’s benchmark appassimento red. Imposing, complex, and built for the ages.

Allegrini · Palazzo della Torre · Veronese IGT · Veneto, Italy · 2023 · 750ml

Allegrini is one of the Veneto's most important wine families, with roots in Fumane di Valpolicella stretching back to the 16th century. Palazzo della Torre is their signature Veronese IGT — a wine that has quietly become one of Italy's great overachievers. Blended from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and a touch of Sangiovese, it undergoes a partial ripasso-style process: a portion of the grapes are dried before fermentation, adding concentration, depth, and structure that punch well above the wine's price point. The result is a bottle that drinks like an Amarone's younger sibling — at a fraction of the cost. At $20.99, this is the Italian red you reach for when you want to impress without overthinking it.

Deep ruby in the glass with a generous, dark-fruited nose of black cherry, blackberry, ash, incense, and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate: full-bodied and richly textured, with lush fruit framed by graphite, crisp acidity, and tight, youthful tannins that give the wine real structure and aging potential. James Suckling awarded it 93 points for the 2023 vintage. Drink now through 2029, or cellar for a few years to let the tannins soften and the complexity deepen. Pair with braised short ribs, lamb ragu, aged pecorino, or a simple plate of charcuterie.

• Producer: Allegrini (est. Fumane di Valpolicella, Veneto)
• Wine: Palazzo della Torre · Veronese IGT
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Veneto, Italy
• Blend: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Sangiovese
• Method: Partial ripasso-style drying process
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Veneto red
• Score: James Suckling 93 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, ash, incense, dark chocolate, graphite, crisp acidity, chewy tannins
• Pair With: Braised short ribs · Lamb ragu · Aged pecorino · Charcuterie

Ripasso depth, Amarone soul — Allegrini's most reliable overachiever.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 93 Points | Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-red with a purple shimmer. Subtly pronounced on the nose, fresh and fruity, with floral (violet) notes and white pepper. Light-to-medium bodied, well-balanced, soft, and dry on the palate.

Serve with starters, pasta, pizza, white meats and poultry.

Memo Summary Notes

The Alois Lageder Schiava 2023 is a signature "mountain red" from one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the Alto Adige (Südtirol) region of Northern Italy. Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) is prized for being incredibly light, fresh, and lower in alcohol—essentially the Italian Alpine answer to a light Pinot Noir or Gamay.

Lageder’s expression is specifically noted for its "funky" and "earthy" complexity, which sets it apart from more commercial, purely fruit-driven versions of the grape.
Perfect for "light fare" like lake trout, sautéed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board featuring speck and mild cheeses. It is also an excellent companion for pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes.

Alois Lageder · Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco · Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT · 2025

Founded in 1823 in Magrè, Alto Adige, Alois Lageder is a sixth-generation family winery and one of Italy's leading champions of biodynamic farming. The Terra Alpina line is a collaboration between Lageder and local growers, built to capture the character of the Dolomites, where cool Alpine air meets warm Mediterranean influences and vines root into distinctive dolomitic limestone soils.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant straw yellow in the glass, with fruity aromas of crisp apple and ripe peach. Fermented in stainless steel to keep it fresh and expressive, the 2025 is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, bright citrus and green apple flavors, a delicate thread of minerality, and a fresh, mouth-watering finish.

From the Winery

"Diversity inspires us. It makes for fertile soil, healthier agriculture and more life, ultimately, imparting distinct character to our wines. Why think in black and white when you can think in colour?"
— Alois Lageder

Food Pairings

• Aperitivo and light starters
• Fresh salads and spring vegetables
• All kinds of seafood
• Pasta dishes, especially lighter, herb- or seafood-based sauces
• Serve chilled, 46–50°F

Specs

• Producer: Alois Lageder
• Wine: Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco
• Vintage: 2025
• Country: Italy
• Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
• Appellation: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
• Grape: 100% Pinot Bianco
• Farming: Organic
• Winemaking: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750 ml

Alpine freshness in a bottle, and one of the most versatile whites on the table.

Alta Mora Etna Rosso · Mount Etna · 2023

Alta Mora is the Cusumano family’s project on the slopes of Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese, an indigenous Sicilian grape, grows in the mountain’s dark volcanic soils. The variety’s combination of vivid fruit, firm tannins and lively acidity has drawn comparisons to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.

Expert Review · 2022 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast 92 points (2022 vintage): The cool, fresh, floral nose swirls with aromas of violets, lilacs, crushed rocks, earth, herbs, and blackberries. Figs lift a sweet, ripe blackberry element on the palate, while an undertone of salted dark chocolate and hints of chili pepper heat keep you on your toes. Tannins provide structure throughout.

Wine Details

• Producer: Alta Mora (Cusumano)
• Appellation: Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
• Size: 750ml

Altesino's Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese Grosso from one of Tuscany's most storied estates. Brilliant ruby tending toward garnet with age, it opens with an intense, refined bouquet of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate, wild berries, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with firm yet balanced tannins and exceptional aging potential.

The first wine to receive Italy's DOCG appellation, Brunello di Montalcino is the ultimate ambassador of Italian fine wine. This 375ml half bottle is ideal for an intimate pairing or a first look at a cellar-worthy vintage.

Pairs beautifully with braised meats, wild boar, aged pecorino, truffles, and hearty Tuscan cuisine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 97 Points |  From a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, the Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is redolent with dark fruit, blackcurrant and crushed slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its schistic galestro-rich soils comes through beautifully in this vintage to add a linear sense of immediacy and verticality to the bouquet. The mouthfeel is especially elegant, and the wine's acidity is delivered expertly to showcase freshness but more importantly to highlight the quality of the fruit. The effect is very tonic and bright, and you get hints of baked brioche or oven-baked Italian focaccia bread, thanks to careful aging in Slavonian oak. This is a 12,000-bottle release.

Vinous 97 Points | An enticing blend of steeped plums, blood orange, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a total pleasure on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silken wave of ripe red fruits and spices as saline minerals slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals.

Decanter 95 Points | Elisabetta Gnudi took over the Altesino estate in 1992 and has continued with the Montosoli bottling, which has been produced since 1975. The 2019, harvested at the very end of September, is introverted to start with but the nose eventually hints at porcini with liquorice root and bark. Sleek cherry and raspberry provide the backdrop on the palate, yet that appealing earthy tone pervades. Racy with smooth, vertical tannins clinging in all the right places, it displays cleverly balanced structure and stuffing.

Winemaker Description 

One of the most sought after wines from Montalcino, Montosoli is consistently a blockbuster red. Its intense ruby red color tends towards elegant garnet with age. On the nose, it shows a complex personality with a delicious blend of black cherry, raspberry, violet, licorice, vanilla and black pepper. Extremely enticing, opulent and elegant on the palate, with a warm, long-lasting finish, Montosoli is a wine for special occasions

Pair this wine with beef bourguignon and stroganoff, lamb shank, and roasted rabbit.

Winemaker Description 

A fresh, floral bouquet with notes of acacia flowers, this dry white wine is well-balanced with lively white fruit flavors. Harvested from Italy’s premier regions for the cultivation of Pinot Grigio, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel and released soon after the vintage to preserve the integrity of the fruit and maintain the naturally fresh character of the variety. Alverdi Pinot Grigio is an excellent aperitif.

Expert Description

Bart Hopkins writes: Ampeleia Estate Unlitro is a light, earthy, natural blend of Alicante (Grenache), Mourvedre, Carignano, Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet from the Tuscan Coast made by Biodynamic wine grower Elisabetta Foradori. The Ampeleia Estate consists of 150 hectares of which 35 are planted to vines and the remainder to wheat, legumes, vegetables, olive groves, woodlands and animals. This vivacious red, which boasts a modest 12% alcohol, sees no oak during production, keeping it agile, light on its feet and almost too easily quaffable.

Aromas of forest flowers, strawberry blossoms, earthy blood plums and delicate spices open up on the nose with crisp, peppery fruit refreshing the palate complimented by invigorating acidity and gentle tannins on the finish.

Not a trace of heaviness, just a pure, natural expression of organic grape growing and harmonious winemaking done with lots of love.

Serve chilled, pour generously, and pair it with just about anything! 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Winemaker's Description

To bring on the table a one-litre flask is an ancient tradition, and a symbol of conviviality. Hence the name Unlitro, a bottle whose shape and size recall the joy and carefreeness of being together.

This is a wine that comes from our youngest vineyard, the closest to the sea; from a blend of Alicante Nero, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet. It's a wine that testifies to our desire to express the territory in a more gentle and immediate way, without losing the character of a classic Tuscan wine.

But Unlitro is more than that: it is also a project created to bring together the forces of Tuscan winemakers closest to the values of Ampeleia and support them in the development of organic methods which combines respect and quality.

Memo Summary Notes

Varietals - Grenache, Cannonau, Garnacha, Carignano, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Alicante Bouschet.

Organic, Biodynamic, Woman Winemaker

Anterra Pinot Grigio | Terre Siciliane | 2024 | 1.5 Liter Magnum

Sun-drenched and effortlessly elegant — the Anterra Pinot Grigio is grown using 100% sustainable viticulture in the dry, warm heart of Central-Western Sicily, where the variety takes on a uniquely decisive character while retaining its signature freshness. The name Anterra — "ancient land" in Italian — pays homage to Sicily's millennia-long winemaking heritage.

This 1.5 Liter Magnum is the perfect format for the table: generous, impressive, and built for sharing. Expect a pale lemon pour with aromas of tropical fruit, green apple, fresh peach, and delicate floral notes with a whisper of almond. On the palate, it's crisp, balanced, and clean — a crowd-pleaser that punches well above its price.

Food Pairing

Excellent with appetizers, flavorful soups, poultry, and seafood — particularly shellfish.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Tropical fruit, green apple, peach, floral notes, hint of almond
• Palate: Crisp, light-bodied, fresh and elegant
• Finish: Clean, refreshing, pleasantly dry

Wine Details

• Grape: 100% Pinot Grigio
• Region: Terre Siciliane, Sicily — Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 1.5 Liter Magnum
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Farming: 100% Sustainable

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Antonio Galloni  of Vinous writes 100 Points |  2021 Solaia is another wine that captures all of the potential I sensed when I tasted it some months ago. More than anything else the 2021 is a fine example of the style Antinori favors these days an approach that favors finesse more than opulence. Dark plum mocha licorice chocolate spice lavender and menthol build effortlessly in the glass. Oak and tannin are impeccably balanced. The 2021 spent 18 months in wood three months in once-used barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 15 months in 100% new barrels for the rest of its aging.

The Wine Spectator 98 Points | A deep, dense red, drenched with blackberry, pomegranate, plum and sweet spice flavors. Iron, tobacco and wild herb elements peek through as this plays out on the finish under a strong grip of tannins. Shows terrific balance and length now, yet this should only improve after a few more years in the bottle. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2047.

Decanter 97 Points | For me [2021 is] one of the best vintages ever,’ says Renzo Cotarella, Antinori's CEO and head winemaker, of the widely lauded vintage in Tuscany, explaining to me that it shares characteristics with 1997 and 2007, with a cool, frosty start slowing down vegetative growth and helping to extend the growing season, aided by milder temperatures later in the summer which enabled the grapes to build concentration while preserving freshness. Recent vintages of Solaia have benefitted from an increased use of Cabernet Franc, which stands at 9% in 2021. Due to be launched this autumn, Solaia 2021 is still a baby but its potential is immediately apparent. Inky and concentrated, with a dark chocolate barrique signature on the nose, it combines salinity with bountiful and sapid fruits, offering ripe black and red cherries, and dark hedgerow berries alongside herbal freshness, and finely textured tannins. Ferrous, meaty and earthy undertones emerge after some time in the glass, providing a counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the fruit. Muscular yet wonderfully poised, this will only reveal all its complexities after significant ageing.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | All said and done, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. This coiffed supermodel does not show a single hair follicle out of place. However, it doesn't quite have the same sex appeal of the Tignanello. In my conversations with Estate Manager Renzo Cotarella during this tasting, it was expressed this way: "Tignanello is unexpected. Solaia is expected." Whereas Tignanello is a wine of vertical lift and energy, Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of the spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (added to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and soft, but I notice that the flavors seem to become sweeter and riper the longer this wine stays in the glass. This newest release will hit the market in September. 

James Suckling 97 Points | This is a beautifully curated Solaia with blackcurrants and raspberries plus lavender and violet undertones. Graphite highlights it all. Just some new wood coming through. It’s full-bodied with fine velvety tannins that run the length of the wine, caressing the palate. Give this three or four years to come around.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is one of the crown jewels of the Antinori portfolio — a 320-hectare estate in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast, set within the distinctive "Bolgheri Amphitheater" of rolling hills and cooled by constant sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast. Cont'Ugo is the estate's singular statement on Merlot: a wine produced entirely from this variety as a new interpretation of the Bolgheri territory, sourced from vineyards at 45–60 meters elevation on clay-loam alluvial soils that deliver deep, complex notes while preserving the fragrance and freshness that Merlot does best.

The Antinori Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo Bolgheri Rosso 2023 750ml is 100% Merlot, sourced from vineyards across the northern, central, and southern zones of the Bolgheri appellation. Deep, inky red in the glass, it opens with an aromatic and inviting bouquet of crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. On the palate it is full-bodied, supple, and rounded, with velvety tannins, a balanced core of acidity, and pristine, clean fruit that carries seamlessly from entry through the finish. Polished, expressive, and built to drink beautifully from 2026 through 2035.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points: "Peppery and earthy with tart blackberries over damp soil and graphite. Layers of sweet dark berries and dark chocolate create a sleek, acrobatic wine."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points: "Aromatic and inviting with crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. Full-bodied, supple, and rounded with velvety tannins. Polished and expressive with good depth and length."
• Wine Spectator — 93 Points: "Rich, inviting and harmonious with black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, toast and earth. Vibrant with dense tannins and an expansive finish. Best from 2026 through 2035."
• Wine Advocate — 92 Points: "Soft, fleshy texture with black cherry and blackberry. Pristine and clean fruit sustaining the wine seamlessly from entry through the finish."

Wine Details

• 100% Merlot — Cont'Ugo single-variety expression
• Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy — clay-loam alluvial soils, 45–60m elevation
• Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Marchesi Antinori
• Vintage: 2023 | Drink 2026–2035 | 750ml

Antinori Il Bruciato Tenuta Guado al Tasso — Bolgheri 2024

The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany for over 600 years, and Tenuta Guado al Tasso is their crown jewel on the Bolgheri coast — situated near the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement, where the moderating influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea produces wines of remarkable freshness, structure, and Mediterranean character. Il Bruciato is the estate’s second wine: a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blend that delivers the elegance and complexity of the appellation at an approachable price point. One of Italy’s most consistent and beloved Super Tuscans, and an outstanding value from one of Tuscany’s greatest estates.

The 2024 vintage shows an intense, deep ruby color. The nose is expressive and detailed: ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, and a lifted hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, a rounded chocolate-tinged texture, fresh coastal acidity, and a long, savory, fruit-driven finish with umami depth. Approachable now, with the structure to develop further over 3–5 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 — “Expressive and detailed, with aromas of wildflowers, thyme, ripe cherry, and subtle gamey earthiness. Rounded, chocolate-tinged texture balanced by refreshing acidity. Polished and approachable.”

Wine Advocate 90 — “Ripe, chewy darkness with thick flavors of plummy fruit, blackberry and a savory note reminiscent of tomatoes on the vine. Soft in texture with a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel and a gentle dustiness from fully-integrated tannins.”

67 Wine — “Il Bruciato is the benchmark entry into the world of Bolgheri — the elegance and complexity of a great Super Tuscan estate at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure.”

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
• Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, liquorice, chocolate, savory umami finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Serve: 64–68°F
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, lamb chops, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, hearty pasta

Six centuries of Antinori mastery, one exceptional Bolgheri estate — Il Bruciato is the Super Tuscan that belongs on every table.

Antinori · Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2024 · Tuscany, Italy

Antinori Pèppoli 2024 is a Sangiovese-led Chianti Classico with vibrant cherry fruit, floral aromas and a long, savory finish. Its juicy palate and soft tannins make it an inviting choice for a table of tomato-sauced pasta, grilled meats and Italian cheeses.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points: The nose brings aromas of vanilla bean, freshly brewed coffee, Bing cherry, and wild strawberry. Raspberries join more strawberries and cherries on the palate, but earthy undertones and chalky tannins ground things and create a substantial mouthfeel.

James Suckling · 91 Points: A spicy wine with aromas of licorice, dried flowers, bright red cherries, violets, and blood oranges. Light-bodied, soft and extracted, with crisp acidity and a chalky finish.

Winemaker Description

Antinori: Pèppoli 2024 is a bright ruby red. The nose is vibrant and expressive, offering fresh notes of cherries, raspberry jelly, and pomegranate juice with floral sensations of violets and geraniums. The palate is lively and dynamic: an energetic entry leads to a juicy, flavorful mid-palate followed by a long, savory finish characterized by soft, sweet tannins.

About Antinori & Pèppoli

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries, since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. The Pèppoli estate, located 5 kilometers northeast of the Tenuta Tignanello estate, spans 100 hectares in the heart of Chianti Classico DOCG. Its vineyards produce a Sangiovese-led blend celebrated for its full fruit expression, characteristic floral aromas, and faithful representation of the Chianti Classico territory.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red, with cherries, raspberry jelly, pomegranate and floral notes of violets and geraniums. A lively entry opens into a juicy mid-palate, with soft, sweet tannins supporting the long, savory finish.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, roasted lamb, and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.

Wine Details

• Producer: Antinori
• Estate: Pèppoli
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Sangiovese-led
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Reviews: Wine Enthusiast 92 points; James Suckling 91 points

Vibrant Tuscan fruit and a savory finish, ready for your next Italian supper.

Antinori · Pian delle Vigne · Rosso di Montalcino 2024

Pian delle Vigne is Antinori’s estate in the hills surrounding Montalcino, Tuscany. The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino is a Tuscan red for the table, suited to pairing with hearty, savory dishes.

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points · 2023
A youthful medium red hue, the 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino is expressive and ripe out of the gate, with notes of baked red cherries, leather, and balsamic herbs. Plush and inviting, the palate is ripe with pliant tannins and medium to full-bodied richness. It's delightful now and will drink well over the coming 5-6 years.

Food Pairings

Enjoy it with pasta with tomato sauce, roasted poultry, grilled meats, or aged cheeses.

At a Glance

• Producer: Antinori
• Estate: Pian delle Vigne
• Wine: Rosso di Montalcino
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Bottle size: 750ml

A versatile Tuscan red for relaxed dinners and generous, savory food.

Prunotto · Bric Turot Barbaresco 2022 · Italy · 750ml

Prunotto Bric Turot 2022 brings berry fruit, floral perfume, and aromatic herbs together in an elegant Barbaresco. The supplied reviews emphasize inviting fruit, supple texture, and an aromatic finish, making this a compelling bottle for a thoughtful meal.

Character & Style

The winemaker describes lively ruby color, wild berries, white pepper, licorice, pine, mint, and laurel, followed by a velvety, harmonious palate. Critics add strawberry, cherry, pressed flowers, menthol, and a lightly chalky finish. The supplied reviews differ on aging expectations: Jeb Dunnuck suggests 2025–2040, while Vinous favors enjoying its accessible, mid-weight character without waiting too long.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points - Moving on to the last of the Barbaresco from Prunotto, the 2022 Barbaresco Bric Turot exhibits a slightly deeper ruby hue and takes on a more complete feel in the glass, with aromas that are just a bit more nuanced on the nose, featuring notes of grenadine, pressed flowers, fennel, and menthol. The palate is snappy with refreshing, ripe acidity, silky tannins, and its sweetly perfumed fruit lasting on the finish. It's another very well done wine that has the bones to age a bit further perhaps. Drink 2025-2040.

Vinous · 92 Points - The 2022 Barbaresco Bric Turot opens with hints of baking spice, new leather, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and menthol. Aromatic and pliant, with lovely balance, the 2022 is a delight to taste. In this vintage, the Bric Turot is quite open and accessible, even in the early going. I would not wait too long, given the wine's mid-weight structure.

Wine Spectator · 92 Points - A fruity version, boasting strawberry, cherry and rose flavors, plus a hint of tar. Elegant and juicy, this lingers nicely on the lightly chalky finish. Supple and inviting.

James Suckling · 90 Points - A restrained style with watermelon fruit, ripe red cherries and a not-too-deep whiff of balsamic. Medium- to full-bodied, this has slightly candied flavor and light-framed yet grainy tannins allied to moderate acidity.

Winemaker Notes

Bric Turot is an intense ruby red color, lively and luminous. On the nose, aromas of wild berries meet notes of white pepper, licorice and aromatic herbs in particular pine, white mint, and laurel. The palate is velvety, harmonious, elegant, and defined by a lengthy persistent finish.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow time in the glass. Consider roast lamb, braised beef, mushroom risotto, or aged cheese.

Wine Details

• Producer: Prunotto
• Wine: Bric Turot
• Appellation: Barbaresco
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: Italy
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Supplied reviews: Jeb Dunnuck 92, Vinous 92, Wine Spectator 92, James Suckling 90

Prunotto Barbaresco Classico · Piedmont · 2023

Prunotto, part of the Antinori family portfolio, makes this Barbaresco from Nebbiolo grown in Piedmont's Langhe hills. A classic choice for the table, it brings together red-fruit character, floral lift and the structure that makes Barbaresco rewarding with food.

The existing tasting notes describe cherry, wild strawberry, rose petals, spice and earthy accents, with vibrant acidity and graceful tannins. Pair with roasted meats, mushroom dishes, truffle pasta or aged cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Graphite, macerated cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors highlight this supple, vibrant red. Remains succulent and balanced from beginning to end, with ample structure to age gracefully.

Wine Spectator · 93 points

Pouring a pale ruby color, the 2023 Barbaresco comes from vineyards in Barbaresco and Treiso, including fruit from Monteribaldi. It opens with a lifted and expressive bouquet of ripe strawberries, mixed berries, purple flowers, and dusty earth, with subtle darker undertones. Medium-bodied, it shows vibrant acidity, salinity, and bright fruit with wonderful length and energy. Destemmed and fermented in stainless steel and aged in large barrels, it’s already very appealing now but should age nicely as well.

Jeb Dunnuck · 92 points (2023 vintage)

A subtle wine with red-cherry and red-currant aromas, enhanced by camphor and a fresh floral bouquet. The supple, medium-bodied palate shows crisp acidity and lightly framed tannins, with grip in the finish. Drink or hold.

James Suckling · 92 points

Wine Details

• Producer: Prunotto (Antinori)
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 750ml

Antinori Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore 2024 · Tuscany, Italy · 750ml

Producer and Style

From one of Italy’s most storied wine dynasties, the Antinori family has been crafting wine in Tuscany for over six centuries. Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore is rooted in Tuscan tradition, with soft, velvety tannins and a refreshing, food-friendly palate. This Sangiovese-based blend offers a versatile expression of Tuscan red wine.

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes · 2023

The existing listing’s tasting notes describe the 2023 vintage: ruby red with purplish highlights, with a nose rich in morello cherry, aromatic herbs, and balsamic notes. On the palate it is soft and mouth-filling, with velvety tannins and a long, savory finish. These notes are provided as prior-vintage context, not as a confirmed tasting note for 2024.

Food Pairings

Pasta with tomato-based sauces, pizza, grilled meats, aged pecorino, and charcuterie boards.

Details

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Appellation: Chianti Superiore DOCG
• Grape: Sangiovese-based blend
• Type: Red

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow color. The nose is intense and delicate with notes of orange blossom, apricot, and peach. On the palate, it is soft, fresh, with a tasty finish and a fruity aftertaste.

From the rolling hills of Umbria, the Antinori Santa Cristina Orvieto Classico Campogrande 2024 is a fresh and vibrant expression of one of Italy’s historic white wine regions, Orvieto Classico. Crafted primarily from traditional local varieties including Grechetto and Procanico (the local name for Trebbiano Toscano), this wine captures the bright, easygoing character that has made Orvieto famous for centuries.

Pale straw in color, it opens with inviting aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, green apple, and delicate floral notes. The palate is crisp and refreshing, showing lively acidity and flavors of lemon, pear, and subtle almond, finishing clean and mineral-driven.

Perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood, light pasta dishes, salads, and fresh cheeses, this classic Italian white offers both elegance and everyday drinkability.

A refreshing, food-friendly white that showcases the timeless charm of Orvieto.

Antinori Santa Cristina Toscana Rosso — Tuscany 2024 750ml

Santa Cristina is the everyday Tuscan red from Marchesi Antinori — one of Italy’s oldest and most storied wine dynasties, with over 600 years of winemaking history in Florence. Blended from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, it is crafted to deliver the warmth, generosity, and food-friendliness of Tuscany in an approachable, everyday format. The 2024 vintage is vibrant and expressive — a wine that overdelivers at its price and earns its place on any Italian table.

Ruby red with violet hues. The nose is fruity and inviting: fresh cherry, blueberry, and currant meet delicate hints of vanilla and cocoa. On the palate, it is enveloping and supple — medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, mint, blueberry, and black pepper, a light oak touch, and a smooth, fruit-forward finish that lingers pleasantly.

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Medium-Bodied Red
• ABV: 13%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blueberry, currant, mint, black pepper, vanilla, cocoa, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Roasted meats, cured meats, hard cheeses, Caesar salad, pizza, pasta al pomodoro

Six centuries of Tuscan winemaking in every bottle — Santa Cristina is Antinori’s gift to the everyday table.

98 James Suckling: This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese.

98 Wine Spectator: Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

97 Decanter: Wonderful raspberry and black cherry fragrance on the nose, ripe and sweet and expressive, aromas bursting from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this is giving a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and vibrant. A very serious wine, this is brooding and confident. It's showcasing lots of elements right now - ample, generous, hefty and stylish with flecks of red flowers, white pepper spice, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate.

The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate, and grilled herbs all take shape. Here, too, the aromatics are alluring. Cabernet Franc is bumped up a bit in teh blend, and that works so well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and ubttoned up. The 2019 Solaia is the sort of wine I would like to spend a whole evening with. Aging was 18 months in 100% new French oak.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 vintage Solaia is deep ruby red in color. The nose offers complex notes of red fruit, apricots and red oranges with hints of rose petals. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate, licorice and white pepper complete the rich bouquet of this red wine. On the palate, the wine is enveloping and harmonious with excellent balance and structure. Vibrant tannins lead into an exceptionally long finish. 

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 98 Points | Subtle and beautiful on the nose with currants, flowers and light sage aromas that follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Extremely polished and poised.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Dripping with black currant, blackberry, black cherry, iron and toasty oak flavors, this red is suave and polished. Features flashes of tobacco and wild herbs that add even more detail as this builds to a long, kaleidoscopic finish. Presents civilized tannins that are well-integrated and provide structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Inky dark in appearance, the 2020 Solaia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. This vintage unfolds to exuberant richness and thick layers of blackberry and plum. The tannins are sweet and expertly crafted, adding both depth and fruit weight. The 2020 vintage is quite bold, and it plays its best cards in terms of texture and mouthfeel. It’s a bigger, more accessible wine compared to the last two vintages on the market. Spice, toasted coffee bean and more dark fruit color this full-bodied Tuscan red.

Argiano is one of Montalcino's most storied estates, with a history stretching back to the 16th century. Situated on the southwestern slopes of Montalcino, the estate is renowned above all for its Brunello, but its Non Confunditur — Latin for “shall not be confounded” — has become one of Tuscany's most beloved Super Tuscan blends: a wine of generous character, immediate appeal, and unmistakable personality. Farmed organically using spurred cordon training, the estate's vineyards sit at 280–310 meters above sea level on alluvial soils with traces of calcareous marl, producing fruit of natural freshness and expressive depth.

The Non Confunditur is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese, sourced from estate vineyards ranging from 9 to 21 years of age. The 2024 vintage presented a complex growing season: a mild, well-watered winter gave way to a warm spring, a rainy June, and intense summer heat waves in July. Careful agronomic intervention — soil tillage, shading systems, and biostimulants — allowed the vines to maintain a regular cycle. A cooler September slowed maturation slightly, and harvest concluded on 16 October with excellent grape quality and naturally moderate alcohol.

Merlot was harvested first, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Vinification begins with a two-day pre-fermentation cold maceration, followed by fermentation and skin maceration for approximately two weeks in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is also completed in tank. The varieties are then blended and refined with a few months in third- and fourth-passage French barriques and tonneaux — imparting subtle structure without masking the wine's fresh, fruit-forward character.

The 2024 Non Confunditur is dark and saturated, with an inviting bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is lush and generous, with a light grain to its texture, good concentration, and a clean, persistent finish. Fresh, versatile, and unmistakably expressive — a Super Tuscan built for pleasure now and through 2032.

"Dark and saturated with black cherry, blackberry and vanilla flavors. Lush, with a light grain to its texture and good length… Drink now through 2032."
— Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 89 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Organic
Altitude: 280–310 meters
Élevage: Temperature-controlled steel tanks; a few months in 3rd & 4th passage French barriques and tonneaux
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Grilled meats, pasta with rich meat sauces, aged Pecorino, pizza, and casual Tuscan fare. Drink now through 2032.

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red with violet shadings, nearly opaque with traces of garnet
Bouquet. Expansive and persistent with sweet fruits, notes of blackberry, black cherry and a subtle nuttiness. Sweet spices lead to a mineral finish

Soft, sweet, voluptuous body, persistent and velvety. The tannins are thick and sweet, the acidity is well balanced, cutting the density and heaviness, while giving structure. Long finish, persistently fruity with notes of underbrush, forest fruit, and complex, intense spices.

Arnaldo Caprai · Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani · Umbria · 2024

The family operation began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 acres in Montefalco. In 1988, ownership passed on to Arnaldo's son, Marco. Today, the winery is the leading producer of top quality Umbrian wine, recognized for its dedication to environmental, economic and social sustainability, as well as being champions for the wines of Umbria.

This Umbrian white from Arnaldo Caprai captures a true expression of Grechetto from this lesser known Italian region. Appealing aromatics of white peach, melon, lemon zest, hints of chamomile and honey characteristics all tantalize the palate. This Grechetto is light to medium bodied, pure, fresh, savory and finely balanced.

Staff Pick

Flavors of stone fruits, lemon-lime, blanched almonds, and stonines shine thru on the palate, ending with zesty acidity and a bone dry finish.
— Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer

Cheese Pairing

Recommended: Essex Street / G. Cravero 'Parmigiano Reggiano' 2 yrs — available at 67Gourmet

All too often in America, we think of Parmigiano Reggiano as a topping for pasta, but truly great iterations of this cheese are wonderful eaten on its own or with a superb Italian wine. The Cravero family has been aging Reggiano since 1851, and their cheese is unique among all other Parmigiano. It has distinct tropical fruit and pineapple overtones in the middle of the palate which turn the salty finish into a harmonious counterpoint. One taste of this and you'll see why Reggiano is widely considered the king of all cheese.
— Martin Johnson, 67Gourmet Cheesemonger

Specs

• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai
• Wine: Grecante
• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: Grechetto
• Appellation: Colli Martani, Umbria, Italy
• Size: 750ml

Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano — Umbria 2020

Arnaldo Caprai is the definitive name in Sagrantino di Montefalco — the producer who put this ancient Umbrian grape on the world map. Founded in 1971 when Arnaldo Caprai purchased 42 hectares in Montefalco, the estate was transformed in 1986 when his son Marco took the helm and launched a series of collaborations with agronomic and winemaking research institutes that would redefine the region. The result was the legendary “25 Anni” cuvée, which captured the attention of critics worldwide and established Montefalco Sagrantino as one of Italy’s great DOCG appellations. Today, Caprai farms 160 hectares across all four cardinal points of the Montefalco DOCG, and the Collepiano is the estate’s benchmark expression of Sagrantino — powerful, structured, and built for the long haul. James Suckling awarded it 94 points; Wine Spectator 92, recommending best drinking from 2030 through 2040.

The nose is dark and commanding: wild blackberries, meat, graphite minerality, and a stern, brooding intensity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with firm, austere tannins, lifted acidity, and a chewy, concentrated core of pureed black cherry and blackberry paste. Accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, and smoke carry through to a polished finish of salt, chocolate, and fruit. This is Sagrantino at its most serious — a wine that demands patience and rewards it generously.

James Suckling 94 — "A dark mix of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. Firm, austere tannins, a full body and lifted acidity. A very chewy style, with a polished finish showing salt, chocolate and fruit." (Vintage 2020). 

Wine Spectator 92 — "Dense tannins impart a thick, creamy texture… pureed black cherry and blackberry paste, with accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood and smoke. Best from 2030 through 2040." (Vintage 2020).

• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sagrantino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild blackberry, black cherry, graphite, marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, dark chocolate, salt
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2030–2040
• Best Paired With: Braised wild boar, lamb osso buco, aged Pecorino, truffle pasta, beef short ribs

A 94-point Sagrantino from the appellation’s defining estate — dark, powerful, and built to age for decades.

Assai represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico winemaking — the Gran Selezione designation accounts for just 8–9% of total Chianti Classico production and requires a minimum 30 months of aging including bottle time, approved only through blind tasting by a committee of expert winemakers.

Crafted exclusively from 100% organic Sangiovese sourced from a single 15-year-old estate vineyard in the prestigious U.G.A. Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), this is a masterclass in Tuscan terroir. Aged in French oak barrels, it achieves exceptional balance, depth of flavor, and the unmistakable Sangiovese signature. Only 4,500 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color with rich complexity. Fruity and spicy on the nose with balsamic nuances. Smooth, full-bodied, and persistent on the palate with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Elaborate meat and game dishes, braised lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and aged cheeses. Decant 1–2 hours before serving. Cellar with confidence through 2035+.

• Producer: Terra di Seta / Assai
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• U.G.A.: Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (organic)
• Aging: 30+ months, French oak + bottle aging
• Production: 4,500 bottles
• Certification: Kosher, Organic
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer: A juicy, joyous organic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that’s bright, perky, full of life and begging for food. Aromas of spiced cherries on the nose with a medium body and an earthy note that adds complexity. Balanced acidity and softly tamed tannins lead to a cheerful, food-friendly finish. This is a perfect pizza, pasta, weekday red that satisfies without breaking the bank!

Winemaker Notes

A versatile, young red wine with ruby red color and a bouquet of ripe cherries, blueberries, and sweet spices. Medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long, lingering dry finish reminiscent of undergrowth with an underlying hint of menthol. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

About the Wine

The Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana Rosso 2024 is the estate’s "everyday" super-Tuscan blend and one of the best values for certified biodynamic wine in Italy. Produced under the direction of Virginie Saverys, who steered Avignonesi toward total sustainability, the Cantaloro is designed to be fresh, versatile, and accessible immediately upon release.

Tasting & Pairings

Spiced cherries, blueberries, sweet spice, earth, and menthol. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and soft tannins. Serve at cellar temperature.

• Pizza, lasagna, or pasta Bolognese — the reason this wine exists.
• Grilled pork chops or Tuscan tagliata — sliced steak with arugula, a classic match.
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables or lentil stews — the earthy notes complement hearty vegetarian fare.

Winemaker Description

Grifi is born from two late-ripening grape varieties — one Italian, the other French. An incredible blend where the freshness of Sangiovese blends perfectly with the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese is sourced from Avignonesi’s vineyards in Montepulciano, producing a spicy, elegant wine, while the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from plots in Cortona and Montepulciano, lending tannins and structure. To facilitate the encounter of these two varieties, the grapes are harvested and fermented together.

Dark ruby red with purple hues. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries, and incense, moving on to graphite and vanilla nuances. In the mouth it is dense, broad, and complex with hints of plum and blueberry, evolving into a balsamic and spicy explosion supported by good acidity. Lively tannins accompany the savory, persistent finish.

Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 93 Points
"Bright and focused, this offers aromas of fresh dark and blue fruit, fine herbs, crushed stones and a hint of walnuts. Medium-bodied, a little chewy and well structured, with a firm, juicy profile and a fresh, minerally finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold."

Product Details

• Producer: Avignonesi
• Region: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: 61.77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.23% Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Vintage: 2022
• Drinking Window: Now–2030+
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Super Tuscan
• Format: 750ml

Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Biodynamic Organic 2022

About the Producer

Avignonesi is one of Tuscany's most celebrated and progressive estates. Under the leadership of Virginie Saverys, it has become a benchmark for biodynamic and organic viticulture in Italy. Their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is sourced from high-altitude vineyards where clay-rich soils and diurnal temperature swings produce Sangiovese of exceptional freshness, acidity, and complexity.

Winemaker's Notes

Bright purplish-red in colour with vibrant intensity. On the nose, small red berries and pomegranate open alongside the unmistakable violet note typical of quality Sangiovese, with subtle hints of vanilla and delicate oak. On the palate, the entry is lively and well-balanced — expressive and crisp, with sweet notes of ripe cherry, plum jam, and nuances of liquorice on the finish. Dynamic and elegant body, well-defined tannins, and a smooth, enveloping texture. A fresh streak of acidity carries the persistent finish.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast lamb with rosemary, wild boar ragù, Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
• Pasta: Pici with aglione or mushroom risotto.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano. A natural partner for traditional Tuscan fare.

Wine Details

• Producer: Avignonesi
• Appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic and organic
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Elegant, high-acid, terroir-driven Tuscan red
• Format: 750ml