MOSEL Max Ferdinand Richter The estate of Max Ferdinand The Mosel region is known for its steep slopes overlooking the rivers, on which the vineyards are Richter has been owned by the planted. Bremmer Calmont, located in the town of Bremm, has an incline of up to 68°. It has often Richter family for more than 300 been cited as the steepest vineyard site in the world, though the Engelsfelden vineyard in the Baden years. Today this enterprise is owned and run by, winemaker, region is documented at 75°. The Mosel has a very cool, northern continental climate, and such Dirk Richter. The possession of slopes are very effective in optimizing the vine’s exposure to sun. Thus, facilitating the ripening of these vineyards dates back to the grapes. The best sites also take advantage of the solar radiation reflecting off the river’s surface 1813 when their ancestor, in an and onto the vines, and the dark slate soil's ability to absorb heat during the day and radiate it back extreme demonstration of to the vines at night. A long growing season helps develop the intense flavors in the Riesling grapes personal courage, succeeded in preventing the sacking of Mülheim while keeping potential alcohol levels low. by Napoleon. Max Ferdinand Richter (Mülheim) massanois.com Dr. Pauly Bergweiler $179.90 Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler is owned by Zeppelin Riesling QbA 2016 Dr. Peter Pauly and his wife Helga, both of whom are Dr. H. Thanisch (Bernkastel-Kues) winesellers.com 92WS traditional advocates of noble 90W&S wines. The vineyards are mainly Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2018 $251.90 planted on, difficult-to-cultivate, Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett 2012 $443.90 river valley hillsides and are Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett 2017 $443.90 planted predominantly with late Riesling Feinherb 2017 $179.90 maturity Riesling grapes. Riesling Spätlese Trocken 2015 $299.90 Dr. H. Thanisch Dr. Pauly Bergweiler (Bernkastel) winesellers.com The internationally renowned $160.90 estate Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Dry Riesling QbA 2017 $119.90 Erben Müller-Burgraef is located $287.90 in the picturesque town of Noble House Riesling 2018 Bernkastel-Kues alongside the winesellers.com Mosel River. The Thanisch family Noble House Riesling Eiswein 2016 (375mL) $143.90 looks back on a winegrowing $119.90 tradition of over 375 years. In the Heinz Eifel (Trittenheim) $131.90 early 19th century, the family acquired part of the famed Riesling Auslese 2016 Berncasteler Doctor vineyard. Riesling Kabinett 2017 Riesling Spätlese 2017 Heinz Eifel The Eifel family has its roots in the village of Trittenheim, along the Mosel River. Heinz Eifel owns the Römerhof Winery, where his daughter Anne Eifel-Spohr is the chief winemaker. The family produces classic Rieslings with artistic style. Karthäuserhof Overlooking the sublime Ruwer valley, they are the eighth oldest winegrowing estate in the world. Officially founded as a monastery in 1335, this “Farm of the Carthusians” was given as a gift to the monks of the Carthusian order by Prince-Elector Balduin of Luxembourg. Incredibly, since 1811, they have been owned by a seven generations of the family. Karthäuserhof (Trier) massanois.com $323.90 Eitelsbacher Riesling Kabinett 2016 $215.90 $455.90 Ruwer Riesling Trocken QbA 2015 101 Grosses Gewächs Riesling Trocken 2015 (6pk)
August Kesseler RHEINGAU When August Kesseler took over his parent’s establishment, which The classic Rheingau wine is a dry Riesling with pronounced acidity, aromas of citrus fruits and was founded in 1924, he was smoke-tinged minerality. Typically more \"masculine\" than its equivalent from the Mosel. It is worth only 19 years old. Today, under August’s guidance, the estate has noting, however, that the region also produces some of Germany's very finest become one of the flagship sweet, botrytized Rieslings. Now atypical (yet still a fascinating part of the region's wine history), is producers of the Rheingau area the sweet Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) once widely produced in Assmannshausen until the late 20th and has also acquired an impressive international Century. reputation. The estate spans 80 acres of vineyards located in August Kesseler (Rheingau) vineyardbrands.com some of the best Rheingau sites, such as Assmannshäuser, R Riesling Kabinett 2017 $179.90 91WE Höllenberg, Rüdesheim Berg, Rüdesheim Riesling Trocken 2015 Schlossberg, Lorchhäuser, $371.90 91WE Seligmacher, Hattenheimer The Daily August Pinot Noir 2017 Wisselbrunnen, and many more. $455.90 93WE, 90W&S They producer 60% Riesling and 40% Pinot Noir and are a RHEINHESSEN member of the VDP and the German Barrique-Forum. Grapes have been grown in this region since Roman times, and viticulture was promoted by Charlemagne. The denomination Glöck is documented by a deed of donation from the year 742. G&M Machmer Generations of the Machmer Making it the oldest appellation in Germany. Rheinhessen produces mostly white wine from a family have been involved in variety of grapes, particularly Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner. However, it is best known as viticulture, but it was not until Georg Machmer that their estate the home of Liebfraumilch. Some previously underrated Rieslings are also made here, with an wines were bottled. His son, increasing of a powerfully dry style. Markus, now continues the family tradition and is devoted to producing wines of high quality. The small village of Bechtheim is situated in the countryside, not far to the South from Nierstein. The vines are cultivated on fertile, loamy soils, and spicy Gewürztraminer flourishes well in the warm microclimate. Heinz Eifel G&M Machmer (Bechtheim) winesellers.com The Eifel family has its roots in $155.90 the village of Trittenheim along Gewürztraminer Spätlese 2014 the Mosel River. Heinz Eifel winesellers.com owns the Römerhof Winery, $107.90 where his daughter Anne Eifel- $101.90 Spohr is the chief winemaker. $101.90 The family produces classic Rieslings with artistic style. Heinz Eifel (Trittenheim) Shine Gewürztraminer QbA 2016 Shine Dry Riesling 2017 Riesling QbA 2017 102
ARMENIA Armenia's plains, hills and valleys have provided some of the earliest evidence of grape growing and winemaking. Vines are an indigenous part of Armenia's flora. Petrified grape matter have shown that vines of the silvestris sub species of Vitis vinifera have grown there for over one million years. Today the majority of the country's 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of vineyards are used for Brandy production. Annual wine production for 2016 was about 7.5 million liters (2 million US gallons). This is roughly half of one percent of the average volumes for California. 60 percent of grape production comes from the regions of Armavir, Ararat and Vayots Dzor. 70 percent of vineyards are planted to white grape varieties. The nation's vines grow mostly at high altitude between 1640ft and 4920ft. This explains the high diurnal temperature variation and low rainfall which characterize their terroirs. The advent of efficient irrigation methods has made viticulture a more practical undertaking in Armenia, allowing it to rise in commercial importance. Yacoubian-Hobbs (Vayots Dzor) yacoubianhobbs.com .Yacoubian-Hobbs $276.00 Internationally renowned Yacuoubian-Hobbs White Blend 2017 winemaker Paul Hobbs and the (Voskehat, Katuni, Ordi, Garan Demak) $324.00 Yacoubian family journey to the $240.00 Birthplace of Wine to craft Yacuoubian-Hobbs Areni 2016 modern, world class wines from Yacuoubian-Hobbs Sarpina Areni 2016 (6pk) 103 the indigenous varieties found in the high altitude, mineral-rich soils of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. Their newly planted vineyards grow a stone’s throw away from the Areni-1 cave, the oldest known winery dating from over 6,000 years ago. With their local team, Paul and the Yacoubians are growing and crafting wines that confirm Armenia’s part not only in the ancient history of
Wine Art Estate GREECE The Wine Art Estate vineyard lies at the foot of Mount Pangaion - The mountainous, Mediterranean country in the sun-drenched southeast of Europe – is often the ancient home of the mythical considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that wine has Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine; Dionysos. been made in some parts of Greece for more than 4000 years. The modern face of Greek wine Today, it produces inspiring combines the traditional with the modern. Native Greek grape varieties such wines adapted to, and a reflection of, the unique micro-climate of as Assyrtico, Agiorgitiko and Xynomavro are found alongside such famous international (French) the Drama region. ‘Techni’ varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The portfolio of 21st-Century Greek wine translates to ‘the art of’ and ‘Alipias’, ‘getting rid of sorrows’ includes everything from fresh, citrus-scented whites and sparkling rosé to lusciously sweet reds. and thus accurately describes the appeasement these fresh whites Wine Art Estate (Drama) rrselections.com and well balanced reds deliver $131.90 Wine Art Idisma Drios Assyrtiko 2017 (6pk) $227.90 Markovitis Winery Wine Art Plano Malagousia Markos Markovitis is the third rrselections.com generation viticulturist and Markovitis Winery (Naoussa) $119.90 winemaker at his family's winery. Since 1972, they have only been Markovitis Xinomavro (6pk) rrselections.com producing one wine label - $251.90 Naoussa Xinomavro. Markovitis Domaine Porto Carras (Halkidiki) is located on the base of Mt. $215.90 Vermio is also the first Porto Carras Assyrtiko 2017 $383.90 organically farmed vineyard in all $383.90 of Greece. The dedication to grow Porto Carras Limneon Limnio 2015 only Xinomavro has allowed the Chateau Porto Carras Red Blend2008 rrselections.com Markovitis Winery to excel in Chateau Porto Carras Red Blend 2009 $83.90 producing a top quality wine. Palivou Estate (Nemea) $83.90 Domaine Porto Carras Domaine Porto Carras is the Palivou Anemos White 2018 (6pk) $113.90 largest organic winery in Greece and well-known for quality and (Rhoditis & Moscofilero) rrselections.com exceptional care of the vineyard. $95.90 Historically, they are acclaimed Palivou Anemos Red 2018 (6pk) $119.90 for planting the first vineyards of Malagousia and a vineyard (Agiorgitiko) recognized for viticulture experimentation; currently 23 Palivou Nemea Estate Agiorgitiko 2018 (6pk) varietals are being grown in the vineyard. Manousakis (Crete) Palivou Estate Manousakis Mrs. Red Blend 2017 (6pk) Palivou Estate is located in one of the most well known wine- producing regions of Greece - Nemea, Peloponnese. Here, viticulture has continued non-stop for 3,500 years and the Palivou story is of such a long tradition that no one in the family can remember when the first vine was planted. They specialize on Agiorgitiko, which is one of the main red Greek varietals, and make vibrant rosés, fresh reds and deep, complex age-worthy reds Manousakis Winery Each bottle of Nostos Wines captures the character of this verdant island, and the slopes of the Lefka Ori Mountains of Western Crete. Ted Manousakis planted the first vineyard in 1993 with the principle that organic farming was the only way to show respect for nature and the environment. In 2007, his daughter Alexandra Manousakis began taking over the winery. At the time they were producing around 35,000 bottles of wine per year. Today the Manousakis Winery produces 150,000 bottles of wine yearly. Manousakis Nostos Romeiko 2017 (6pk) 104
HUNGARY Royal Tokaji Wine Company With a substantial investment The wines of the Tokaji region of Hungary have been from international wine critic produced since at least the 1500’s and with good reason. Hugh Johnson the Royal Tokaji The Tokaji region of Hungary sits in the extreme north-east remains Tokaji’s most important producer. Royal Tokaji owns a corner of the country separated from Slovakia by the unique combination of 1st, 2nd Carpathian mountains. The vineyards of Tokaji are and 3rd growth vineyards that have always been privately composed of red, white and black volcanic soils owned, including one of the two intermingled with clay. Tokaji was one of, if not the first, great first growths: Mézes Mály. At one time, first-growth region to establish a vineyard classification system. In vineyards Betsek and Szt. Tamás 1700 under the orders of Transylvanian Prince Rákóczy, were owned by Prince Rakcózi. vineyards were designated 1st, 2nd or 3rd growth. Today Three centuries later, these vineyards continue to be highly 74 vineyards are designated as 1st Growth with just valued. Winemaker István Szepsy Szarvas and Mézes Mály designated as Great Growths. continues to create dessert wines Tokaji’s reputation lies squarely on its world class dessert on par with those made anywhere in the world. wines. Central to the production of these wines is the formation of the botrytis cinerea also known as “noble rot” Királyudvar in the vineyards. Grapes effected by noble rot are called Domaine Huet owner Anthony Hwang oversees this historic aszú. Noble rot occurs naturally in Tokaji where the property. Anthony’s experience Bodrog and Tisza rivers converge creating the humidity in biodynamic farming in Vouvray rich fogs needed to support its development. Wines are paved the way for implementation often labelled as 3-6 puttonyos. The more puttonyos added of the same farming techniques in to the wine the sweeter the wine will be The traditional Tokaji. Királyudvar (Kings collection vessel for grapes in Tokaji, the Puttonyo is a Court) has 45 ha of vineyards backpack. The puttonyos would be filled with aszú grapes located in Tokaji’s heartland on and would be added to the dry wines from the previous the hilltops surrounding the year. Thus the number of puttonyos added determines the villages of Mád and overall sweetness of the wine. Dry wines are becoming Bodrogkeresztúr. The 6 vineyards more readily available and are produced from vineyards are historically important grand cru sites; including Henye, that are not effected by botrytis. Dry wines are crisp, Percze, Betsek, and the great mineral driven. Both dry and sweet wines are produced Lapis. from Furmint, Hárslevelű and Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc à Petite Grains). Furmint is key to the production of Tokaji Aszú, as it is particularly susceptible to botrytis and high in acidity. Royal Tokaji Wine Company (Mád) royal-tokaji.com $143.90 Royal Tokaji “Oddity” Dry Furmint 2017 Royal Tokaji Late Harvest 2017 .375ml (6pk) $89.95 92DEC Royal Tokaji Red Label 5 Puttonyos 2017 .500ml (6pk) $239.95 98DEC, 97WE Royal Tokaji Gold Label 6 Puttonyos 2013 .500ml (6pk) $336.00 97W&S Royal Tokaji Betsek Vineyard 6 Puttonyos 2013 .500ml (6pk) $653.90 Királyudvar (Tarcal) rarewines.com $191.90 Királyudvar Furmint Sec 2014 $341.95 Királyudvar 6 Puttonyos 2007 .500ml (6pk) 105
Our friend Janie Master first brought this comic to our attention, and it has ceremoniously hung in the restroom of Barolo Grill for...um...many, many years. Each and every time we gather at Barolo, almost like a re-charging button, we saunter quietly to the restroom and think so very fondly of our friends the Masters. 106
Piemonte ITALY Veneto Slovenia Aldo Conterno Bellafina Edi Simcic Diego Conterno Lombardia Elvio Cogno Tiamo Bisol Giocato Bruna Grimaldi Bocelli Friuli Bartolo Mascarello Mamete Prevostini Buglioni Attems Giuseppe Mascarello Bussola Fantinel Dal Forno Gradis’Ciutta Massolino Giuseppe Lonardi Villa Russiz Parusso La Fiera Lovo Elio Perrone Montefresco Podere Elia Monte Tondo Giovanni Rosso Nobilissima Luciano Sandrone Ti Amo Simone Scaletta Tommasi Liguria Emilia-Romagna Marche Laura Aschero Venturini-Baldini Lucchetti Marchetti Toscana Umani Ronchi Antonio Sanguineti Abruzzo Bibbiani La Fiera Bibbiano La Quercia Biondi-Santi Masciarelli Bocelli Borgo Scopeto Molise Brunelli Casa Contini Caparzo Castello di Volpaia Umbria Puglia Arnaldo Caprai Casa Contini Fanti Ghizzano La Fiera Le Macchiole La Perlina Le Rote Palama Luce Surani Masseto Basilicata Montepeloso Paternoster Ornellaia Perazzeta Petrolo Pieri Podere Ciona Poggio al Tufo Prelius Salcheto Tenuta dei Sette Cieli Tiamo Val di Suga Sicilia Caruso & Minini Feudo Montoni Graci La Fiera Tenuta di Fessina Tiamo 107
PIEDMONT Piedmont is admired above all for its red wines, led by the regal Barolo and Barbaresco, yet a renaissance is underway that includes historical and nearly extinct Piemontese grapes. An overwhelming majority of Piedmont’s wines derive from native grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Cortese, and the region has 17 DOCG to talk about, making Piedmont the region with the highest percentage of classified wines. The climate is rigid by Italian standards, with distinct changes of season, including plenty of snow in the winter. Piedmont stands at a crossroads, and while the ‘new school’ has settled back into being more ‘old school,’ Nebbiolo is still a relative value amongst the world’s most collected wines. Our Piemonte portfolio has a wine for everybody, featuring a bevy of styles, regions and philosophies from some of the greatest wine producers in the world. La Morra Piemonte Curto Attimo Aldo Conterno Diego Conterno Curto Elvio Cogno Bruna Grimaldi Bartolo Mascarello Giuseppe Mascarello Massolino Armando Parusso Elio Perrone Podere Elia Luciano Sandrone Simone Scaletta Barolo Roddi Luciano Sandrone Bruna Grimaldi Castiglione Falletto Serralunga d’Alba Bartolo Mascarello Massolino Giuseppe Mascarello Novello Montforte d’Alba Elvio Cogno Attimo Aldo Conterno Diego Conterno Massolino Armando Parusso Simone Scaletta The two most notable wines of Piedmont, Barolo (with its notable communes of La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Montforte d’Alba, Castiglione Falleto, and Novello), and Barbaresco (with its communes of Nieve, Treiso, San Rocco Senodelvio, and Barbaresco), take their names from the respective villages. These regions are distinguished by hillside vineyards (often noted as Sorì, upper hillside vineyard with Southern exposure, or Bricco, the highest point of the hill or a vineyard with a particularly steep aspect), as well as very specific soils. Nebbiolo finds its best home on Helvetian soil (eastern Barolo) with more iron and sandstone, or Tortonian (Barbaresco and western Barolo), a blueish-white colored calcareous marl. Most of the rest of Piedmont’s wines are named after the grapes from which they are made—Barbera, Brachetto, Dolcetto, Grignolino, Freisa, Moscato, Nascetta, Nebbiolo. Most also add a district name, indicating they originate from a limited and theoretically superior area. Notable exceptions of this are Langhe, Roero, Monferrato, and Gavi. 108
Attimo (Monforte d’Alba) attimo.com Attimo $190.00 Jon Schlegel founded Snooze with (also available in keg) $160.00 the motto, “It only takes a Bianco (Arneis) 2018 moment to make a difference.” $431.90 After moving to Monforte d’Alba Rosato 2018 $215.90 in Piedmont, Italy with their son $467.90 in 2013, and purchasing their own (Sangiovese and Bombino Bianco) $220.00 small Barolo vineyard. In Italy, Jon spent his days working and Barbaresco DOCG 2016 learning in the vineyards and Barbera d’Alba DOC 2018 wineries from producers whose Barolo DOCG 2015 families have been making wine in Rosso 2018 the region for generations. After returning to his native home of (Barbera, Dolcetto, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Nebbiolo) Denver, Jon wanted to bring a piece of Italy back with him to Bruna Grimaldi (Roddi) massanois.com share with Colorado. Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Camilla DOCG 2015 443.90 93 JS, 93 WS, 91 WA “Bricco Ambrogia is a cru of 25 hectares situated in the Aldo Conterno (Monforte d’Alba) massanois.com municipality of Roddi. It has $612.00 come into the limelight in recent Chardonnay Bussiador 2014 $708.00 years as a great source of Barolo, Chardonnay Bussiador 2015 thanks to producers like Bruna 92+ WA, 90 WS Grimaldi.” Barbera d’Alba Conca Tre Pile DOC 2016 $431.90 92 DEC -Gambero Rosso Barolo Bussia DOCG 2013 $768.00 93+ WA Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia DOCG 2014 $804.00 94 WS, 92 WA Poderi Aldo Conterno belongs to Barolo Bussia DOCG 2015 $816.00 96 JS, 94 WS, 93 WA an elite group of historical Barolo Barolo Cicala DOCG 2014 (6pk) $762.00 94 VN, 94 WA, 93 WS producers who have truly shaped (also available in 1.5L) the history of winemaking in the Barolo Colonnello DOCG 2014 (6pk) $762.00 95 WS, 92 VN, 91 WA Langhe. With history dating Barolo Romirasco DOCG 2013 (6pk) $540.00 97 WA, 95 WS back to the 1800’s, the Conterno Barolo Romirasco DOCG 2014 (6pk) $555.00 family has owned and farmed Langhe Rosso (Freisa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) DOCG 2015 $251.90 94 WA, 93 VN, 93 WS some of the premiere plots in Nebbiolo Il Favot DOC 2015 $600.00 Monforte d’Alba. Their cru 90 WS vineyards (Romirasco, Cicala and Colonnello) are blended in the Diego Conterno (Monforte d’Alba) best vintages to create the Granbussia, regarded as one of Langhe Bianco Nascetta 2016 $239.90 Due Bicchieri the benchmark expressions of $227.90 Nebbiolo. Barbera d’Alba Ferrione DOC 2014 $467.90 Due Bicchieri Diego Conterno Barolo Monforte DOCG 2013 $563.90 Due Bicchieri “One of Langhe’s top ‘emerging’ Barolo Ginestra DOCG 2014 $215.90 Due Bicchieri producers...with 20 years’ Dolcetto d’Alba 2016 $251.90 experience. Today he’s Nebbiolo d’Alba Baluma DOC 2015 accompanied by his son, Stefano, managing some 7 hectares of Curto (La Morra) augustwinegroup.com estate vineyards, which hold the best positions within the Barolo La Foia DOCG 2013 (6pk) $279.00 94 WE additional geographic mentions (Le Coste and Ginestra di Monforte.) His Baroli, which are both vigorous and communicative, elude easy technical categories, in part because of the variety of methods used: concrete, steel, mid-sized casks, and large barrels.” Curto Nadia Curto is a woman amongst men; a formidable winemaker who learned her craft from her father Marco, a grower, and her uncle Elio Altare, a legendary winemaker. She is her own enologist, and works every aspect of the winemaking. Her wines cut the razor’s edge between classic and modern in Barolo -- powerful, even a touch austere, but with undeniable finesse. 109
Elvio Cogno Elvio Cogno (Novello) wilsondaniels.com The Elvio Cogno winery sits on the top of Bricco Ravera, a hill Langhe Bianco Anas-Cëtta Nascetta DOC 2017 (6pk) $179.90 91 WSM, 90 WA near Novello. The cellar is Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2017 (6pk) housed in an 18th century manor $155.90 farm surrounded by 11 hectres Barbaresco Bordini DOCG 2014 (27 acres) of vineyards. The Barbera d’Alba Pre-Phylloxera DOC 2016 $599.90 93 WA, 92 WS, 91 VN Cogno family has been making Barolo Ravera DOCG 2015 (6pk) $288.00 wine in the Langhe for four Barolo Bricco Pernice DOCG 2013 (6pk) $545.90 96 WSM, 94 WS, 94 WA generations. Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena 2012 (6pk) $546.00 Tre Bicchieri, 96 VN, 96 WA “Elvio Cogno is one of the hottest Dolcetto d’Alba Mandorlo DOC 2017 $588.00 wineries in Piedmont right now. Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli DOC 2016 $215.90 95+ VN, 95 WA, 95 WS The Barolos are made in an $335.90 90 WA, 90 WS enlightened traditional style that Bartolo Mascarello (Castiglione Falletto) 94 VN, 93 WS, 92 WA showcases the unique attributes of the estate’s various parcels, all Barbera d’Alba DOC 2017 rarewine.com located in Ravera.” -Antonio Barolo DOCG 2015 (6pk) Galloni Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2018 $479.09 $630.00 Tre Bicchieri, 97 VN, 95 WA, 94 WS Bartolo Mascarello $299.90 In 1990, “Italy’s Noble Red Wines” author Sheldon Wasserman called Bartolo Mascarello’s hand-crafted Barolo “the single finest Barolo made.” His daughter Maria Teresa continues the legacy producing one of the world’s touchstone (and borderline unicorn) wines. Giuseppe Mascarello Giuseppe Mascarello (Castiglione Falletto) massanois.com Tre Bicchieri, 95 WS “At the height of Langhe’s classic Tre Bicchieri, 95 WA style stands a winery founded in Barbera d’Alba Scudetto DOC 2016 $395.90 the late 19th century and that has Barolo Perno DOCG 2015 $1080.00 since mastered the purest, most Barolo Monprivato DOCG 2015 $1680.00 integrated form of Barolo.” Barolo Monprivato DOCG 2014 $1,500.00 Today Mauro Mascarello is the Langhe Freisa Toetto DOC 2017 $371.90 last remaining giant of the great Langhe Nebbiolo Davigneti di Proprieta DOC 2017 $491.90 Barolo generation that included Aldo Conterno and Bartolo Mascarello. Mauro has been the winemaker here for over 50 years, his stamp being the prodigious perfume of the Monprivato. Elio Perrone Elio Perrone (Asti) rarewineco.com As more Americans have discovered the extraordinary Moscato d’Asti Sourgal DOCG 2018 $179.90 90 VN lusciousness , vivid fruit, and captivating perfume of Moscato, (also available in 375ml) the emphasis shifts to the ‘grower Moscato’ category of which Stefano Perrone is the clear leader. A retired champion motocross racer, Stefano runs the family domaine with the same skill and creativity as his father. Barbera d’Asti Tasmorcan DOCG 2018 $167.90 Due Bicchieri, 90 WS 110
Massolino (Serralunga d’Alba) vineyardbrands.com Massolino $311.90 The history of the Massolinos and Langhe Chardonnay DOC 2017 $215.90 their wine became intertwined Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2018 with the history of Serralunga $229.90 90 WS d’Alba in 1896, when Giovanni Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2014 $271.90 90 WS founded the estate. Giovanni was Barbera d’Alba DOC 2017 $311.90 93 JS, 93 WA, 93 WE, 90 WS the first person to bring electricity Langhe Nebbiolo DOCG 2017 $515.90 96 WE, 95 WS, 94 WA, 90 VN to the village.. His son Giuseppe Barolo DOCG 2015 $450.00 98 WE, 96 W&S, 93WS built the first wine cellar, Barolo Margheria DOCG 2015 (6pk) $738.00 Tre Bicchieri, 98 WE, 96 WS extended the estate, and was one Barolo Vigna Rionda DOCG 2012 (6pk) $780.00 of the founders of the Consorzio Barolo Vigna Rionda DOCG 2013 (6pk) of Barolo and Barbaresco. Parusso Armando Parusso took over the family estate in 1971, growing only indigenous Piemontese varieties on the 22 hectares of land in Bussia, Mosconi, and Mariondino. From small local, garagiste winery to become one of Italy’s top estates, the wines are made by Marco Parusso, Armando’s son. Parusso (Monforte d’Alba) massanois.com Podere Elia 6,000 cases produced. From the Dolcetto d’Alba Piani Noce DOC 2015 $215.90 heart of Barbaresco in Neive comes this stunningly elegant Barbera d’Alba Ornati DOC 2016 $227.90 91 WA, 90+ VN, 90 WS wine from newcomer Poderi Elia (a newcomer whose family has Barolo DOCG 2015 $485.90 95 VN, 95 JS, 93 WA, 92 WS been producing this wine since 1890!). Though relatively new to the international scene, this wine speaks for itself. Poderi Elia (Neive) augustwinegroup.com Luciano Sandrone $263.90 Luciano Sandrone is one of the Barbaresco Serracapelli DOCG 2012 (6pk) leading producers in Barolo. His vintuswines.com story is well-known: after years of Luciano Sandrone (Barolo) work as a cellarman he purchased $227.90 91 JS his first vineyard on the Cannubi Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2017 hill. Since their first harvest in Barbera d’Alba DOC 2017 $383.90 91 JS, 91 WA 1978, Luciano and his brother Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore DOC 2017 (6pk) Luca have devoted tremendous Barolo Le Vigne DOCG 2014 (6pk) $245.90 92 WA, 90 JS efforts towards cultivating the Barolo Le Vigne DOCG 2015 (6pk) finest fruit in their vineyards, Barolo Aleste DOCG 2015 (6pk) $606.00 96 VN, 95 JS, 95 WE, 94 WA which now cover 63 acres in the Barolo Cannubi Boschis DOCG 2013 (6pk) best parts of Roero and Langhe. $689.90 97 JS, 95 VN, 95 WA, 94 WS Their 1990 Cannubi earned the Simone Scaletta (Monforte d’Alba) first ever 100 point score for $785.90 96 VN, 95 WA, 94 WS, 94 JS Nebbiolo from Robert Parker. Dolcetto d’Alba Viglioni DOC 2016 Barbera d’Alba Sarsera DOC 2016 $648.00 Simone Scaletta Langhe Nebbiolo Autin ‘d Madama DOCC 2015 Simone represents the generation Barolo Chirlet DOCG 2013 $215.90 Due Bicchieri of new winemakers in Piemonte, $275.90 Due Bicchieri having ditched his day job in $275.90 Due Bicchieri Turin to live in a van for eight $527.90 years while he built his winery in the heart of Monforte d’Alba. His estate comprises of 5 hectares and in just 15 years, he has built a cult following and reputation as the new wave of Piedmonte 111
Laura Aschero LIGURIA A small family-run company that produces less than 6,000 cases of One of Italy’s smallest regions, both geographically and production-wise. Yet, its wines enjoy fine wine from Liguria. the estate of more than local reputation. Steep, terraced vineyards define the Italian Riviera, with poor, sandy began its winemaking activities as a hobby in 1980, planting vines to the soils. Liguria is currently more about potential than achievement. family-owned land that had formerly been used for other types of crops. Laura Aschero (Imperia) massanois.com The wine cellar, situated in an $311.90 ancient palace under the Piazza del Laura Aschero Vermentino 2016 Paese, has been completely renovated and today has modern Laura Aschero Rossese 2018 $311.90 and efficient wine-producing facilities. LOMBARDIA Tiamo Italy’s most prosperous and populous region, is not as well know as neighboring Piedmont or Tiamo is one of the first 100% Veneto. However, situated between the Alps and Apennines, it is home to outstanding vineyards, organic certified Italian wine brands, produced from organic who have been perennial suppliers of everyday wine to Milan grapes grown in Pavia, on the border of Piedmont. Made by the Tiamo winesellersltd.com Padrino of the Denver restaurant $119.90 scene, Melvin Master and his boy (See also Sicily, Veneto, Tuscany) Charlie, there is lots to love in these juicy cans. Tiamo Barbera 2018 Mamete Prevosini Mamete Prevosini (Valtellina) massanois.com The Prevostini family has been $227.90 producing wine on the tereraced Mamete Prevosini Montrose Rosato 2018 slopes of Valtellina since the 1940s. $203.90 Mamete, the grandfather, began Mamete Prevosini Nebbiolo (Chiavanesca) Botonero 2017 making wine for his restaurant, but eventually grew it into a successful business, and is renowned for elegant Chiavanesca (Nebbiolo), and is the president of the Consorzio of Lombardia VENETO Veneto is Italy’s largest wine producing region in terms of volume as well as the leader in volume of classified wines. Veneto has three main areas of premium wine production: the western province of Verona in the hills between Lake Garda and the town of Soave; the central hills in the provinces of Vicenza, Padova and Treviso; and the eastern plains of the Piave and the Tagliamento River basins along the Adriatic coast northeast of Venice. Veneto’s classic wines are bona fide natives. Soave from the Garganega, Valpolicella made from a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes that can also be partly dried and made into the rich, full-bodied Amarone. Lastly and maybe most importantly the Veneto has one of Italy’s favorite exports, Prosecco. Prosecco is predominantly made of Glera which is made in the Charmat Method which became the most famous in this region. Monte Tondo Bellafina La Fiera Jeio Buglioni Bisol Buglioni Nobilissima Dal Forno Bocelli Tommasi Cara Mia Bussola Fantinel Lovo Tiamo Tomassi Maeli 112
PROSECCO Bellafina Bottled by Casa Vinicola Botter Prosecco is a DOC, which makes its wine from Glera, is the Italian powerhouse sparkling wine. It since 1928, the Botter family has is made using the tank or charmot method. Modern Prosecco has two faces: inside the DOCG been producing wines under environmentally friendly policies territory wines are more and more complex, refined, important, emotional and, inevitably, costly. In and with innovative production the DOC category, simplicity is the goal, yields are higher, and costs are low thanks to machines techniques and technologies. (flat terrain, no steep hills). Each method has its time and place, leading Prosecco to the forefront of Bisol the world’s sparkling wine production. Founded in 1542, when the Bisol family first began cultivating Bellafina winesellersltd.com grapes. With 500 years of $119.90 winemaking tradition, Bisol Bellafina Prosecco Frizzante produces a range of organically farmed and internationally Bisol (Valdobbiadene) wilsondaniels.com recognized Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG crus. Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut $167.90 91 JS Bocelli Bisol Jeio Cuvee Brut Rosé $167.90 92 JS For more than 150 years, the Bocelli family has made wine on Bisol Jeio Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut $203.90 90 DEC, 91 JS, 92 WE their small farm. As part of a long line of Bocelli’s, Andrea Bocelli– Bisol Crede Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut 2017 $239.90 91 DEC, 91 JS one of the world’s most famous opera singers–along with his (also available in 1.5L) brother Alberto, mamma Edi, and sister-in-law Cinzia. Bisol Relio Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut 2017 (6pk) $197.90 $215.90 Cara Mia Bisol Prosecco “Cartizze” Valdobbiadene Dry 2015 (6pk) 90 WE Cara Mia translates from Italian as “My Beloved.” Cara Mia celebrates Bocelli augustwinegroup.com the passion and romance of Verona. $179.90 (Also see Toscana) Fantinel integratedbev.com Fantinel winery was born from the Bocelli Prosecco Extra Dry $155.90 passion of Mario Fantinel, a well- known restaurateur in Friuli (also available in 187ml) augustwinegroup.com Venezia Giulia, who in 1969 purchased the first vineyards to Cara Mia $143.90 90 JS raise the standard of the products offered to his customers. Cara Mia Prosecco Extra Dry augustwinegroup.com $155.90 Lovo Fantinel Salvatore Lovo, and his daughter Silvia, grow classic varietals of Fantinel Prosecco Extra Dry North-Central Italy. Like the hills where they reside, they are an oasis Lovo of small production beauty in an area of Italy known more for Lovo Prosecco Extra Dry quantity than quality. Nobilissima guarachiwinepartners.com Tiamo $155.90 Tiamo is one of the first 100% Nobilissima Prosecco Extra Dry organic certified Italian wine winesellersltd.com brands, produced from organic Tiamo $155.90 grapes grown in and around the village of Valdobbiene in the (Also see Toscana and Sicilia) vintus.com province of Treviso. $167.90 Tiamo Prosecco Extra Dry Tommasi 113 Established in 1902 around the (also available in 187ml) family home in Pedemonte in Valpolicella, the winery has grown Tommasi and expanded into the choicest areas of the region under the Tommasi “Filodora” Prosecco Brut guidance of the many generations of the Tommasi family. (also available in 187ml)
Bocelli For more than 150 years, the Bocelli family has made wine on their small farm. As part of a long line of Bocelli’s, Andrea Bocelli–one of the world’s most famous opera singers– along with his brother Alberto, mamma Edi, and sister-in-law Cinzia, remain committed to making terrific vino della famiglia. Buglioni Bocelli augustwinegroup.com Today, Buglioni own 36 hectares (89 $155.90 acres) of vines planted to the (Also see Prosecco and Toscana) traditional indigenous varieties. The 14 hectares (34.6 acres) of vineyards Bocelli “Operetta” Pinot Grigio 2017 planted near the winery are trained using the double pergola system, Buglioni (Cariano) wilsondaniels.com while the remaining vineyards in $191.90 Sant’Ambrogio and San Pietro in Buglioni “Il Disperato” Bianco 2016 $203.90 Cariano are trained using the guyot system. The lightly textured, Buglioni “Musa” Trebbiano 2018 gravelly, dark alluvial soil, meticulous vine pruning, and Buglioni Valpoicella Classico 2016 $215.90 92 JS scrupulous control techniques Buglioni “Bugiardo” Ripasso 2016 $263.90 93 JS Buglioni employs ensure the Buglioni Amarone 2015 (6pk) $599.90 95 JS production of high-quality grapes. Cara Mia integratedbev.com Cara Mia $143.90 Cara Mia translates from Italian as (Also see Prosecco) “My Beloved.” The letter, written in Italian, was found in the town of Cara Mia Pinot Grigio 2018 Verona from Prince Giovanni to his lost love. He is desperate to find his (also available in 3L box) true love to be with her. Cara Mia celebrates the passion and romance Dal Forno (Val d’Illasi) wilsondaniels.com of Verona with fresh and vibrant Wines meant to be enjoyed with your Dal Forno “Romano” Valpoicella 2013 (6pk) $432.00 95 RP, 95WA, 94W&S Cara Mia or with your good friend Dal Forno “Romano” Amarone 2013 (6pk) $1,620.00 97 JS, 94 W&S Dal Forno (please inquire about back vintages and vertical packs) The Dal Forno family has been making wine since 1983. Located in Val D’Illasi, the estate consists of 65 acres of vines planted to traditional indigenous varieties. The estate vineyards and farm are located where the slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet above sea level. The loose, alluvial soils, meticulous pruning and scrupulous viticultural techniques ensure remarkable- quality grapes. The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce great wines. Giuseppe Lonardi Giuseppe Lonardi (Marano) augustwinegroup.com In a little village not far from $167.90 Verona, tucked into the romantic Giuseppe Lonardi Valpolicella Superiore 2015 hills of Valpolicella, you will find the winesellersltd.com estate of one of the best Amarone La Fiera $95.90 producers in Italia–Giuseppe $95.90 Lonardi. “Bepi,” as his wife likes to (Also see Abruzzo and Puglia) $95.90 call him, is a fourth generation winemaker, and leads a beautiful, La Fiera Moscato 2017 simple life. On average, he hand- La Fiera Pinot Grigio 2018 crafts a scant 100-200 cases per year of each of his finest wines. (also available in 20L keg) La Fiera La Fiera Soave 2017 The origins of the carousel featured on the label originate from medieval riding fairs in the north of Italy. The carousel has been the centerpiece of La Fiera, The Fair, for centuries. La Fiera produces excellent value wines. 114
Maeli (Baone) wilsondaniels.com Maeli $210.00 Nestled in the Euganean Hills, a Maeli “Dili” Moscato Giallo $203.90 group of volcanic rolling, cone- shape slopes that rise above the Maeli Bianco Infinito 2015 $203.90 Padovan-Venetian plane, is one of the region’s fastest emerging leaders Maeli Rosso Infinito 2016 in top quality wine production – Maeli. The winery is directed by (60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenere) winemaker Elisa Dilavanzo, who has drawn new energy from the Monte Tondo (Soave) augustwinegroup.com support given by Gianluca and $167.90 Desiderio Bisol. With their vision, Monte Tondo Soave Classico 2016 Elisa is encouraged to search for new expressions in a grape variety, Nobilissima guarachiwinepartners.com Moscato Giallo, that still has so $119.90 much to reveal. The variety of the Nobilissima Pinot Grigio 2018 land, the steepness of the hills, the varying exposition of the vineyards Tiamo winesellersltd.com and the peculiarities of the micro- $119.90 climate motivate Elisa to continue to (Also see Prosecco, Tuscany, and Puglia) explore and research every aspect of winemaking in this unique land and Tiamo Pinot Grigio 2018 ancient varietal. (also available in keg) Monte Tondo The Monte Tondo estate can be Tommasi (Verona) vintus.com found nestled in the gentle hills of $167.90 Soave, just a few kilometers from Tommasi Pinot Grigio delle Venezie “Rosse” 2018 Verona, on a slope overlooking the valley. Three generations have Tommasi Merlot delle Venezie 2017 $155.90 93 JS handed down the precious art of Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore “Rafaele” 2017 $179.90 92 JS wine-making, born from a love for Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2016 $251.90 92 JS their land and their roots, together Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella 2015 (6pk) $365.90 with the knowledge that it is only through hard work, drive, and Tommaso Bussola (Verona) rarewineco.com determination that the best results can be obtained. Bussola Valpolicella Classico “Ca’del Laito” 2016 $239.90 93 WS Bussola Valpolicella Classico “TB” 2014 $431.90 Tiamo Bussola Amarone Classico 2013 $611.90 Tiamo is one of the first 100% organic certified Italian wine Bussola Recioto Classico 2012 (6pk) $275.90 brands. This Pinot Grigio is produced from organic grapes grown Fosalta di Piave.. Crafted by the Padrino of the Denver restaurant scene, Melvin Master! Tommasi Tommasi has always been a standard bearer of the Amarone appellation, and one of the most important quality producers in the Veneto. Established in 1902 around the family home in Pedemonte in Valpolicella, the winery has grown and expanded into the choicest areas of the region under the guidance of the many generations of the Tommasi family. The winery is known above all for its classic approach to winemaking in Valpolicella, favoring elegance and balance, and paying homage to the tradition of their home region. Tommaso Bussola Originally trained as a stone mason, Tommaso took over his uncle's Valpolicella estate in the mid- 1980's. While vineyard work came naturally to him, he experimented relentlessly, and absorbed information and ideas from every source available. With each passing vintage, his wines came to show more polish, finesse, intensity, and personality. By the late ‘90’s, his style had matured, and his wines have become world-famous for intensity of fruit.. 115
FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA & SLOVENIA The compact little area of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is tucked up in the corner of Italy and Slovenia, but leads the way in Italian white wine production. Before it became part of Italy, the area was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bordered by Slovenia on the east, Austria to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south, much of the region is mountainous, with cool breezes from the Julian Alps mingling with mild sea breezes from the Adriatic. The Friulians have paved the way for most modern wine-making in Italy and have also led the charge in the encouraging tendency to revive ancient varieties. Friuli has only one DOCG (Ramandolo) but has two excellent DOC zones – Collio Goriziano, or simply Collio, and Colli Orientali del Friuli, two areas adjacent and sharing borders with Slovenia. The Collio DOC (“Collio” means “hillsides”) is the narrow, hilly borderland closest to Slovenia, wedged between sea and mountains, with some of the most favorable conditions for winegrowing in Italy. Here, along with neighboring Goriska Brda in Slovenia, the soil is a particular type of marl known as “ponca,” which is clay that is rich in limestone and sandstone; it has proven to be excellent for vines, providing minerals that enhance the aromatics of the wines. The microclimate of the area, combined with the ideal soil composition and south-facing hillsides interlaced with terraced vineyards, make Collio a unique terroir for the production of extraordinary wines. Our Slovenian producers take the Friulian wines to a different level, extracting greater fruit and body enough to withstand, and benefit, from barrel ageing. Attems Attems (Capriva del Friuli) vintus.com There is documentation that confirms ownership of land Attems Pinot Grigio 2018 $203.90 90 JS dedicated to viticulture in Collio $203.90 90 JS by the Attems dynasty dating as Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato 2018 $203.90 far back as 1106, whereas the production of Ribolla Gialla and Attems Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Refosco can be seen listed in the 1764 general ledgers. Fantinel (Pordenone) augustwinegroup.com Count Douglas Attems helped found the Consorzio dei Vini del Borgo Tesis Pinot Grigio 2017 $143.90 Collio (Collio Wine Consortium) Tenuta Sant’Helena Collio Pinot Grigio 2017 $203.90 in 1964 . It was – in chronological Borgo Tesis Ribolla Gialla 2017 $225.90 terms – the third to have been Borgo Tesis Chardonnay 2017 $167.90 founded in Italy and the first in the Friuli region. Since 2000 Borgo Tesis Refosco dal Peduncolo 2016 $203.90 Attems has been the property of Borgo Tesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $167.90 the Frescobaldi family. Fantinel Fantinel winery was born from the passion of Mario Fantinel, a well-known restaurateur in Friuli Venezia Giulia, who in 1969 purchased the first vineyards to raise the standard of the products offered to his customers. Nowadays, with the third generation has become an internationally prestigious company. 116
Gradis’Ciutta (Gorizia) vineyardbrands.com Gradis’Ciutta West of Gorizia in northeastern Gradis’Ciutta Collio Sauvignon 2016 $215.90 91 WE Italy, there is a group of hills known as Monsvini, which Gradis’Ciutta Collio Pinot Grigio 2015 $215.90 91 WE means “Mount of Wine.” Here the unique terroir is reflected in Gradis’Ciutta Collio Friulano 2015 $215.90 90 WE the outstanding wines produced, whether they be indigenous or Gradis’Ciutta Collio Chardonnay 2016 $215.90 90 WS, 90 WE international varietals. The soul behind the constantly evolving Gradis’Ciutta Collio Ribolla Gialla 2016 $215.90 91 W&S, 91 JD reality is Robert Princic, who carries forward the Princic Gradis’Ciutta Collio Bratinis 2014 $239.90 89 WE family’s long history with wine, who, as a historical notary deed (Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Sauvignon) proves, were producing wine in Kosana as early as 1780. Gradis’Ciutta Collio Cabernet Franc 2016 $227.90 Barbera d’Alba Ferrione DOC 2014 $227.90 Villa Russiz Villa Russiz has long been Villa Russiz (Capriva del Friuli) wilsondaniels.com regarded as one of the finest wineries in Friuli, as well as one Villa Russiz Collio Pinot Grigio 2017 $215.90 of the most philanthropic in the Villa Russiz Collio Pinot Bianco 2015 $239.90 world. The estate was founded in Villa Russiz Les Enfants 2015 $215.90 91 JS 1869 by French-born Count Théodor de La Tour, who brought (Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Ribolla Gialla, Sauvignon) to the region the finest clones he could find from his native Graf de la Tour Collio Merlot 2013 (6pk) $305.90 country, selecting classic Dèfi de la Tour Collio Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (6pk) $326.00 varietals most suitable for Collio’s unique terroir. His Edi Simčič (Slovenia) augustwinegroup.com vineyards were the first in the $171.00 region to be planted with Edi Simčič Goriska Brda Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (6pk) $150.00 authentic French rootstock Edi Simčič Goriska Brda Malvazija 2015 (6pk) $174.00 Edi Simčič Goriska Brda Tokata 2013 $161.00 Edi Simcic Edi Simčič Goriska Brda Chardonnay 2014 (6pk) When it comes to the winemaking $173.90 style of Edi Simčič, one word Edi Simčič Goriska Brda Duet Red 2017 (6pk) comes to mind–controversial. Unlike many of the stainless-aged (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) Italian wines available, even the white wines of Simcic are Giocato (Slovenia) augustwinegroup.com fermented and aged for long $131.90 periods in oak, and are therefore Giocato Sauvignon Blanc 2017 almost French in style. He and $131.90 his son Aleks produce in a Giocato Pinot Grigio 2017 fascinating zone, Goriška Brda, that up until the end of WWII belonged to Italy. (Today, the estate lies just 500 yards from the Friulian border.) Giocato Giocato was developed by Edi Simčič, and their lead oenologist Aleks Simčič in order to satisfy American market demands for wines of simpler character with fresh mineral notes and a distinctive varietal aroma, which hail from well established winegrowing regions. Aleks Simčič works with local winemakers and their oenologists and advises them on the selection of the most suitable vineyard sites, varieties and finished wines. 117
TUSCANY The region of Florence, long noted as the source of Chianti in straw-based flasks, has rapidly evolved into Italy’s leading provider of modern red wines, as well as the symbolic region as a whole of Italy. Chianti, produced in 8 sub-districts centered around the hills of Florence and Sienna, remains the most voluminous of Italy’s classified wines and the leading expression of the native Sangiovese grape. What has come to be called the modern renaissance in Tuscan wine began in Chianti in the 1970s, and spread through the central zones of Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano, Pomino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Progress has been most prominent alon the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, in Bolgheri, Val di Cornia, and Suvereto, as well as in the coastal hills of the Maremma to the south. Interestingly enough, the largest Brunello producer is American-owned and the largest Chianti producer is publicly held, causing many to wonder who stole the soul? Chianti Antonio Sanguineti Poggio Vignoso Salcheto Tiamo Colline Pisane San Gimignano Bocelli Le Rote Ghizzano Chianti Classico Bibbiano Bolgheri Borgo Scopeto Le Macchiole Castello di Volpaia Podere Ciona Masseto Ornellaia Colli Arentini Tenuta dei Sette Cieli Petrolo Suvereto Montepulciano Montepeloso Salcheto Maremma Perazzeta Montalcino Poggio al Tufo Biondi-Santi Prelius Brunelli Caparzo Casisano Fanti Luce Pieri 118
CHIANTI Antonio Sanguineti When you try one of Antonio’s Known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. Long wines, you’ll realize how perfectly gone are the bottles wrapped in straw and questionable quality, now Chianti is back to what is once they match the man–bold, intelligent reds that simultaneously suggest was, a wine that can be drank everyday to one that can be aged beautifully. control and grace. There was a disagreement about what to do with Antonio Sanguineti augustwinegroup.com the family’s land, it wound up being $131.90 sold. He has parlayed his wine Antonio Sanguineti Chianti 2017 $167.90 knowledge into consulting work, and Antonio Sanguineti Nessum Dorma 2015 now trades his expertise for the right to select the best grapes from Poggio Vignoso augustwinegroup.com wonderful estates. $143.90 Poggio Vignoso Fattoria Bibbiani Chianti 2017 20 kilometers west of Firenze, now in the hands of Luigi Donato, whose Salcheto massanois.com family has owned the estate for 150 $155.90 years –with records going back 13 (also see Montepulciano) centuries. Donato has chosen to focus on wines that are unique to the Salcheto Chianti Biserko 2018 region, such as the ultra-rare Pugliano–a clone of Sangiovese Tiamo winesellersltd.com that only grows on their hill! $119.90 Salcheto (also see Sicily, Veneto, Lombardia) There should be a synergy between the earth and all growing things, Tiamo Chianti 2018 man included. At Salcheto they try to respect this relationship on a CHIANTI CLASSICO daily basis. Focused on sustainable farming and winemaking practices: Chianti Classico covers the vineyard area that was historically the heart of Chianti winemaking. non-invasive organic, biodynamic Chianti, in fact, was the first zone in Italy to be officially delimited, as it was designated by the growing methods, systematic Medicis in 1716. This original 1716 designation falls entirely within the modern Chianti Classico energy and water conservation. zone. Chianti Classico must have a minimum alcohol level of at least 12% with a minimum of 7 Tiamo months aging in oak, while Chianti Classicos labeled riserva must be aged at least 24 months at the Made with organic grapes, that represent top quality wines from the winery, with a minimum alcohol level of at least 12.5%. best growers in their respective regions Small growers and Bibbiano massanois.com cooperatives and are blended by the owners of Tiamo, Melvyn and Jane Bibbiano Chianti Classico 2017 $251.90 Master and the Sager family. Bibbiano Montornello C.C. Gran Selezione 2016 Bibbiano $407.90 90 W&S The longest standing consultancy of famed winemaker Giulio Gambelli, Borgo Scopeto vineyardbrands.com famous for his long relationships with Montevertine and Case Basse Borgo Scopeto Borgenero 2016 $261.90 92 JS di Soldera. Traditional approach to Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2016 winemaking and their commitment Borgo Scopeto C.C. Gran Selezione 2015 (6pk) $239.90 91 JS, 90 WS to 100%-pure Sangiovese wines. Borgo Scopeto Castello di Volpaia $311.90 91 JS, 94 WS It is a true borgo - a hamlet with its own church, post office, town Volpaia Chianti Classico 2017 wilsondaniels.com center, and residences. Elisabetta Volpaia Chianti Classico Reserva 2017 Gnudi Angelini owns Borgo Volpaia Balifico Red Blend 2016 (6 pk) $227.90 92 WE, 92JS, 90 WS, 90 DEC Scopeto, along with Altesino, Caparzo, and Doga delle Clavule, (65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon ) $359.90 and she and winemaker Massimo Bracalente are responsible for all Volpaia Coltassala Gran Selezione 2016 (6pk) $336.00 93 W&S, 94 VN, 92+ JS aspects of the production. Volpaia Nika Passito 2015 500ml (6pk) Castello di Volpaia $336.00 96 JS, 95 WS, 94WA One of the highest-elevation winery Volpaia Vin Santo 2014 375ml (6pk) $239.90 in the Chianti area, Castello di Volpaia owns 46 hectares of Podere Ciona $299.90 94 VN vineyards, which are situated at 450 to 600 meters on the southern Podere Ciona Merlot 2013 (6pk) augustwinegroup.com hillsides leading up to the village. Podere Ciona Chianti Classico Reserva 2013 (6pk) $168.00 As it has been for the last 900 $168.00 years, the entire village is intimately involved in the production 119 of wine and olive oil. Podere Ciona Owned and operated by Franca and Franco Gatteschi. Located near the historic town of Gaiole in Chianti, the vineyards sit high a on a hilltop, between 1,600 and 2,050 feet above sea level, and overlook the lush, rolling hills of the spectacular Chianti Classico wine-growing region.
Le Rote SAN GIMIGNANO Le Rote Massimo & Lara Scotti Lara and Massimo Scotti are an A long list of significant tributes was crowned in 1966, when the Vernaccia di San Gimignano was extremely beautiful Italian accorded the privilege of being the first Italian wine to receive a Denominazione di Origine couple whose quality wines are Controllata. The region received its D.O.C.G. status in 1993. equally striking. Along with their three boys, Cosimo, Giovanni, and Pietro, they also run a charming agriturismo, in a 19th century villa, located just one and a half kilometers from the famous towers of San Gimignano. Petrolo Le Rote massanois.com Petrolo is the definition of a cult $143.90 winery, with an owner and a story Le Rote Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2017 that have helped create its legendary status. While the estate’s benchmark COLLI ARENTINI wine, the Merlot cru Galatrona, deservedly receives fireworks in the As the wine producers in Tuscany are well aware of that fact that the name Chianti Colli Aretini press and is part of the history of DOCG doesn't really ring in the ears of outsiders, many producers leave it off the label. With good Tuscany’s quality revolution in the reason one might assume that this isn't an especially prestigious wine, nonetheless Chiantis from late 1980s and 1990s, the winery’s two other standouts, Torrione and this region are actually quite smooth, fragrant and, at times, youthfully fresh. Boggina, are an equally thrilling success – Sangiovese from a special Petrolo vintus.com 95 JS, 93 VN and virtually unknown appellation $575.90 92+WA, 90 VN bordering Chianti Classico that Petrolo Galatrona Merlot 2014 (6pk) $323.90 today produces wines of distinct Petrolo Torrione Sangiovese 2017 $288.00 regional identity. Petrolo Boggina A Sangiovese 2016 (6pk) Salcheto MONTEPULCIANO There should be a synergy between the earth and all growing things, The local strain of Sangiovese here is called Sangiovese Prunolo Gentile. The DOCG is similar to man included. At Salcheto they try to old-world Chianti, maintaining a minimum 70% Prunolo Gentile, up to 10% max Canaiolo, up to respect this relationship on a daily 20% other Tuscan red varietals and allowing the continued usage (but up to a maximum 5%) of basis, as they attempt to maintain a balance with nature through white Malvasia sustainable farming and winemaking practices. These Salcheto massanois.com include non-invasive organic and biodynamic growing methods, as (also see Chianti) $281.90 Tre Bicchieri,92 WS well as systematic energy and water Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016 conservation. Ghizzano COLLINE PISANE Countess Ginevra Venerosi- Pesciolini was born and raised in Chianti Colline Pisane is the most westerly of the sub-regions within the wider Chianti DOCG. The Pisa. The Venerosi-Pesciolini family wines come from 25 square miles (40 square km) in the hills south-east of Pisa. settled in the Colline Pisane area in the 14th century. For 26 Ghizzano mdhamerica.com generations, the family has been growing vines, olive trees, and Ghizzano Il Ghizzano Bianco 2018 $203.90 90 VN, 92 JS cereals with a deep respect for (50% Vermentino 30% Trebbiano 20% Malvasia Bianca) tradition and terroir. Ginevra has run the estate since 1996. Ghizzano Il Ghizzano Rosso 2017 $203.90 92 TP, 91 JS $161.90 93 VIN, 92 JS Bocelli (95% Sangiovese 5% Merlot) $185.90 94 JS, 92 VN For more than 150 years, the Bocelli family has made wine on their Ghizzano Veneroso Rosso 2015 (6pk) small farm. As part of a long line of Bocelli’s, Andrea Bocelli–one of (70% Sangiovese 30% Cabernet Sauvignon) the world’s most famous opera singers–along with his brother Ghizzano Nambrot Rosso 2016 (6pk) Alberto, mamma Edi, and sister-in- law Cinzia, remain committed to (60% Merlot 20% Cabernet Franc 20% Petit Verdot) making terrific wine and keeping productions small and in tune with Bocelli augustwinegroup.com the family. Bocelli Sangiovese IGT 2016 $179.90 Bocelli Poggioncino Red Blend 2012 $210.00 (60% Sangiovese,20% Canaiolo,10% Colorino,10% Malvasia Bianca) Bocelli Alcide Red Blend 2013 (6pk) $210.00 (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Sangiovese) Bocelli In Canto Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (6pk) $239.60 120
MONTALCINO Biondi-Santi It is a rare phenomenon that a wine The Montalcino region is just around the hill town of Montalcino, and it is where Brunello di can trace its origins to a single man. Montalcino, one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines is produced. In the province of Brunello di Montalcino, however, owes its existence to Ferrucio Siena, Montalcino is just to the northwest of Monte Amiata and the Grosseto coastal region of Biondi-Santi. Now on the seventh Tuscany. Brunello di Montalcino wine is another DOCG and together with Barolo may be generation of winemakers, the Biondi-Santi family continues to considered the wines that age the best. Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese produce wines renowned for their grapes, and takes its name, ‘brunello’ from the small, brownish grapes that grow in the region. elegance and extraordinary longevity. The Tenuta Greppo Biondi-Santi wilsondaniels.com estate spreads over 25 hectares of vines on soils rich in heavy stones Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino 2016 (6pk) $462.00 92JS,95WE,91WS,92W&S and marl – perfect for the Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino “Annata”2012 (6pk) cultivation of Sangiovese Grosso. Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Reserva 2011 (6pk) $870.00 92WS,94W&S,96WE,94VN Brunelli Mauro Brunelli and Anna Savini, $2430.70 93WS,94W&S,96WE,94DEC both come from farming families who have always lived in Brunelli augustwinegroup.com Montalcino. Their love of the land and respect for tradition drive the Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (6pk) $335.90 92 W&S Brunelli family who live and work in this field. Caparzo vineyardbrands.com Caparzo Caparzo dates back to the 1960s, the Caparzo Sangiovese IGT 2016 $167.90 90 JS farm estate was renovated, Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2017 modernized, and new vineyards Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2014 $239.90 89 JS were planted. In 1998, Elisabetta Caparzo “La Casa” Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (6pk) Gnudi Angelini purchased Caparzo. $407.90 92 WS, 91 JS, 92 VN She immediately carried out her Casisano objective: combining tradition with $300.00 94 RP, 94 JS, 91 VN innovation to create a high-quality Casisano Brunello di Montalcino 2012 wine. vintus.com 92 WS Casisano Fanti $335.90 Located in the heart of Montalcino, founded in 1990 by a medical family Fanti Rosso di Montalcino 2018 massanois.com from Rome, and was purchased by Fanti Brunello di Montalcino 2014 the Tommasi family of Amarone $215.90 fame in 2015 to become part of the Val di Suga Tommasi Family Estates . $467.90 90 JS Fanti Val di Suga Rosso di Montalcino 2016 The Fanti Family has been Val di Suga Bruenllo di Montalcino 2013 wilsondaniels.com producing wine and-extra virgin Val di Suga “Vigna de Lago Brunello 2013 (6pk) olive oil in Tuscany for nearly 200 Val di Suga “Poggio al Granchio” Brunello 2013 (6pk) $251.90 91 JS years. After redesigning and Val di Suga “Vigna Spuntali” Brunello 2013 (6pk) replanting across its 300 hectare $659.90 92WS,92VN,93JS,91WE property, an innovation-meets- Tenuta Luce tradition winemaking technique has $417.14 91 WE, 90 WS, 93+ WA resulted in extremely high-quality Lucente Red Blend 2017 grape growing, all while avoiding $371.43 90WS,92VN,94WA,94JS any non-organic fertilizers. (50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot) Val di Suga, $464.27 91WE,92WS,94VN,92WA In Montalcino it is all about what Luce Red Blend 2016 (6pk) side of the hill are your vineyards. vintus.com 92 JS If your Val di Suga, it is just don’t (50% Sangiovese, 50% Merlot) $299.90 91 WA, 90 WS, 92 JS mess up the amazing fruit. They 94 WS, 100 JS, 94 WA own three of the most famous Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2015 (3pk) $510.00 vineyards in Montalcino, Vigna del Lago, Sputali, and Poggio al (also available in 1.5L) $341.90 Granchio. All very different vineyards with different terrior, and Agostina Pieri rarewineco.com examples of the region. $299.90 Tenuta Luce Agostina Pieri Rosso di Montalcino 2016 $515.90 Founded over 20 years ago, the Agostina Pieri Brunello di Montalcino 2015 estate now has some of the most 121 exceptional vineyards in Montalcino, a state of the art winery to nurture every step of the winemaking process. The original vision remains the same: a bold and ambitious Super Tuscan. Agostina Pieri Francesco Pieri and his immediate family do all the vineyard work themselves—maximizing the potential of each vine. This domain takes pride in its Rosso, the only producer ever to earn Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri score for a “mere” Rosso di Montalcino.
Le Macchiole BOLGHERI & SUVERETO Known for its spectacular single- varietal wines, and their signature These coastal regions is defined by wines with an original and personal character and raced, the grape varieties are Syrah, Merlot, most famous of which are the result of a perfect adaptation of the Bordeaux grape varieties to the and Cabernet Franc and work is always conducted with the priority Bolgheri & Val di Cornia climate, a Mediterranean expression of Cabernet and Merlot. being “the expression of the land.” The winery continues to evolve in Le Macchiole vintus.com both the vineyards and in the cellar $347.90 to allow the soil characteristics from Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso 2018 this estate property to be the $552.00 96 DEC, 97 WE, 95 JS, defining identity in the wines. (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah) $1080.00 97 WA, 98 VN Masseto Masseto’s history dates back to the Le Macchiole Paleo Cabernet Franc 2016 (6pk) 99 WA, 96 VIN, 96 JS early 1980s, when acclaimed (also available in 1.5L) Russian-American oenologist André Thcelicheff the estate’s first Le Macchiole Messorio Merlot 2016 (6pk) consultant, suggested that the terroir of the Masseto hill, with its unique Masseto vintus.co 100 WA, 100 JS, 100 JD gray and blue clay, would be $1628.00 98 DEC, 97 WS, 95 WE particularly well suited to planting Masseto Merlot 2016 (3pk) Merlot. The name Masseto, in fact, comes from the presence of the Montepeloso rarewineco.com masses of clay on the hill, which are as hard as rock: “masso” Montepeloso A Quo 2016 $227.90 93 JS, 92 VN Ornellaia Ornellaia has established itself (30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Marselan, 10% Alicante ) among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is Montepeloso Eneo Red Blend 2016 $431.90 94-97 VN, 94 JS dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of character (40% Montepulciano, 40% Sangiovese, 10% Marselan, 10% Alicante & Malvasia Nera) and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir. The combination of Montepeloso Gabbro Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (6pk) $521.90 98 JS, 94-97 VN, 93 WS Bolgheri’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can Ornellaia vintus.com only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in Ornellaia Poggio Alle Gazze Blanco 2016 (6pk) $389.90 90 WS, 93 JS the world-class wines. $555.00 98 JD, 99 JS, 95 VN Tenuta Sette Cieli (80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier, 10% Vermintino) In 1994, the Ratti family purchased more than 170 acres of isolated land Ornellaia di Ornellaia Blanco 2016 (3pk) near the Tuscan village of Monteverdi Marittimo between Ornellaia Le VolteRed Blend 2017 $335.90 91 JS, 92 WA Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon ,13% Sangiovese) $377.90 92 VN, 90 WE, 93 JS Perazzeta Alessandro Bocci is truly passionate Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove Rosso 2017 (6pk) about making wine according to traditional methods, capturing a (64% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot) sense of place in each bottle, wines that show terroir and exude layers Ornellaia di Ornellaia Red 2016 (6pk) $1110.00 97 DEC, 98 JS, 96 WS, of flavor obtained from the deep root system he so lovingly tends. (53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot) 98 JD, 96 VN, 98 WA Poggio al Tufo (please inquire about large formats) Located near Pitigliano, an historical Etruscan city known for Tenute Sette Cieli wilsondaniels.com its volcanic soils rich in tufo, a type of volcanic rock. The estate was the Tenuta Sette Cieli Yantra 2017 (6pk) $131.90 90 JS first of the Tommasi Estates to be located outside of Valpolicella. Tenuta Sette Cieli Noi 4 2015 (6pk) $221.90 90 WA Prelius Tenuta Sette Cieli Indaco 2014 (6pk) $305.90 91 WE, 90 JS In the hilly amphitheater of Maremma, above an ancient coastal Tenuta Sette Cieli Scipio 2010 (6pk) $462.00 93WS,90WE,92WA lake called Prelius, a vineyard organically farmed flourishes. The MAREMMA first venture outside of Chianti Classico for the Stianti Mascheroni Extremely different than Northern Toscana, the Maremma used to be a wild, swampy backwater family, leaders in Tuscany’s organic and viticulture was only introduced to the region in the 19th century. viticultural movement. Montepeloso Perazzeta augustwinegroup.com Montepeloso on a gentle hillside of $143.90 chalky gravel and clay, and Tua Perazzeta Sara Rosso Toscano 2015 Rita in heavier clay below. Climatically warmer than interior Poggio al Tufo vintus.com 92 JS Tuscany—and possessing a marked $179.90 91 WS, 94 JS similarity to St. Emilion's famed Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2015 Côtes—this locale naturally limits $179.90 yields and is capable of producing (60% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon) wines with great concentration and perfume. Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Prelius wilsondaniels.com Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $179.90 92 JS 122
EMILIA-ROMAGNA Venturini Baldini A 130 hectare estate, from the In a country where every region is know for its food, Emilia-Romagna is considered the culinary 17th century, situated in the hills apex. Food comes first here; wine’s sole purpose is to enhance whatever’s on the plate. Simple, between Reggio Emilia and Parma, producing organic frothy, frizzante Lambrusco is what the region is know for, although more complex, artisanal Lambrusco since 1976. versions of this wine are also now making their way onto the international scene. The region In 2013, Giuseppe and Julia which spans almost the entire width of Italy is made up of two distinctly separate provinces. Prestia took over the estate, continuing the visionary work of Emilia focuses on mostly frizzante wines, while Romagna focuses on still table wines. the previous owners to produce organic sparkling wines of only Venturini Baldini massanois.com the highest quality, focusing mainly on Lambrusco and Ca’ del Vento Spumante Rosato Brut NV $191.90 sparkling rosé wines. Venturini Marchese Mandori Reggiano Lambrusco NV $191.90 Baldini was one of the first in Montelocco Lambrusco NV $155.90 Italy and the first in the region to switch to an entirely organic production, and this commitment is now deeply rooted in our own approach to farming and wine making. UMBRIA Arnaldo Caprai The family operation began in Indisputably located in the heart of Italy, Umbria is bordered on the west by Toscana, and the east 1971 when textiles entrepreneur by La Marche. Umbria is a serene, landlocked region, one of the few in Italy to have absolutely Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 no coastline. Wine production is limited, especially in comparison to the surrounding regions, acres in Montefalco. In 1988, ownership passed on to Arnaldo’s despite that, its great gifts to the world of wine are its Grechetto grape for full bodied white wines, son, Marco, who began the its most well know wine, Orvieto, from Trebbiano Toscano, and especially, Sagrantino for red project to cultivate the promotion wines. Sagrantino was for long a local secret around the town of Montefalco, but in the early of the grape that has been 1990s Marco Caprai brought it to international attention by creating dry wines of extraordinary growing in the Montefalco fruit and vivid tannins. Today, Montefalco Sagrantino, along with Torgiano Rosso Riserva, are region for more than 400 years: DOCGs of Umbria. Sagrantino. Today, the winery is the leading producer of top Arnaldo Caprai wilsondaniels.com quality Sagrantino di Montefalco, a wine produced exclusively from A Caprai Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani 2018 $203.90 91 JS this native variety. In addition to its commitment to quality, A Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2016 $215.90 90 WA, 90 W&S Arnaldo Caprai is recognized for (Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot) its dedication to environmental, $251.90 93 WA, 91 WE economic and social (also available in 1.5L) sustainability, as well as being $371.90 94WA,93WS,93W&S champions for the wines of A Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino 2013 (6pk) $420.00 94 WA, 92 WE, 92 WS Umbria. A Caprai Valdimaggio Cru Vigna del Lago $408.00 94 WA, 92 WE Montefalco Sagrantino 2015 (6pk) A Caprai 25 Anni Montefalco Sagrantino 2009 (6pk) A Caprai 25 Anni Montefalco Sagrantino 2013 (6pk) 123
Lucchetti LE MARCHE Mario Lucchetti, has become a reference point for Lacrima di This peaceful Adriatic region is known for Verdicchio, which has grown beyond its once popular Morro d’Alba wines. Potassium- role as a fish wine in a green, glass fish-shaped bottle. The Castello di Jesi zone, covering a vast rich, iron-poor soils help to create wines of great power and warmth tract of hills to the west of the port of Ancona, is the home to Verdicchio, whose quality has that are at the same time always improved so significantly that even the wine in the green amphora seems a cut above most Italian highly aromatic. The estate’s 18 hectares are planted to Lacrima whites. The same can be said for the reds of the region, represented here by the Rosso Conero (many vines are 35 to 40 years DOC, a Montepulciano-based wine. old) and Verdicchio; the winemaking is overseen by one of Lucchetti massanois.com the Marche’s brightest minds, $143.90 Alberto Mazzoni. Lucchetti Lacrima di Morro d’Alba 2018 $167.90 Lucchetti Spumante Brut Rosato (Lacrima) NV Umani Ronchi The Umani Ronchi story is one of Umani Ronchi vineyardbrands.com ancient vines, land, and people. It began more than half a century Villa Bianchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2016 $131.90 89 WS ago in the heart of Verdicchio Casal di Serra Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico country, and has spread $179.90 93 JS, 92 WE further. Since 1959 the estate has Classico Superiore 2012 (6pk) been making superb quality craft Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi $191.90 96 DEC, 91 WE, 90 WS wines, coaxing the best out of the Verdicchio and Montepulciano Classico Superiore 2017 grapes that find their finest expression in the Marche and San Lorenzo Rosso Conero 2016 $191.90 88 WS, 88 DEC Abruzzo regions. Umani Ronchi Campo San Giorgio Rosso Conero Riserva 2011 (6pk) $348.00 92 JS, 91 VN continues to be family-run. At the helm is Michele Bernetti with ABRUZZO his father, Massimo, acting as chair. In a nation of myriad appellations, Abruzzo offers simplicity. The long-standing DOCs of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo have been complemented by a new DOCG La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane. When handled properly, both of these varietals can ‘We are very proud to make organic wines–we believe this is produce unique wines of character, the Montepulciano producing irresistible reds of a fuller- the way to obtain the highest bodied nature, firm yet supple, smooth yet aggressive, robust yet approachable. quality while also respecting nature and human health.” Located on a windy hillside with a vista of the Adriatic Sea, Antonio’s farm is entirely self- sustaining: they produce their own salami, bread, vegetables, olive oil, and cheese. La Fiera Umani Ronchi vineyardbrands.com Since 1928, the Botter family has been producing wines under Umani Ronchi Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2016 $167.90 96 DEC, 91 WE, 90 WS environmentally friendly policies and with innovative production Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Podere 2018 $131.90 87 WS, 87 WE techniques and technologies. Today, the company is managed (also available in 1.5L) $191.90 93 JS by the family's third generation. Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Jorio 2016 augustwinegroup.com Tiamo $143.90 Tiamo is a line of wines, made La Quercia with organic grapes, that represent top quality wines from La Quercia Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 the best growers in their respective regions, all wines La Fiera winesellersltd.com come from small growers and $95.90 cooperatives and are blended by La Fiera Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 the owners of Tiamo, Melvyn and Jane Master and the Sager family. Tiamo winesellersltd.com $95.90 Tiamo Terre di Chieti Organic Rosato Cans 375ml (24pk) (also available in 20L keg) 124
Masciarelli vintus.com 91 VN, 90 JS Masciarelli $119.90 92 VN, 92 JS Founded by Abruzzo native Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2018 Gianni Masciarelli in 1981, 93 JD, 91 VN Masciarelli and its wines have Masciarelli Rosato Colline Teatine 2018 $119.90 become the standard-bearer for the Abruzzo region, and an Masciarelli Villa Gemma Rosato Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2018 $191.90 inspiration to all emerging Italian wine regions. Through Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 $119.90 tremendous vision and endless $287.90 innovation, Masciarelli became (also available in 1.5L) one of the most admired wineries in Italy. Gianni firstly brought a Masciarelli Marina Cvetic strong focus on vineyard sites and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2016 management, not a typical point of focus at the time. Reducing yields, working sustainably, and bringing vineyard planting and management techniques new to the region, he greatly increased fruit quality. La Fiera Since 1928, the Botter family has been producing wines under environmentally friendly policies and with innovative production techniques and technologies. PUGLIA Lupo ‘Lupo Meraviglia’ translates to Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot, is a long, relatively level region with a prolific production the ‘Wonderful Wolf’, as a tribute level of wine, second only to Sicily. Puglia has 25 DOC zones, most of any Italian region, yet it to the symbol of Lecce, and the produces only a small percentage of classified wine, only 4%, lowest of any region. Despite rapid historical presence of wolves in improvement, these two statistics have haunted Puglia for year’s, labeling it the bulk wine region the Salento area. This area is of the country. The region has yet to discover any clear-cut reputation for quality and carries no located between the Adriatic Sea and Ionic Sea, where the blowing DOCG classifications. However, things are changing, and the wines from Salento, Salice sea breeze allows for a thermal Salentino and Castel del Monte are garnering new praise led by Primitivo, Negroamaro and excursion which is crucial for the perfect ripening of the grapes. Malvasia Nera, the peninsula’s three indigenous varietals. Masseria Surani La Fiera winesellersltd.com Masseria Surani is located in $95.90 Manduria, one of the most La Fiera Primitivo 2018 renowned regions in Puglia for the cultivation of the native Lupo Meraviglia winesellersltd.com Primitivo grape. Viticulture in $107.90 Puglia has extremely ancient Lupo Meraviglia ‘Tre di Tre’ Rosso 2018 origins: Manduria was first (Negroamaro, Primitivo, Aglianico) colonized in 700 BC by the ancient Greeks. Taking inspiration from that fact, the Tommasi family, owners of Masseria Surani, has named all the wines in the range after Greek gods. Masseria Surani vintus.com Palama $155.90 The Palamà family vineyard was Masseria Surani ‘Arthemis’ Fiano 2016 $102.00 founded by Arcangelo Palamà in Masseria Surani ‘Ares’ Rosso 2016 1936. A family of Greek origins, they settled in Italia about two (Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon) thousand years ago, and have been making wine ever since. Palama augustwinegroup.com $155.90 Palama Arcangelo Primitivo 2018 125
Paternoster BASILICATA Volcanic wines are currently a hot topic among wine critics and This region, at the heel of the boot, is the most mountainous region of southern Italy, defined by enthusiasts worldwide, and the volcano Mount Vulture. Nearly half the of the region is made up of the foothills and Paternoster is very much of the mountain peaks of the Southern Apennines. It only has small coast lines on the Ionian and moment: it is a volcanic wine in the literal sense of the term and Tyrrhenian Seas, thus is mainly a land-locked region. While there are some plantings of varietals stands on an extinct volcano. from neighboring regions, such as Falanghina, Malvasia, Moscato, Fiano, etc., the region is Along with neighboring Taurasi in Campania, the area around defined by its success with Aglianico. Its only DOCG, Aglianico del Vulture Superiore, named Mount Vulture is considered one after the Mount Vulture, has shown great promise. Aglianico, originally brought to the area from of the top areas for the production of the Aglianico grape – earning Greece in the 6th or 7th century, found an ideal habitat in the volcanic soils of the area. While it its reputation as the “Barolo of winemaking standards and quality can vary wildly, leading producers, Paternoster and D’Angelo. the South” by many leading wine writers. Paternoster vintus.com 90 JS Don Anselmo, the winery’s $191.90 founder, learned the art of Paternoster Falanghina Vulcanico 2018 90 VN winemaking from his father and $191.90 95 WA, 94 W&S started the winery in 1925, Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture Synthesi 2016 $311.90 producing the very first bottles of Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmi 2015 Aglianico del Vulture. SICILY Sicily is as fascinating to students of the modern wine world as it is to those of ancient civilizations. This large island, not far from the African coast, regularly produces as much wine as Australia, Chile and Bulgaria put together – and is dramatically upgrading the quality of its better wines. Like Puglia, it was a key supplier to northern blenders and, less usefully, a key contributor to the European wine lake, but is today undergoing the most exciting revival as a fine wine producer. Surprisingly, it grows far more white grapes than red, the local Catarratto being so widely planted that it has been second only to Sangiovese in Italy's league table of grape varieties. For years the island's most famous wine was Marsala, made in Sicily' s wild west, but ther e ar e mor e signs of dynamic indigenous winemaking here than in any of the southern mainland regions. The island's chief viticultural research station just outside Palermo is hard at work harnessing the potential of local varieties such as the white Inzolia and red Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese. There has also been considerable progress with cooler and more sophisticated fermentations and, inevitably, the use of small oak barrels. 126
MARSALA Caruso & Minini Located on Sicily’s western-most Located 20 kilometers from the sea, the area is cooled by strong winds, yet is far enough from coast near the town of Marsala, them to avoid any potential damage. The area, which was under water millions of years ago, is Founded in the late 1800’s when characterized by its alluvial soil, rich in water and organic substances. Most notable are the large Antonio Caruso bought the stones called cuti in local dialect. The softball-sized cuti not only impart a distinct minerality on company to grow grapes for the the grapes grown in them, but also soak up heat from the sun which they transfer to the vines, nearby Marsala factories. Nino allowing for an earlier ripening of the grapes thus making harvest possible at a stage which will Caruso finally decided to begin making and bottling his own allow for higher acidity in the wines. wine in the mid 1900s. In 2004, Stefano Caruso joined forces Caruso & Minini massanois.com 93 VN with Mario Minini of Lombardy $203.90 to launch the present-day winery, Caruso & Minini Cattarratto, Sicilia DOC 2018 95 VN producing biodynamic wines $203.90 91 VN from indigenous Sicilian Caruso & Minini Perricone, Terre Siciliane IGT 2017 $203.90 varietals. Stefano’s daughter Caruso & Minini Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2018 Giovanna heads up this historic winery, which now boasts 120 MOUNT ETNA hectares at 200-400 meters above sea level. Etna is an Italian wine DOC which covers the slopes of Mount Etna, the 3330 meter (10,920ft) active volcano that dominates the northeastern corner of Sicily. This makes many of its vineyards Graci the highest elevation plantings in the world. The Etna DOC was the very first in Sicily, and has Young Alberto Aiello Graci’s winery is situated on the north been largely unaffected by phylloxera thanks to its unique volcanic soils. Its steeply-sloped, slope of Mount Etna at terraced vineyards are difficult to navigate with mechanical equipment so most of the tending and Passopisciaro. Their vineyards sit at an altitude between 600 harvesting of the vines has to be done by hand. and 1,000 meters above sea level. Many of the vines are still on original rootstock, ungrafted, having never been affected by the phylloxera scourge thanks to the unique nature of the volcanic soils. Graci remains steadfast in their respect for local traditions and indigenous varietals. Intervention of any kind is extremely limited, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, including the fact that they remain barrique-free. Graci massanois.com Tenuta di Fessina In 2007, Silvia Maestrelli Graci Etna Bianco DOC 2018 $287.90 91 JS, 91+RP founded Tenuta di Fessina in the village of Rovittello on the Graci Etna Rosato DOC 2018 $239.90 90 JS northeastern side of Mt. Etna. They have 17 acres of vineyards Graci Nerello Mascalese Etna Rosso DOC 2016 $275.90 92 DEC, 93 JS, 91 WS in Rovittello (2,200 feet) and 6 Graci Feudo di Mezzo Nerello Mascalese acres between Milo and Santa $623.90 Maria di Licodìa (3,280 feet). Etna Rosso DOC 2016 These vineyards are located on Graci Barbabecchi Nerello Mascalese $470.90 93 WS, 96 RP different sides of the mountain in order to produce the best Etna Rosso DOC 2014 (3pk) vineyardbrands.com expressions of the indigenous varietals. Winemaker Federico Tenuta di Fessina $239.90 93JS,90VN,91WE Curtaz, Maestrelli has created, in just 10 years, one of the most Fessina Erse Etna Bianco DOC 2016 successful and recognizable Fessina A’Puddara Etna Bianco DOC 2016 (6pk) cellars in the Etna area and has become a perfect ambassador of Fessina Erse Etna Rosso DOC 2016 new Sicilian viticulture. Fessina Laeneo Nerello Cappuccio 2016 (6pk) Fessina Il Musmeci Etna Rosso Reserve 2012 (6pk) $276.00 92 JS, 90 WS $239.90 93 JS,93VN,90WE $180.00 94 JS, 93 VN $210.00 92 JS,90WE,90WS 127
Feudo Montoni Feudo Montoni wilsondaniels.com We like to imagine this winery as an island within an island in the Fuedo Montoni Catarratto del Masso, Sicilia DOC 2018 $203.90 92 VN heart of Sicily. Feudo Montoni Fuedo Montoni Grillo della Timpa, Sicilia DOC 2018 has been producing top-quality $227.90 90WE,90WA,92VN wines on its historic grounds since Fuedo Montoni Rosé di Adele, Sicilia DOC 2018 1469. Rosario Sireci purchased $215.90 90 WE, 92 VN the estate in the late 1800s upon Fuedo Montoni Perricone del Core, Sicilia DOC 2016 91 WA, 92 VN discovering a wealth of ancient Fuedo Montoni Lagnusa Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2017 $263.90 vines and passed down the Fuedo Montoni Vrucara $203.90 93 W&S property and closely held “secret knowledge” to his son and Nero d’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2015 (6pk) $263.90 grandson. “Our wines are manipulated as little as possible Fuedo Montoni Passito $263.90 by human intervention,” says Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT NV (375ml) (6pk) third generation, Fabio Sireci. He utilizes a “cru concept” of La Fiera winesellersltd.com bottling a wine from the best $95.50 grapes in a single vineyard, La Fiera Moscato Terre Siciliane IGT 2017 including his pre-phylloxera vineyard, Vrucara, which is Tiamo winesellersltd.com planted with native Nero d’Avola clones. The winery is also Tiamo Grillo 2016 $119.90 certified organic. Organic Cans 375ml (24pk) $95.90 La Fiera Since 1928, the Botter family has Pinot Grigio: 100% Pinot Grigio. Sicilia IGT been producing wines under environmentally friendly policies and with innovative production techniques and technologies. Today, the company is managed by the family's third generation and specializes in wines of the Veneto, only dabbling in this lovely little Sicilian Moscato. The origins of the carousel featured on the label originate from medieval riding fairs in the north of Italy. The carousel has been the centerpiece of La Fiera, The Fair, for centuries. Tiamo Tiamo, which simply means “I love you”, is a line of organic wines that represent top quality wines from the best growers in their respective regions. The southern Italian island of Sicily is ideally suited for the Grillo grape with soils that are high in limestone and sand and vines located on hillsides with good exposure to the sun. All of the Tiamo wines come from small growers and cooperatives and are blended by the owners of Tiamo, Melvyn and Jane Master and the Sager family. Red Blend : Montepulciano/Nero d’Avola/Syrah, Abruzzo and Sicilia IGT Inzolia 20L keg 2017 $167.00 128
Sake Lingo Nihonsu – Unofficial term for sake in Japan. The word sake actually refers to all types of alcoholic beverages, from wine and beer to mixed drinks. Futsu-shu – table sake Tokubetsu – a special junmai made with a higher than normal polishing rate. Kanpai – the most popular sake drinking toast, which translates as ‘empty cup’. Kura or sakagura – a sake brewery. Kurabito – the people who work in the brewery. Toji – the head brewer. Amakuchi – a sweeter sake. Karakuchi – a drier sake. Atsukan – hot sake Hiya-zake – cold sake Masu – cedar box originally used for measuring rice, often used for drinking sake. Choko or o-choko – small ceramic cups Mizu – water Sakamai – sake rice Jizake – local sake or product from a small traditional sake brewery, comparable to a beer microbrewery. Izakaya – a small restaurant that specializes in sake and foods that go best with them. Yake-zake – drinking sake to get drunk. Six crucial elements are involved in brewing sake—Rice, Water, Technical Skill, Koji, Yeast, and Land (including weather variations). More than anything else, sake is a result of a brewing process that uses rice and a lot of water. Water comprises as much as 80% of the final product, so fine water and fine rice are natural prerequisites if one hopes to brew great sake. Beyond that, the technical skill needed to incorporate all the components lies with the toji, head brewer. The lead component in sake is clearly the rice. Beyond any cultural significance, rice as a grain is far more complex than one might think. In nature, white rice doesn’t exist. Any white rice you consume is actually brown rice that has been polished (milled) to a certain extent, typically between 10 to 12%, with 90% of the white grain remaining. Koji is what separates sake from all other fermented beverages. Koji, or aspergillus oryzae, is a mold that, as it is cultivated on rice grains, produces enzymes to break down starches in rice to simple sugars, much like malting with grains for beer production. This produces sugars, and allows the yeast fuel for fermentation. This process, in which koji converts starches to sugars, which happens at the same time that yeast converts sugars to alcohol, is known as ‘multiple-parallel fermentation’, and is unique in sake production. Sake rice is far starchier than edible rice. Sake makers are looking for starch content, not nutrients. A grain of sake rice is larger than table rice and much hardier. Currently, there are roughly 60 varieties of brewing rice commonly used. The most famous is called Y amada Nishiki. Yamada Nishiki comes from a brewing rice called Omachi, the granddaddy of many of the currently used varietals. Not every brewery uses it, but instead selects a rice that works best with the available water and for the type of sake the brewery wants to produce. After proper sake rice has been secured, it is milled, or polished, to prepare it for brewing good sake. This is not as simple as it might sound, since it must be done gently so as not to generate too much heat or not to crack the rice kernels. Polishing is a function of removing the outer layers of rice, which include the fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, to reach a more abundant layer of starch. The machines that do this have vertical pivoted rollers that scrape away layer after layer. A percentage is calculated by the weight of the removed shavings for each grain of rice. For example, rice that is milled to 60% means that 40% of each grain has been removed. This is a very important number in premium sake, because it determines the way that the sake is categorized. The sake industry uses the polishing rates to define the purity level of each sake. Rice that has been milled to 70% has more of the outside of each grain than rice that has been polished to 50%; thus the rice with the 50% milling ratio is considered to be the ‘purer’ of the two. Typically, sake rice that is polished to 50% will require 40 to 50 hours in the milling machine. 129
Ozeki USA Junmai, literally translated as ‘pure rice’, implies a sake made only with rice, water, koji, and yeast. Ozeki was the first major sake Junmai sake are considered to be the purest of sakes. brewer to begin production in the United States. In 2019, Ozeki Honjozo is when sake brewers add small quantities of distilled alcohol to the sake, not to fortify, Sake (USA) celebrated its 40th rather just to balance flavors. Honjozo is still a dry sake, and diluted down to same ABV as Junmai. anniversary. Not only is Ozeki the oldest sake brewer in the Sake in the 6 classifications below are known collectively as tokutei meishoshu or ‘special United States, it can boast of a designation’ sake and is considered premium sake. The ginjo and dai ginjo levels of each type of history of over 300 years in sake are considered the “super premium” and known as ginjo-shu. This constitutes only the top 6% Japan. Ozeki’s Japan headquarters is located in Nada of all sake produced. (between Osaka and Kobe), a sake-brewing region famous for Honjozo Sake: its rice (Yamada-Nishiki). In the U.S., Ozeki was also concerned Honjozo – is a sake that is made with distilled alcohol and grains of rice that have been polished at about location, which is why least 30% with 70% of the grain remaining. Hollister, California, was carefully chosen. In Hollister, Ginjo – is a sake that is made with distilled alcohol and grains of rice that have been polished at water from the Sierra Nevada least 40% with 60% of the grain remaining. mountains and rice from nearby Sacremento provide Ozeki Sake Dai ginjo – is a sake that is made with distilled alcohol and grains of rice that have been polished with quality ingredients to make at least 50% with 50% of the grain remaining. the finest sake. Junmai Sake: Ozeki Japan ‘Ozeki was founded in 1711, and Junmai – is a sake that is made of rice and water with grains of rice that have been polished at across that more than 300 year least 30% with 70% of the grain remaining. history, they have maintained their standing as one of the Junmai ginjo – is a sake that is made of rice and water with grains of rice that have been polished strongest and largest sake- at least 40% with 60% of the grain remaining. brewing companies in the world. It has not always been easy, as Junmai dai ginjo – is a sake that is made of rice and water with grains of rice that have been Japan has had its challenging polished at least 50% with 50% of the grain remaining. times, but through the ‘pioneer spirit’ that is their corporate Kikkoman (California, USA ) sakeexpert.com principle, and by keeping clarity of vision, Ozeki has established Kikkoman Plum Wine $107.90 their position as a company know Kikkoman Plum Wine 1.5L/6pk $77.90 for enjoyable sake products. The brewery sits in the same Ozeki U.S.A. (Hollister, CA) sakeexpert.com village in which it was $55.00 established, the Imazu enclave of Ozeki Go Sake 18L box $95.90 the Nada region, far and away Ozeki Junmai Fancy Dry Sake 180ml/24pk $71.90 the most significant sake-brewing Ozeki Junmai Sake 750ml/12pk region in the world. Many of $71.90 Japan’s most significant sake (Also available in 1.5L) companies are in Nada, drawn $203.90 here centuries ago due to the Ozeki Nigori 375ml/12pk array of conditions that make it ideal for sake brewers. These (Also available in 750ml) include proximity to superior rice, as well as the craftsmen to brew Ozeki Platinum Junmai Daiginjo 720ml/6pk it, and an ideal climate for brewing. . . Ozeki Japan (Nada, Hyogo) sakeexpert.com But perhaps the most significant contribution of the Nada region is Ozeki Hana Awaka Sparkling Sake 250ml/12pk $95.90 the outstanding source of water Ikezo Berry Sparlking Jelly Sake 180ml/30pk $119.90 for brewing. Known as Ikezo Peach Sparlking Jelly Sake 180ml/30pk $119.90 ‘Miyamizu’, it is famous all over Ozeki ‘One Cup’ Sake 180ml/30pk $83.90 Japan, and helped make Ozeki Ozeki Honjozo Karatamba ‘Dry Wave’ 300ml/12pk $107.90 sake the great sake that it is. Ozeki Honjozo Karatamba ‘Dry Wave’ 1.8L/6pk $245.90 - John Gautner 130
Yamamoto Honke Located in the heart of Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, the first Genbee Yamamoto founded the kura in 1667. For 11 generations, Yamamoto Honke has been associated with premium sake. Lucky to be located next to the spring of Fushimi, this kura has one of the best water sources in all of Japan. Known as ‘Shiragikui’, meaning ‘water of the white chrysanthemum,’ allows their toji to make elegant and charming sake. Yamamoto Honke (Kyoto, Japan) kyotosake.com Nakano BC Co $161.90 Nakano kura is located in Genbei San No Honjozo Onikoroshi ‘Demon Slayer’ 1.8L/6pk Wakayama, south of nakano-group.co.jp/en/ Osaka. Here, at the Nakano BC Kura (Wakayama, Japan) $131.90 base of the Fujishiro $125.90 Mountains some of the Kinokuniya Bunzaemon Junmai 720ml/6pk most remote and Kinokuniya Bunzaemon Junmai Ginjo 720ml/6pk cleanest springs are found, helping to produce memorable sake. Kinokuniya Bunzaemon is named for the ancient merchants and toji that started sake production here. Ippongi Kura (Fukui, Japan) ippongi.co.jp/eng/ Ippongi Kubohonten Co $185.90 The name Ippongi comes from a Denshin Junmai Ginjo Yuki ‘Snow’ 720ml/6pk Zen term, ‘Daiichigitai’, meaning ‘ultimate truth’. Shochu vs Soju. . . Ippongi sakekura is Soju is a clear spirit, originally from Korea. Traditionally, it was made with rice, but since located in the distilling rice was banned during the Korean War, distillers have used other grains and starches, foothills of Mt. such as wheat, sweet potatoes, and even tapioca. As a result, sojus vary in aroma and flavor, but Hakusan (‘White are normally neutral. With an ABV in the range of 20-30, soju is the top-selling liquor by volume Mountain’). Katsuyama City in the world, but it’s not legally considered a spirit everywhere. was ranked as the Shochu originated in J apan at least 500 years ago. It shares certain characteristics with soju, ‘World’s Cleanest including a similarly low ABV (between 25 and 30 percent ABV on average) and pronunciation. City’ by Forbes. The area is one of Shochu is also most commonly made from sweet potato, barley, or rice. Top-quality shochu, the most pristine, called honkaku shochu, is single-distilled, allowing it to retain the flavors of its base ingredient. and best regions for growing sake rice. Some of the As such, a sweet potato shochu will taste very different from a rice shochu. best Goyakumangoku and Yamada Nishki is grown a stones Beniotome Shuzo (Fukuoka, Japan) sakeexpert.com throw away from the brewery. $275.90 Also blessed with amazing Beniotome Sesame Shochu 750ml/12pk mountain springs, and snow melt, it also has access to great water sourcing. The brewery was founded in 1902, and employed the Nambu Toji guild from Iwate to help develop their house style, of elegant dry sake, known as ‘tanrei karakuchi’. Yatsushika Shuzo (Fukuoka, Japan) sakeexpert.com $215.90 Ginza No Suzume Barley Shochu 750ml/12pk 131
NEW ZEALAND New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning, unspoiled landscape, as seen by many in Lord of the Rings. Equal to the international acclaim for its beauty is that for its fine wines, as it’s been labeled the next frontier for the finicky Pinot Noir grape. 2019 marked the 200th anniversary of the first planted grape vines. Climate, geography, human skill, and a whole lot of pretty sheep have combined to produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines, which are ‘the riches of a clean, green land.’ Auckland Kumeu River Marlborough Chasing Venus Dog Point Fire Road Frenzy Mohua Mt Nelson Sea Pearl Central Otago Mohua Peregrine AUCKLAND Auckland has the distinction of being the historical birthplace of viticulture winemaking in New Zealand, being planted in 1819 by missionaries. In 1839, Scotsman James Busby successfully made the country’s first wines. In the late 1800’s, immigrants from the now-Croatiian Dalmatian coast cam e to New Zealand hoping to make their fortunes in the country’s gum fields, eventually turning to farming and grape growing. Kumeu River Kumeu River (Kumeu) wilsondaniels.com Founded in 1949 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son (Also see Marlborough) Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Auckland Villages 2017 $215.90 90JS Zealand, that helped to establish $282.86 92VN,91WS its reputation as a world-class Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Estate Auckland 2017 $355.90 93JS, 93WE region. Still family-owned and $432.00 94JS,91WA run, Kumeu River continues to Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Estate Auckland 2018 $563.90 93WA,93WS pioneer new frontiers: winemaker Michael Brajkovich became New Kumeu River Chardonnay Auckland Coddington Vineyard 2018 $215.90 Zealand’s first member of the $432.00 prestigious Institute of Masters of Kumeu River Chardonnay Auckland Hunting Hill Vineyard 2018 Wine, and has been testing and championing screw cap closures Kumeu River Pinot Noir Kumeu Auckland Villages 2018 for close to 20 years. Kumeu River Pinot Noir Auckland Hunting Hill Vineyard 2015 132
MARLBOROUGH Chasing Venus When the first Marlborough vines were planted in 1973. The free-draining, alluvial loams over Chasing Venus is made from the gravelly subsoils in the Wairau and Awatere River valleys provide ideal growing conditions. fruit of three vineyards: 3 very Abundant sunshine and an long growing season helps to maintain the vibrant fruit flavors for which different soil types that add to the Marlborough has become famous. Sauvignon Blanc is king here, with Chardonnay playing second complex flavor of this little project of the Guiguire family. fiddle. Dog Point Dog Point Vineyard consists of a Chasing Venus crewwines.com small, family oriented team that is $179.90 led by Margaret and Ivan Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 Sutherland, along with Wendy and James Healy. Organic Dog Point vintus.com 93WA philosophies drive their approach $371.90 92JS in the vineyard and in the winery. Dog Point Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 $227.90 Fire Road Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 Marlborough's worst ever fire on winesellersltd.com Boxing Day 2000, burnt 6,000 Fire Road $167.90 hectares over the course of three days, killing thousands of Fireroad Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 livestock animals. It threatened the wine town of Blenheim, as Frenzy wilsondaniels.com well as vineyards and wineries. Disaster was avoided because of Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 $131.90 89WE the brave residents, on what is now known as Fireroad. Mount Nelson wilsondaniels.com Frenzy Capturing the spirit of New Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 (6pk) $107.90 90JS Zealand, Frenzy is crisp, refreshing, vibrant, aromatic and Sea Pearl winesellersltd.com energetic with hints of peach, $119.90 grapefruit, lime, melon and fresh Sea Pearl Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 cut grass. Mount Nelson Mohua vineyardbrands.com After producing a singular Sauv. $155.90 Blanc at Ornellaia in Tuscany for Mohua Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 many years, Lodovico Antinori wanted to make a similar wine CENTRAL OTAGO that captured his passion for the Pinot Noir is the dominant variety, a status that seems certain to be maintained if demand and grape. He turned to accolades are any measure. The wines of Central Otago have a purity, intensity and vibrancy that Marlborough, where he partnered with his brother Piero to purchase is appropriate to anyone who has visited the region and breathed the pure mountain air. this new property. Sea Pearl Mohua vineyardbrands.com The Sea Pearl vineyards are $227.90 enveloped by the Pacific Ocean to Mohua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2017 the east and hinterland mountains to the north and south. This Peregrine Winery vineyardbrands.com beautiful valley along the coast is the perfect place for Sauvignon Peregrine Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago 2018 (6pk) $137.90 Blanc to flourish. They take a Peregrine Chardonnay Central Otago 2016 (6pk) purist approach to winemaking, Peregrine Pinot Gris Central Otago 2016 (6pk) $150.00 91WE making certain the vineyards are in perfect condition and harvested Peregrine Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014 (6pk) $150.00 92W&S at optimum ripeness. Mohua $203.90 Named in honor of the beautiful 133 Mohua, one of New Zealand’s rarest birds found only in some of the most remote parts of the South Island's pristine rainforests, Mohua Wines is proud to play an active role in their conservation. . Peregrine Winery Peregrine Wines winery and vineyards are located in the southernmost grape-growing region in the world. The Central Otago region sits at latitude 45° south, at the southern end of New Zealand’s south island. Peregrine is a boutique, artisan producer of a premium range of wines that since its first vintage in 1998 has gained a reputation as one of New Zealand’s iconic wine brands.
PORTUGAL VINHO VERDE DOURO VALLEY Portugal's advantage is its isolation, MADEIRA which has kept its inheritance of indigenous varieties intact and largely unaffected by international varietals and styles. It also has an extraordinary range of climates - rainfall varies enormously; the Vinho Verde region in the far northwest, famous for light, dry whites, is one of the wine world's wettest, while the Douro Valley to its immediate south east is one of the driest during the crucial growing season. The island of Madeira is sub- tropical, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. Altano DOURO VALLEY The Symingtons began producing Douro DOC table wines seriously The Douro is a significant producer of robust, characterful red table wines with some of the in 1999, applying their skill and tannins which distinguish vintage port. The wines are intriguingly satisfying, with a concentration expertise to ensure that the results reflect their tradition of making of flavor many winemakers elsewhere would kill for. Winemakers are also producing white the worlds finest wines. (branco) wines using indigenous varieties including Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Rabigato, and Symington Family Estates is committed to sustainable Moscatel Galego. winemaking, working actively to protect natural ecosystems, limit Altano vineyardbrands.com carbon emissions, and support the $131.90 local communities. Altano White Douro 2018 $107.90 Prats & Symington Altano Organic Red Douro 2016 (6pk) $119.90 The vineyards of the Douro and Altano Red Douro 2016 Bordeaux can be said to be amongst the finest in the world. Prats & Symington premiumport.com The Symington family has been producing Port since 1882 and P + S Red Douro Prazo de Roriz 2016 $179.90 owns some of the finest Port P + S Duoro Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2017 (6pk) $137.90 92 WE Companies, including Warre’s P + S Duoro Chryseia 2016 (6pk) $330.00 95 WS, 95 WE and Graham’s. Bruno Prats is a leading Bordeaux winemaker VINHO VERDE and former owner of Chateau Cos d’Estournel. Together, they The verde or 'green' in Vinho Verde refers not to the color of the wine, but to its youth - the wines form P&S. The wines are made at are all designed to be drunk when still young and fresh. The more concentrated examples bear a one of the Douro’s greatest strong resemblance to the Rías Baixas wines made just over the river in Spain's Galicia - indeed, estates, the beautiful Quinta de using the same aristocratic white grape variety, here spelt Alvarinho, the most admired variety in Roriz. This historic vineyard dates from 1565. the Minho region. Casa Do Valle Casa Do Valle premiumport.com The estate dates back to the 18th $119.90 century, and with a total area of Casa Do Valle Vinho Verde Basto Sub-Region 2018 170 hectares, of which 55 ha are under vines, Casa do Valle is one 134 of the largest production Quintas in the Vinho Verde Region, using exclusively grapes produced at the estate. The estate is located in the sub-region of Basto, which the winery calls “warmer and less humid than the rest”, and is certified sustainable.
PORT Graham’s Founded by William and John Port is a fortified wine created by adding brandy to fermenting grapes, arresting the process, and Graham in 1820. In 1882, resulting in a wine that is both sweet and high in alcohol. Originating from the 17th century, Andrew James Symington sailed when a heavy tax on French wine in England forced wine merchants to look to alternative from Scotland to Porto to work for the Graham family, thus sources for their wine, Portugal provided a cheap and quick solution, and in order to make sure beginning his family’s long the wines arrived in good condition, they would add a bit of brandy to help stabilize the wine. association with this famous house. The Symington Family Graham’s premiumport.com acquired Graham's in 1970, and today, with four generations of Graham’s Ruby $168.00 experience in the Port trade, they Graham’s Tawny $168.00 continue to steward the Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Ruby $251.90 95 DEC exceptional reputation of W. & J. Graham's. The Quinta has (also available in 187ml and 375ml) $191.90 91 WE, 91 DEC undergone a major re-planting $323.90 96 DEC, 94 JS program and just under half of Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny (6pk) its 146 hectares are covered with Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny (6pk) $564.00 95 WE, 95 WS over 207,000 vines. The $840.00 96 WS, 94 WE vineyards yield some 350 pipes of (also available in 375ml) $336.00 port (21,400 cases). Planted principially to Tinta Barroca Graham’s 30 Year Old Tawny (6pk) $239.90 93 WS, 92 WA (15%), Touriga Nacional (10%), Graham’s 40 Year Old Tawny (6pk) $684.00 94 WS Touriga Francesa (20%) and Graham’s Tawny Vert Pack (2-10Y/2-20Y/30Y/40Y, 6pk) $600.00 93 WS Tinta Roriz (25%). Recent $528.00 99 JS, 98 WS innovations include the launch of Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2014 $642.00 97 WE, 97 JS a new range of Single Havest Graham’s Vintage 1983 (6pk) $707.90 100 W&S Tawny Ports dating back to 1952, Graham’s Vintage 1994 (6pk) $492.85 and the release of a new single Graham’s Vintage 2000 (6pk) vineyard Vintage Port called The Graham’s Vintage 2016 (6pk) (also available in 375ml) Stone Terraces in 2011. Graham’s Vintage 2017 (6pk) Graham’s Stone Terraces Vyd Vintage 2017 (3pk) Quinta do Noval One of the oldest port houses, Quinta do Noval vintuswines.com Quinta do Noval is also one of the greatest. It is unique among top Quinta do Noval Ruby $179.90 89 RP port houses in that most of the Quinta do Noval Tawny $179.90 ports are made from estate-grown Quinta do Noval Black $203.90 91 W&S fruit and, notably, all of the vintage Noval wines are from the Quinta do Noval 10 Year Old Tawny $311.90 91 W&S, 90 WE single Quinta do Noval vineyard. Quinta do Noval 20 Year Old Tawny (6pk) $390.00 92 WS, 91 WA In addition, it is difficult to Quinta do Noval Colheita (Vintage Tawny) 2005 (3pk) $162.00 93 WS elaborate on Quinta do Noval without mentioning Nacional, the Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage 2013 $251.90 93 JD, 92 WA legendary port made from a 6 Quinta do Noval Vintage 2012 (6pk) $384.00 95 WE, 94 WA acre parcel of ungrafted vines. Quinta do Noval Vintage 2016 (6pk) $504.00 98 WS, 97 WA When declared, only 200-300 Quinta do Noval Vintage 2017 (6pk) $516.00 98 WS, 97 WA cases of Nacional will be made, Quinta do Noval Nacional 2016 (1pk) $675.00 100 JS, 99 WS and instantly become the most sought after port in the world. Warre’s vineyardbrands.com Many vintages of Nacional are considered as the finest ports, and Warre’s White Port $155.90 some of the finest wines, ever Warre’s Ruby $155.90 made. Warre’s King’s Tawny $155.90 89 WS Warre’s Warrior $215.90 90 WS, 90 W&S Warre’s Founded in 1670, Warre & Co. is (also available in 375ml) $161.90 91 WS, 91 W&S the oldest and one of the most $233.90 94 JD, 92 WS highly esteemed port shipping Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Tawny 500ml (6pk) firms in the world. William Warre’s Otima 20 Year Old Tawny 500ml (6pk) $329.90 92 JS, 91 WA Warre joined as partner in 1729, $432.00 97 W&S, 96 WS and the company became known Warre’s Late Bottled Vintage 2002 $498.00 98 WS, 98 DEC as Warre’s. The Warre family Warre’s Vintage 2011 375ml $498.00 97 WS worked in the wine trade at Warre’s Vintage 2016 (6pk) (also available in 375ml) Oporto for over 200 years. Sir Warre’s Vintage 2017 (6pk) William Warre, grandson of the Warre dynasty’s founder, defended Portugal against Napolean’s invasion. Andrew James Symington, great- grand-father of the current managing director of Warre’s, became associated with Warre’s in 1905. 135
MADEIRA Madeira is a volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic, a wine, and a miracle. Fine Madeira is the world's longest - living wine. Its high alcohol, natural acidity, and the fact that it has been virtually boiled during the production process mean that it is practically indestructible. Whether in a wooden cask, a glass carboy maturing under the rafters of a lodge in Funchal, or in a bottle at home, however long ago it was opened, it retains its original character. Sweeter Madeira is made very much like port in that it is fortified halfway through fermentation while drier styles are, like Sherry, fermented fully to dryness before grape spirit is added. However, Madeira's real distinction is that the young wine is subjected to extreme heat, either artificially in a heated vessel or more naturally and slowly in hot lofts, which is how it gets its deep caramel color. Quality Madeira is labeled by the noble grape varietal used and tends to cost more than mass-produced Madeira due to the shortage of Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malmsey grapes. Most Madeira, therefore, uses the Tinta Negra Mole grape. Blandy’s Blandy’s premiumport.com Founded by John Blandy in 1811, a family owned business Blandy’s Bual 5 Year Old $251.90 91 WS with over 200 years of experience Blandy’s Bual 10 Year Old 500ml $275.90 91 WS in producing the finest quality Blandy’s Malmsey 5 Year Old $251.90 92 WS Madeira wines, and remains Blandy’s Malmsey 10 Year Old 500ml $275.90 90 WS totally dedicated to the Blandy’s Malmsey 15 Year Old 500ml $419.90 93 WS preservation of the Madeira wine Blandy’s Rainwater $179.90 production traditions whilst Blandy’s Sercial 5 Year Old $251.90 90 WS maintaining the highest quality Blandy’s Sercial 10 Year Old 500ml (6pk) $299.90 92 WE standards. All Blandy's wines are Blandy’s Verdelho 5 Year Old $251.90 90 WS created using the most modern Blandy’s Verdelho 10 Year Old 500ml (6pk) $275.90 90 WA, 90 WS wine making technology while also respecting the age-old D’Oliveira Vintage Madeira rarewineco.com traditions of Madeira wine. Premium wines continue to D’Oliveira Bual 1984 750ml (1pk) $124.00 be aged using the traditional ‘canteiro’ system, whereby the D’Oliveira Malvasia 1994 750ml (1pk) $92.00 oak casks are placed high up in the hot, dry lofts of the lodge and D’Oliveira Sercial 1969 750ml (1pk) $202.00 left for years to develop their characteristic flavour and D’Oliveira Verdelho 1973 750ml (1pk) $194.00 complexity. (Additional vintages, dating back as far as 1875, can be special-ordered, depending on availability - please inquire with your Grand Vin representative for a list of current offerings.) D’Oliveira Housed in cellars that date from Rare Wine Co. Historic Series rarewineco.com 1619, this small jewel of a company has always been owned RWC Rainwater Baltimore 750ml $479.90 91 WS by the D’Oliveira family, its RWC Bual Boston 750ml $515.90 93 WS, 93 WE vineyard holdings built up over RWC Sercial Charleston 750ml $515.90 93 WE time through a series of RWC Malmsey New York 750ml $515.90 93 WE marriages with other wine- RWC Verdelho Savannah 750ml $515.90 92 WS producing families. What is really extraordinary is that D’Oliveira has held on to many of its most famous vintages, creating a unique, and irreplaceable, stock of old wines. And remarkably they are all D’Oliveira wines, not purchased from other shippers or growers. Rare Wine Co. Historic Series As America’s leading merchant of rare, old Madeiras, The Rare Wine Co. has been a major force behind Madeira’s recent revival in the marketplace - To emphasize America’s deep historical connection to Madeira, each wine in the series is named for a U.S. city where Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. 136
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Rías Baixas Ribera del Duero La Rioja Spanish Negroni Castel de Fornos Antidoto Alegré Valgañón Bonanto Aperitivo Morgadío Marqués de Velilla Antaño GinRAW Senda Verdé Matarromera Hermanos Peciña Oliveros Ver- Pingus Marqués de Cáceres Ribera del Gállego Ribeiro Ψ PSI Ejeanas A Telleira Navardia Viña Reboreda Monterrei Oinoz Cariñena Silva Daponte Rivarey Monséran Catalayunya Bierzo Telmo Rodriguez D. de José Palacios Valenciso Ressò Vivanco Priorato Losada Alvaro Palacios Txakolina Navarra Feixa Negra Hiruzta Ah-So Ferrer Bobet K Pilota Toro Viños de Madrid La Mancha Penedés/Cava Telmo Rodriguez Bernabeleva Bodegas Calar Jaume Serra Cristalino 138 Vega Tolosa Rueda Opera Prima Marqués de Cáceres Telmo Rodriguez Mas Fi Martínsancho Mont-Marçal Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Villa Conchi Bodegas Yuste Montsant Clos de Nit Montilla- Josep Grau Moriles Toro Albalá Alicante Telmo Rodriguez Jumilla Carchelo Olivares Murcia Don Simon Pago Calzadilla Uribes Madero Family
RÍAS BAIXAS Bodegas Chaves In 1986, Chaves was one of the There were only thirty wineries in Galicia’s Rías Baixas when it officially attained appellation first to market wines protected by status in 1988, and almost all the wine they produced was consumed locally. It is now home to the denomination VDT guaranteeing the origin of six times as many producers, a growth undoubtedly driven by a worldwide thirst for the Albariño del Salnés. They then bracingly fresh and aromatic white wines made from the region’s signature grape, Albariño. actively assisted in the creation of Nestled in Spain’s northwest region of Galicia, Rías Baixas more closely resembles coastal the renowned DO Rías Baixas, Ireland than it does other parts of Spain. Known as ‘Green Spain’, the region is characterized by proud to appear as the 2nd winery moderate year-round temperatures, ocean mists and an average annual rainfall that in some spots in order of registration. At the western end of the Celtic is nearly three times the national average. Galicia’s damp Atlantic-influenced climate is, corridor of the Atlantic, in however, balanced by over 2,200 hours of sunshine, sufficient to ensure that its precious Galicia, José Chaves Chaves founded the winery in 1955. Albariño ripens properly. Adegas Morgadío Bodegas Chaves table31imports.com Albariño’s revelation as one of $299.90 the world’s noble white varieties (also see Monterrei) is due in large part to work done at this property from the mid-80s Castel del Forno Albariño Rías Baixas Val do Salnes 2018 to the mid-90s. Condado de Tea is the most inland of the Rias Baixas subzones, the enhanced grape ripeness allows for a naturally dry and richer style. Morgadío classicalwines.com Senda Verde Senda Verde is a collection of Morgadío Albariño Rías Baixas Condado de Tea 2018 $215.90 91VN, 90WS artisanal wines from unique regions in northern Spain that Senda Verde winesellersltd.com follow the 43°N parallel, $131.90 stretching from coastal Galicia Senda Verde Albariño Rías Baixas 2018 eastward along the northern coastline. Bodegas Zarate rarewineco.com Zarate In 1953, Ernesto Zarate initiated Zarate Albariño Rías Baixas Val do Salnes 2019 $203.90 the Albariño Festival. He Zarate Albariño Rías Baixas Val do Salnes El Palomar 2018 (6pk) $191.90 withdrew his wine from the Zarate Albariño Rías Baixas Val do Salnes Tras da Viña 2017 (6pk) $191.90 93JS festival’s competition three years later having won first prize each (also available in large format) year; vowing not to re-enter until another grower had matched his Zarate Caino Tinto Rías Baixas Val do Salnesw 2019 (6pk) $191.90 accomplishment. To this day, none have. RIBEIRO Through an estate blessed with old vines, great terroirs, and his According to Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, the Ribadavia section of Ribeiro, which own perfectionist approach, means ‘river-bank’ was once Spain’s ‘Mother of Wine’. Ribeiro is a land of mostly small plots or seventh-generation Eulogio ‘colleiteiros’ divided up amongst families who tend the vines by hand and make wine from their Pomares makes Albariños that own grapes. There are a small amount of large wineries and two main cooperatives that keep many may not only be the best white of the small farmers in business by purchasing their grapes. 90% of the wine produced in Ribeiro wines of Galicia, but potentially in all of Spain. He has also been is made from indigenous white varietals, making the reds especially rare and worthwhile. instrumental in the recovery of Galicia’s once dominant red Finca Reboreda classicalwines.com varieties with tiny productions of $131.90 Espadeiro, Caiño Tinto and A Telleira Godello Rías Baixas Ribeiro 2018 Loureiro. $179.90 Viña Reboreda Mencía Rías Baixas Ribeiro 2018 Finca Reboreda The Viña Reboreda vineyard estate comprises 40 hectares on the Miño River west of the provincial capital and ancient Roman mining center of Orense. Soils vary from alluvial and stony near the river to outcroppings of slate, granite and chalk on the higher west-facing slopes. 139
Bodegas Chaves MONTERREI In 1986, Chaves was one of the first to market wines protected by Winemaking was introduced to the area by the ancient Romans, whose influence is confirmed by the denomination VDT the number of presses and vessels that have been dug up here. In 1994, Monterrei regained the guaranteeing the origin of DO status that had been stripped from it because local producers failed to modernize their Albariño del Salnés. They then wineries sufficiently. Since then, it has won much acclaim. Climatically, the region is very actively assisted in the creation different from the rest of Galicia. Monterrei's inland location makes it warm and dry during of the renowned DO Rías summer and very cold in winter, more in line with the vineyards of Castilla y Leon to the Baixas, proud to appear as the east. This is largely due to the rain shadow effect produced by the Sierra de Larouca mountain 2nd winery in order of range. registration. At the western end of the Celtic Bodegas Chaves table31imports.com corridor of the Atlantic, in $131.90 Galicia, José Chaves Chaves Silva Daponte Godello Monterrei 2018 (6pk) founded the winery in 1955. Descendientes de J. Palacios BIERZO In Corullón, Alvaro Palacios and his nephew, Ricardo Palacios Bierzo is located in a small northwestern pocket of Castilla y Léon, caught between the neighbour- Perez have found something ing regions of Galicia and Asturias. Vitis vinifera were brought to the area by the Romans, but it extremely special; Old vineyards was the Cistercian monks who cultivated and expanded Bierzo’s vineyards when they settled there line the precipitous hillsides and in the ninth century. Bierzo was accorded DO status in 1989 and in the past few years has experi- the local soils are extremely enced a surge in popularity thanks to the high-profile winemaker Alvaro Palacios of Priorat fame poor—composed mostly of establishing vineyards there. Bierzo's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has a profound effect on its schist—but with incredible overall climate, with average temperatures during the growing season much cooler than in Castilla diversity. The minute variations in soils and exposures across this y Leon's more inland areas, making it rather mild—ideal for its most prized vine, Mencía. zone immediately reminded the two of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, or Descendientes de José Palacios rarewineco.com Piedmont’s Langhe hills. The biodynamic estate focuses on (please inquire about back-vintages) $227.90 93JS single-vineyard expressions, but $443.90 94-96WA has also had extraordinary J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Pétalos 2017 $449.95 91D, 96-97JS success with Pétalos, their J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Corullon 2017 $641.90 95-97WA hillside blend. J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Moncerbal 2016 (6pk) J. Palacios Mencía Bierzo Las Lamas 2017 (6pk) Losada Viños de Finca Losada was established in 2004 Losada Viños de Finca classicalwines.com on the outskirts of the village of $155.90 96JS Pieros, on the Camino de Losada Mencía Bierzo Pajaro Rojo 2016 Santiago with the intention of planting Mencía on clay soils. The skins of Mencía grapes grown on clay soils are more hydrated and less thick, the structure more mellow, the wines generally softer in feel. The sustainably-farmed fruit is harvested by hand and naturally fermented using the indigenous yeasts. Cooperage is 100 percent French, with a minimum barrel capacity of 300L. 140
EL PAIS VASCO—TXAKOLINA Basa-Lore Basa-Lore is one of the El Pais Vasco is a fiercely independent region located on the northern coast of Spain, close to the oldest Txakoli wineries in the Pyrenees and the border with France, recognized more generally as Basque Country. The Spanish-Basque region, harvesting the best quality since Cantabrian Mountains form its western boundary, while the renowned wine region of Rioja lies to 1930, for 4 generations. Located the south. Pais Vasco wine is synonymous with Txakoli (pronounced \"Chac-o-lee\"), a style of in Getaria-Zarautz, next to the wine that is intrinsic to the region's wine culture and traditions. This wine is straightforward and Atlantic Ocean in North- uncomplicated. It has a refreshing style with fruit-dominated characters, and can have a slight East Spain. Produced only with sparkle as well as high acidity. the indigenous local grapes- Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Basa-Lore table31imports.com Beltza. The $203.90 wines from Basa-Lore have a Basa-Lore Getariako Txakolina Lahu 2019 touch of salinity, on 10 acres of $191.90 north facing vineyards. Basa-Lore Rosé Getariako Txakolina Lahu 2019 Hiruzta The name of the winery itself Hiruzta table31imports.com encompasses the very heart of this $239.90 modern family project. HIRUren Hiruzta Getariako Txakolina 2017 UZTA, A THREE-PERSON $239.90 HARVEST. The brainchild of a Hiruzta Rosato Getariako Txakolina 2017 father and his two sons, Asensio, Txarli and Angel Rekalde. Vineyards were planted entirely to Hondarribi Zuri in 2007, and the winery opened in 2012. TORO Telmo Rodriguez Telmo studied viticulture and Usually made with 100% Tinto de Toro, the local strain of Tempranillo (75% is the legal oenology at the University of minimum), the wines can achieve up to 15% alcohol very naturally and easily. Toro means bull, Bordeaux and was the winemaker at his family winery in and the wines of the region definitely live up to the name. Warm, sunny days combined with Rioja, Remelluri, and then set off cool nights and a long growing season create ultra-ripe wines that combine power and fruit with on his own in the early 1990s to discover new vineyards and length and structure. regions all around Spain. He now makes a range of wines in diverse Telmo Rodríguez vintus.com viticultural areas of Spain, with an emphasis on biodynamics, (also see Rueda, Rioja and Alicante) $167.90 traditionally bush-trained vines, $299.90 indigenous varietals, massal Telmo Rodriguez Toro Dehesa Gago 2018 selections and regional identity. Telmo Rodriguez Toro Gago 2016 He was among the first to make significant wines in Toro, Rueda, RUEDA Valdeorras, Malaga, Alicante and Cigales, and is considered the The greatest thing that ever happened to Rueda was modernization (stainless-steel vats, cool black sheep of his family. fermentation, etc…) that helped eliminate, for the most part, the problem of oxidation for the Angel Rodriguez beloved Verdejo grapes. Verdejo had always been one of the world’s great white wines, and Martínsancho is Angel Rodríguez' 17th-century vineyard with the new technology it has returned to the top. To achieve the DO, white Rueda must responsible for the preservation of contain 50% Verdejo, and 60% to be labeled as Rueda Superior. Rueda's indigenous Verdejo grape. Cuttings from here were Telmo Rodríguez vintus.com used in 1976 to establish a 25- $165.00 acre vineyard planted in the (also see Toro, Rioja, and Alicante) traditional head-pruned fashion and dry-farmed. Low-yield Telmo Rodriguez Rueda Basa 2018 \"Verdejo\" apports viscosity and a long finish while retaining a (Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc) delicate floral nose. Angel Rodríguez classicalwines.com $203.90 Martínsancho Verdejo Rueda Superior 2017 141
Antídoto RIBERA DEL DUERO If it weren’t for a young French winemaker, Bertrand Sourdais, D.O. Ribera del Duero is located in Castilla y León, roughly 2 hours north of Madrid. When it Soria might still be unknown. achieved D.O. status in 1982, there were only 9 wineries and most wine was sold in bulk. Today Bertrand first brought Soria to it is home to 270 wineries and many of Spain’s most noteworthy wines. Tempranillo, known lo- light with his award-winning cally as ‘Tinto Fino’ makes up 95% of the region’s plantings. The region is divided by its name- Atauta, a village with cooler sake, the River Duero, and the sheltering effects of the Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Gua- temperatures than the rest of darrama mountain ranges creates an extreme climate of dry, hot summers followed by long, harsh Ribera and an abundance of sand that has kept Phylloxera away for winters. the past 150 years, leaving most vines ungrafted. When Atauta Bodegas Antídoto rarewineco.com was sold in 2009, Bertrand $143.90 created Antídoto, Spanish for Antídoto Rosado Ribera del Duero Roselito 2019 ‘antidote’ - Ribera’s great $227.90 92JS bargain. Antídoto Ribera del Duero Soria 2018 Marqués de Velilla Established in 1985 by the Segovian family. The year of 1989 brought the purchase of the Monte Villalobón estate outside the small village of La Horra in central Ribera del Duero and in 1996 the move to the Estate became permanent. 370 acres with 9 distinctive terroirs make up Marques de Velilla. Bodega Matarromera Marqués de Velilla table31imports.com Matarromera is rooted in $155.90 Valbuena de Duero, birthplace of Marqués de Velilla Ribera del Duero 2018 Tempranillo in the Ribera del table31imports.com Duero. Founded in 1988 on the Matarromera $203.90 flank of hill that faces the midday sun, the serene Douro River can Matarromera Ribera del Duero Crianza 2016 (6pk) rarewineco.com be seen from the winery itself. $804.00 94-95JS This welcoming winery is the Dominio de Pingus $4140.00 97JS, 99RP perfect place to produce aged $4554.00 wines in its semi-buried Dominio de Pingus Ribera del Duero Flor de Pingus 2017 warehouses. The first Bodega Dominio de Pingus Ribera del Duero 2015 (6pk) Matarromera vintage won the Dominio de Pingus Ribera del Duero 2016 (6pk) Gold Medal at the International Wine Competition. Dominio de Pingus Pingus is one of the very few Spanish wines that has joined the ranks of the world’s most coveted wines Pingus has a quality that is often lacking in today’s “modern” wines—a sense of utter individuality. Pingus is the childhood nickname of its visionary Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck. Peter’s first wine received 96-100 points from Robert Parker after the 1996 em primeur tastings, and the rest is history. Ψ PSI Ψ PSI by Peter Sisseck rarewineco.com PSI is a ‘neo-coop’ venture $335.90 94JS, 92-93RP between many of the best Dominio de Pingus Ribera del Duero Ψ PSI 2017 independent grape growers in Ribera del Duero and is overseen by Peter himself. 142
LA RIOJA Alegre Valgañón It is often forgotten that what we Rioja is without a doubt the leading wine region in Spain, and was the first to move from DO to know as “Traditional Rioja” is DOCA status in 1991. Rioja’s geographical position is indeed enviable. It is sheltered by the less than 150 years old, having Sierra de Cantabria to the north and west, and rarely experiences the climatic extremes that been created in the wake of plague central and southern Spain. The region is split into three zones, and allows seven Phylloxera in the late 1800s. varietals, with a focus on Tempranillo, Garnacha and Garnacha Blanca. The Rioja story is Since 2014, the husband-wife largely centered around the process of blending and aging, and for a long time, quality was team of Oscar Alegre and Eva measured by time in American oak. While traditionally oaked Rioja still exists in the wings, it Valgañón have embraced an even no longer holds center stage. A landscape once dominated by cooperatives and commodity more ancient tradition than that grapes is giving way to estate wineries and modern production methods. of the méthode bordelaise. By working strictly with tiny lots, Alegre Valgañón rarewineco.com inclusion of stems during fermentation, more Garnacha and Alegre Valgañón Rioja Blanca 2017 $227.90 92WA shorter time in larger barrels, they are creating a new path Alegre Valgañón Rioja 2016 $227.90 90DEC, 91VN, 92WA forward for traditional Rioja. García Caríllon J García Caríllon civusa.com The Garcia Carrion farming $95.90 tradition originates in Jumilla in Antaño Crianza Rioja 2018 1890. The company has been passed down through 5 Hermanos Peciña rarewineco.com generations, and now producers $203.90 wine in multiple D.O.s including Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Blanco 2018 Rioja. $131.90 Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Cosecha 2016 $203.90 Hermanos Peciña Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Crianza 2014 $263.90 Peciña was founded in 1992 by La Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Reserva 2013 $455.90 Rioja Alta’s long-time vineyard Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 manager, Pedro Peciña. His family held 20 ha of great old Marqués de Cáceres vineyardbrands.com vineyards around San Vincente, and they would form be the basis (also see Penedes/Cava) $107.90 90JS of his new estate. From the $167.90 beginning, Pedro’s winemaking Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Blanco 2018 has been utterly classic, and he Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Blanco Excellens 2018 $119.90 uses his American oak $113.90 barrels subtly. With an average Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado 2019 age of 5-6 years, the wood is Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado Excellens 2017 (6pk) $167.90 92VN, 93WE,93WS largely neutral, providing textural $299.90 richness, but only background Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza 2016 $383.90 flavor notes. He ages far longer Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva 2015 $492.00 than is required by law, from a Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Gran Reserva 2011 minimum of two years in barrel Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Gran Reserva 1986 (6pk) for Crianza to four or more years for Gran Reserva (Inquire about back vintage vertical packs) Marqués de Cáceres Henri Forner and his family Bodegas Bagordi winesellersltd.com returned from France to his $119.90 homeland in 1970. The owner of Navardia Rioja Blanco Organic 2019 $119.90 the prestigious Ch. Larose- Navardia Rioja Crianza Organic 2017 Trintaudon uses his knowledge table31imports.com from Bordeaux and, along with Bodega Carlos Moro $215.90 consultants Emile Peynaud and Michel Rolland, produces an Oinoz Rioja Crianza 2015 143 elegant and silky line-up of wines. “The benchmark by which modern and less oaky Rioja are judged.” -Decanter Bodegas Bagordi The word ‘Bagordi’ refers to a remote location in the valley of Baztán, one of the most beautiful districts in Navarre. Bodegas Bagordi owns more than 58 hectares of organic vineyards and leases fruit from 26 more. Bodega Carlos Moro Created in 2014 outside the town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the very heart of Rioja Alta, this winery is set apart by the passion of Carlos and his many talents as a farmer, grower and maker of wines. Oinoz is 100% Tempranillo grown from 25-80 years old vines with low yields.
Rivarey In 1970, Enrique Forner founded Marqués de Cáceres, Rivarey is their charming second label. Telmo Rodríguez Rivarey vineyardbrands.com Telmo was the winemaker at his $131.90 family winery in Rioja, Rivarey Rioja Rosé 2019 $131.90 Remelluri. He now makes a Rivarey Rioja Crianza 2016 range of wines with an emphasis vintus.com on biodynamics, traditionally Telmo Rodríguez $167.90 bush-trained vines, indigenous varietals, massal selections and (also see Rueda, Toro, and Alicante) classicalwines.com regional identity. The Rioja $191.90 vineyards for Telmo’s wines are Telmo Rodriguez Rioja La Social 2015 in the eastern part of the region, guarachiwinepartners.com in Lanciego. It is here, on the Valenciso $203.90 clay and calcerous slopes, that $131.90 some of the most interesting Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2012 (6pk) $203.90 vineyards of Rioja coexist with $263.90 100 year old olive trees. Bodegas Vivanco $455.90 Valenciso Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2018 Founded for the 1998 vintage by Vivanco Rioja Cosecha 2016 Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso, Vivanco Rioja Crianza 2014 (Val-Enciso), Rioja natives with Vivanco Rioja Reserva 2013 extensive careers in the making Vivanco Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 and commercialization of fine Rioja wines. Valenciso's objective is to produce a flagship wine combining the best characteristics of both traditional and modern Rioja, released exclusively as Reserva. Vineyards established in chalky-clay soils at Rioja Alta's northwestern extreme are organically farmed. Bodegas Vivanco NAVARRA Vivanco is more than just a family name–it is a contemporary Navarra is a prosperous, beautiful and bustling region, best-known for the famous bullfighting oenological project with unique, festival of San Fermin, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway as the ‘running of the bulls.’ singular wines from the family vineyards that includes a unique Traditionally associated with the production of crisp, fruit-driven rosé, Navarra is beginning to museum where visitors can attract attention for its high quality red wines made mainly from the Tempranillo, Cabernet discover the essence of wine Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties after years of being overshadowed by its southern based on experience, sensibility neighbor, Rioja. and innovation. Ah-So ahsowines.com Ah-So Ah-So is produced at the Lopez de Ah-So Bubbles 250ml Can $179.90 LaCalle Artazu property in Ah-So White 250ml Can $179.90 Navarra Spain. The winery was established in 1996. Juan Carlos Ah-So Rose 250ml Can $179.90 90 WA Lopez de LaCalle of famed Ah-So Red 250ml Can $179.90 Bodegas Artadi was searching for the perfect terroir and vineyards with pioneering vintner Randall Graham of Bonny Doon. They found old deprived Garnacha vines buried in the hillside town of Artazu. Partner in all of this is our good friend and local merchant Dustin Chiapetta. Nice to work with friends AND support local. 144
RIBERA DEL GÁLLEGO-CINCO VILLAS, ARÁGÓN Bodegas Ejeanas Located in the Cinco Villas area Located in the country's north, Aragon stretches from the imposing Pyrenees mountains south to of Ribera del Gállego (VDLT). the expansive central Iberian plateau. Ribera del Gállego-Cinco Villas is a Spanish geographical The Tenia family has had a long history of farming around the indication for Vino de la Tierra wines located in the provinces of Huesca and Zaragoza. town of Ejea de los Caballeros. In 1999, vines were planted on perfect Garnacha plots with a stunning view of the Pyrenees. 2003 was the first year of business. Bodegas Ejeanas is certified since 2005 by ISO 9001. Bodegas Ejeanas table31imports.com Castillo de Monséran $119.90 Castillo de Monséran is part of Bodegas Ejeanas Garnacha Ribera del Gállego Uva Nocturna 2013 the Bodegas San Valero cooperative owned by more than CARIÑENA 700 small independent growers with an average of 9 acres of Cariñena’s winegrowing area is situated to the south of the River Ebro, and north-east vines, all known for their of Calatayud. The town from which it takes its name has also been adopted by the Cariñena grape extremely low yields and exceptional quality. The logo variety (known as Carignan in other parts of the world), which once dominated the local represents the traditional Spanish vineyards. It is one of the oldest demarcated appellations in Europe, having been awarded DO castles found throughout the region. This Garnacha is entirely status in 1932, and is characterized by high altitudes (for Spain) and continental weather. unoaked and can be shipped in a wooden box upon request. Castillo de Monséran guarachiwinepartners.com $95.90 Cellar Josep Masachs Castillo de Monséran Garnacha Cariñena 2018 $119.90 Although the Cellar Josep Castillo de Monséran Garnacha Cariñena 2018 (WOODEN BOX) Masachs has traditionally focused on Cava, when they found some TERRA ALTA—CATALUNYA old-vine Garnacha from a great region in the western part of Terra Alta, means 'high land' in Catalan, and unsurprisingly, is home to many of Catalunya’s Catalunya, everything changed. highest peaks. It was awarded DO status in 1985 and nearby Priorat, to its east, has raised the Located in the Terra Alta region area's profile and been a catalyst for modernization. The climate is a mix of Mediterranean and west of the province of Tarragona, near the town of Gandesa, they continental, with long, hot summers and very cold winters. Terra Alta is best known for its are perched high above the coast smaller producers, although co-operatives have traditionally played a vital role. in an area with very low rainfall and a near constant presence of Cellar Josep Masachs winesellersltd.com wind. $83.90 (also see Cava) $83.90 Clos de Nit A very classic Montsant from Ressò Garnacha Catalunya Old Vines 2018 Cofama. Clos de Nit is a Catalan phrase that translates to Ressò Garnacha Blanca Catalunya 2018 “vineyard of the night.”, inspired by the crescent moon shape of MONTSANT D.O. Montsant. Montsant was formerly categorized as a viticultural sub-zone of Tarragona, but local growers felt Josep Grau Viticultor the high-altitude vineyards here earned the region recognition as a DO in their own right. As a This is a family project located in result, the Montsant DO was created in 2001, its name taken from the Montsant massif ('holy the municipality of Marçà. Josep is the winemaker and owner of the mountain') that dominates the region's landscape. Montsant lies west of Tarragona city and forms winery and currently oversees 26 a 'C' shape that almost completely surrounds the prestigious Priorat region. Similar to Priorat, the hectares of vineyards with various soil types at different soil is a local specialty known as 'llicorella', which is high in granite and slate components. locations in the D.O. Montsant. From pruning to the harvest, all Clos de Nit (Cofama) winesellersltd.com the labor in the vineyards is done $119.90 by hand. The viticulture is Clos de Nit Montsant Crianza 2016 organic, and herbicide and pesticide free. Josep Grau Viticultor classicalwines.com $167.90 Josep Grau Montsant L’Efecte Volador 2017 145
Alvaro Palacios PRIORATO One of nine children born to the owners of Rioja’s respected Priorato is Spain’s most traditional and yet most modern, exciting region. In the tiny village of Palacios Remondo, Alvaro Scala Dei, wine styles have hardly changed in 500 years. Down below, modern waves of wine tip studied enology in Bordeaux, while working at Ch. Pétrus. the auction scales toward record prices. Schist soils, steep hillsides, narrow, craggy vineyards, Alvaro could have returned to the high elevation, extremely low yields and a cool and windy growing season have made Priorat security of his family’s domaine. arguably Spain’s greatest niche, high quality growing area. In 2003, Priorat became only Spain’s But instead, he was drawn to the remote and seductive Priorat, second DOCa after Rioja. with its unique terroir of steep hills and terraces. He acquired Alvaro Palacios rarewineco.com his first vineyard, Finca Dofí, in 1990, and the prized L’Ernuta in Alvaro Palacios Priorat Camins del Priorat 2018 $239.90 91JS 1993, both on steep slopes of Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses 2017 Priorat’s famous Licorella soil. Alvaro Palacios Priorat Gratallops 2016 $419.90 92JS, 91WS Alvaro Palacios Priorat Finca Dofi 2017 Feixa Negra $575.90 93VN A classic Garnacha/Carignan blend from Cofama. The name $863.90 94JS Feixa Negra is inspired by stunning vineyard terraces Feixa Negra winesellersltd.com reinforced with stone walls, which $167.90 are quite common in the region of Feixa Negra Priorat 2015 Priorat. In Catalan they call these walls “Feixa”, made black by the famed Licorella soils. An amazing value! Ferrer Bobet Ferrer Bobet vintus.com Sergi Ferrer and Raül Bobet’s project started in 2002, and in Ferrer Bobet Priorat Estate2016 $455.90 2008 their first two wines were Ferrer Bobet Priorat Vinye Velles 2016 $503.90 released. For their initial wines, Ferrer Bobet Carignan Priorat Seleccio Especial 2016 $503.90 Ferrer Bobet used hundred-year- old Carignane and Grenache vines planted in some of the best vineyards in Priorat, but are now the owners of an exquisite organic estate. Sergi also runs a wine education center and restaurant. Celler Pasanau Celler Pasanau classicalwines.com The Pasanaus are perennial $227.90 growers in La Morera, the highest Pasanau Priorat Ceps Nous 2016 municipality of Priorat, with vineyards at over 2,400 feet elevation abutting the sheer rock wall of the Sierra de Montsant. Gravelly scree eroded from the cliffs covers the underlying llicorella slate, together with the elevation creating a less Mediterranean microclimate relative to the region as a whole. 146
CAVA Jaume Serra Cristalino The winery was founded in 1943 Only two wines in Spain do not have a legal requirement to carry the words denominacion de by distinguished enologist Jaume origin on the label. One of them is sherry, the other is Cava. Therefore Cava is not a DO, but Serra Guell. It is located in the rather a process described simply as “sparkling wine made by the traditional method of fermenta- Garraf subdivision of Penedes tion in the bottle produced in specified areas notified to the relevant authorities.” Sounds deli- DO, the largest wine growing cious. But Cava is delicious, and is now the number #1 selling sparkling wine in the world, hav- area in Catalonia. The white ing recently surpassed Champagne. All Cava must spend 9 months on its lees and may not be sold varietals of Parellada, for a year. Most quality Cava spends much longer on its lees: after 18 months it may be called Chardonnay, Macabeo and Xarel- ho go into the production of the Reserva and after 30, Gran Reserva. Cavas, making Cristalino the #1- selling Cava in the world. Jaume Serra Cristalino civusa.com Marqués de Cáceres Jaume Serra Crisatlino Cava Brut NV (187ml/24pk) $95.90 Henri Forner and his family Arte Latino Cava Brut NV (on premise only) $83.90 returned from France to his Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava Brut NV $107.90 homeland in 1970. The owner of Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava Extra Dry NV $107.90 the prestigious Ch. Larose- Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava Rosado NV $107.90 Trintaudon uses his knowledge from Bordeaux and, along with Marqués de Cáceres vineyardbrands.com consultants Emile Peynaud and $167.90 Michel Rolland, produces an (also see Rioja) elegant and silky line-up of wines. All Penedes fruit! Marqués de Cáceres Cava Brut NV Cellar Josep Masachs Josep Masachs Llorach founded Cavas Masachs in Vilafranca del Penedès in the 1920s. Later, his son, Josep Masachs Juvé, continued his father’s tradition under the same policy of very limited production and craftsmanship. In 1985, the Masachs moved their facilities to the municipality of Torrelles de Foix where they vinify both Cava and still wines in their Monsarra estate. Cellar Josep Masachs winesellersltd.com Mont Marçal $131.90 Estate founded in 1975 by (also see Catalunya ) Manuel Sancho, noted Spanish classicalwines.com recording impresario, upon Mas Fi Cava Brut NV $131.90 purchase of a 17th-century $101.90 convent property in the heart of Mont-Marçal the Penedès region. 100 acres of guarachiwinepartners.com estate vineyards planted to mostly Mt.-Marçal Cava Brut Reserva 2016 $82.10 local varieties form the basis for Mt.-Marçal Cava Brut Reserva Rosado 2016 (6pk) $82.10 an important production of both Cava and table wines. Villa Conchi Estate-grown and bottled wines. Villa Conchi Cava Brut Gran Sello NV Villa Conchi Villa Conchi Cava Brut Rosado Gran Sello NV A careful selection of vineyards in the heart of Catalunya, protected by the mountain of Montserrat, has been the main focus for the production of Gran Sello. These Cavas aim to present a fresher style from Chardonnay in a Mediterranean climate. 147
Telmo Rodríguez ALICANTE—VALENCIA Almuvedre is 100% Monastrell, the local clone of Mourvedre. Alicante is one of Spain’s smaller wine regions, often overshadowed by its neighbors, Jumilla and Viticulture in these vines is Yecla. he region has long produced wine, receiving its DO status back in 1957. However, it had a traditionally unirrigated, and the bush pruned vines are carefully reputation for producing bulk wine, and was known more for its oranges and paella. In the last looked after by old growers. The few decades, it has undergone a metamorphosis and is now producing premium wines, especially yields are often less than 10 hectoliters per hectare, making elegant reds from Monastrell, or in Telmo’s style—’Muvedre” the Monastrell concentrated and complex. Telmo Rodríguez vintuswines.com $155.90 Carchelo (also see Rueda, Toro, and Rioja) Bodegas Carchelo was founded in the early 1980s in one of the Telmo Rodriguez Alicante Al Muvedre 2016 earliest efforts to bring Jumilla into the age of modern wine. In JUMILLA addition to the indigenous Monastrell (Mourvèdre) variety, In 1970, only the bulk-wine trade had heard of Jumilla. Things are changing fast, most notably Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon because due to its sandy soils and hot climate, Jumilla has never suffered from Phylloxera. Re- and Syrah are grown to enhance planting new clones of Monastrell (Mourvedre) on the old rootstocks has led to wonderfully rich structure. Achieving a fresh and and ripe wines, making Jumilla a strong force in Spanish winemaking. Monastrell accounts for balanced style, by the early 1990s Carchelo's rich young red had put 85% of the region’s grapes. Jumilla on the road to international respectability. Bodegas Carchelo classicalwines.com $155.90 Carchelo Monastrell Jumilla 2017 Olivares Olivares rarewineco.com Olivares’ estate vineyard, Finca $105.90 Hoya de Santa Ana, is located in Olivares Rosado Jumilla 2019 Jumilla’s northwestern quadrant, $155.90 92VN, 93WA whose unique characteristics Olivares Monastrell Jumilla Altos de la Hoya 2019 $299.90 distinguish it from the rest of the Olivares Monastrell Dolce Jumilla 2016 (500ml) appellation. It lies at over 800 meters elevation, where nights PAGO CALZADILLA cool down quickly, resulting in wines with astounding freshness Vino de Pago is the highest category that exists within Spanish wine law and is a single estate and equilibrium. More producing wines of specificity from a single site. Pago Calzadilla is located just outside Huete, a importantly, Paco’s 65 hectare village in the Cuenca province of Castilla-La Mancha. The vineyard sits at an altitude between here boasts incredibly sandy soil and ungrafted vines, of which 900 and 1,000 meters, which is an influencing and distinguishing factor in Pago Calzadilla's this may be the world’s largest wines. Its location in the valley floor means it is prone to frequent mists and strong winds, which individual holding. are welcome phenomena as damaging frosts would otherwise be an issue. The family-owned-and- operated estate draws its name from the Antigua Calzada Romana (Ancient Roman Way) upon Pago Calzadilla Beginning in 1980 by the Uribes- which it lies; calzadilla means 'little road'. Madero family, Pago Calzadilla is a small bodega located near Uribes Madero Family table31imports.com Cuenca, south-east of $119.90 Madrid. They produce Pago Calzadilla Garnacha Blanca Matelo 2018 traditionally aged wines of high $119.90 90WA distinction from 49 acres of Pago Calzadilla Red Blend Opta 2014 (6pk) 90WA organic vineyards.. Calzadilla is $143.90 a Pago, and the only bodega in (60% Tempranillo, 20% Syrah, 20% Garnacha) the DO Pago Calzadilla. $167.90 Pago Calzadilla Red Blend Classic 2014 (6pk) $335.90 (60% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon + Syrah and Garnacha) Pago Calzadilla Syrah 2012 Allegro (6pk) Pago Calzadilla Tempranillo Gran Calzadilla 2009 148
CASTILLA-LA MANCHA Bodegas Calar The 100% Tempranillo vineyard La Mancha has always been the largest DO in Spain and is also the largest single demarcated area consists of gentle north facing in all of Europe. It is an area that is baking hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. slopes extending over 50 acres at Drought is always a concern on this high-plains desert, but very few insects or pests can live in elevations between 650 and 700 meters. It is located in the the extreme conditions. Previously known as a bulk-wine supplier, small producers like Bodegas Calatrava volcanic zone, defined Calar have recently set up shop in La Mancha, bringing an air of respectability. by an eroded Pleistocene-era caldera. Soils are abundant in Bodegas Calar classicalwines.com volcanic elements such as basalt, $215.90 and unique among Iberian Ábrego de Calar Tempranillo Castilla-La Mancha 2015 Peninsula wine regions. Yields are kept to two kilos per vine, harvest Vega Tolosa classicalwines.com is manual and grapes are hand $143.90 sorted before fermentation. 11 Piños Old Vine Bobal, Manchuela Castilla-La Mancha 2017 Opera Prima Opera Prima civusa.com Affordable, varietally correct $215.90 wines that actually exist and get Opera Prima Sparkling Brut Castilla-La Mancha NV reviewed by actual people? Nothing virtual about some of our SAN MARTÍN DE VALDEIGLESIAS—VIÑOS DE MADRID competitors except for their wines. Which makes a wine like Opera With a modern highway nearing completion, San Martín de Valdeiglesias lies a mere 75 minutes Prima even more exciting. Who from Madrid and its three million inhabitants. Yet, the journey feels much longer, both in distance are these people? and in time. As one drives west from the capital city, the terrain quickly becomes rugged and Bernabeleva mountainous, the air cooler, and one begins to see signs of an earlier era. Bernabeleva’s vineyards On the eastern edge of Sierra de are more than a half mile above sea level, with warm days but cool nights, and with poor, sandy Gredos mountains, a renowned Madrid doctor named Vincente soils. The resulting wines have ample ripeness, but also astounding bouyancy and freshness. Alvarez-Villamil purchased land in 1923. The site, which at that Bernabeleva rarewineco.com time was a full day's travel from Madrid, had ancient bears carved Navaherrerros de Bernabeleva Garnacha Blanca 2016 $191.90 90 WA from boulders to mark forests 91 WA dedicated to the hunt goddess, Camino de Navaherrerros Garnacha 2017 $155.90 hence the name Bernabeleva, or Navaherrerros de Bernabeleva Garnacha 2017 $215.90 bear's forest. Civil War devastated the country in 1936 and it wasn’t until 2006 that Vincente’s great- grandchildren vowed to fulfill their ancestor’s dream. The estate's vineyards are now 80- years-old. They focus on long fermentations, and minimal handling. Wines are aged in barrels of different sizes, but very little new wood is used MURCIA García Caríllon The Garcia Carrion farming Murcia is home to three DO appellations – Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla. Most of Murcia’s wine- tradition originates in Jumilla in growing areas are located some way inland. It is still an area well-known for mass production and 1890. The company has been passed down through 5 J Garcia Carillon civusa.com generations, and now producers wine in multiple D.O.s including (also see Rioja) $51.40 Rioja. Don Simon Seleccion Brut NV $77.90 Don Simon Sangria $41.90 Don Simon Seleccion Chardonnay $41.90 Don Simon Seleccion Shiraz $41.90 Don Simon Seleccion Cabernet Sauvignon $41.90 Don Simon Seleccion Tempranillo 149
Bodegas Yuste JEREZ-XÉRÈZ-SHERRY Sanlúcar native Francisco (Paco) Yuste has sold Manzanilla his Sherry has many things in common with, of all places, Champagne. Both are on chalk-rich soils entire life, building a successful (here know as albariza), both have extreme weather conditions, both make wine that no one else beverage distributorship in the in the world can quite replicate, and both make some of the worst still wines known to man. But provinces of Cádiz and Córdoba. it’s really the chalky soil that makes Sherry what it is. A return to quality production is in the In 1991 he purchased historic works, a revolution like many going on in the industry, in which the return to estates, families and Bodega Santa Ana in Sanlúcar's Barrio Bajo, including its quality is favored over reputation, production size and advertising dollars. centenerian \"solera\", and began operation as an \"almacenista.\" In Bodegas Yuste classicalwines.com 2001 he added Bodega Los $239.90 Ángeles in the Barrio Alto, Bodegas Yuste Manzanilla San Lucar Aurora (500ml) restoring it to Manzanilla production and for refreshing his (also available in 20L keg) \"criaderas\" at Santa Ana. Bodega Miraflores, founded in 1956 by a Bodegas Yuste Amontillado Aurora (500ml) group of growers in that famous Bodegas Yuste Oloroso Aurora (500ml) Sanlúcar \"pago,\" was acquired in 2010 to serve as production base. Yuste quality starts in the vineyard with the fabulous 46- hectare Viña La Alamedilla estate in the Jerez pago of Carrascal. Longterm sources in El Puerto de Santa María’s Balbaína and Sanlúcar’s Miraflores contribute in equal parts to combine freshness and minerality with ample body. $239.90 90+JS, 92W&S $275.90 90+JS, 90WS Toro Albalá MONTILLA-MORILES This prestigious family estate was founded in 1844 in Aguilar de la Just north of Jerez, Montilla-Moriles grows the Pedro Ximenez grape like no other, often times Frontera by the great-grandfather ageing the unfortified wine for up to 100 years. In general this is regarded as a slightly courser of current owner Antonio grape which holds more sugar. Therefore the juices have a higher potential in alcohol contents Sánchez. In 1922 José María Toro and a lot of wines that need fortification in Jerez, can be produced in Montilla-Moriles without Albalá moved the facilities to the current location in Aguilar’s old fortification. power station, introducing updated technologies and Toro Albalá classicalwines.com establishing Toro Albalá as $215.90 Montilla’s quality leader. In 1970, Toro Albalá Oloroso Marqués de Poley (500ml) $383.90 Toro Albalá became the first Toro Albalá Don PX Gran Reserva 1990 (375ml) Montilla producer to bottle Dessert Pedro Ximénez—a product historically sold in bulk to producers and shippers in D.O. Jerez-Xérès-Sherry for aging and blending. Toro Albalá remains the world’s only specialist in the commercialization of 100% Vintage Dessert PX, their Gran Reserva aged a minimum of 25 years in barrel before release. 150
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