Italian National Day

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

"The color of this wine is a stunning deep-red verging on purple. The aromas are full of ripe plums and black cherries. This juicy fruit is in balance with the more gamy, earthy and herbal notes that appear on the midpalate. Lush but balanced, it delivers a fresh pop of acidity on the finish to make the second glass as easy as the first. Jeff Porter"

Unique wine, harmonious and elegant with pleasant notes of red berries, among which cherry is dominant. Fresh, delicate and pleasantly fruity with a light and velvety tannin. Slightly balsamic finish, of medium length. Extremely enjoyable and easy to drink.

Medium rich, fruity and direct on the palate with orchard fruit flavours and tangy acidity on the finish.

Located in Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, Cirò is the only DOC of the region for red wines, it is made from 100% Gaglioppo. Juicy and vibrant, it exudes aromas of small red berries, citrus zest, and earthy underbrush notes with a hint of minerality. Ready to drink and enjoy with your barbecued burgers this summer!

Deep ruby red. Intense aromas of marasca cherry, typical of late varieties, followed by spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper and violet. The mouthfeel is soft, with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity, essential criteria for long aging.

100% Vermentino. Santadi Vermentino di Sardegna “Villa Solais” DOC is brilliant straw yellow, with green and golden highlights. Very fresh, citrusy nose with appealing minerality, confirmed on the balanced palate, which also features floral, fruity and mineral notes.

The Paternoster Rotondo Aglianico del Vulture is a full-bodied red wine made from 100% Aglianico grapes grown in the Aglianico del Vulture subregion of Basilicata, Italy. The wine is deep ruby red in color and offers aromas of ripe dark fruits, leather, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, it is rich and intense with flavors of blackberry, plum, licorice, and black pepper, with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. This wine can be aged for up to 10 years and pairs well with hearty meat dishes and strong cheeses.

For lovers of Nebbiolo (Barolo and Barbaresco) try Etna Rosso. Made with Nerello Mascalese grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily, these wines are light in colour with the sensual aromas of cherries, cinnamon, dust and Italian herbs, but with those same high tannins and acidity Nebbiolo is known for.

Edda (‘she’ in Salento dialect) is the feminine and sensual soul of San Marzano. It is a complex white wine, full of Mediterranean notes. Noticeable acidity intertwined with an enveloping and elegant warmth, savoury and mineral notes on the palate. The Chardonnay grapes give the wine finesse and longevity, together with different varieties indigenous to Puglia, that year after year compete to complement the blend.

One of the original producers that grows Trebbiano Abruzzese, one of the few quality grapes of the Trebbiano group. There is not much of this exported and even fewer bottles of the Montepulciano. Francesco Valentini and his son are the only humans allowed in the cellar as Francesco never wants to introduce foreign microbes or yeasts to interfere with the ageing of the wine. These are some of the most ageable white wines in the world and in fact, could be considered “unicorns” as they are hard to find here in Canada.  Truly collectible.

Along with the 2018 already in house, the 2019 has since arrived and now is the time to pick up a mini vertical of these wines. Highly sought after and with a cult following, these wines are rare. This is a complex and opulent wine, which has become famous for its incredible longevity. The nose is full of ripe yellow fruits and white flowers. The palate is rich, warm and well balanced with beautiful acidity and sapidity.

100% Verdicchio. Intense, complex, persistent bouquet of apricot compote and spice; full body, exceptional, layered richness. The structure and concentration of a red wine, it should not be served too cold, and is best with a little time for decanting before consumed.

Antinori is one of the four oldest winemaking families of Italy. With 26 generations of experience, more than nine estates in Italy, one in the US and one in Chile, they are leaders in quality and their name is sought after the world over.  From ‘Tuesday night pizza wine’ to collectible, ageworthy wines from Chianti Classico and Bolgheri, there is a wine for everyone’s budget in the Antinori portfolio.

From one of the three oldest families of Italy, spanning 26 generations, one of their luxury brands, Solaia is located on the sunniest slope of the Tignanello vineyard. Here, the best grapes of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc make this aromatic, complex wine with notes of raspberries and mulberries with additional, distinct notes of coffee beans, chocolate, and licorice. The palate is well-balanced and structured with spicy undertones that give way to an exceptionally long. This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages.

Teroldego is the most important red grape of Trentino in Northern Italy. Dark coloured and concentrated, this is a fruity wine, yet softly tannic and Albertans would love it! Try this as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Arpepe Sassella Stella Retica 2017 is a red wine with a ruby red color. It has a complex aroma with notes of red fruit, such as cherries and raspberries, and hints of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with a good structure and balance, and firm tannins. The wine has flavors of red fruit, with a hint of earthiness, and a long and persistent finish. It is a perfect match for roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

The Danimi Votiva Bianco is a white wine made from a blend of Fiano, Greco and Falanghina grapes grown in the Irpinia region of Campania, Italy. The wine is bright golden colour with toasted hazelnut aromas on the nose. Soft & stylish on the palate with notes of dried fruit. Perfect with fish & white meat dishes.

Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro is a white wine with a straw-yellow color. It has a complex aroma with notes of tropical fruit, white flowers, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and creamy with a good acidity that balances the wine's richness. The wine has flavors of ripe apple, pear, and citrus fruits, with a long and persistent finish. It is a perfect match for fish, shellfish, and white meats.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the smallest regions in Italy, yet also one of the mightiest. With a plethora of indigenous grape varieties not grown outside of the region, and even fewer producers that are embracing them, Zidarich is truly one of the best.

There are many “malvasia” named grapes within Italy, with some more quality than others. One of the best Malvasia grapes is Istriana, grown in the Friuli region as well as neighbouring Slovenia. Benjamin Zidarich practices biodynamic viticulture, picking grapes and bottling wine according to the phases of the moon. He will tell you that the grapes are grown by the sun and the earth, and the wine is grown by the moon.  The nose has notes of white peaches, oriental mixed spices, mineral, and stony notes. Maceration on the skins will give the wine slight tannins that overlay crunchy stone fruits, savoury herbs, and crushed stony minerality. 

The 2008 vintage of Roberto Voerzio La Serra Barolo is known for its complex aroma, with scents of rose petals, dried cherries, leather, and spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of ripe red fruit, licorice, and tobacco, balanced by firm tannins and good acidity. The wine is typically aged for several years in oak barrels before release, which contributes to its structure and complexity.