Candied cherries, wild herbs and darker flowers, with subtle violet notes, create a very pretty aromatic profile. Well-structured, it showcases a great balance, with supple tannins and lifted acidity. While it can be enjoyed now, a bit more time in the cellar would be beneficial.

Guado Al Tasso is from the famous Antinori family from their estate in Bolgheri, the famed appellation on the upper coast of Maremma. The label features the crest and initials of the Della Gherardesca, former owners of the estate. Produced since 1990, the wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. The palate is intense and complex with captivating aromas of currants, blackberries and blood oranges followed by undertones of spices, tobacco, licorice, and roasted coffee. The palate is mouth filling and persistent, bursting with vibrant silky tannins. A powerful yet graceful vintage with outstanding aging potential.

This classic bottling showcases the variety with effusive red fruit, wild herb, and tar notes in both aroma and flavor, finishing with slight and elegant tannins!

This IGT Toscana Bianco white wine from Tuscany, Italy, blends Malvasia Bianca, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay from the I Colli Estate, located in Monteriggioni and Vagliagli, part of the Bindi Sergardi family’s historic estate, founded in the late 1400s. With a white paper color and golden reflections, it offers an intense bouquet of peach, melon, and pear. On the palate, it’s fresh, savoury, and well-balanced with good acidity, fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain its vibrant character.

The Ramato style of Pinot Grigio has become very popular, this mutation of pinot noir giving off an orange/copper hue when the juice is in contact with the skins. The nose shows floral notes of wisteria, orange blossom, acacia flowers with ripe fruity hints of yellow peach, melon and tangerine, followed by a delicate mineral iodine note and hints of hay. The mouthfeel shows crisp acidity, yet perfectly balanced by its freshness and enveloping flavour.

Dolce Vita from Bepi Tosolini is a herbal, citrus-forward aperitivo crafted with a blend of botanicals, including hand-picked herbs, bitter orange, and sweet spices. Use in place of typical Aperol for an elevated Spritz

This noble blend of selected Friulian red grapes is aged in French oak barriques within the traditional cellars of the Tosolini Family. The oak casks are toasted with "Kentucky" tobacco leaves, creating a deep and intense smoked Grappa. The result is a peated taste reminiscent of a single malt-aged whiskey, featuring harmonious spicy notes and a light smoke finish.

Truffle, underbrush, new leather and chopped herb aromas slowly emerge in the glass. The bright, elegantly structured palate delivers tart cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside vibrant acidity and tightly wound noble tannins. It's still youthfully austere so give it time to develop. 

Showing its Etna pedigree and loaded with finesse, this gorgeous red has inviting aromas of camphor, crushed red berries, blue flowers and Mediterranean brush. Full-bodied but boasting an almost weightless elegance, the enveloping, delicious palate delivers raspberry compote, ripe strawberry and baking spice alongside a flinty mineral note that lends depth. Enveloping, polished tannins provide lithe support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. It's already showing beautifully so there's no need to wait. Drink through 2029. Kerin O’Keefe

Plush and softly textured, this modern expression of Brunello boasts generous tones of black fruit, cherry, tobacco, leather and cola with smooth, silky tannins. You could age this wine many more years, or drink it sooner thanks to the inherent softness here.

This semi-sweet, easy-drinking sparkling red wine is a delightful choice for everyday enjoyment, yet it retains a sense of preciousness. Crafted from the finest grapes of our region, it showcases how an added touch of freshness can serve as an excellent complement to diverse international cuisines, making it not just an enjoyable drink but also a versatile partner for a wide array of dishes.

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.

Located in Loreto Aprutino in the province of Pescara, the Valentini winery boasts of a centuries-old winemaking tradition. Francesco Paolo Valentini is a more than well-known figure in the wine world. The winery covers 65 hectares of vineyards dedicated to the production of Trebbiano, Montepulciano and Cerasuolo d' Abruzzo. Annual production is around 50,000 bottles. It is not possible to identify the production method as Organic or Biodynamic since the approach in the vineyard is unique and artisanal. Montepulciano is a powerful and impetuous wine. It is characteristic of bewitching with its important body and intriguing bouqet of aromas.

This super-interesting blend from Liguria is made from Sangiovese, Merlot and the rarely seen Pollera Nera, native to Liguria. The wine is very aromatic, perfumed with wild berries, fresh herbs and dried flowers. The vibrant palate highlights classic Sangiovese tart-cherry notes and lively acidity. Merlot contributes a softer edge while the Pollera Nera adds background notes of herbs and spice.

The celebrated Ruffino estate in Tuscany enters the popular Prosecco category with this brand-new wine. An Extra Dry expression with a tiny hint of sweetness, this bright sparkler delivers pear, honey and sweet peach.

The enchanting Montepulciano d'Abruzzo casts its spell with a timeless blend of crushed rocks, violets, lavender, delicate hints of blood orange, and nuanced strawberry notes. Its textured, ripe wild berry flavors embrace the palate, leading to a delightful mineral essence that adds a satisfying crunch towards the finish. The wine maintains its elegance throughout, concluding with a lightly structured yet concentrated profile, accompanied by captivating floral aromas that linger astonishingly long. This is unquestionably a stunning and impeccably balanced Montepulciano. For optimal enjoyment

Exhibiting pure elegance, Potazzine Rosso di Montalcino unfurls gradually, initially presenting notes of red plum and dusty rose. With some gentle coaxing, it reveals violet florals, cedar, and crushed stone aromas that come to the forefront. The palate is captivated by a dynamic blend of succulent wild berries and contrasting saline mineral undertones, all complemented by a refreshing acidity. A lingering interplay of citrus and cranberry adds a delightful tension, leaving a pleasant pinch on the cheeks and enticing the taste buds for more, while gentle fine tannins slowly emerge, providing a delicate coating. This wine is truly stunning, but it is advisable to decant it or cellar it for the next five to eight years to fully appreciate its beauty.

Pale straw yellow, with greenish hues. The nose is full of different inspirations: cedar, green apple, lemon, lime. Slightly smoky, with refreshing chalky aromas. The palate is rich, with a tingly acidity. Long and elegant mineral finish.

"Potazzine" refers to colourful and vivacious birds which inhabit the Tuscany countryside. The property is owned by Gigliola Giannetti who created the winery in 1993 upon the birth of her first daughter and further expanded it another 2ha three years later after the birth of her second daughter.  Potazzine is also a term of endearment given to children by parents and grandparents and it was Gigliola’s mother who affectionately gave this nickname to the two girls.  These prestigious wines are made using natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, long macerations and ageing in Slavonian oak for 40 months resulting in wines with smooth tannins. The nose is fruity and floral with notes of red cherry, and violets, defined by savoury tomato leaf, balsamic and spice notes for a beautifully balanced wine.

This delightful wine presents a beautiful blend of scents, where the fragrance of rose petals and acacia intertwines with the sweet allure of creamed honey, fresh pears, apricots, and yellow apples. Upon tasting, it delights the palate with abundant juicy fruit and sweet citrus flavours, creating a delightful and refreshing experience.

Pairs well with: Pork

Organic

The white grape of Verdicchio makes a surprisingly delicious sparkling wine! Made in the Martinotti method (tank), the wine is finished as extra brut and is dry in the mouth with fine bubbles and notes of lemon curd, sweet almond and sponge toffee.

Isola Augusta (Augusta Island) was acquired in 1959 by Renzo Bassani, who fell in love with this land, renovating old vineyards to start producing wines. The Bassani family was one of the first in the region to replace the chemical interventions in the wines with physical processes, controlling the fermentation of the musts with the cold technique. In 1972, son Massimo took over, constructing new buildings and establishing modern techniques.Today Isola Augusta is a combination of both modern and traditional.

The Vettoretti family owns 32ha in the prestigious Valdobbiadene DOCG zone of Prosecco prodcution, as well as property in the Treviso DOC. The Alne Extra Dry is made from 95% Glera with 5% Chardonnay, it's slightly off dry with creamy bubbles and mouthfeel. Excellent on its own or use in Prosecco cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Bellini.

The Vettoretti family owns 32ha in the prestigious Valdobbiadene DOCG zone of Prosecco prodcution, as well as property in the Treviso DOC. All fruit used in their wine is estate grown and hand harvested. This unique blend of Merlot and Incrocio Manzoni (Incrocio means "crossing" and is a a crossing of Raboso and Muscat of Hamburg) is fruity with hints of strawberry, raspberry and hints of pepper and sage. Tangy acidity makes for a great match with strawberry risotto, and cream pastries.

Passopisciaro is a small area (the name of a town) on Mt.Etna's north face on the property of the late Andrea Franchetti. Soils from this active volcano provides resulting wine with a vein of minerality that speaks of the terroir of this prestigious region. Rampante sits at 1000m asl and produces one of the finest, most aromatic of the volcano wines due to the sandy content in the soil. Dried flowers, smoke, sour cherries, and exotic spices dominate. It is the winery's most rarified and ethereal expression of Nerello Mascalese. Stunning.

Colpetrone's Sacer Montefalco Sagrantino is a rich and intense wine that embodies the unique character of Sagrantino grapes grown in the Montefalco area of Umbria, Italy. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, and plum, complemented by hints of leather, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed now or aged for several years to further develop its complexity and depth.

We don’t often think about Nebbiolo outside of Barolo or Barbaresco, but the northern region of Gattinara is a quality region growing points-worthy Spanna, as it is known here. Elegant with aromas and flavours of dried roses, raspberry jam and hints of toasted nuts and vanilla. If you’ve never tried Nebbiolo from Northern Piemonte, this is a good place to start. 

Mazzolino Pinot Noir Oltrepo Pavese DOC  is a medium-bodied red wine with a ruby red color and an elegant bouquet of red fruits, cherries, and spices. On the palate, it is smooth and balanced with a long finish. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 12 months before being bottled. This Pinot Noir pairs well with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

Vitovska is a native grape only found in the Friuli Venezia-Giulia region in northeast Italy. And within the region, it is only grown in Friuli Carso where it loves the iron rich soils which produce wines of incredible minerality.

Born in Prepotto, Benjamin Zidarich's Zidarich winery fully represents the love for the Carso. The result is his wines, strongly based on the characteristics of the vine and the territory. Zidarich pay the utmost attention to the balance of the development of the vines, with maximum respect for naturalness as well as its natural wines. Vitovska is a white grape indigenous to Carso and grows nowhere else in Italy. This could be considered an "orange wine" due to skin contact during fermentation. This is a white wine with tannins and has a "grip" of oranges, rose petal and crushed rock. Lovely structure with a saline tang on the finish. A rare, unique wine indeed.

Wine Enthusiast: Floral aromas of Spanish broom mingle with wild herbs, white stone fruit and citrus on this 100% Chardonnay, grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. It has mineral-driven tension, offering ripe yellow apple, pear and grapefruit alongside bright acidity and mineral notes recalling oyster shell. - Kerin O'Keefe

Maculan Vespaiolo is a white wine made from Vespaiola- a grape variety named after "Vespa", meaning wasps, for the creatures love of the sweet nectar of the grapes. Maculan is a three generation family owned winery located in Breganze in northern Italy. The wine boasts fresh aromatics of stone fruit, honey and orange blossom. One might think this wine will be sweet, but itis dry with a lovely balance between its full-bodied mouthfeel and crisp acidity. Serve with roasted vegetables or fish dishes

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.

The Derthona of Vigneti Massa is produced exclusively from white grapes that have always been cultivated in the Apennine and pre-Apennine hills of the "marca Obertenga"; with phylloxera has risked extinction, now it is regaining the ancient spaces: from 4 hectares in 2000 to the current 150 hectares cultivated by over forty producers. The Derthona comes from a cold maceration of about 40/45 hours, with subsequent fermentation for about 12 months in stainless steel tanks and periodic "batonnage" of the lees for about 12 months

"Baked apples and pears, laced with white flowers, are complemented by hints of raw almond as the 2020 Bianco Contrada Passochianche (PC) blossoms in the glass. It's elegant and silky in feel, with ripe melon and inner florals that cascade across the palate, as a core of minerality and hints of spice reveal themselves toward the close. The 2020 tapers offincredibly long with a bitter twang, as hints of young peach and inner herbal tones fade. The Passochianche is just a baby today, yet it's packed full of potential. The balance here is unreal. It hails from high-elevation vines (1,000 meters) planted in deep, sandy volcanic soils. The wine spends thirty-six hours macerating on the skins, and then refines for seventeen months in neutral fifteen-hectoliter barrels." -Vinous

Surrounded by three seas, father and son Nini and Michele work side by side on the Salento Peninsula, the sun-drenched heel of the Italian boot. As they could achieve ripe fruit in their sleep, the family’s real artform lies in control – watching, waiting, and harvesting before grapes overripen, allowing them instead to showcase Puglia’s spectacular terroir.

Colour: Straw yellow with greenish hues
Nose: Lime leaf, tangerine, and mint oil
Palate: Tangyandbold, with layers of warm citrus
Finish: Refreshing, fun medium finish

Clean mineral notes, spice, dried flowers, menthol and graphite all run through this potent yet super-refined Barbera that cries for cold weather and bold, lusty food on the table. When I think about what Asti Barbera should be, the Bionzo often comes to mind."

Attractive, sensual, balanced. A soft and persuasive Barbaresco. Velvety tannins and great body define this wine, that ends with a fruity finish and floral note.