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.

This remarkable wine was made to showcase Bolgheri’s terroir from a single vineyard and single grape variety. 100% Cabernet Franc is rarer, yet this is a vibrant wine that is brawny and muscular with layers of black fruit, spice, leather and tar with full body and richness. This will age for many years to come. Only 1 bottle left for this vintage, so be sure to get your hands on it!

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.

A firm, fine-grained red with plum, mahogany, iron and bark on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied with a dusty texture from the tannins. Flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but a beautiful young Barolo.

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.

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.

Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 stands out as an exceptional fine wine, boasting an intense golden yellow hue. Its complex and captivating aroma offers elegant floral tones of white flowers, intertwined with notes of ripe white pulp fruit, officinal herbs, and subtle hints of vanilla, coffee, and minerals. On the palate, it dazzles with a harmonious blend of pulp, freshness, and flavor, delivering an enveloping experience with remarkable length. This rare wine leaves a lasting impression, destined for a prolonged life of enjoyment and appreciation.

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. 

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.

In the commune of La Morra, Sergio Molino vinifies wine from only 2.5 ha of Nebbiolo vines. The Molino family vineyards, bottled under the Ernesto Molino label is an homage to Sergio's father. Like many micro-wineries, it's a "hands-off" approach, allowing the terroir to speak for itself. Cranberry, violet, hints of vanilla and even an iron note, put this one away for a while to let those austere tannins settle down. Best after 2027.

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.

Color: ruby red
Bouquet: hints of black cherry, licorice, spices and menthol
Taste: with notes of sour cherries and violets, on the palate it is boundless and
powerful, with a wonderfully rich tannic texture

"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.

Aged for a minimum of five years, the Padelletti Brunello di Montalcino Reserva is a premium red wine that is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. This wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, intense aromas of dark fruit, leather, and spice, and its full-bodied, complex flavor profile that is marked by notes of black cherry, tobacco, and vanilla. The wine is aged in oak barrels for three years, followed by two years of bottle aging, which gives it a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes, aged cheeses, and rich pasta dishes.

The nose is a light lunch on a rocky beach, where the dusty stones contrast with the sanguinity of bresaola and the richness of sweet chili jam. The jam spreads onto the palate, but the meatiness doesn't go anywhere either, before a crackle of black pepper sets up a lingering finish.

Eucalyptus, woodland berry, rose and baking spice aromas take shape in the glass. This is all about finesse and energy, doling out flavors of juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Still young and tightly wound, it will benefit from more time in the cellar. Kerin O’Keefe

Classically crafted, this opens with earthy aromas of forest floor, woodland berries, leather, violet and crushed black olive. Savory and elegantly structured, the lithe palate features ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, truffle and the same black olive note from the nose. Taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced.

It's dark and vibrant on the palate, with perfect ripeness of tannins and an amazingly refreshing finish.

Sangiovese, aka Brunello is grown all over Italy, but most prevalent in Tuscany. Valdicava wine estate produces some of the highest quality wines in the world by showing different expressions of this opulent grape variety. Located in the valley of Montosoli, to the north of Montalcino, the winery only produces two wines: a Rosso and Brunello, with the single vineyard, Madonna del Piano only produced in the very best vintages. This 2016 has attractive aromas of cherry nib, violet, tomato leaf, walnut, and orange rind. Full bodied with dusty tannins and a long, linear finish. 

from the famed Valdicava winery, this single vineyard wine is only produced in the most excellent vintages. 2007 was a stellar year with perfect conditions for ripening of the Sangiovese grape. Beautifully knit together, this wine has deep, concentrated notes of blueberries and blackberries, leather, and tobacco. Deeply textured, yet with smooth tannins, and layers and layers of flavour. This will undoubtedly just get better in the bottle. If drinking now, decant or hold until 2030-2035.

This 100% Timorasso is native to the Tortona area in Piemonte. The ancient name is Derthona and often seen on the labels. Before nearing extinction, this grape was brought back to life by Walter Massa, knowing there was great potential. The grape ages remarkably well and will resemble a dry Riesling with five years of age or more. While the Costa Del Vento will be rounder, the Sterpi will be more mineral and sinewier, although elegant. Decant for best tasting experience.

94 points -Vinous
" Another strong effort, the 2005 Barolo Riserva 10 Anni Fossati Case Nere offers an intriguing interplay of power and sensuality. Dark red stone fruits, menthol, sage and licorice open up, but with considerable aeration. The aromatics are beguiling, while there is quite a bit of depth to the fruit, all of which adds up to a satisfying if reticent Barolo that should be cellared for another year or two, or given a at least a few hours of air."