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£12.65
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£245.00
New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£250.00
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Case price (Magnum 1 x 150cl)
Magnum 1 x 150cl 3cs
£415.00
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Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
For laying down,
Cited as one of Barolo’s finest vineyards, a definite Grand Cru if & when the authorities get round to classifying the zone, Vigna Rionda is to Serralunga d’Alba what La Romanee-Conti is to Vosne-Romanee. It’s a vineyard that combines perfect exposure, soil, altitude & in Davide’s case old vines planted in 1946. The Giovanni Rosso cantina’s 1 hectare was inherited in 2010 from Davide’s cousin, Tommaso Canale, who had previously made & sold off the wine to the likes of Bruno Giacosa to bottle (as ‘Collina Rionda’).
Given the state of the vineyard, planted not just with Nebbiolo but also Dolcetto & Barbera, Davide has already replanted three-quarters with Nebbiolo; the remainder being prime old Nebbiolo vines, priceless plant material but producing only circa 2000 bts per year until the new vines come of age (in 2020?). 2011 is therefore Davide’s first vintage making Vigna Rionda, vinified in static stainless-steel, cement & in single 16hl slavonian oak large botte. Full bodied yet at the same time so agile, profound, mystical even. Think about drinking from 2021 at the earliest.
David Berry Green, BBR Italian Buyer
Given the state of the vineyard, planted not just with Nebbiolo but also Dolcetto & Barbera, Davide has already replanted three-quarters with Nebbiolo; the remainder being prime old Nebbiolo vines, priceless plant material but producing only circa 2000 bts per year until the new vines come of age (in 2020?). 2011 is therefore Davide’s first vintage making Vigna Rionda, vinified in static stainless-steel, cement & in single 16hl slavonian oak large botte. Full bodied yet at the same time so agile, profound, mystical even. Think about drinking from 2021 at the earliest.
David Berry Green, BBR Italian Buyer
Magnum
£575.00
Case price (6)
£3,105.00
Saving
£345.00
Magnum 3 x 150cl 12cs
£1,280.76
Bottle 3 x 75cl 1cs
£475.00
Magnum 3 x 150cl 1cs
£1,100.00
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Morella, Puglia,
Ready, but will keep,
Fine notes of black fruit, spice and flowers, with the merest hint of oak are the components of the fine and complex bouquet. Plush, rich and mouth-filling on the palate, the ripe blackberry, spicy fruit has a wonderful texture. The finish is long and wonderfully elegant for such a voluminous wine, with great balance and finesse. This is among our favourite wines made from Primitivo (or as it is known elsewhere, Zinfandel) in the world.
Lisa Gilbee left Adelaide’s Roseworthy oenological college in 1990 and headed to Italy where she worked in Emilia-Romagna, the Veneto and Tuscany. It was in 2000, during a spell in Sicily sourcing fruit, that she met Gaetano Morella, a pugnacious but passionate Puglian from Barletta with old-vine Primitivo in the hot-spot of Manduria. Its flat, red-loamover-limestone soils reminded her of Australia, and in 2001 the Morella cantina was born (along with two children, Matilda and Anton). Now they focus on two old-vine Primitivo vineyards: Old Vine and La Signora, both farmed biodynamically since 2009.
Lisa Gilbee left Adelaide’s Roseworthy oenological college in 1990 and headed to Italy where she worked in Emilia-Romagna, the Veneto and Tuscany. It was in 2000, during a spell in Sicily sourcing fruit, that she met Gaetano Morella, a pugnacious but passionate Puglian from Barletta with old-vine Primitivo in the hot-spot of Manduria. Its flat, red-loamover-limestone soils reminded her of Australia, and in 2001 the Morella cantina was born (along with two children, Matilda and Anton). Now they focus on two old-vine Primitivo vineyards: Old Vine and La Signora, both farmed biodynamically since 2009.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£180.00
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Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli,
For laying down,
Giuseppe Mascarello & Figlio surely ranks as one of Barolo’s finest producers. The family business dates back to 1881. All the wines are traditionally made using a combination of epoxy-lined cement and stainless-steel cuves, before being aged in large Slavonian botte; capturing the vineyards' full expression.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£395.00
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Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2010 vintage was perhaps more famous, yet young Davide Rosso reckons he made better wines in 2011. His Serralunga d'Alba is a blend of five or six vineyards dotted along the calcareous ridge, that together articulate the intrinsic character and quality of the village's Baroli. But then Davide is one of them, his family owning vines there and formerly selling off fruit for a century until he stepped up after leaving Alba’s Umberto 1 Oenology School to bottle the fruit, rather than give it away. A brilliant cranberry-red colour, this 2011 version is focused, despite the August heat, with a cool head of cold tea and strawberry, redcurrant and rose aromas. It's refined, delightfully poised, with great Ferrari-like ‘lines’. Fabulous transparency, a glinting cassis-note, racy acidity, exquisite balance and this has a sense of strutting about it. Difficult not to enjoy now, this will improve in bottle for a decade or so.
Since first bottling his family’s Serralunga d’Alba fruit in the late 1990s, Davide has rightly gained a reputation as one of the region’s finest (Nebbiolo) winemakers. He may not have the name or history of some of his famous neighbours but perhaps as a result he’s further incited to prove himself. That he is surely doing with a range of peerless Serralunga Baroli, traditionally and expertly made using stainless steel, cement and French oak botti. Fortune came his and his mother Ester’s way in 2011, as they inherited a hectare of Vigna Rionda — one of Serralunga’s top vineyards — completing the range perfectly
Since first bottling his family’s Serralunga d’Alba fruit in the late 1990s, Davide has rightly gained a reputation as one of the region’s finest (Nebbiolo) winemakers. He may not have the name or history of some of his famous neighbours but perhaps as a result he’s further incited to prove himself. That he is surely doing with a range of peerless Serralunga Baroli, traditionally and expertly made using stainless steel, cement and French oak botti. Fortune came his and his mother Ester’s way in 2011, as they inherited a hectare of Vigna Rionda — one of Serralunga’s top vineyards — completing the range perfectly
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£288.00
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£338.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£950.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£995.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 1cs
£2,490.00
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Bruno Giacosa,
For laying down,
A real triumph: this has elegant, cool, red fruit with notes of mint and coffee on the nose. It is sumptuous and mouth-filling, yet still retaining amazing elegance and coolness. Terrifically complex with notes of red summer fruits, grilled meats, smoke, chocolate and herbs among many others. The finish is long and fine.
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Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli,
Ready, but will improve,
Mascarello's 2011 Barolo Monprivato is a graceful, voluminous wine. Laced with notes of red cherry, raspberry, mint, white pepper and orange peel, all wrapped in polished tannins. The 2011 is an excellent choice to drink while some of the more ageworthy recent vintages sleep in the cellar. It will offer a long and wide drinking window of pure pleasure over the next years to 2025.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£500.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
£520.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£565.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£580.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£750.00
New To BBX
Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs
£900.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£2,000.00
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Marion, Veneto,
Ready, but will keep,
Always among our favourite Amarone, Marion’s fabulous example has hugely broad appeal. Complex aromas of mint and mocha compete for attention on the wonderfully-concentrated nose of this wine. Big and full-bodied on the palate, with notes of red and black berry-fruit alongside the mocha, this is a meal in itself, yet retains elegance and balance.
Marion is one of the most beautiful estates, just north of Verona on the site of a splendid 15th-century villa in the valley of Marcellise, once owned by the Conte Marioni, subsequently bought by the Campedelli family in 1986. Together with his wife, Nicoletta Fornasa, and brother Marco, Stefano started bottling in 1995; now the property has 22 hectares. Since 2006 they’ve been assisted by the talented Damiano Peroni. The estate lies just outside the Classico zone on predominantly chalk soils.
Marion is one of the most beautiful estates, just north of Verona on the site of a splendid 15th-century villa in the valley of Marcellise, once owned by the Conte Marioni, subsequently bought by the Campedelli family in 1986. Together with his wife, Nicoletta Fornasa, and brother Marco, Stefano started bottling in 1995; now the property has 22 hectares. Since 2006 they’ve been assisted by the talented Damiano Peroni. The estate lies just outside the Classico zone on predominantly chalk soils.
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Lisini, Tuscany,
Ready, but will improve,
One of Montalcino’s oldest estates, dating back to the time of the Medicis, Lisini is known more recently as one of the founding fathers of the Brunello di Montalcino Consorzio in the 1960s. The Clementi-Lisini family, at the 154-hectare property near Sant’Angelo in Colle (with 20 hectares are under vine), make a thoroughly traditional range that builds on ancient Eocene sand, clay and iron-rich soils; wines that were first bottled in 1967. Oenologist Filippo Paoletti stands guard over the estate’s pre-eminent position.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£270.00
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Badia a Coltibuono, Tuscany,
Ready, but will keep,
Taut, red cherry, mineral fresh, this is the most emphatic expression of Badia a Coltibuono's brilliant Chianti Classici from the village of Monti-in-Chianti. Very much the Serralunga of Chianti Classico, Badia's 2011 Riserva pings with herbal and organic-strawberry zip and detail, thanks to the classic Chianti blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino and Ciliegiolo. It has such energy, a mesh of tight-packed, ripe (Pinot-esque) fruit; yet such clarity, harmony and sinew too. This is a wine for the cellar if ever there was one, especially in magnum.
The Stucchi Prinetti family has owned this Chianti Classico estate since 1846, although the stunning abbey (Badia) harks back to 1051 and the Vallombrosan order of monks. More recently, the Gaiole-in-Chianti property has been managed by siblings Roberto, Emanuela, Paolo and Guido, who have updated the facilities and introduced organic viticulture. The heart of the 74-hectare estate lies at 400 metres above sea-level on alberese (limestone) and clay soils, notable around the village of Monti-inChianti, giving finely structured, ageworthy wines.
The Stucchi Prinetti family has owned this Chianti Classico estate since 1846, although the stunning abbey (Badia) harks back to 1051 and the Vallombrosan order of monks. More recently, the Gaiole-in-Chianti property has been managed by siblings Roberto, Emanuela, Paolo and Guido, who have updated the facilities and introduced organic viticulture. The heart of the 74-hectare estate lies at 400 metres above sea-level on alberese (limestone) and clay soils, notable around the village of Monti-inChianti, giving finely structured, ageworthy wines.
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Caiarossa, Tuscany,
Ready, but will keep,
Notes from all of the constituent parts are there on the nose, with the Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese all lending something to the bouquet. Its Bordeaux pedigree comes through loud and clear on the palate. Plenty of ripe, red fruit from the Merlot and ripe, black fruit from the Cabernet dominate the palate, where they are rounded out and brought into balance by the crisp acidity from the Sangiovese. This is a FrancoItalian delight.
A couple of years ago, Frenchman Dominique Génot was airlifted out of his comfort zone to realise the potential of this new estate located in the Maremma zone of Tuscany. His greatest challenge seems to have been identifying and vinifying the 11 grape varieties that are planted on 12 different soil types throughout the estate. By applying lessons learned in Bordeaux at Ch. du Tertre and Ch. Giscours, the potential of the terrain is certainly now being realised.
A couple of years ago, Frenchman Dominique Génot was airlifted out of his comfort zone to realise the potential of this new estate located in the Maremma zone of Tuscany. His greatest challenge seems to have been identifying and vinifying the 11 grape varieties that are planted on 12 different soil types throughout the estate. By applying lessons learned in Bordeaux at Ch. du Tertre and Ch. Giscours, the potential of the terrain is certainly now being realised.
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Marcarini, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Emphatic, broad, darker, this has hints of liquorice, tamarind, clove and rose; even of animal. It brims with nuance, while the palate – for now – is dominated by kirsch cherry, a compôte of distilled stone-fruit, of mentholated, dried fruits. This needs time.
Manuel assumes charge of the defiantly traditional, 12-hectare Marcarini estate, along with his three children. Central to this historic, 19th-century cantina, based in central La Morra, with sweeping views over their vineyards below, are the two Barolo vineyards – La Serra and Brunate, of which they own fine plots.
Manuel assumes charge of the defiantly traditional, 12-hectare Marcarini estate, along with his three children. Central to this historic, 19th-century cantina, based in central La Morra, with sweeping views over their vineyards below, are the two Barolo vineyards – La Serra and Brunate, of which they own fine plots.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£226.00
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£270.00
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E.Pira di Chiara Boschis, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Darker cherry and brambly in character, with plum ice-cream, the 2011 Cannubi has great power of fruit on the palate. It shares the E.Pira trait of being cool, with a certain hint of Italian summer herbs, full-bodied and tannic on the finish.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
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New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£370.00
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Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Thanks to the likes of Trediberri and Roberto Voerzio, Rocche dell'Annunziata is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the Langhe's unofficial Grand Cru vineyards. Located in the sweet spot of La Morra, the vineyard is in a natural amphitheatre that has perfect aspect, altitude and soil composition of sand, clay and silt – similar indeed to that of Cannubi. Only a tiny quantity is made by the Oberto family – 1,080 bottles – which is traditionally fermented for 27 days and aged in smaller oak due to the quantity available. Backed by old vines, this is on another planet compared to their Barolo: emphatic with rosehip, rich with red cherry-stone sapidity, of mocha and tea, it's self-assured with a calm presence. One acknowledges the richer texture, the fuller weight, the (Grand Cru) kirsch quality to the loganberry-fruit. It's sumptuous and supple thanks to the small amount of oak; hedonistic yet cool.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
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Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Drawn from their young Berri vineyard in the village of La Morra overlooking the Tanaro river, this traditional Barolo is vinified for 18 days on the skins before ageing in 25-hectolitre botti. It has an engagingly-bright, pale-red colour, a nose that sings (with a bit of air) of rosehip, bergamot and even of strawberry ripple. Their La Morra roots show through with the earthy red fruit, mixed spice, hints of orange peel, of tea-leaf and quinine. It's eager to please, openhearted and sincere; alive with charmingly-fleshy strawberry-fruit. This is on the lighter side due to the younger vines, but a joy to behold.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
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Fratelli Alessandria, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
The Gramolere wine has been made since 2001, when Flavia Manzone, married to Gian-Battista Alessandria, claimed her inheritance. Compared to the pale garnet-red of Verduno Baroli, the wines of Monforte possess a darker hue, that herald from the iron-rich, red soils. Helped by a western exposure, Gramolere is full, fleshy and emphatic; no roses here, just balsamic oil, clove and wild mint notes. Sumptuous but not hot, this should develop nicely in bottle.
Vittore and his cousin Alessandro continue to fine-tune this historic 19th-century Barolo estate, based in the village of Verduno. Indeed it’s Verduno’s location — close to the sandy Roero with some chalk in the soil and proximate to the Tanaro river running below— that gives the village’s wines a trademark softness and perfumed charm; an authentic expression that the Alessandria family is keen to emphasise through its wines.
Vittore and his cousin Alessandro continue to fine-tune this historic 19th-century Barolo estate, based in the village of Verduno. Indeed it’s Verduno’s location — close to the sandy Roero with some chalk in the soil and proximate to the Tanaro river running below— that gives the village’s wines a trademark softness and perfumed charm; an authentic expression that the Alessandria family is keen to emphasise through its wines.
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Roberto Voerzio,
Ready, but will improve,
This 6 bottle case contains wines from the 2011 vintage
1x 75cl Roberto Voerzio 1x Brunate
Voerzio's 2011 Barolo is a real head-turner. Weightless and gracious on the palate, yet blessed with tons of pure explosive energy, the Brunate captivates all the senses with its dazzling intensity and precision. The tannins are formidable, yet there is so much purity in the fruit they are barely evident at all. The Brunate has been stellar on both occassions I tasted it prior to bottling. Readers should put the Brunate on their short lists for 2011, as this looks to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2019-2032
94-96/100 Antonio Galloni
2x 75cl Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra
In 2011, the Barolo Le Serra benefits from its slightly higher elevation and cooler micro-climate, both of which give the wine an added element of freshness that is needed. Dark red stone fruits, flowers, spices and leather are all supported by the characteristic firm La Serra tannins, but the 2011 has a little more mid-palate depth and overall volume that serves to balance some of the angular contours that can be present. A gorgeous and complete wine, the La Serra is also an overachiever in 2011. Drink 2017-2030
95/100 Antonio Galloni
3x 75cl Roberto Barolo Voerzio Annunziata
Another exotic, beguiling beauty, the 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captivates all the senses with its stunning bouquet, silky fruit and racy, voluptuous personality, all signatures of this great La Morra site. As always, the Rocche is a feminine, gracious wine that showcases the more finessed site of Nebbiolo. The Rocche also drinks well pretty much upon release, which I expect will be the case here as well. Drink 2016-2031
95/100 Antonio Galloni
1x 75cl Roberto Voerzio 1x Brunate
Voerzio's 2011 Barolo is a real head-turner. Weightless and gracious on the palate, yet blessed with tons of pure explosive energy, the Brunate captivates all the senses with its dazzling intensity and precision. The tannins are formidable, yet there is so much purity in the fruit they are barely evident at all. The Brunate has been stellar on both occassions I tasted it prior to bottling. Readers should put the Brunate on their short lists for 2011, as this looks to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2019-2032
94-96/100 Antonio Galloni
2x 75cl Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra
In 2011, the Barolo Le Serra benefits from its slightly higher elevation and cooler micro-climate, both of which give the wine an added element of freshness that is needed. Dark red stone fruits, flowers, spices and leather are all supported by the characteristic firm La Serra tannins, but the 2011 has a little more mid-palate depth and overall volume that serves to balance some of the angular contours that can be present. A gorgeous and complete wine, the La Serra is also an overachiever in 2011. Drink 2017-2030
95/100 Antonio Galloni
3x 75cl Roberto Barolo Voerzio Annunziata
Another exotic, beguiling beauty, the 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captivates all the senses with its stunning bouquet, silky fruit and racy, voluptuous personality, all signatures of this great La Morra site. As always, the Rocche is a feminine, gracious wine that showcases the more finessed site of Nebbiolo. The Rocche also drinks well pretty much upon release, which I expect will be the case here as well. Drink 2016-2031
95/100 Antonio Galloni
Assrt x 6 1 x 450cl 1cs
£788.00
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Gaja,
For laying down,
The 2011 Sorì San Lorenzo boasts massive depth, intensity and power. Black fruit, smoke, tar, licorice, savory herbs and leather are some of the many notes that emerge from the glass. Regardless of the year, the personality of Sorì San Lorenzo always comes through, which is why this is one of the great sites in Barbaresco, Piedmont and Italy. In 2011 the contours are a bit softer, which gives the wine a level of accessibility that is quite rare in Sorì San Lorenzos when the wines are young. Why is Sorì San Lorenzo one of the world's most profound vineyards? Because its personality simply can't be denied.
Antonio Galloni – Vinous – October 2014
Antonio Galloni – Vinous – October 2014
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£1,895.00
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Cascina Mario Fontana, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
It was his grandfather Saverio who reminded Mario of the merits of producing Barolo with one's own Nebbiolo fruit, rather than buying from those around. Mario took this lesson to heart, building on Saverio's legacy. He's gone a step further in 2011, introducing a battery of cement tanks in which to marry the wine – a blend of fruit from Castiglione Falletto and La Morra – prior to bottling. This has definitely given the 2011 Barolo a more relaxed, harmonious feel: dark strawberry-garnet, the nose charms with joyful summer fruit, of raspberry and strawberry, along with a hint of quinine and orange peel. It's very relaxed and civil, like Mario, yet with a more serious kernel of intensity, a tea-leaf and bergamot fragrance, a sense of purpose, of profoundness, sapid and long.
Sixth-generation Barolo producer Mario Fontana set out on his own in 1995, and since then has been refining his Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines with each year that passes. His Barolo is arguably the most Burgundian of our range, with delicacy and gentleness that comes from reasonable yields, traditional vinification, maturation in large Slavonian oak for 24 months and having one’s feet on the ground. He has just planted another hectare in the village of Sinio, taking the total to five hectares (the others being in Castiglione Falletto and La Morra, the latter belonging to his wife Luisa).
Sixth-generation Barolo producer Mario Fontana set out on his own in 1995, and since then has been refining his Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines with each year that passes. His Barolo is arguably the most Burgundian of our range, with delicacy and gentleness that comes from reasonable yields, traditional vinification, maturation in large Slavonian oak for 24 months and having one’s feet on the ground. He has just planted another hectare in the village of Sinio, taking the total to five hectares (the others being in Castiglione Falletto and La Morra, the latter belonging to his wife Luisa).
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Ornellaia,
Ready, but will keep,
We are delighted to be able to offer Le Serre Nuove, a true ‘Second vin’ of Ornellaia. First introduced with the 1997 vintage, 2011 is perhaps their finest vintage to date.
Since its inception in 1981 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia very quickly gained international recognition and established itself as a world-class producer. Located in the medieval village of Bolgheri, made famous by the presence of the pioneering estate Tenuta San Guido, this coastal area of Tuscany had already established itself as a region whose finest vineyards were able to produce wine of the highest calibre.
It is, no doubt, a stunning landscape with towering cypress trees lining ancient Roman roads however in wine terms its proximity to the sea is key. Not only are the finest vineyards spared the highest temperatures found further inland due to cooling sea breezes, grapes ripen earlier here, often before the arrival of autumn rains, bringing a degree of consistency across vintages that should not be overlooked.
Today the wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia may rival those of Tenuta San Guido, notably Sassicaia, however many feel that its wines offer a more ‘international’ expression of the terroir of Bolgheri. As you would expect, the wine is produced primarily from the fruit of the estate’s younger vineyards, and aims to combine the pedigree of Ornellaia itself, with the intensity of outstanding terroir balanced by freshness and approachability.
Since its inception in 1981 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia very quickly gained international recognition and established itself as a world-class producer. Located in the medieval village of Bolgheri, made famous by the presence of the pioneering estate Tenuta San Guido, this coastal area of Tuscany had already established itself as a region whose finest vineyards were able to produce wine of the highest calibre.
It is, no doubt, a stunning landscape with towering cypress trees lining ancient Roman roads however in wine terms its proximity to the sea is key. Not only are the finest vineyards spared the highest temperatures found further inland due to cooling sea breezes, grapes ripen earlier here, often before the arrival of autumn rains, bringing a degree of consistency across vintages that should not be overlooked.
Today the wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia may rival those of Tenuta San Guido, notably Sassicaia, however many feel that its wines offer a more ‘international’ expression of the terroir of Bolgheri. As you would expect, the wine is produced primarily from the fruit of the estate’s younger vineyards, and aims to combine the pedigree of Ornellaia itself, with the intensity of outstanding terroir balanced by freshness and approachability.
New To BBX
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Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
£200.00
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£210.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£210.00
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New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£285.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£289.00
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Ornellaia,
Ready, but will improve,
Ornellaia is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding the seasoning to the wine. It is one of the two signature wines of Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia, the other being the 100 percent Merlot: Masseto. Winemaker Axel Heinz’s use of this Bordeaux blend grown on the Tuscan coast has made this wine a highly-anticipated favourite amongst wine lovers. This vintage has been described by the winemakers as of a quality similar to the great 2001, but even more sophisticated. It is a wine with a rich plum core, polished and intriguing with tobacco and liquorice adding further complexity to the perfectly composed palate.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£798.00
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£868.00
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£875.00
UK CUSTOMERS ONLY
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£2,750.00
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New To BBX
Bottle 1 x 75cl 1cs
£445.00
Bottle 3 x 75cl 1cs
£1,495.00
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Roagna, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Deeper in colour than the lighter, more accessible Pajé, the Vecchie Viti is a wine from 70-plus-year-old vines which you feel you could dive into. It’s got wonderful pace as well as richer fruit; the generosity of Nebbiolo fruit is balanced by salty minerality and underpinned by fabulous terroir. Wow. This needs time to unfurl.
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Roagna, Piedmont,
For laying down,
Roagna’s tiny plot was acquired in 1971, with Luca releasing it properly from 2004. It’s one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated expressions, from calcareous, sand and silty soils on a well-ventilated hillock, south-west facing, not far from the Tanaro river. Pale, bright and red-rose in colour, the nose thrills with a mass of tiny red berries, raspberry ripple, wild strawberry and white stone notes. It’s juicy, possessing natural balance, backed by limestone tannins, driven by great energy and pace. This needs a few years to reveal all, but is such an exciting prospect.
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Roagna, Piedmont,
For laying down,
Despite being from the same Barbaresco village as Roagna’s Asili, the Montefico could not be more different. Where Asili brims with wild strawberries and dainty red fruit, Montefico is squarer and more masculine, with a darker colour and bigger muscles. It has great presence on the nose, which is velvety and mulberry in character. From an exquisite, old-vine triangle, mid-slope and full-south facing, Montefico is built on white tufo rock, giving tannic power and plenty of sweet fruit. A sleeping giant.
New To BBX
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
£800.00
Magnum 3 x 150cl 1cs
£1,125.00
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2014