Casale Falchini is located just two steps outside the walls of San Gimignano in Tuscany.  In 1964, the property was acquired by Riccardo Falchini, a descendant of an ancient Florentine family of winemakers. Situated 300 metres above sea-level, the estate extends over a landscape of green rolling hills. The Casale used to be an ancient convent run by monks. In 1976, a new modern cellar was built, the first in the area to be equipped with temperature-controlled vinification equipment.

Senesi is one of the sub-zones of Chianti, running north of Sienna towards San Gimignano. This is a bright, bitter cherry and toothsome Chianti style, correctly and not pejoratively defined as a “pasta wine”. Enjoy it, as the Senesi would, before and through the meal.

With Oltrepò Pavese to the west and Colli Piacentini to the east, Castello di Luzzano is situated on a hilltop at 270 metres above sea-level. As such it is partly in Lombardy and partly in Emilia-Romagna, and this unusual position, straddling a regional boundary, has remained unaltered for centuries and affords the castello some undoubtedly spectacular scenery, as well as the opportunity to produce wine from two different regions.

Pure Pinot Noir, the wine has 10 grams residual sugar, giving a subtle roundness to the palate. Wild strawberries, lemon and grapefruit aromas bounce out of the glass. The 2015 vintage was good for Luzzano, as is clearly displayed in the concentration of flavours.

Marco Sara is a young Friulano producer who took over the reins of his family cantina in 2000, the first generation to bottle the fruit himself. He makes small quantities of hand-made wine, using organic fruit and wild yeast. These are authentic fine wines that speak of an indigenous grape, respecting and reflecting local tradition and terroir.

Schioppetino is a bit of a tongue-twister to say, but Marco’s example is a delicious mouthful: dark ruby red, the nose is delicately perfumed with menthol and wild-rose notes. Suave and medium-bodied at 13 percent, the wine is brambly, with a mineral, elegant, complex fragrance, supported by time in tonneau and barrique. For those who like a Syrah/Shiraz style of wine perhaps? Drink now to 2024.

Made from 100 percent Pinot Grigio, fermentation starts in stainless steel tanks but is run off and finished in 500-litre French oak. With 11 months’ ageing on the lees, this is no ordinary Pinot Grigio. The weight and matter on the attack and mid-palate give depth and length to this finely textured wine that ages deceptively well, though the fruit is lighter and the acidity is fresher in the 2014.
Drink 2016-2022.

Pale bright yellow. Citrus peel, botanical herbs and subtle minerality on the nose. Highly concentrated and deep; mineral-driven iodine notes intensify the brisk, herbal lemon and nectarine flavors. Finishes long with a bright lemony nuance. Steely and stony as wines made with Carricante ought to be, but with enough underlying pliancy and sweetness to avoid coming off as excessively strict. Much better and more reminiscent of Etna than the very ripe 2015 Etna Bianco.
Ian D'Agata - Vinous, October 2015   

Although 2014 proved to be a difficult, rainy vintage, a rigorous selection operation has always been part of the culture at Sandrone. This is red-fruit driven with sour cherries and a subtle rose perfume that carries through onto the finish. Chalky, firm tannins are balanced against a juicy core of acidity. This is an earlier-drinking style.

Our tasting note for the 2006 described Mouchão as one of the great Portuguese wines. This release proves that standards remain as high as ever at the Richardson family’s resolutely old-school winery in the Alentejo, a region better known for the production of corks. Numerous factors contribute to the alchemy taking place at Herdade do Mouchão, one being an allegiance to Alicante Bouschet, which excels in the vineyards and under (the operative word) a regime of foot-treading twice daily in the winery.

Aromas of spice, dried herbs and blackberry radiate from the glass. Theres a meaty quality to the nose too, which I love. The palate is equally opulent, with a structure that promises longevity but seduces now. A wine to set pulses racing.

2014 Guidalberto possesses real freshness and elegance. The nose has a striking spicy characteristic with anise, pepper and a hint of tobacco. The palate is very fresh and cool with a smooth texture that instils a real sense of balance. Blackcurrant and plum fruits dominate with hints of chocolate and sweet spice on the finish. Drink 2017-2025

Pure notes of red and black fruit on the nose, reminiscent of cherries, raspberries and damsons, with hints of medicinal herbs in the background. Lovely depth on the palate, with juicy red and black fruit flowing in waves and filling the mouth, tempered by bright acidity and microscopically fine tannins. The finish is very long, velvety and elegant. A fabulous wine with amazing concentration, energy and balance. Quite forward for Vigna Rionda, this will give very pleasurable drinking while we wait for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages to come round. 
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager

Vigna Rionda is sited on a slope at elevations ranging from 820 to 1180 feet above sea level; the beneficial siting of this hill insures a great deal of sun throughout the day. The soils are a combination of marl, calcaire and a touch of sand; the vineyard is sheltered from excessive winds by the nearby Castelleto hill.

These vintages have been offered to our customers to allow them to take part in the regeneration of this outstanding vineyard and the latest 2014 offering proves once again that this perfectly situated and incredibly special vineyard will always capture the very best of vintage conditions.

We know that 2014 was a great vintage for Piedmont, Ligurian and French whites and Luca’s nailed his 2014 Solea perfectly. A blend of 75 percent Chardonnay and 25 percent Nebbiolo from Pira vines at the bottom of the Castiglione Falletto slope, this is pale-lemon in colour. The nose thrills with notes of lime and lemon skin, pith and hay. It’s so exquisitely balanced, between fruit and oak (two years in big barrel), with the Nebbiolo’s energy and zing complementing the Chardonnay’s broader feel. Fantastico!

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.

This has a bright cherry perfume with a sweet core that persists on the finish; wild berries and herbs give additional complexity and interest. The tannins are quite firm, but the juicy concentration helps soften their appearance. Drink now to 2022.