Catalog

Alberto Nanclares, an economist in Madrid in his previous life, fell in love in 1992 with albariño, a wonderful small grape variety that produces, in an Atlantic climate, eminently fresh dry white wines of great aromatic complexity (close to that of Viognier: honeysuckle, apricot, quince...). Today he produces in Galicia no less than 11 (!) micro-cuvées, all dedicated to albariño, fermented with indigenous yeasts, without settling, fining or filtration. His rise in quality is proportional to the minerality and aromatic persistence of the wines.

Alberto Nanclares, an economist in Madrid in his first life, fell in love in 1992 with albariño, a wonderful small-grain variety that produces eminently fresh and complex dry white wines in the Atlantic climate (aromatic palette of viognier: honeysuckle, apricot, quince, etc.). Today, it produces no less than 8 (!) micro-vats dedicated to albariño in Galicia.

Paraje Mina (only 600 bottles), the most mineral, was rated 92/100 by Wine Advocate.

PSI (Peter Sisseck Initiative?) is the wine of a group of producers brought together by Mr. Sisseck according to precise specifications: tempranillo plots at least 30 years old, necessarily biodynamically grown, gentle extractions, long macerations and maturing practically without wood. A superior fruity wine, fine and with a great tannic softness.

Priorat is, since 1954, one of the only two "qualified" designations of origin ( with Rioja). However, world fame for this terroir only came about in the 1990s, under the impetus of Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier (Clos Mogador). With its very steep terrain, schist and slate soils and a climate full of contrasts due to its altitude (300 m to 1000 m), Priorat is a land of predilection for grenache (the flesh) and carignan (the bones).

In addition to the usual quality standards (very old vines, low yields, manual harvesting, etc.), what is most striking about Álvaro Palacios is his modern vision of Priorat with, from top to bottom of his range, wines that harmoniously combine minerality, richness, elegance and sweetness. If Ermita has rightly become a cult wine that is sought after worldwide, it is the harmony of its range, down to the "small" Camins del Priorat, that commands admiration.

The range of Álvaro Palacios is built around Grenache (as in Rayas), whose proportion in the blend increases with the quality of the wine. In addition, each cuvée contains a small amount (1% to 2%) of white grapes (white grenache, macabeu...) for added freshness.

Finca Dofì is the benchmark wine of Álvaro Palacios, which has contributed at least as much to its fame as L'Ermita. A 10 ha vineyard, 85% Grenache, 15% Carignan, the most voluptuous wine of the range, deep, generous and with perfectly coated tannins. Like a sensual Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  

Priorat is, since 1954, one of the only two "qualified" designations of origin ( with Rioja). However, world fame for this terroir only came about in the 1990s, under the impetus of Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier (Clos Mogador). With its very steep terrain, schist and slate soils and a climate full of contrasts due to its altitude (300 m to 1000 m), Priorat is a land of predilection for grenache (the flesh) and carignan (the bones).

In addition to the usual quality standards (very old vines, low yields, manual harvesting, etc.), what is most striking about Álvaro Palacios is his modern vision of Priorat with, from top to bottom of his range, wines that harmoniously combine minerality, richness, elegance and sweetness. If Ermita has rightly become a cult wine that is sought after worldwide, it is the harmony of its range, down to the "small" Camins del Priorat, that commands admiration.

The range of Álvaro Palacios is built around Grenache (as in Rayas), whose proportion in the blend increases with the quality of the wine. In addition, each cuvée contains a small amount (1% to 2%) of white grapes (white grenache, macabeu...) for added freshness.

La Baixada, a new cuvée created in 2018, parcel selection from 3 locations within the Finca Dofi vineyard, 100% grenache. Graceful, powerful and delicate on a taffeta texture, the combination of power and elegance of this wine is dazzling. La Baixada is in some ways the twin sister of the great L'Ermita vintage, but at a quarter of the price!

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Vendimia is, as announced on its colourful label, a fruit can barely aged in barrels (4 months).

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

La Montesa is the Domaine's main cuvée, sweet, velvety and aged in barrels for 12 months. One of the most popular wines in Spain.

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

La Montesa is the Domaine's main cuvée, sweet, velvety and aged in barrels for 12 months. One of the most popular wines in Spain.

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Propiedad, a high-end cuvée produced only in the great vintages (if not folded in La Montesa): the oldest vines (40 to 90 years old), long vatting, 14 months' maturation, without filtration before bottling, rated 92/100 by Vinous in 2015.

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

In addition to the red wines that place the estate at the top of the Piedmont wine scene, Vietti also produces a fresh and delicate dry white wine with a hint of bitterness (green almond) from the Arneis grape (otherwise known as Nebbiolo bianco). Worth discovering!

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the Estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the Estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the Estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

Nice entry into the range with the Langhe (rated 90/100 in 2020 by Galloni) gathering the young vines (15 years old) of their different vineyards.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

Nice entry into the range with the Langhe (rated 90/100 in 2020 by Galloni) gathering the young vines (15 years old) of their different vineyards.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential. His 2016 was rated 95+/100 by Galloni "Currà captures all the magic and mystery that are the essential qualities of a first-rate Nebbiolo. I loved it."

Small estate but the most representative of all Tuscany: because Gianni Brunelli gathers two complementary terroirs (2 ha on clay in the north of the appellation, 4.5 ha on schist and limestone in the south), because it is 100% sangiovese, because it is advised by the local oenologist Paolo Vagaggini (like a third of the Tuscan properties). Here, they don't produce a whole host of wines, but only a Rosso and two Brunellos, the classic and (only in great vintages) the Riserva.

As Mr. Guido (Vinous) wrote in November 2021 "Gianni Brunelli, a producer who continues to prove that Brunello di Montalcino is a world-class vineyard".

Small estate but the most representative of all Tuscany: because Gianni Brunelli gathers two complementary terroirs (2 ha on clay in the north of the appellation, 4.5 ha on schist and limestone in the south), because it is 100% sangiovese, because it is advised by the local oenologist Paolo Vagaggini (like a third of the Tuscan properties). Here, they don't produce a whole host of wines, but only a Rosso and two Brunellos, the classic and (only in great vintages) the Riserva.

As Mr. Guido (Vinous) wrote in November 2021 "Gianni Brunelli, a producer who continues to prove that Brunello di Montalcino is a world-class vineyard".

Small estate but the most representative of all Tuscany: because Gianni Brunelli gathers two complementary terroirs (2 ha on clay in the north of the appellation, 4.5 ha on schist and limestone in the south), because it is 100% sangiovese, because it is advised by the local oenologist Paolo Vagaggini (like a third of the Tuscan properties). Here, they don't produce a whole host of wines, but only a Rosso and two Brunellos, the classic and (only in great vintages) the Riserva.

As Mr. Guido (Vinous) wrote in November 2021 "Gianni Brunelli, a producer who continues to prove that Brunello di Montalcino is a world-class vineyard".

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is the same as that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy for having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical fields such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany (first Italian wine rated 100/100 by Robert Parker). The 7 ha cover a natural amphitheatre 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with very low fertility soil (clay and stone). Integral biodynamic cultivation (Demeter).

Altrovino, 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, matured in vats. Black fruit oriented, a luxurious and extroverted wine.

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is similar to that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy, having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical estates such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany (first Italian wine rated 100/100 by Robert Parker). The 7 hectares cover a natural amphitheater 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with soil (clay and stone) very low fertility. The vineyard is fully biodynamic (Demeter).

Suisassi, 100% Syrah, aged in French oak barrels (70% new). An energetic Syrah, at once firm, soft and fresh, in a ripe and rich expression.

The 2016 and 2018 vintages were scored identically by A. Galloni (Vinous): 95/100 for Duemani and 96/100 for Suisassi.

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is similar to that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy, having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical estates such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany (first Italian wine rated 100/100 by Robert Parker). The 7 hectares cover a natural amphitheater 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with soil (clay and stone) very low fertility. The vineyard is fully biodynamic (Demeter).

Suisassi, 100% Syrah, aged in French oak barrels (70% new). An energetic Syrah, at once firm, soft and fresh, in a ripe and rich expression.

The 2016 and 2018 vintages were scored identically by A. Galloni (Vinous): 95/100 for Duemani and 96/100 for Suisassi.

In the 1920s, the Marquis Incisa della Rochetta wanted to create a "noble" wine, i.e., one that was close to the taste of Bordeaux wines. On his estate of Tenuta San Guido, located in Maremma (coastal Tuscany), he had Cabernet Sauvignon (85% today) planted, convinced by their racy tannic structure and their durability. The climate, cooled by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean 5 km away and by the altitude (100 to 400 m), is particularly conducive to a slow maturation of the Cabernet berries.

All the wines of Tenuta San Guido are built around Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, combined with another minority variety. Sassicaia, a pioneer in the super-Tuscan movement that followed, gained international recognition in 1971 and has never lost it since.

The Difese, the Tenuta's entry-level wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, is fresh and velvety on the palate with discreet tannins. Average length but really tasty.

In the 1920s, the Marquis Incisa della Rochetta wanted to create a "noble" wine, i.e., one that was close to the taste of Bordeaux wines. On his estate of Tenuta San Guido, located in Maremma (coastal Tuscany), he had Cabernet Sauvignon (85% today) planted, convinced by their racy tannic structure and their durability. The climate, cooled by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean 5 km away and by the altitude (100 to 400 m), is particularly conducive to a slow maturation of the Cabernet berries.

All the wines of Tenuta San Guido are built around Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, combined with another minority variety. Sassicaia, a pioneer in the super-Tuscan movement that followed, gained international recognition in 1971 and has never lost it since.

Guidalberto, a step above Difese, is a Cabernet-Sauvignon/Merlot blend with a Medoc-like profile, elegant and distinguished while remaining greedy.

In the 1920s, the Marquis Incisa della Rochetta wanted to create a "noble" wine, i.e., one that was close to the taste of Bordeaux wines. On his estate of Tenuta San Guido, located in Maremma (coastal Tuscany), he had Cabernet Sauvignon (85% today) planted, convinced by their racy tannic structure and their durability. The climate, cooled by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean 5 km away and by the altitude (100 to 400 m), is particularly conducive to a slow maturation of the Cabernet berries.

All the wines of Tenuta San Guido are built around Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, combined with another minority variety. Sassicaia, a pioneer in the super-Tuscan movement that followed, gained international recognition in 1971 and has never lost it since.

Sassicaia, the Tuscan star, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend, is a unique wine. No extravagance but a perfect balance between aromatic complexity (blackberry, blueberry, balsamic notes), superlative finesse and controlled power. All in delicacy, a wine of great class!

Marco de Grazia is passionate about the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, which he calls "Mediterranean Burgundy". Nowhere else is there such geological diversity, the subsoil being a yarrow made up of innumerable lava flows, each with its own mineral composition. Moreover, because of the altitude, the grapes benefit from a slow and progressive "northern" maturity, combining fruitiness, freshness, richness and power.

In 2002, he created the Domain of Terre Nere in the northeast of Etna, between 600 m and 1000 m altitude, organically cultivated and planted with old vines more than 50 years old: carricante for the whites and nerello (mascalese and cappuccio) for the reds. The analogy with Burgundy continues as Mr. de Grazia harvests, vinifies and bottles each parcel separately like a Burgundian climate.

Calderara Sottana white, 100% carricante aged from 15 to 60 years, is a lively, mineral and fat wine, with aromas of grapefruit, orange blossom and aniseed. Classified by Mr. de Grazia as a Premier Cru, an absolutely remarkable white proving once again that the Mediterranean islands, whether French, Italian or Greek, are ideal for making some of the best dry whites in the world.