Duck Ray
$35.99
This natural sparkling wine from Luis Pato is characterised by an exceptionally lively acidity and remarkably low alcohol content. Embracing the distinct strawberry aroma synonymous with the Baga variety, it offers a delightful sensory experience. Best enjoyed shortly after bottling, it can also gracefully age for an additional two years, allowing for further complexity to develop. Serve this sparkling gem at a temperature of 6-8 ºC to fully appreciate its refreshing and nuanced profile.
La Gerla Rosso di Montalcino
$52.99
Fattoria La Gerla, named for the large, old-fashioned, conical baskets that grape-harvesters used to carry on their backs, was founded in 1976 by the late Sergio Rossi. Originally from Milan, Mr. Rossi purchased the property in 1975 from Tedina Biondi-Santi, the daughter of Tancredi Biondi-Santi, who had inherited the property after her father’s passing. The purchase of what was then called the Podere Colombaio Santi included an ancient farmhouse and 6.5 hectare of vineyards. Mr. Rossi, who by then had been managing the Altesino-Caparzo estate for several years, renamed the property La Gerla and set about restoring the estate and replanting the vines using selection massale. His first vintage was 1976, making La Gerla one of the first 35 bottlers of Brunello di Montalcino; these days, there are 280. Today, La Gerla consists of 11.5 hectares, divided between the original 6.5 hectare vineyard in Canalicchio (Montalcino) and an additional 5 hectares in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, where Mr. Rossi was presciently the first to plant vines in earnest. The estate, now run by vineyard manager/director Alberto Passeri and winemaker Vittorio Fiore, makes five wines, all made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso, the only grape planted on the property.
La Leccia Chianti Classico
$37.99
In the 1920s, the Daddi family purchased the castle and its surroundings, and in their attentive care, it would remain for almost 100 years. Francesco Daddi took the reins of the family estate in 1997 and worked tirelessly at making incremental improvements, not the least of which was the return to the organic viticulture of his ancestors. He also worked closely with renowned architect Alessandro Loni Coppedè to restore crumbled portions of the castle and the gardens to their former glory. Francesco is mild-mannered and affable, the very definition of a gentleman. But he harbours a perfectionist streak that has led to world-class wine. The vineyards surround the Castello at altitudes ranging from 300 to 500 meters, with south and southwest exposure, and marl and chalk soils. They grow primarily Sangiovese, the most vital grape to Tuscany, along with small plots of other native varieties. The vines’ excellent exposure combined with the deftly tempered use of oak in the cellar makes for formidable incarnations of Chianti Classico, structured and powerful yet subtle and grounded.
Chateau Chizay Sekt
$24.99
Fiol Prosecco
$19.99
Anciano Cava
$23.02
Rosier Ma Maison Cremant
$29.99
Giusti Asolo Prosecco DOCG Extra Dry
$27.99
Armand Heitz Pommard Clos Bauder
$122.99
Since 2019, the label has shifted names from Heitz-Lochardet to Armand-Heitz to reflect the strides the winemaker has made since taking the reins. Organic & Biodynamic The winemaking tradition at Domaine Armand Heitz dates back to 1857. Domaine Armand Heitz is located in Chassagne-Montrachet and was founded in the mid-1980s by Armand Heitz’s parents Brigette and Christian with initially just 5 hectares. Armand studied oenology and then decided to take over his family’s vines after completing his studies in 2011. For years, his mother, Brigette had contracted these vines to Maison Joseph Drouhin. And since taking over Armand has sought about regaining control of more of the vines under the domaine. He made his first vintage in 2013 with the help of consulting oenologist Ludovic Pierrot who had spent eight years working with Anne-Claude Leflaive at Domaine Leflaive. Armand farms the vineyards using biodynamic practices and his winemaking style is traditional in approach with the use of new oak kept at a minimum, usually around just 20-25%.