The Casalforte Valpolicella Superiore DOC by Riondo is a red wine that encapsulates the elegance and richness of the Veneto region. This is a refined creation from the hills of Valpolicella, known for its fertile soil and ideal climate that promote the optimal ripening of the grapes.

Valpolicella Superiore is primarily produced from three native grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. This particular cuvée undergoes a process of partial drying, which gives the wine a more concentrated and aromatic structure. The result is a wine of considerable depth and complexity, with an alcohol content of around 14%.

Visually, the Casalforte Valpolicella Superiore DOC has an intense ruby red color with purple reflections. On the nose, it unfolds a rich aromatic bouquet with notes of ripe cherry, plum, spices, and a subtle hint of chocolate and vanilla, evidence of its maturation in barrique. On the palate, the wine is velvety and warm, with a perfect harmony between acidity and soft tannins that weave into a persistent and rewarding finish.

Great value organic Lambrusco Grasparossa Castelvetro DOP from Cantina Settecani, this is frizante (meaning lightly sparkling) example of Lambrusco.

Ripe black cherry into a hint of caramel then a black pepper finish.

Great for a barbecue, as an apertif, or a cool weather celebration!

Tornatore’s Etna Rosso is a medium-bodied Sicilian wine with beautiful personality, aromas of wild berries, black cherries and spices, and a full, savory and juicy mouthfeel. It matures for about 12 months in large barrels and is characterized by excellent value for money.

VARIETY: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.

ETNA PRODUCTION AREA: northern slope in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia

GROWTH SYSTEM: Counter-espalier

PRUNING SYSTEM: Spurred Cordon

YIELD PER HECTARE: 70 qli

TIME OF HARVEST: 2nd and 3rd decade of October

AGING: About 6 months in large wooden barrels and about 3 months in bottle

Vinification
Grapes harvested by hand in small crates are brought quickly to the winery and undergo manual selection on a belt. De-stemmed and not totally crushed, they are sent to concrete tanks, where they macerate for about 10/12 days at a temperature of 22/25°C. Once fermentation is finished, the grapes are left to macerate for a few more days after which they are racked and pressed using a traditional vertical press.

Organoleptic Characteristics
Light ruby red with faint purplish reflections they, typical of the variety that is not very rich in color. Hints of small red fruits, morello cherry, black cherry are evident on the nose. The palate is distinguished by its typical balanced tannicity and surprising fullness, savoriness and length.

Tornatore’s Etna Bianco is a white wine made from vines terraced on the north slope of the volcano. Mentholated hints of white fruit and citrus on the nose, from the background of herbs. The palate is pleasantly savoury, mineral, with juicy freshness and pleasant aromatic returns.

VARIETY Carricante

AREA OF PRODUCTION ETNA, northern slope in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia

CULTIVATION SYSTEM Counter-espalier

PRUNING SYSTEM Spurred cordon

YIELD PER HECTARE 70 qli.

TIME OF HARVEST - October

Organoleptic Characteristics
Pale straw yellow with intense greenish reflections on the eye; pleasant hints of green apple, grapefruit, white peach and aromatic herbs mark the nose of this wine, which shows its true identity on the palate with a very pleasant savoriness and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality; exclusive notes that invite the second glass.

Vinification
Grapes harvested by hand in small crates are brought quickly to the winery and undergo manual selection on a belt. De-stemmed and lightly crushed they arrive at the press where they are softly pressed. The resulting must is cold clarified and placed to ferment at a temperature of 15/16°C. Once fermentation is finished, the resulting wine rests on the fine lees for about three months.

A classically modern rendition of Barolo - arguably Italy's most famous wine. Orange hued cherry colour, complex wine with tar, cherry, earth, red currants and leather, bold ripe tannins, good structure.

Casa Vinicola Abbazia winery is located in Santo Stefano Belbo, a small town between Langhe Monferrato and Roero in Piedmont, North-western Italy. The winery was established in 1848, adjacent to an ancient Abbey built in 1028, in honour of Saint Gaudentius, the hermit saint who, around the 6th century, retired to the surrounding mountains to live a life of silence and prayer.

Made in the Valpolicella Classica region from a blend opf the traditional Veronese grapes: Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. 

Medium intensity cherry red in the glass this opens with an intense bouquet of ripe cherry aromas. The palate is fresh with good acidity and soft and silky tannins. Cherries and red fruits are the dominant flavour bolstered by hints of oak.

Food pairing - Typically versatile and good throughout the meal; excellent with soups, pasta and risotto. Enhances both simple food and more complicated dishes based on red meat and moderately aged cheeses.

The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It's one of my favorite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage. 

91pts ? Vinous Media

If you like Pinot Noir, you will adore this southern Italian red made from grapes grown high up on the slopes of Etna. 

Nerello Mascalese is the delicate Sicilian rival to Pinot Noir, a seductive indigenous red grape of Mount Etna, the active fiery volcano on which it grows at 900 metres above sea level in this luminous, silky, surprisingly deeply flavoursome but pale coloured red. Grapes in this wine were hand picked, destemmed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with ageing in French oak for 12 months.

Bright, shimmering pink. On the nose fresh forest berries, a light citrus scent with spicy undertones. On the palate juicy, crispy with a perceivable saltiness. Clear and fresh on the finish.