Taste of Italy Wine Discovery Collection - 6 Pack Value
The Taste of Italy Wine Discovery Collection. This 6-pack features a diverse selection of Italian wines, each chosen to showcase the rich regional styles and exceptional quality that define Italy’s wine heritage, each bottle offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s storied wine regions. Perfect for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those new to Italian wines, this collection provides a comprehensive tasting experience that captures the essence of Italy’s diverse wine landscape. Enjoy a taste of la dolce vita with every sip.
1 x Giulio Straccali Pinot Grigio 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2018 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "..sliced-lemon and dried-apple character. Medium body. Lightly fruity," (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A stony, easy-drinking white, light-bodied and juicy, with flavors of ripe pear, candied lemon peel and a hint of herb." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "Apple and marzipan character with some bitter lemon. Medium body." (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Preserved lemons, beeswax and green apples form the nose of this white. Medium body, high acidity and a fresh finish." (2016 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. Giulio Straccali was an expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer. Known as a conservationist and protector of the traditions of Chianti wines, Straccali was an admired pioneer of the region. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term vision for the region collaborated with the Giulio Straccali winery and later purchased the winery and vineyards from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
In Italy’s Lombardy (Lombardia) region you will find some of the most artisan, small production wines, and areas of beautiful unspoiled wine country. Nestled in Italy’s northwest, Lombardy is situated just below Switzerland and to the northeast of Piemonte. Lombardy is a significant gourmet epicenter with the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in Italy. As in other regions throughout Italy, wine production was often tied to religious orders, and many monasteries and abbeys ran a wine business on the side. Today many wineries are located in converted monasteries. DOCGs in Lombardy include Franciacorta (Italy’s best bubbly), Valtellina Superiore (high altitude wines), and Sforzato di Valtellina. Some great DOCs here include Lugana and Garda, while lesser-known DOCs include Botticino (near Brescia), Moscato di Scanzo and Valcalepio (both near Bergamo), and Oltrepò Pavese (south of Pavia).
Pinot Grigio is more than just the Italian name for Pinot Gris. Although the two names refer to a single grape variety, the wine styles they represent are clearly distinct from one another.
The more refreshing Pinot Grigio style has enjoyed great success in various countries, most recently the United States, (where it is fondly nicknamed ""Greej"") and Australia. The most common descriptors of the style are ""light"", ""crisp"" and ""dry"". These characteristics are complemented by aroma notes citing lemon, green apple and blossoms.
1 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 Vic Harradine (2019 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2018)
Bronze - Decanter (2015)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Sangiovese 90%, Merlot 5% and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Vic Harradine " It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste.....Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily Sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca."
James Suckling "Cherry and orange peel with some spice. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sangiovese with some cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Delicious now." (2018 vintage)
Decanter "...packed tight with ripe fruit flavors and sunshine-driven aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry confit. Indeed, the wine is too ripe for my tastes, with a taste profile that stops just short of jammy and sweet. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by tar, smoke and cured leather." (2015 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when Italo Zingarelli – producer of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much”, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region is located in Tuscany, that romantic area of central Italy known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. Like most other wines made in the Old World, Chianti derives its name not from the grape used to make the wine, which is Sangiovese, but from the region where it is made.
For a Chianti to be a Chianti, it must be produced in the Chianti region and be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. While most Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese, some winemakers in the region like to blend the Sangiovese with a little Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah to soften the finish of the wine.
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Tuscante Governo All'Uso Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
96/100 Luca Maroni (2018 vintage)
GOLD - Citadelles du Vin (2018 vintage)
GOLD - Gilbert & Gaillard (2020 vintage)
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera
The Winemaker “Ruby red intense and bright. The bouquet opens with floral and ripe red fruit aromas with prominent cherry notes. Dynamic, soft and round with a significant but not overwhelming tannin structure and well-balanced acidity, a unique feature that makes this wine very versatile. The intense aromas originate from the batch of dried, raisined grapes that are used for the production of this wine, being a Tuscan variant of the classic Appassimento method of wine-making."
It unrolls a frank and juicy fruit, completed with a hint of Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera, which brings a touch of freshness. It is a perfect charmer, with silky and integrated tannins, a cuvée with a unique pleasure-price ratio!"
Botter is one of Italy's largest, family-owned wineries and has been producing and exporting wines for almost a century. Today one in every 35 bottles of Italian wine exported is produced by Botter which is managed by the family's third generation of vignerons. Botter is committed to organic and sustainable winemaking practices at many of its vineyards which are located in Puglia, Veneto and Friuli. The winery has won over 100 top international awards for its wines, most notably the gold medal Vinalies Internationales 2014, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013, Concurs Mondial de Bruxelles 2010, Berliner wine Trophy 2013 and Mundus Vini 2013.
Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
'Governo all'uso Toscano' is a traditional Tuscan winemaking method used since the 14th century and which some well known Tuscan winegrowers have popularised recently.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
The Canaiolo Nero grape is particularly widespread in central Italy, used in the production of different DOC and DOCG wines. In particular it is used to impart softness to Chianti to stand alongside the Sangiovese. In addition to the Chianti, Canaiolo nero is used almost exclusively in blends, even for different wines of central Italy. The berry is black, medium, round and smooth with blue-violet consistent skin with much bloom. The bunch is medium, rather sparse, stubby or pyramidal, with one or two wings and with a medium-small, five-lobed, rarely three-lobed, dark green and opaque leaf. The grape Canaiolo nero prefers warm climates and hilly terrain, with good exposure. This grape has low vigor and medium age of maturation. The grape Canaiolo nero gives an intense ruby-red wine, alcoholic, but with low acidity. Blended with Sangiovese adds flavor and aroma.
Malvasia Nera is a dark skinned variety within the Malvasia grape family and it is used for the production of red wines, it can produce dry, sparkling and sweet wines and also passiti and rosé wines and is widely used in blends rather than being used to produce a varietal wine. The grape is cultivated across Italy but Piedmont is the best known region for producing varietal Malvasia Nera wines whilst in Apulia, Malvasia Nera is blended with Negroamaro. The Malvasia Nera grape produces wines that are light to medium bodied with notes of cherries, plums and chocolate.
1 x Villa Vescovile Chardonnay 2022 - Trentino, Italy
Vino "....intense notes of fresh fruit accompanied by delicate floral hints. In the mouth it proves a fresh, dry wine with a particularly aromatic aftertaste. Perfect for aperitif, appetizers and fish dishes."
Vivino User Review, PT "....melange of lemon peel, lime, green apple, pear, peach and tar on the nose. Fresh and straightforward, with low acidity and melon and pineapple flavors."
Winemaker "..fresh fruit aromas and floral hints. The palate is dry and fresh, pleasantly aromatic."
100% Chardonnay
Villa Vescovile wines are sourced from prestigous vineyards of the Trentino area located just north of Trento. Overseen by the famous winemakers of Rocca delle Macie, Villa Vescovile wines are produced using the acclaimed winemaking traditions of South Tyrol. The grapes are planted on the sloping terrain of the area and are cultivated using the pergola system, on terraced soils. The grapes produce two red wines and four white wines, all of which are worthy examples of character and tipicity. Villa Vescovile wines encompass the important denominations of origin of the region. Known for their balance of fruit, they epitomise what makes North Italian cool climate wines famous.
Villa Vescovile wines are a collaboration with Rocca delle Macìe Winery which was established in 1973, when film producer, Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Wine Enthusists Magazine's 'Wine Region of the Year' in 2020, Trentino is known for its. world-class wines. About an hour’s drive from Verona and surrounded by the majestic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most beautiful areas in Italy country.
Celebrated for its pristine ski slopes, breathtaking hiking trails, cycling routes and dramatic scenery, Trentino is also one of the most dynamic, multifaceted wine-producing areas in Italy. It makes quality, terroir-driven wines from both international and regional grapes, as well as one of the country’s most renowned bottle-fermented sparklers.
Counting 25,232 acres of vines, the province accounts for 1.6% of the nation’s vineyard area. White grapes dominate its wine scene. Pinot Grigio is the leader, comprising 34% of overall grape production followed by Chardonnay at 26% and Müller-Thurgau at 10%. Other white varieties include Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco and Nosiola. For red wine production, Teroldego, Merlot, Marzemino and Pinot Nero are the main grapes followed by Schiava.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2011)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2011)
3 Stars - Vini Buoni d'Italia (2011)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Wine Enthusiast Magazine "This is the kind of easy Italian white that would taste delicious at an outdoor barbecue or on a hot afternoon. The wine is light, lean and loaded with fresh citrus flavors." (2012 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Aromas include white peach and grapefruit pith. The natural crispness of the variety gives this wine extra pop on the otherwise mild finish." (2012 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The almond, straw, apple and melon flavors get a boost from the acidity and briny elements in this white. Offers a crisp and minerally finish." (2011 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a wine served on the tables of popes and kings, it was the first DOC in Italy. Perfect to be combined with fish, white meats, cheeses. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is planted in over 730 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Tuscany in a extraordinary land, rich in biodiversity.
1 x Gran Passione Rosso Veneto IGT 2021 - Italy
90/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Vinitaste Wine Competition Brussel 2022
Commended - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2020, 2018, 2017, 2013 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine & Spirits Competition (2018, 2017, 2016 vintage)
Silver - International Wine & Spirits Competition (2014 vintage)
Silver - Mundus Vini (2015 vintage)
Silver - TEXSOM Interational Wine Awards (2013 vintage)
Silver - Vinalies Internationales (2015 vintage)
Tasting Notes "A hint of brett adds to the red plummy fruit, smoke, spice, and dried herbs, finishing with firm extracted tannins."
The Winemaker "...full-bodied and rich with dark fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry balanced by a solid structure due to the elevated alcohol, acidity and soft tannins. It's a great wine for roasted and grilled meats, stews and other rich dishes. Also excellent with mature firm cheeses."
Gilbert & Gaillard "Dark garnet with ruby tints. Beguiling nose of cherry, sour cherry and fine spices with a touch of mocha. Velvety attack, ample, robust, powerful palate showing hay and youthful iodine and mineral touches. Firm mid-palate. Well-made with well-judged proportions." (2015 vintage)
Our "Gran Passione" wines are exactly this, the expression and devotion to our work that honors the tradition of our land;
something to be passionate about
The wine is produced by Botter's renouned Cantine Bertoldi winery, an Italian wine estate situated 12km from the city of Verona in Veneto. The estate is particularly known for its Valpolicella and Amarone wines: Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone della Valpolicella.
Botter is one of Italy's largest, family-owned wineries and has been producing and exporting wines for almost a century. Today one in every 35 bottles of Italian wine exported is produced by Botter which is managed by the family's third generation of vignerons. Botter is committed to organic and sustainable winemaking practices at many of its vineyards which are located in Puglia, Veneto and Friuli. The winery has won over 100 top international awards for its wines, most notably the gold medal Vinalies Internationales 2014, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013, Concurs Mondial de Bruxelles 2010, Berliner wine Trophy 2013 and Mundus Vini 2013.
Veneto is an important wine region in the northeastern of Italy. Vineyards in Veneto wine region can be found on the shores of Lake Garda as well as near the lagoon of Venice, at the foot of the Dolomites and in the hills of Mantua. The variety of the cultivated grapes is unique: it ranges from autochthonous white vines such as the Prosecco or Garganega grape to Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio to the distinct red varieties Corvina and Raboso and to Cabernet and Merlot. With such well-known wines as Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave or Prosecco, Veneto is one of the most important wine-growing regions in Italy.
Gran Passione is a rich, deeply-coloured blend of Merlot (60%) and Corvina grown in select vineyards in Italy's Veneto region. If you want a taste of the Amarone experience without the heady price tag Gran Passione certainly delivers. Made using the same traditional “Apassimento” method; it's a full bodied blend of Merlot & Corvina and is known to be rich & overflowing with lusciously sweet & soft black cherry, vanilla & plum. Gran Passione pays homage to the Venetians long standing history of being great traders and their rich wine culture. The aim in creating this new blend in 2013 was to allow Veneto wineries to create wines of high quality, that are affordable and representative in style to those that have been made in Veneto for centuries.
The Taste of Italy Wine Discovery Collection. This 6-pack features a diverse selection of Italian wines, each chosen to showcase the rich regional styles and exceptional quality that define Italy’s wine heritage, each bottle offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s storied wine regions. Perfect for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those new to Italian wines, this collection provides a comprehensive tasting experience that captures the essence of Italy’s diverse wine landscape. Enjoy a taste of la dolce vita with every sip.
1 x Giulio Straccali Pinot Grigio 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2018 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2017 vintage)
Bronze - James Suckling (2016 vintage)
James Suckling "..sliced-lemon and dried-apple character. Medium body. Lightly fruity," (2019 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A stony, easy-drinking white, light-bodied and juicy, with flavors of ripe pear, candied lemon peel and a hint of herb." (2019 vintage)
James Suckling "Apple and marzipan character with some bitter lemon. Medium body." (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Preserved lemons, beeswax and green apples form the nose of this white. Medium body, high acidity and a fresh finish." (2016 vintage)
Since 1925 the Straccali wine estate in Tuscany, founded Giulio Straccali, has been in the vanguard of progressive Chianti wine producers. Giulio Straccali was an expert enologist, entrepreneur, farmer and wine producer. Known as a conservationist and protector of the traditions of Chianti wines, Straccali was an admired pioneer of the region. He was instrumental in the founding of the Black Rooster Consortium and from 1942 until his death in 1969, served as Vice President. In 1978 Italo Zingarelli, founder of the Rocca delle Macie estate in Castellina in Chianti, as part of his long-term vision for the region collaborated with the Giulio Straccali winery and later purchased the winery and vineyards from the Straccali family.
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
In Italy’s Lombardy (Lombardia) region you will find some of the most artisan, small production wines, and areas of beautiful unspoiled wine country. Nestled in Italy’s northwest, Lombardy is situated just below Switzerland and to the northeast of Piemonte. Lombardy is a significant gourmet epicenter with the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in Italy. As in other regions throughout Italy, wine production was often tied to religious orders, and many monasteries and abbeys ran a wine business on the side. Today many wineries are located in converted monasteries. DOCGs in Lombardy include Franciacorta (Italy’s best bubbly), Valtellina Superiore (high altitude wines), and Sforzato di Valtellina. Some great DOCs here include Lugana and Garda, while lesser-known DOCs include Botticino (near Brescia), Moscato di Scanzo and Valcalepio (both near Bergamo), and Oltrepò Pavese (south of Pavia).
Pinot Grigio is more than just the Italian name for Pinot Gris. Although the two names refer to a single grape variety, the wine styles they represent are clearly distinct from one another.
The more refreshing Pinot Grigio style has enjoyed great success in various countries, most recently the United States, (where it is fondly nicknamed ""Greej"") and Australia. The most common descriptors of the style are ""light"", ""crisp"" and ""dry"". These characteristics are complemented by aroma notes citing lemon, green apple and blossoms.
1 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Riserva 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
90/100 Vic Harradine (2019 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2018)
Bronze - Decanter (2015)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Sangiovese 90%, Merlot 5% and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Vic Harradine " It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste.....Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily Sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca."
James Suckling "Cherry and orange peel with some spice. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh, savory finish. Sangiovese with some cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Delicious now." (2018 vintage)
Decanter "...packed tight with ripe fruit flavors and sunshine-driven aromas of ripe fruit and blackberry confit. Indeed, the wine is too ripe for my tastes, with a taste profile that stops just short of jammy and sweet. Dried cherry and blackcurrant are followed by tar, smoke and cured leather." (2015 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when Italo Zingarelli – producer of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much”, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region is located in Tuscany, that romantic area of central Italy known for its sweeping landscapes, burning hot sun and its wealth of art and food history. Like most other wines made in the Old World, Chianti derives its name not from the grape used to make the wine, which is Sangiovese, but from the region where it is made.
For a Chianti to be a Chianti, it must be produced in the Chianti region and be made from at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. While most Chiantis are 100% Sangiovese, some winemakers in the region like to blend the Sangiovese with a little Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah to soften the finish of the wine.
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Tuscante Governo All'Uso Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 - Tuscany, Italy
96/100 Luca Maroni (2018 vintage)
GOLD - Citadelles du Vin (2018 vintage)
GOLD - Gilbert & Gaillard (2020 vintage)
Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia Nera
The Winemaker “Ruby red intense and bright. The bouquet opens with floral and ripe red fruit aromas with prominent cherry notes. Dynamic, soft and round with a significant but not overwhelming tannin structure and well-balanced acidity, a unique feature that makes this wine very versatile. The intense aromas originate from the batch of dried, raisined grapes that are used for the production of this wine, being a Tuscan variant of the classic Appassimento method of wine-making."
It unrolls a frank and juicy fruit, completed with a hint of Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera, which brings a touch of freshness. It is a perfect charmer, with silky and integrated tannins, a cuvée with a unique pleasure-price ratio!"
Botter is one of Italy's largest, family-owned wineries and has been producing and exporting wines for almost a century. Today one in every 35 bottles of Italian wine exported is produced by Botter which is managed by the family's third generation of vignerons. Botter is committed to organic and sustainable winemaking practices at many of its vineyards which are located in Puglia, Veneto and Friuli. The winery has won over 100 top international awards for its wines, most notably the gold medal Vinalies Internationales 2014, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013, Concurs Mondial de Bruxelles 2010, Berliner wine Trophy 2013 and Mundus Vini 2013.
Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
'Governo all'uso Toscano' is a traditional Tuscan winemaking method used since the 14th century and which some well known Tuscan winegrowers have popularised recently.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
The Canaiolo Nero grape is particularly widespread in central Italy, used in the production of different DOC and DOCG wines. In particular it is used to impart softness to Chianti to stand alongside the Sangiovese. In addition to the Chianti, Canaiolo nero is used almost exclusively in blends, even for different wines of central Italy. The berry is black, medium, round and smooth with blue-violet consistent skin with much bloom. The bunch is medium, rather sparse, stubby or pyramidal, with one or two wings and with a medium-small, five-lobed, rarely three-lobed, dark green and opaque leaf. The grape Canaiolo nero prefers warm climates and hilly terrain, with good exposure. This grape has low vigor and medium age of maturation. The grape Canaiolo nero gives an intense ruby-red wine, alcoholic, but with low acidity. Blended with Sangiovese adds flavor and aroma.
Malvasia Nera is a dark skinned variety within the Malvasia grape family and it is used for the production of red wines, it can produce dry, sparkling and sweet wines and also passiti and rosé wines and is widely used in blends rather than being used to produce a varietal wine. The grape is cultivated across Italy but Piedmont is the best known region for producing varietal Malvasia Nera wines whilst in Apulia, Malvasia Nera is blended with Negroamaro. The Malvasia Nera grape produces wines that are light to medium bodied with notes of cherries, plums and chocolate.
1 x Villa Vescovile Chardonnay 2022 - Trentino, Italy
Vino "....intense notes of fresh fruit accompanied by delicate floral hints. In the mouth it proves a fresh, dry wine with a particularly aromatic aftertaste. Perfect for aperitif, appetizers and fish dishes."
Vivino User Review, PT "....melange of lemon peel, lime, green apple, pear, peach and tar on the nose. Fresh and straightforward, with low acidity and melon and pineapple flavors."
Winemaker "..fresh fruit aromas and floral hints. The palate is dry and fresh, pleasantly aromatic."
100% Chardonnay
Villa Vescovile wines are sourced from prestigous vineyards of the Trentino area located just north of Trento. Overseen by the famous winemakers of Rocca delle Macie, Villa Vescovile wines are produced using the acclaimed winemaking traditions of South Tyrol. The grapes are planted on the sloping terrain of the area and are cultivated using the pergola system, on terraced soils. The grapes produce two red wines and four white wines, all of which are worthy examples of character and tipicity. Villa Vescovile wines encompass the important denominations of origin of the region. Known for their balance of fruit, they epitomise what makes North Italian cool climate wines famous.
Villa Vescovile wines are a collaboration with Rocca delle Macìe Winery which was established in 1973, when film producer, Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also of the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
Wine Enthusists Magazine's 'Wine Region of the Year' in 2020, Trentino is known for its. world-class wines. About an hour’s drive from Verona and surrounded by the majestic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the most beautiful areas in Italy country.
Celebrated for its pristine ski slopes, breathtaking hiking trails, cycling routes and dramatic scenery, Trentino is also one of the most dynamic, multifaceted wine-producing areas in Italy. It makes quality, terroir-driven wines from both international and regional grapes, as well as one of the country’s most renowned bottle-fermented sparklers.
Counting 25,232 acres of vines, the province accounts for 1.6% of the nation’s vineyard area. White grapes dominate its wine scene. Pinot Grigio is the leader, comprising 34% of overall grape production followed by Chardonnay at 26% and Müller-Thurgau at 10%. Other white varieties include Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco and Nosiola. For red wine production, Teroldego, Merlot, Marzemino and Pinot Nero are the main grapes followed by Schiava.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2021 - Tuscany, Italy
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2012)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2011)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2011)
3 Stars - Vini Buoni d'Italia (2011)
Organic - currently undergoing certification
Wine Enthusiast Magazine "This is the kind of easy Italian white that would taste delicious at an outdoor barbecue or on a hot afternoon. The wine is light, lean and loaded with fresh citrus flavors." (2012 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Aromas include white peach and grapefruit pith. The natural crispness of the variety gives this wine extra pop on the otherwise mild finish." (2012 vintage)
Wine Spectator "The almond, straw, apple and melon flavors get a boost from the acidity and briny elements in this white. Offers a crisp and minerally finish." (2011 vintage)
Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.
The estate now extends to more than 500 hectares (1250 acres) with, in total, more than 200 (500 acres) used as vineyards and 22 (54 acres) as olive groves, subdivided across the company’s six estates: Le Macìe, Sant’Alfonso, Fizzano e le Tavolelle in the Chianti Classico Area, in addition to the Campomaccione and Casa Maria estates in the Morellino di Scansano Area (Maremma).
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a wine served on the tables of popes and kings, it was the first DOC in Italy. Perfect to be combined with fish, white meats, cheeses. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is planted in over 730 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Tuscany in a extraordinary land, rich in biodiversity.
1 x Gran Passione Rosso Veneto IGT 2021 - Italy
90/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Vinitaste Wine Competition Brussel 2022
Commended - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2020, 2018, 2017, 2013 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine & Spirits Competition (2018, 2017, 2016 vintage)
Silver - International Wine & Spirits Competition (2014 vintage)
Silver - Mundus Vini (2015 vintage)
Silver - TEXSOM Interational Wine Awards (2013 vintage)
Silver - Vinalies Internationales (2015 vintage)
Tasting Notes "A hint of brett adds to the red plummy fruit, smoke, spice, and dried herbs, finishing with firm extracted tannins."
The Winemaker "...full-bodied and rich with dark fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry balanced by a solid structure due to the elevated alcohol, acidity and soft tannins. It's a great wine for roasted and grilled meats, stews and other rich dishes. Also excellent with mature firm cheeses."
Gilbert & Gaillard "Dark garnet with ruby tints. Beguiling nose of cherry, sour cherry and fine spices with a touch of mocha. Velvety attack, ample, robust, powerful palate showing hay and youthful iodine and mineral touches. Firm mid-palate. Well-made with well-judged proportions." (2015 vintage)
Our "Gran Passione" wines are exactly this, the expression and devotion to our work that honors the tradition of our land;
something to be passionate about
The wine is produced by Botter's renouned Cantine Bertoldi winery, an Italian wine estate situated 12km from the city of Verona in Veneto. The estate is particularly known for its Valpolicella and Amarone wines: Valpolicella Classico, Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone della Valpolicella.
Botter is one of Italy's largest, family-owned wineries and has been producing and exporting wines for almost a century. Today one in every 35 bottles of Italian wine exported is produced by Botter which is managed by the family's third generation of vignerons. Botter is committed to organic and sustainable winemaking practices at many of its vineyards which are located in Puglia, Veneto and Friuli. The winery has won over 100 top international awards for its wines, most notably the gold medal Vinalies Internationales 2014, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2013, Concurs Mondial de Bruxelles 2010, Berliner wine Trophy 2013 and Mundus Vini 2013.
Veneto is an important wine region in the northeastern of Italy. Vineyards in Veneto wine region can be found on the shores of Lake Garda as well as near the lagoon of Venice, at the foot of the Dolomites and in the hills of Mantua. The variety of the cultivated grapes is unique: it ranges from autochthonous white vines such as the Prosecco or Garganega grape to Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio to the distinct red varieties Corvina and Raboso and to Cabernet and Merlot. With such well-known wines as Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave or Prosecco, Veneto is one of the most important wine-growing regions in Italy.
Gran Passione is a rich, deeply-coloured blend of Merlot (60%) and Corvina grown in select vineyards in Italy's Veneto region. If you want a taste of the Amarone experience without the heady price tag Gran Passione certainly delivers. Made using the same traditional “Apassimento” method; it's a full bodied blend of Merlot & Corvina and is known to be rich & overflowing with lusciously sweet & soft black cherry, vanilla & plum. Gran Passione pays homage to the Venetians long standing history of being great traders and their rich wine culture. The aim in creating this new blend in 2013 was to allow Veneto wineries to create wines of high quality, that are affordable and representative in style to those that have been made in Veneto for centuries.