PoderNuovo

PoderNuovo

PALAZZONE | SIENA
TUSCANY

Founded:		2004
Owner:		Giovanni Bulgari
Winemaker:		Michele Bean
Hectares under vines:		26ha
Altitude above sea level:		200m to 400m
Average annual production:		130,000 bottles
Green code:		Organic uncertified

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WHAT THEY SAY

Giovanni Bulgari, managing director, has set as a starting point for the creation of his wines, a minimal environmental impact, by controlling carbon dioxide emissions and processing the grapes in total respect and harmony with nature. Respect for and enhancement of nature begins in the vineyard, where ancient techniques are employed. The Podernuovo team already works from the vineyard with utmost attention; the aim is to vinify only the best grapes. The cellar, two thirds of which is situated inside a hill, allows the use of geothermal energy and the exposed roof is covered in solar panels.

WHAT WE SAY

This is an elegant and sophisticated range of wines, unsurprising from a member of the famed jewellery dynasty renowned for its style, artistry and excellence. With Tuscan grape varieties at its heart, each wine is crafted meticulously.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

The 2015 Argirio shows a pretty saturated color and presents big fruity ripeness. In fact, the folks at Podernuovo a Palazzone waited to harvest in order to get that extra maturity and eliminate any green notes from the grapes. This Tuscan red shows some light chalky, mineral notes of limestone beyond blackberry and blackcurrant. It spends eight to 12 months in barrique. Oak spice and smoke aromas do emerge with clarity. There is a bit of toasted chestnut and dry hay on the close. 93 points.” Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

WINES WE IMPORT

Red

• Nicoleo IGT (Grechetto, Chardonnay)

• Therra IGT (Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)

• Argirio IGT (Cabernet Franc)

• Sotirio IGT (Sangiovese)

Castello di Vicarello

Castello di Vicarello

POGGI DEL SASSO | GROSSETO
TUSCANY

Founded:		1970
Owner:		The Baccheschi-Berti family
Winemaker:		Carlo & Brando Baccheschi-Berti
Hectares under vines:		7ha
Altitude above sea level:		350m to 500m
Average annual production:		20,000 bottles
Green code:		Organic certified

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WHAT THEY SAY

The ancient soils of our vineyards are rich in clay, minerals and marine deposits. Full of calcium and other micronutrients, this land produces lush vegetation and incredible fruit. The wines at Castello di Vicarello are now made by two generations of the Baccheschi-Berti family, Carlo and his eldest son Brando. Finding his inspiration in the wines of Bordeaux, Carlo sought to realise his dream of creating a wine in Tuscany akin to those of the celebrated terroir. His strong intuition to plant specific cultivars and implement high-density planting has resulted in wines that pay homage to both. The wines may find their inspiration from Bordeaux, yet always with a strong reference to Tuscany and more specifically, Maremma.

WHAT WE SAY

Seven hectares of high-density, organically grown vineyards produce the Castello’s wines. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot were each chosen for their inherent character to ennoble the classic wines of Tuscany. Sangiovese, a staple of Tuscan winemaking is blended with Merlot to create an alternative interpretation of the Maremma.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

Castello di Vicarello Intriguing nose with lots of cocoa, blueberry, ripe baked peppers, mint and mineral notes. The lavish mouth is characterised by oak, chalky minerality and broad, chewy tannins. Has great length to its full-bodied palate, varietal communication loud and clear. Offers lots to chew on for the gastronome. 97 points Decanter World Wine Awards

WINES WE IMPORT

Red

• Merah IGT (Sangiovese)

• Terre di Vico IGT (70% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot)

• Castello di Vicarello IGT (45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot)

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta

Tenuta di Gracciano della Seta

MONTEPULCIANO | SIENA
TUSCANY

Founded:		1864
Owner:		della Seta family
Winemaker:		Beppe Rigoli
Hectares under vines:		20ha
Altitude above sea level:		300m to 350m
Average annual production:		95,000 bottles
Green code:		Certified Organic

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WHAT THEY SAY

The Gracciano Estate is one of the oldest wineries in the Montepulciano region. In the beginning of the 19th century, Gracciano was owned by the Svetoni family who built the Villa and created the Italian-style gardens that surround it. The property was purchased by Giorgio della Seta, who proceeded to renew the vineyards and build, in 2013, a new winery alongside the traditional unit, which is still used for ageing wine in wood. Today, the winery covers roughly 70 hectares of which 20 are vineyards. The vines grow on the clay and silty soil of the Gracciano hills, one of the oldest and most prestigious crus of Montepulciano. The winery has always been run by renowned oenologists who ensured that the Tenuta di Gracciano produced an excellent Vino Nobile, fully respecting the terroir and using indigenous vines.

WHAT WE SAY

We love this characterful, classic range. They are terroir-driven wines of finesse. From the delicious, lively youthful Rosso di Montepulciano, to the delicate yet complex Vino Nobile to the velvety, sensual and age-worthy Vino Nobile Riserva, these wines are worthy of attention.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

89 POINTS Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Magazine Gracciano della Seta 2016 Riserva (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) ‘Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, camphor, ground clove and whiffs of French oak lead the nose. On the austere, light-bodied palate, taut, close-grained tannins and racy acidity accompany sour cherry, pomegranate and unroasted coffee bean.’

WINES WE IMPORT

Red

• Rosso di Montepulciano DOC

• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG

Rosé

• Rosato di Toscana IGT

Mastrojanni

Mastrojanni

CASTELNUOVO DELL’ABATE | SIENA
TUSCANY

Founded:		1975
Owner:		Gruppo Illy
Winemaker:		Maurizio Castelli
Hectares under vines:		40ha
Altitude above sea level:		190m - 410m
Average annual production:		160,000 bottles
Green code:		Sustainable

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WHAT THEY SAY

A strong identity, coherence and constancy in quality. These are the values that Mastrojanni has created and cultivated over the years and which enabled the company to stand out among over 200 wine producers of the Consortium of Brunello of Montalcino wine, with its original and high-quality profile. These values are the result of a passionate, proud and respectful interpretation of nature, tradition and history of the territory. According to our farmer fathers’ tradition, Mastrojanni wine is rigorously born in our vineyards, waiting patiently for the right moment to harvest. No transformation in our cellar, traditional winemaking and aging in big barrels: no barriques, seldom tonneaux. We bravely make difficult decisions, because we firmly believe in what our vineyard yields, and this means we must also believe in what it cannot yield: if the vintage is poor, the Brunello of Mastrojanni will not be produced.

WHAT WE SAY

Originally part of the Fattoria dei Barbi estate in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Mastrojanni is located in the south eastern area of Montalcino. This family-owned winery has been operating since 1975 when Gabriele Mastrojanni bought the farm after recognizing a great un-tapped potential for Brunello in Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Mastrojanni was one of the first producers of Brunello in the area.

The vineyards are all south, south-east facing and positioned between the river Orcia and the inactive volcano, Mount Amiata. The favourable microclimate coupled with gravel, sand, and limestone-rich soils lends structure to these wines.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

The Mastrojanni 2015 Brunello di Montalcino has a succulent or meaty quality that adds to the overall intensity of the wine. You get rich fruit, baking spice and even a touch of rum cake. The wine is dark and velvety in appearance, and the mouthfeel is robust and concentrated. I love the full-bodied appeal and power of this wine. It has seamlessly captured the spirit of the vintage. Its approach is immediate, and you can enjoy this wine without waiting too much longer...’ Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 94+ points

Wines available   

• ROSSO di MONTALCINO DOC

• BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO DOCG

• BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO Vigna Loreto DOCG

• BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO Schiena d'Asino DOCG

Castello Romitorio

Castello Romitorio

MONTALCINO | SIENA
TUSCANY

Founded:		1984
Owner:		Sandro Chia
Winemaker:		Franco Martini
Hectares under vines:		45ha
Altitude above sea level:		198m to 500m
Average annual production:		150,000 bottles
Green code:		Practicing not certified organic

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WHAT THEY SAY

In the second half of the Eighties, Montalcino was an experimental region. Land, grape growing and oenology relied on the rebirth of Brunello, a centuries-old wine that was able to express the most authentic potential of Sangiovese grapes. Sandro Chia was at the forefront – he understood the importance of creating classic, representative wines, looking to the future and the great international varieties that, particularly in Tuscany, would become an integral part of local oenology. Castello Romitorio inaugurated its new cellar in 2005. The 14th century manor was adorned with the works of Sandro Chia. In the same year Sandro’s son, Filippo Chia, joined the company and started a process of profound renewal of the wines and winemaking style, betting on extremely elegant single varietal Sangiovese to embody the characteristics of the terroir. After thirty years of hard work in the area, Castello Romitorio is now an internationally recognized winery specializing in Sangiovese and Brunello di Montalcino. The Chia family is committed to tradition and the pursuit of excellence, through classic style and innovation. The most demanding challenge is measuring up to an extraordinary area, and continuing to offer consistently high quality wines that express their origin.

WHAT WE SAY

The estate was bought in 1984 by the artist Sandro Chia, (his fascinating works adorn the labels and his sculptures and art decorate the winery). He arrived with a commitment to the study, exploration and promotion of Brunello di Montalcino wine. The estate holds vineyards in both Montalcino, (which sit variously between 198m and 500m in thick oak forest), and Tyrrhenian Sea-kissed vines in Scansano. Sandro’s son Filippo now manages the winery and he has overseen the range quietly garner serious critical acclaim.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

“Castello Romitorio has cool vineyard sites and is one of the few estates that performs consistently in the warmest years. That’s why the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is just so darn good. This estate has tweaked its winemaking style over the years to produce increasingly elegant and streamlined wines. There is finesse here, but you also get bold cherry fruit, moist earth, cured tobacco and grilled herb. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth, with good acidity on the close.” Monica Larner on Romitorio’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012, Wine Spectator.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2015: “This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2047". Winespectator - 98 points.

WINES WE IMPORT:

ROSE:

Rosato Toscana IGT (Sangiovese)

REDS:

Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG (Sangiovese)
Romitoro Il Toro IGT (Syrah, Petit Verdot)
Morellino Di Scansano DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino Filo di Seta DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)

Valdicava

Valdicava

MONTALCINO | SIENA
TUSCANY

Founded:		1953
Owner:		Vincenzo Abbruzzese
Winemaker:		Attilio Pagli
Hectares under vines:		27ha
Altitude above sea level:		300m
Average annual production:		80,000 bottles
Green code:		Practicing not certified organic

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WHAT THEY SAY

A great wine is born in the vineyard. Today nearly 27 ha are planted with Sangiovese vines. We take the greatest care of these vines, the lack nothing and receive nothing in excess! To produce great fruit, the vines must sometimes learn sacrifice and toil. They must be taught and alert, they must work and deepen their roots into the ground in search of nutrients. It is only then that they truly express the terroir they come from. Our concept is simple: nurture a great respect for the tradition and flavours of Montalcino and at the same time value our own individual character. The Valdicava “genius loci” is a combination of the perfumes, value, culture, love, sould and history that is perpetuated in our wines in the most harmonious and elegant equilibrium. In the cellarthe idea is also very simple; purity, the most current technology available and the best Slavonia oak barrels to insure that our great reds receive the respect they are due. Key is also having a great team. Thanks to Andrea Paoletti (agronomist) and Attilio Pagli (winemaker) with whom I have shared a common philosophy since 1986.

WHAT WE SAY

With a greater than ever number of glowing endorsements from magazines and experts alike, Vincenzo Abbruzzese’s Estate can be included in the best 3 or 4 of Montalcino. The relatively small estate, was bought by the present owner’s grandfather, Martini Bramante in 1953 and sits in the cool Montosoli area north of Montalcino where the Sangiovese vineyards enjoy perfect growing conditions. Since taking over Valdicava, Vincenzo has invested a lot of time and capital into shaping the vineyard into one of Montalcino’s best.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

‘Vincenzo Abbruzzese is one of the best grape growers in Italy, but he is making his name at his estate about 20 minutes north of Montalcino. His Brunello di Montalcinos are some of the most soulful and enticing wines from the region and consistently offer rich and opulent character in a balanced and refined way. About 37 acres of his vineyards go into the standard Valdicava label, which is made with a blend of Sangiovese from about a half dozen single vineyards. He also makes another reserve Brunello from one special vineyard called Madonna del Piano. His vines look like a well-kept yet wild garden, since Vincenzo is deeply concerned with the balance and wellness of his vineyard in relation to his special local ecosystem. His wines are aged about two years in large oak casks and another two or so in bottle.

100 points James Suckling – Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2006
I tasted this about a year ago at the winery and I was blown away. This time I tasted it in a blind tasting in Tuscany and it stood above the rest. Amazing aromas of blueberries and flowers, with black truffles and pie. Foie gras, mushrooms and white truffles too. Powerful, with great depth of gorgeous fruit and ultra-fine tannins. It fills your mouth with fruit and ripe tannins. Complex and long. A breathtaking wine. Truly glorious. Better in 2015. 100 points James Suckling - Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2010 A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless.

WINES WE IMPORT

Reds

• Rosso di Montalcino DOC

• Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

• Brunello Di Montalcino Madonna Del Piano

• Riserva DOCG