World Wine – "Lustrous deep ruby. Bright sour-cherry nose with savoury, minerally notes and what smells like a note of oak. Fantastic balance between succulent fruit, lots of juicy acidity and gripping but ripe tannins. Tactile fireworks." Walter Spencer (jancisrobinson.com)
James Suckling – The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino blends richness, ripeness, and refinement to create a model of total balance. At first, it's dark, earthy, and herbal; yet with time in the glass, a massive wave of black cherry, raspberry, sage, and a grounding note of undergrowth comes forward. In the mouth, it coats all that it touches in silky, cool-toned textures, giving way to ripe red/black fruits complemented by spiced citrus, as nuances of lavender and tobacco form. While this feels round and pliant throughout, fine-grain tannins slowly saturate, sneaking up and reminding you of just how young 2018 really is today. Hints of baker's chocolate, licorice, and a twang of tart blackberry resonate - wow, does it ever end?
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – This producer's first Gigondas is a terrific debut. The 2017 Gigondas Reserve Mont Redon—a blend of 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre—comes from the lieux-dits of Pied Gu, Pallière and Notre Dame des Pallières and was aged in a mix of lightly used Burgundian pièces and tank. Perfumes include scents of violets, lavender, cherries and vanilla, while the full-bodied palate is lush and creamy, ending long, with hints of cracked pepper and salted licorice. Drink 2019-2028.
James Suckling – Aromas of chocolate and dark fruit with hints of blackberries, cherries and hazelnuts. Medium body, fine tannins with hints of herbs and dark fruit, and a lovely finish. Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah.
World Wine – "Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Brooding nose with sweet earthy notes. This is from a single, high-elevation vineyard in Lamole, but seems more plush than Fontodi's 2019 offering. Deep, concentrated pure cherry palate of amazing length and with lots of juice and persistent gravelly, clinging tannins on the finish." Walter Spencer (jancisrobinson.com)
Antonio Galloni/Vinous – "The 2019 Chianti Classico Dino is bright, fresh and vibrant. Crushed flowers, spice, sage and red berry fruit give this bold, pungent 100% Sangiovese tons of aromatic and flavor intensity. The 2019 is deep and so expressive, but also light on its feet, with a feeling of transparency that is beguiling. The Dino was fermented and aged in amphora, where it spent 15 months prior to being bottled. Drink: 2022-2034." Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
James Halliday – A medium, bright cherry red. Dark cherries, bramble and some floral notes are all present in this well put-together Aussie sangiovese. Just enough depth on the palate before finishing with grippy but balanced tannins and bright acidity. Drink now and over the next two to three years. - Philip Rich
Originating in the verdant regions of Tuscany, Sangiovese holds the honor of being the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. It's the backbone of many renowned Italian red wines, including the famous Chianti. With a history that dates back centuries, Sangiovese grapes are revered for their ability to produce wines that beautifully balance fruitiness with earthy undertones. Depending on the region and specific winemaking techniques, this versatile grape can yield wines ranging from crisp and light-bodied to rich and full-bodied. Often described as having flavors of ripe cherries, wild herbs, and spices, Sangiovese wines are also known for their high acidity and moderate to high tannin content, making them excellent partners for a wide array of dishes, particularly Italian cuisines. The grape's resilience and adaptability have also led to its cultivation in other parts of the world, introducing new terroir-driven expressions of this cherished variety.
Sangiovese wine hails from the heart of Italy, taking its name from the Latin phrase "Sanguis Jovis," meaning "blood of Jupiter." This deeply red wine captures the essence of the Italian countryside, intertwining history, tradition, and culture in every sip. With its earthy undertones and prominent cherry flavors, Sangiovese wine is as vibrant and lively as the regions it comes from. Its characteristic high acidity and robust tannin structure make it both complex and age-worthy. Sangiovese is not just a wine; it's a journey that transports its drinkers to the rolling hills of Tuscany, revealing the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking heritage.
When one thinks of Sangiovese, Tuscany invariably comes to mind. This Italian region, particularly the areas of Chianti and Montalcino, produces some of the world's finest expressions of Sangiovese wines. Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico are exemplary representatives of this grape, showcasing its versatility and depth. Additionally, the Romagna region has gained acclaim for its unique take on Sangiovese. While Tuscany might be its ancestral home, Sangiovese vines have also found a place in New World wine regions, with parts of California and Australia crafting noteworthy versions that pay homage to their Italian counterparts.
In the vast world of Sangiovese, certain names stand out for their exceptional quality and representation of the grape. Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico Riserva are among the most sought-after expressions, revered for their aging potential and complex flavor profiles. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, crafted in the hills around the town of Montepulciano, is another star, often rivaling its Chianti counterparts in depth and structure. These wines, alongside Super Tuscans that blend Sangiovese with other grape varieties, represent the pinnacle of Sangiovese's excellence.
For those seeking the essence of Sangiovese without a hefty price tag, there are numerous value-driven options available. Wines from Chianti (excluding the Classico region) often deliver fantastic quality at a more accessible price point. Rosso di Montalcino, considered the younger sibling of Brunello, offers the same characteristic flavors but is more approachable in its youth. Additionally, many New World regions, including parts of California and Australia, produce Sangiovese wines that capture the grape's essence while remaining budget-friendly.
Sangiovese wines, with their bold flavors and high acidity, are a culinary dream. They naturally complement traditional Italian dishes like pasta with tomato-based sauces, pizza, and Tuscan stews. Their acidity cuts through the richness of fatty meats, making them a perfect match for dishes like osso buco or grilled lamb. Cheeses, especially those like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino, enhance the wine's fruity undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Whether it's a simple spaghetti dinner or an elaborate feast, Sangiovese wines elevate the meal, bringing the warmth and passion of Italy to the table.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.