Borgogno
Borgogno is a legendary name in Barolo, with over 250 years of history dating back to 1761. One of the oldest cellars in all of Piedmont, Borgogno wines have enjoyed centuries of acclaim, with its Barolo having been served at the official dinner celebration of the Italian Unification in 1861 and again in 1886 honoring the official visit of Nicola II Romanov, Czar of Russia. The winery was reborn in 2008 when it was acquired by the Farinetti family, who immediately launched an extensive renovation of the historical cellar and winemaking facility. The significant recent improvements in quality have been highly regarded and broadly appreciated. Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate recently wrote “This is by far the most impressive set of wines I have ever tasted from Borgogno… Borgogno may very well turn out to be one of the most remarkable turn-arounds in the history of Barolo.“ Join their mailing list now and seize this opportunity…
Castello dei Rampolla
Castello dei Rampolla is among the most well-known estates in Tuscany, with a deserved reputation as a pioneer in the region. After vines were first planted in 1965, Alceo di Napoli soon recognized the potential for Bordeaux varietals in Tuscany and in 1980 launched one of the first Super Tuscan wines – Sammarco. In the 1990s the winery was a pioneer of biodynamic farming practices in Chianti, now widespread in the region. Always experimenting to improve quality, the di Napolis have in recent years been using less intervention in the winemaking, increasing the use of cement and amphora jars for fermentation, reducing the amount of new oak the wines see, and lengthening the time in bottle before the wine is released. As a result of the never-ending quest for improvement, the winery has a track record for delivering consistently outstanding wines –Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate recently wrote “Castello dei Rampolla is one of the benchmark properties in Tuscany, and for good reason. At their finest, these are some of the most elegant, luscious wines readers will come across. “ Join their mailing list now…
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Castello del Terriccio
Castello del Terriccio’s vineyards are part of an enormous agricultural estate along the Tuscan coast; originally a farm producing a variety of grains, fruits and olives, it was replanted to vineyards where conditions were favorable in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Top enologist Carlo Ferrini was enlisted to develop all aspects of a program focused on making world-class Super Tuscan wines utilizing Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, as well as Syrah and other indigenous varietals. The maritime influence of their coastal location, dense planting, organic vinification and low-intervention winemaking yielded a highly concentrated style of wines that rapidly won critical and commercial acclaim. By reducing the use of new oak and allowing the varietal characteristics and terroir to show through with more balance and elegance, consumers and critics alike have pushed the estate’s reputation to even greater heights in recent years. Antonio Galloni of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate writes “Castello del Terriccio is one of Tuscany’s most impressive properties. The results in recent vintages have been nothing less than striking.” Read More>>
Ciacci Piccolomini
Ciacci Piccolomini is widely known as one of the top producers of Brunello, and the 17th century estate boasts a fascinating history. Originally erected by Bishop Fabivs de’ Vecchis of Sant’ Antimo Abbey, the estate eventually was acquired by Count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona (a direct descendent of Pope Pius II). When he and his wife passed away, they left the entire estate to Giuseppe Bianchini, the long-time property manager. After selling a portion of the estate to pay inheritance taxes, he dedicated himself to selecting and planting the best sites for classic Brunello production. Giuseppe was succeeded by his children, Paolo and Lucia, who continue to devote meticulous care to the vineyards, cellar and commercial operations. Producing both traditional Brunellos as well as wines made from international varietals, the estate is at the forefront of innovation and creativity in all aspects, exhibiting an exemplary professionalism and foresight for the entire region. James Suckling, Italian wine expert formerly of the Wine Spectator, called Ciacci Piccolomini one of his Top 10 Favorite Brunello Producers, stating “The Brunellos emphasize finesse and balance, with layers of ultrafine tannins and subtle ripe fruit, yet they age incredibly well.“ Read More>>
Clos de Tart
One of the most famous and exceptional wines from all of Burgundy, Clos de Tart is a monopole Grand Cru single vineyard that has remained intact since its creation by Benedictine nuns in the mid-12th century. It was acquired by the legendary Mommesin family in the 1930s, who installed renowned Burgundy geologist and cartographer Sylvain Pitiot to head the estate in 1995. With his arrival the wines have taken a significant qualitative step forward, and are now among the most well-reviewed and scored in all of Burgundy. Allen Meadows (the world’s foremost Burgundy wine critic known as “Burghound”) rated both the 2008 and 2009 vintages of Clos de Tart in the 95-100 tier, which he describes as “truly incomparable and emotionally thrilling…a wine so rated is as good as Burgundy gets.” One simply runs out of superlatives when talking about a wine so special, exclusive, and consistently well-regarded as Clos de Tart. Read More »
Domaine du Pegau
Domaine du Pégau is a famed and beloved icon of classicism in Châteauneuf du Pape, known around the world for their wines of exceptional quality and unmistakable style. Founded by the Féraud family who began farming in the south of France in 1670, today Laurence Féraud (a Wine Advocate Wine Personality of the Year) runs the domaine and, under her reign, Pégau’s fame has skyrocketed. Their wines are known for possessing an iconic style, with expressive fruit, wild gamy flavors, and a vibrancy and life that is the antithesis of the “international” style of winemaking and has created a cult-like following among savvy consumers. Robert Parker describes Pégau as follows: “This superb estate fashions an old style, massive, unbelievably rich, rustic Châteauneuf du Pape…made with no concession to modern-day tastes. I have long been a huge fan of this estate, and have put my money where my mouth is, having purchased all of Pégau’s vintages since 1979.” Join the Pégau mailing list now… Read More »
Gourt de Mautens
From the humble village of Rasteau in the Southern Rhone valley, Domaine Gourt de Mautens has emerged to produce wines that rival the best of its famous neighbor Chateauneuf du Pape. By combining organic and biodynamic farming techniques with a labor intensive, traditional approach that has him involved in every aspect of the small operation, proprietor and winemaker Jerome Bressy has succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations by creating wines whose quality transcends precedent for the region. Authoritative French wine guide Bettane & Desseauve 2011 named him one of the top three vignerons of the year, and his 2007 red cuvee won Wine of the Year. Robert Parker is a also huge fan, gushing “this is one of the sensational estates in Rasteau…Organic farming and the naturally low yields of his old vines result in wines of extraordinary concentration and intensity.” The miniscule production and limited distribution of these exceptional wines makes joining their mailing list a must… Read More »
La Massa
La Massa is a rising star in Tuscany, producing both a traditional Sangiovese-based wine as well as a premium Super Tuscan blend. While Fattoria La Massa has existed in its current configuration for only 20 years, the history of the estate dates to 1490 and Bordeaux varietals have been cultivated here for nearly 400 years. After purchasing the estate in 1992, Giampaolo Motta embarked on a 10-year, comprehensive research project looking at the soil, microclimate and vines, resulting in a complete restructuring of the vineyards. This relentless pursuit of continuous improvement has been duly noted by wine critics around the world, who consistently rate the Giorgio Primo among the top Super Tuscan blends annually. Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate states “Proprietor Giampaolo Motta is one of the most passionate, driven producers in Tuscany…he continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way.” Join this list now to secure a spot as others increasingly recognize this estate’s momentum… Read More »
La Spinetta
In just over thirty years, La Spinetta has reached the apex of quality and recognition around the world, producing a wide range of wines from their three different estates in Piedmont and Tuscany. The Rivetti family is continuously striving to produce the purest expression of territory, with their winemaking philosophy based on distinction in the vineyards and the dedication to indigenous grape varieties. Giorgio Rivetti has become one of the most celebrated winemakers in Italy, though emphasizing a farmer’s mentality in the vineyard — dedicating countless hours to each vine, carrying out multiple green harvests, using natural fertilizers, and keeping the use of machinery to a minimum (in favor of horses). In the cellar, technology and innovation meet years of experience and passion, creating wines that are truly a reflection of place. The Wine Spectator writes, ”Giorgio Rivetti has become one of the leading forces in Piedmont. He’s making exciting ripe, fruit-forward Nebbiolos that would give many highly rated New World wines a run for their money. Rivetti is…one of the best and most innovative winemakers in Piedmont today.” Join their mailing list now…
Le Macchiole
Widely known as one of the top Super Tuscan wine estates, Le Macchiole has developed a reputation for innovation, quality and consistency since the winery’s founding in 1983. By conducting extensive research, the winery focused on producing Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah that are vinified and bottled separately, unlike most other producers in the region. The result is wines of incredibly high quality and distinction, that have been recognized around the world by critics and consumers alike as truly exceptional. While consistently garnering spectacular reviews (including numerous Tre Biccheri and several scores of 98-100 points), the estate’s focus on continuous innovation suggests that further improvement can and will be made. Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate concurs, writing “Le Macchiole has always produced stunning fruit. …it is obvious the estate’s potential is limitless.” Secure your annual allocation of these incredible wines by joining their list now…Read More »
Louis Michel
Located in the heart of Chablis, Domaine Louis Michel has been cultivating the Chablis terroir since 1850. More than 40 years ago, the family was one of the first pioneers of making its wines in steel tanks rather than wood barrels, preferring to create clean, pure and precise wines that would transparently display the unique terroir of the various vineyards. This style has been well-received, garnering accolades for the winery from top wine reviewers, press and sommerliers around the world. Robert Parker, in one of his typically strong reviews, commented “Louis Michel has long been the reference point for tank fermented Chablis. I have been a huge admirer of his wines for years. Why? They are perhaps the purest expressions of the stony Chardonnay fruit grown on the limestone of this northern Burgundy appellation.” Join the Louis Michel mailing list and taste for yourself how unique and compelling their top notch Chablis can be Read More »
M & S Ogier
M&S Ogier is a leading producer of Syrah from the hallowed soils of the Cote Rotie in France’s Rhone Valley. After decades of farming and selling fruit that went into the highly esteemed cuvees of E. Guigal, 30 years ago Michel Ogier began producing wines on his own. The high quality of their fruit quickly became evident, and the wines rapidly garnered acclaim. Now son Stephane has taken over primary responsibility for the winery and used his father’s foundation to push the estate to even higher levels of success and international recognition. Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate has commented that Ogier is “one of France’s most brilliant small artisinal wineries…” and that “if you haven’t yet jumped on the Ogier bandwagon, it’s time to do so.” Having awarded multiple Ogier wines in recent vintages 96-100 points, there won’t be room for much longer so join their mailing list now… Read More »
Massolino
Located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, the Massolino family is in their fourth generation as a leading producer of outstanding Barolos. The winery employs a very classical approach, with cement fermentation tanks and oak casks for aging, and is renowned for producing robust, concentrated and well-structured Barolo. Its most famous wine, the Vigna Rionda Riserva, is made from one of the world’s most famous vineyard sites and is generally regarded as consistently one of Barolo’s top examples each year. About Massolino, Antonio Galloni (the Wine Advocate’s Italian wine reviewer) has said that they are “not as well known as they deserve to be” — so join their mailing list now before this perception changes and their wines get even harder to find. Read More »
Pelissero
Pelissero is one of the most highly-regarded estates in the Barbaresco region. It has earned an international reputation for consistent, high-quality wines that accurately express the area’s unique terroir. In addition to its flagship Nebbiolo-based Barbaresco wines, Pelissero’s Barberas, Dolcettos and other wines are also regarded as outstanding examples of these typical varietals. It’s easy to see why Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate calls Pelissero “one of my favorite producers in Barbaresco” — join their mailing list now…Read More »
Roberto Voerzio
Roberto Voerzio’s wines would certainly be known as “Cult Barolos,” if such a term existed. Nearly universally regarded as one of the top (if not the top) producers in Barolo, Voerzio’s wines are sought-after, collected and cherished by savvy wine consumers around the world. His labor-intensive, low-yield approach results in wines of distinct personality and remarkable character, renowned for their sweet fruit, great concentration and deep complexity. Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate recently raved “Voerzio’s passion, his ability to make fabulous, ageworthy wines even in the smallest of vintages, and his total commitment to quality…place him at the pinnacle of achievement among the world’s most gifted winemakers.” Join the Voerzio mailing list and have the opportunity to receive exclusive offers not available anywhere else in the U.S… Read More »
Vieille Julienne
Located in Chateauneuf du Pape in the Southern Rhone valley in France, Domaine de la Vielle Julienne is run by Jean-Paul Daumen and has emerged as one of the region’s most compelling producers over the past decade. Daumen’s approach is thoroughly “old school”, focusing on biodynamically farming extremely old vines, small yields, traditional vinification and bottling without fining or filtering. About his winemaking philosophy, Robert Parker noted “the results are wines of extraordinary purity, and naked expressions of terroir…I can not recommend these wines highly enough. Sadly, as with most of the world’s most majestic wines, production is relatively limited, and the demand is insatiable.” Indeed — with three vintages of his Reserve wines receiving 100 point scores from Parker in the last nine years, no wonder they’re hard to find. So join VinConnect and receive an opportunity to get access to these wines directly from the source. Read More »