Curated with love, discover a wide selection of delicious reds that will please even the most discerning palate.
40 products
40 products
- Red Wine, White Wine
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Merlot
- Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.7% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.4% alc./vol
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Crew Sauvage is light, bright and tension-filled pinot noir from Niagara vineyards including Quarry Road (Vinemount Ridge), Cherry Road (Twenty Mile Bench) and Tintern. Warm enough through the 2021 summer yet September brought lots of rain. In spite of the challenge there is some flesh and substance to effect varietal stability across the wine’s constituent boards. Fruit is fulsome and cherries predominate while acids are sweeter and more advanced, in other words less sharp and more involved with the fruit. Crunchy when it needs to be, a touch lactic and long in the toothsome aspect. Good work here for “qui vit en liberté dans la nature.” Drink 2023-2026. Tasted April 2023.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very pale, somewhat thin pinot with a lifted nose of rhubarb/strawberry pie, fresh herbs and pretty florals. It is light bodied, fresh and piquant, but also shows some warmth and richness. Quite engaging, and as the label says a touch 'sauvage'. The finish is sour-edged, the length is excellent. Tasted April 2023.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Réva is a winery based in Monforte D’Alba, within the Langhe area, in Piedmont, west northern Italy. Its aim is to bring the most brilliant young people of the area together, entrusting them with the task of expressing themselves in the most creative and professional way possible. This is Réva’s Wave, a dynamic team that represents the new Langhe generation, in constant communication with tradition, without the fear of reinterpreting it.
Today the vineyard sites which spread over 4 villages, Monforte D’Alba, Serralunga D’Alba, Novello and Barolo are all managed directly with the entire agronomic work done manually. Strong sustainable vineyards conduction, certified organic, they believe that their biggest challenge is not inventing anything but just define and express the beauty of the land where they live.
Behind every glass of wine there is an expression, expression of terroir, varietal, the varietal is for them everything, indigenous, they speak of the land and, last but not least, passion for what they do. Simply as that.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
This to me is a classic Barolo vintage captured with utmost care and respect by Réva. The 2018 Baroli are not likely going to amalgamate as the most obviously decadent or structured nebbioli but they can be timely reflections into the appellation. This is what the team at Réva has looked at, considered and coaxed from a wine that represents and by that I mean stands as a cross-sectional cuvée for their important set of vineyards. The 2016 Barolo is a great wine though its austerity means it’s still not functionally available and will serve a select few when it gets to the intended destination. In 2018 nebbiolo stands out bright, aromatic and clear, seasoned by wood, earth and herbs, linear, direct and transparent. The purity and functionality serve the people and does so with heart open wide, worn on a gifted, but never gilded sleeve. This is not a precious wine but do embrace the gift. Drink 2023-2031. Tasted May 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post
A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Natural, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Celler Escoda-Sanahuja
Joan Ramón Escoda founded Celler Escoda Sanahuja in 1999 along with his wife Mari Carmen in Conca del Barbera, Catalonia. Since then, they have been disrupting the wine industry both in their home-country and internationally.
Celler Escoda Sanahuja was one of the first wineries that, back in 2005 stopped adding sulphites to their wines. Joan Ramon has always been a radical winemaker and a grass-roots innovator. His wild enthusiasm has been fuel for the natural winemaking scene, and has also led him to, spontaneously, create the 'Brutal' movement popular in natural wine circles. These are highly individual wines reflecting their origins and their innovative winemaker.
Pre-order: Place your order before March 15th by paying a $50 deposit, and receive your case of wine in early summer.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Natural, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Celler Escoda-Sanahuja
Joan Ramón Escoda founded Celler Escoda Sanahuja in 1999 along with his wife Mari Carmen in Conca del Barbera, Catalonia. Since then, they have been disrupting the wine industry both in their home-country and internationally.
Celler Escoda Sanahuja was one of the first wineries that, back in 2005 stopped adding sulphites to their wines. Joan Ramon has always been a radical winemaker and a grass-roots innovator. His wild enthusiasm has been fuel for the natural winemaking scene, and has also led him to, spontaneously, create the 'Brutal' movement popular in natural wine circles. These are highly individual wines reflecting their origins and their innovative winemaker.
Pre-order: Place your order before March 15th by paying a $50 deposit, and receive your case of wine in early summer.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Stéphane Aviron
Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. He focuses on the Beaujolais village crus, all but forgotten gems of vineyards when the nouveau craze took over, which are the best sites for unique, expressive and terroir driven wines. All of the fruit is sourced from old vines (40+ years), so seeing Vieilles Vignes on the label is a rite of passage, not a privilege. Authenticity and a distinctly Beaujolais style of winemaking is what sets Stéphane apart from the rest.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a delicious, fairly juicy and charming young gamay. There is a hint of meatiness on the nose but all kinds of candied strawberry/cherry as well, and violet-like florals. It is light to medium bodied, open knit, slightly sour-edged with very generous fruit on the palate. The tannins are notably mild, the alcohol provides some power and the length is very good to excellent. Tasted June 2022
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese, Trebbiano
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Stéphane Aviron
Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. He focuses on the Beaujolais village crus, all but forgotten gems of vineyards when the nouveau craze took over, which are the best sites for unique, expressive and terroir driven wines. All of the fruit is sourced from old vines (40+ years), so seeing Vieilles Vignes on the label is a rite of passage, not a privilege. Authenticity and a distinctly Beaujolais style of winemaking is what sets Stéphane apart from the rest.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - David Lawrason
Chenas is one of the smallest appellations of Beaujolais, situated astride more famous Fleurie. Both villages tend to make gamays with both richness and elegance. This sports a ripe nose of cherry/strawberry jam, peony and subtle pepper. It is medium bodied, smooth, firm and refined with gentle tannin. And the length is excellent. Very easy to enjoy now and should hold through 2028. Tasted June 2022
92 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a fetching gamay with buoyant fruit notes of cherries and raspberries accompanied by aromas of candied violets, rosemary, and snapped twigs. The palate echoes these flavours with subtle notes of cured meat joining the chorus. Tannins are satin smooth and acids are tart. Length is excellent with a delightful fruity finale. Best 2022-2027. Tasted June 2022 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
This is a pleasantly twiggy-herbal-stemmy expression of Chenas with plenty of joyful fruit underpinning the ensemble. I like the fleshy dark cherry fruit on the palate, the silky-firm tannins, and the excellent length in the category. A superior cru; drink or hold late into the decade. Tasted June 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Chénas by Aviron is the cru that takes what the Villages offers and simply gives more. By home and vineyard the extrapolation and extension is natural, seamless and duly noted, from dancing fruit, happy palate and now, something viably more. Salumi and wet stone, a modicum of structure, violets in perfume and furthered texture. A positive thickening that stays with the palate, lingers and gracefully moves on. This is gamay to pour for people ready to get it and get at it. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted June 2022.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
An intriguing mix of ripe and jammy along with stemmy and herbal from the warm 2020 vintage. Juicy on the palate with flavours of cherry, bramble, wet leaf and a hint of carbonic. Mouthfilling and fleshy overall with plush red fruit on the finish of very good length. Tasted June 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cinsault, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Missed the 2019 version of this wine somehow, but in any case the 2020 comes from a vintage whereby lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic allowed the winemaking team to really focus on their wares. Koffieklip soils are the source, whole cluster ferments the operative and not much has really changed in the five year tenure of this wine. More fruit substance and lessened volatility in 2020, tart as ever however and truly a matter of this particular Stellenbosch terroir. You can get at this cinsault-syrah joint more than ever before, randomly, at will and wherever you are. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted March 2022.
90 points - David Lawrason
Pearce Predhomme Cinsault/Syrah 2018:
If you are fan of South African reds you will love this; if not you will be a step closer. It's a lively, engaging if idiosyncratic wine offering complexity, diversity and sheer drinkability. The nose is nicely lifted with a melange of wild blueberry, pomegranate fruit plus some meatiness, all kinds of herbality and Cape tar. It is medium bodied (only 12.5%) alcohol with crunchy acidity, a hint of sourness, fine soft tannin. Excellent length. Edgy but it works. Chill lightly. Tasted January 2021
Platters Guide
4.5 Stars - 90 points
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ca' del Monte
Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. It has belonged to the same family for generations, and is now run by brothers Umberto and Giuseppe Zaconte. There’s nothing fancy about this place. The house and winery are modest - and are attached to a 17th century monastery.
The estate is approximately 50 acres, and its 15-65 year old vines lie on gentle slopes at 800-900 meters. They grow on four soils including clay, limestone, red volcanic soil with red stones, and “Toar,” a green volcanic soil. The vineyards of Ca Del Monte are planted with 20-40 year old vines of Corvina, Rodinella and Molinara grapes that are planted in poor soils that stress the vines and nurture the fruit. All of the farming is done traditionally and non-certified organic.
- Red Wine
- Malbec
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodega Marco Zunino
The dream of 4 French partners in Argentina's Mendoza region can be found 200 kilometers from the district capital, in the South of the region, in the town of San Rafael. It's an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers, Diamante and Atuel, vital for agriculture and tourism in the region.The arid climate, rugged landscape coupled with the plane trees located along the country roads and weeping willows bordering its rivers that makes the area reminiscent of the midi region in the South of France.
The thirty-hectare vineyard boasts an exceptional site and an idyllic regional climate for wine producing. The low rainfall, vineyard altitude (670m) and high temperature variations are key to the diversity and quality of San Rafael’s terroir and offers the ideal setting for a truly exceptional quality of grape.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A bright and cheery malbec made with finesse. The palate is cut and refreshed with a salty component, zesty acidity and mildly sinewy tannins. Sleek with notes of earth, new leather and blackberry. Impressively complex with a memorable finish. Drink now or hold until 2023. Tasted July 2020.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very generous, open knit, dense and just slightly sweet malbec with classic aromas of mulberry/raspberry, thyme, a touch of meatiness and oak vanillin. It is very smooth, almost slippery and dense with fine tannin and warm. The length is very good to excellent. Lots here for $20. Tasted June 2021
- Red Wine
- Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Syrah
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - John Szabo
Clos Sauveplan is a blend of about 3/4 high density planted mourvèdre and the balance in half-century-old syrah from the lieu-dit of the same name, a plateau in the Faugères AOC in southern France. It's showing beautifully at the moment, rich, redolent of fresh black forest fruits, blackberry coulis, wild violets and cracked black peppercorn, really quite a tour de force. The palate is broad but fresh, impeccably balanced and so lively considering the warm vintage, declared at 12.5% alcohol but coming across as riper and denser than the numbers would imply. Tannins are silky and resolving nicely, and length, depth, and ultimately complexity, are excellent. One of Brouca's best to date I'd say; drink or hold a half dozen years - the stuffing augurs well for development. Tasted January 2024.
92 points - Michael Godel
The source for this co-ferment of mourvèdre and syrah is a “clos,” meaning an isolated walled vineyard in a lieu-dit called “Sauveplane”, plateau at the eastern limit of the Faugères appellation. A mix of 20 and 40 year-old vines, volcanic soils, some whole cluster fermentation. Exotically spiced, sweetly volatile. Low-level Brettanomyces, so bloody Faugères, exemplary and expected for a wine to speak up on behalf of this particular sense of place. The kind of Languedoc red that sommeliers and naturalists will share and swig with reckless abandon while those who have never tried this style and origin may be left to wonder in confounded disarray. Just know that this is very correct for producer, style and place. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted January 2023.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
From old vines farmed with minimal intervention on the plateau of "Sauveplane", a lieu-dit on the eastern edge of Faugères. Spontaneously co-fermented syrah and mourvèdre grapes are left unfined and unfiltered in the low-interventionist style of Fredric Brouca. Subsequently aged 13 months in oak resulting in very gentle spice and pleasantly mellow tannins. Offers a notable sense of place and varietal character. Relatively speaking, the wine is quite clean and still exhibits plenty of fresh fruit and very good length. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.
Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
92 points
This is tasting beautifully now with strawberry, cedar, and hazelnut character. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins that need to soften. But very pretty already. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years. Try after 2024.
Wine Enthusiast
90 points
Blue flower, underbrush and wild herb aromas mix with a whiff of tobacco. Racy and linear, the palate offers sour cherry, star anise and a hint of rusted iron alongside taut, close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish.
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
Wildly aromatic of wild strawberry and sweet bitters liqueur. Highly glycerin and textural with grippy and elastic stretched tannins. A huge Neive Barbaresco with time definitely secure on its side. Drink 2022-2030. Tasted January 2020.
- Red Wine
- Montepulciano
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Jasci
Located on the hills that rise 250 meters above sea level from the Adriatic Sea just above the seaside resort town of Vasto in Abruzzo, here the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. Starting In the early 1960s, Pasquale and Maria turned the focus of their farm to producing estate wines.
In 1980, their son Giuseppe decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified. Today led by grandson Donatello Jasci and his wife Piera, the family is the second largest single grower in all of the region. Donatello’s approach in the cellar is consistent with his farming: clean and simple. The wines see little or no oak and have a purity of flavor that is rare at the price. In addition to his duties at the winery, Donatello Jasci has served as President of the local Organic Growers’ Consortium.
Press Reviews
Millésime BIO 2022
Médaille d'Argent
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Clos del Rey
In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, Clos del Rey is situated in the high altitude hills over the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family for generations. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary and thyme). The vines of up to 120 years old are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet or bush style. However, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. Julien Montagne makes complex wines that truly represent his vineyards and his Catalan roots--you can almost smell the sun in the glass.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - John Szabo
An old vines cuvée of grenache, carignan and syrah from the stony, schisty soils of Maury, historically reserved for fortified wine production in the style of port, this Maury 'Sec' is a concentrated and aromatic, flavourful wine, with a liquor-like essence of blackberry and blueberry fruit, sweet and resinous wild herbs, scorched earth and licorice, and more in a highly satisfying and bold ensemble. Tannins are abundant but coated and softened by high fruit extract, while acids are low but adequate to balance the big ensemble. Great length. Immensely satisfying at the price; drink or hold another 4-6 years I suspect without concern. Tasted September 2022.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a rich, ripe blend from Maury Sec, an appellation in the Agly Valley in Roussillon that was authorized for the production of dry red wines in 2011. The nose is inviting and appealing, with notes of cherry compôte, black raspberries, garrigue, and a subtle mineral aroma that reminds me of wet cement. It is medium-bodied, with grainy, drying tannins and balanced acids. I really like the lush fruit on the mid-palate that recede gracefully, leaving a subtle bitterness and warmth in their wake. Tasted September 2022.
90 points - David Lawrason
The village of Maury is better known for its sweet 'vins doux naturel'. This dry red based on grenache, carignan and syrah shows the energy, or a certain internal combustion, I associate with the carignan grape. The nose is quite lifted with red fruit (raspberry, plum) some spice and minerality. It is medium-full bodied, sour-edged and firmly tannic with some heat. Quite peppery and meaty (charcuterie) on the finish. The length is excellent. Tasted Sept 2022
90 points - Sarah d'Amato
From a relatively new appellation in the southwestern region of Roussillon designated in 2011 to allow producers to craft dry reds in addition to the more famous Vin Doux of Maury. In the midst of all the sweetness of the region, Clos del Rey makes only dry wines. This plush incarnation features flavours of liquored black cherry, a chalky minerality and tender tannins. Ripe but with a lick of minerality that helps to provide balance along with a welcome degree of bitterness. Some bitterness helps curb the perception of alcohol too. An arresting yet youthfully broody wine. Tasted September 2022.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Samso / Carignan, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Andre Aubert
At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar. The chances are you haven’t heard the name before, few people have, but the wines are worth seeking out. It’s not a new wine region – vines have been planted here since around 500BC but it is a new name (formerly known as Côteaux-du-Tricastin). Domaine André Aubert, has been formed over decades and today comprises of more than 280 hectares spread from north to south of the prestigious Southern Rhone Valley on the appellations Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône villages, Visan, and Grignan-les-Adhémar.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is new appellation (formerly Coteaux de Triscatin) is the northernmost in the southern Rhone. It uses the typical southern Rhone varieties, but none can be more than 80% of the blend. This is a quite elegant, well structured, mid-weight red with some stony minerality, lifted pepper and savoury notes. Not as opulently fruity and rich as many peers, yet very tidy and balanced. The length is very good to excellent. Tasted March 2022
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Réva is a winery based in Monforte D’Alba, within the Langhe area, in Piedmont, west northern Italy. Its aim is to bring the most brilliant young people of the area together, entrusting them with the task of expressing themselves in the most creative and professional way possible. This is Réva’s Wave, a dynamic team that represents the new Langhe generation, in constant communication with tradition, without the fear of reinterpreting it.
Today the vineyard sites which spread over 4 villages, Monforte D’Alba, Serralunga D’Alba, Novello and Barolo are all managed directly with the entire agronomic work done manually. Strong sustainable vineyards conduction, certified organic, they believe that their biggest challenge is not inventing anything but just define and express the beauty of the land where they live.
Behind every glass of wine there is an expression, expression of terroir, varietal, the varietal is for them everything, indigenous, they speak of the land and, last but not least, passion for what they do. Simply as that.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Michael Godel
Not just amazing but actual, verifiable and absolute truth spoken by way of transparent and clemently honest nebbiolo. Reddest of the cherry red varietal wines, not Barolo because it’s almost too perfectly what it purports to be, without aggression, grip or grandeur. If anyone should find austerity in the tannins or any part of this nebbiolo then something is amiss. For pure drinking pleasure with the grape’s natural acidity in full tact and attack, look no further than this rosy beauty by Réva. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted May 2022.
- Red Wine
- Merlot
- Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Grains d'Estuaire
Julien Bonneau, (Château Haut Grelot in the Blayais), and his friend Alexandre Lavigne, restaurateur in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, created in 2014 a range of wines, Grains d'Estuaire, from 'a 10 ha vineyard located in Saint-Bonnet-sur-Gironde, in the south of Charente-Maritime.
- Red Wine
- Listán Negro
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Viñátigo
Juan Jesús is a proud native of Tenerife and the fourth generation of growers. During the thirty years that he's overseen Bodegas Viñátigo, he has considerably increased its holdings, planting varieties that he and his team recuperated from near extinction.
Driven by passion and love for his homeland, Juan decided to revive and work to save the native grape varieties that were brought to the Canary Islands by the conquers back in the 15th century and that had survived on the islands for centuries. He is a hero of contemporary Canarian viticulture. The wealth of knowledge that his work has created has helped underpin the significant expansion of wine styles that are now available throughout the archipelago, and his wines have achieved a calibre of class that many doubted the Canaries would ever produce again. (The Epic Wines of the Canary Islands, written by Santo Bains).
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
From pre-phylloxera vines grown at high altitude in volcanic soils, this is a mid-weight, quite smooth red with a generous nose that reminded me of smoke and tar, with wild chokecherry, pomegranate fruit and herbs. Flavours are a bit unusual and sour-edged yet the texture and tension are smooth and appealing. Tannins are quite mild; the length is excellent. Tasted December 2020.
91 points - Michael Godel
The volcanic midlands of Tenerife’s northwest section is THE place on the Canary Islands for growing and producing the highest quality of listán negro. The fourth and fifth generations of Juan Jesús’ family are the custodians of these pre-phylloxera vines at 500-1000m and the wines they gift. Just a kiss of oak does little to adulterate the precocious sentimentality and unknowable delight for a wine that you warm up to without knowing how or why. By now and with the 2019 vintage this unique red has come into its own at a perfect knife’s edge volatility and discreet if sumptuous behaviour. A must try and twice, each year for the next three to six. Drink 2020-2025. Tasted December 2020.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.60% alc./vol
About the Winery
The Farm
“The Farm” is a 10-acre vineyard in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, planted to Pinot Noir. The Neudorf vineyard was originally planted with Pinot Noir in 2000 for Le Clos Jordanne and aptly named “La Petite Colline”, meaning “little hill”, a nod to the gentle slopes that permeate the plot.
The property is rooted in traditions of gathering family & friends, and where Peter and Dora Neudorf call home .
The cellar door opens once a year for guests to taste new releases, and enjoy live music and local food.