We are thrilled to have two NEW small lot releases this month from a couple of our favourite producers: Toscana’s Selvapiana, and Hemel-en-Aarde’s Restless River.
Read below for more details about these new releases, along with the LCBO links to purchase. *Please note licensees receive 10% off retail prices below.
Selvapiana Vigneto Erchi Riserva Chianti Rufina 2017
In Medieval times, Selvapiana was one of the watch towers along the river Sieve built to protect the city of Florence on the North-East border. During the Renaissance, the building was enlarged and transformed into a villa suitable as a summer residence for noble Florentine families, and the bishops of Florence. In 1827, Selvapiana was acquired by Michele Giuntini, a successful banker and ancestor of Francesco Giuntini, the present owner and fifth generation to run the property from 1957 through to 1997. The vines are certified organic. Winemaker Federico Giuntini grew up at Selvapiana. His father was the estate manager from 1950 to 1990. He always wanted to work at the estate. Francesco Giuntini, owner of Selvapiana, never married, and always considered Federico and his sister like family. In 1994 Francesco legally adopted them, continuing the family tradition at the estate. The Erchi farm was purchased in 1998, in the municipality of Pontassieve, and was planted to Sangiovese in 1999 with cuttings from their Bucerchiale vineyard.
“Wow. What glorious aromas of pure fruit with black cherries and currants. Really floral, too. Orange peel and tangerines. Full-bodied with really focused, polished tannins that coat your mouth, yet remain fine and beautiful. Goes on for minutes. Drinkable now, but much better in 2023 when it will have softened and come together. This will evolve through to 2032+” 95 points, jamessuckling.com
Read more about Selvapiana here.
*Photo above with Federico Giuntini taken during Bernard‘s visit to the winery in August 2023.
Appellation : DOCG Chianti Rufino Riserva
Region : Toscana
Country : Italy
Grape(s) : Sangiovese
Price : $82
LCBO : 25349
Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2020
Restless River is a small, but mighty, family-owned winery in the cool Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Hundreds of years ago, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley was known as Attacquas Kloof. In 1760 the elder, Wessel Wessels arrived with his family and set up home. Some historians say it was Wessel who called the valley ‘Hemel-en-Aarde’. What is known for sure is that old man Wessels was the first European of settler descent to live in and farm the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Fast forward a few hundred years, when husband and wife Craig and Anne Wessels started planting part of the farm in 2004, launching the Restless River label in 2012 to continual critical acclaim. The farm has some of the oldest Cabernet sauvignon and Chardonnay in the Hemel-en-Aarde, with vines first planted in 1999. This Chardonnay bears the name of its single 2.06 hectare vineyard, named after their daughter. The slopes are south and east facing, with shallow top soils with iron-rich rocks and sandy gravels over decomposed granite clays. This was whole bunch pressed, settled overnight, and then native fermented into various sized French barrels (5% new) as well as two terracotta amphora, from Tuscany. Post ferment, this rested on lees for 11 months prior to moving to stainless for a 3 month tightening stint prior to bottling. Once in bottle, this rested for 18 months prior to release.
“Back at the top of its game in 2020, Ava Marie fully deserves its reputation as one of the Cape’s top Chardonnays. Fermented in a combination of 10% new barrels, stainless steel and amphoras, it’s a white that’s structured, intense, focused and beautifully balanced, with stony minerality, subtle oak and notes of aniseed, camomile, lemon and lime. Drink date: 2023-2030.” 96 points, Tim Atkin, MW
Read more about Restless River here.
Appellation : WO Hemel-en-Aarde
Region : Western Cape
Country : South Africa
Grape(s) : Chardonnay
Price : $60
LCBO : 30017
Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.
Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
Le Sommelier is a Good Food Fighter.
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