our catalogue
Transcription
our catalogue
astrum wine cellars wine list October 2016 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com October 2016 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrum winecellars.com www.astrum winecellars.com 03 Price List October 2016 INTRODUCTION From a small unit in South London back in 1998 Astrum Wine Cellars is today widely recognised as one of the most quality oriented and innovative suppliers of fine wines and spirits to some of the most renowned hotels and restaurants around the country and to a number of highly respected retailers and independent wine merchants right across the UK. From the beginning, our work has been driven by passion and a firm set of rules. These include never importing anything that we wouldn't be happy to drink ourselves and use, as much as popssible, our own driver to fulfil deliveries. Our flexible approach means we are able to deliver free of charge in Central London within 24 hours of ordering (and between 48 to 72 hours for the rest of the UK). We also believe that our work should often take us off the beaten track. We were among the very first wine merchants to believe that Alto Adige produces some of the best white wines the world has to offer and that the DOC areas of Northern Piedmont deserve to be widely appreciated for their refined and superb Nebbiolo based wines. We firmly believe that Italian cooperatives can provide the greatest value and above all quality and we are proving this as the UK's agents for Cantina Terlano and Produttori del Barbaresco. We are also particularly proud of our Central and Eastern European selection with star producers from Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Hungary while our Spanish selection today includes some superb examples of what this great land has to offer. As we find it hard to stand still, our catalogue is always changing and expanding. New additions include the exquisitely crafted wines of Ronco del Gelso from Friuli, the fascinating Trento DOC sparkling wines from Cesarini Sforza Friulian wines of Ronchi di Cialla, the refined and wonderfully aromatic Ruché from Monferrato in Piedmont. Unit 7 - Falcon Business Centre Willow Lane Industrial Estate 14 Wandle Way Mitcham Surrey CR4 4FG Tel Fax Email Web 020 3328 4620 020 3328 4625 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com THE ASTRUM TEAM Bruno Besa Managing Director Stefano Benato Finance Director Max Folli Sales Director Mark Perna Marketing Director Not to miss is our excellent and ever-growing selection of products as part of the Astrum Bar range. It now warrants a catalogue unto itself so I won't give too much away here but we have truly unique range of artisinal vermouths, liqueurs and spirits that are making a serious impression on the London bar scene. Marco Michieletti General Manager Finally we wish to take the opportunity to thank all of our clients for their continued support and we trust that you'll find our website and catalogue useful to better explore our offerings. Francesca Cioce Sales Executive Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to know more about our range and services. Jim Thompson Sales Executive Bruno Besa Managing Director Thomas White Marketing and Sales Support Manager Martino Ossena Office and Warehouse Assistant Marcelo Baio Pedro Morais Decio Agrela Daniel Vieira +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com Warehouse Manager Delivery Driver Delivery Driver Delivery Driver 04 Table of Contents October 2016 Product Ranges 5 AUSTRALIA 8 Clare Valley Adelina NEW AUSTRIA 9 10 Burgenland Weninger (Austria) Neusiedlersee Tschida Thermenregion Johanneshof Reinisch Traisental Huber Weinviertel Pfaffl 11 12 13 14 15 FRANCE 16 Bordeaux Vignobles Silvestrini Chablis La Chablisienne Champagne Champagne Desbordes-Amiaud 17 18 19 GERMANY 20 Pfalz Rebholz 21 HUNGARY 22 Somlo Tornai Pincészet Sopron / Balf Weninger (Hungary) 23 24 ITALY 25 Abruzzo Caldora Cataldi Madonna Campania Galardi-Terra di Lavoro Lapilli Nanni Cope' Pietracupa Selvanova Friuli Venezia-Giulia Di Lenardo Miani / Croatto Ronchi di Cialla Ronco del Gelso +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com 26 27 NEW NEW 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Ronco del Gnemiz Russolo Lazio Sergio Mottura Liguria Cantina Cinque Terre Lombardia Selva Capuzza Marche Sartarelli Piemonte Borgogno Ettore Germano Ferrando Francesco Rinaldi Montalbera Paolo Saracco Produttori del Barbaresco Produttori del Carema Produttori del Gavi Travaglini Sardegna Contini Sicilia Benanti Cantine Cellaro Centopassi Solidea Toscana Caparzo Cesani Podere Sapaio Principe Corsini Salcheto Tenuta Marsiliana Trentino Alto-Adige Abbazia di Novacella Cantina Andriano Cantina Terlano Cesarini Sforza Ignaz Niedrist Umbria Adanti Veneto Adami Le Salette Serafini & Vidotto 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 NEW 64 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 NEW ZEALAND 74 Marlborough, Central Otago Black Cottage 75 SLOVENIA 76 Ormoz Verus 77 www.astrumwinecellars.com SOUTH AFRICA 78 Northern Paarl Scali 79 SPAIN 80 Priorat Prior Pons Rias Baixas Lagar de Costa 82 Terms and Conditions 83 81 05 Product Ranges October 2016 VALUE RANGE +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size VI0114 Prosecco Spumante Sparkling Wine 11.0% Cork NV 6x0.75lt VI0515 Trebbiano Rubicone White Wine 12.0% Screw Cap 2015 6x0.75lt VI0215 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie White Wine 12.0% Screw Cap 2015 6x0.75lt VI0615 Sangiovese Rubicone Red Wine 12.0% Screw Cap 2015 6x0.75lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size MZ0215 Fiano White Wine 13.5% Screw Cap 2015 6x0.75lt MZ0414 Nero d'Avola Sicilia Red Wine 13.0% Screw Cap 2014 6x0.75lt MZ0514 Primitivo Puglia Red Wine 13.0% Screw Cap 2014 6x0.75lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size OR0115 Malvasia-Chardonnay White Wine 12.0% Screw Cap 2015 12x0.75lt OR0415 Sangiovese Merlot Red Wine 12.5% Screw Cap 2015 12x0.75lt www.astrumwinecellars.com 06 Product Ranges October 2016 Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size PV0114 Chianti Red Wine 13.0% Cork 2014 12x0.75lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size GP0115 Gran Passione Rosso IGT Red Wine 14.0% Natural Cork 2015 6x0.75lt GP0215 Gran Passione Rosso IGT - Magnum Red Wine 14.0% Natural Cork 2015 1x1.5lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size GP0515 Verso Rosso IGT Red Wine 14.0% Natural Cork 2015 6x0.75lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size LB0115 Terre Siciliane Bianco White Wine\nOrganic 12.5% Tap/Spout 2015 1x5lt LB0215 Terre Siciliane Rosso Red Wine\nOrganic 13.0% Tap/Spout 2015 1x5lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size RO0115 Roseline Sauvignon Blanc White Wine 13.0% Screw Cap 2015 6x0.75lt Red Wine 14.0% Natural Cork 2014 6x0.75lt RO0314 Roseline Cabernet Sauvignon +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 07 Product Ranges +44 20 3328 4620 October 2016 info@astrumwinecellars.com Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size GP0811 Primitivo di Manduria DOC Riserva 'Magnifico Rosso Fuoco' Red Wine 14.5% Natural Cork 2011 6x0.75lt Code Title Type Alcohol Closure Vintage Case size VV0115 Piemonte D.O.C. Cortese White Wine 11.5% Tap/Spout 2015 1x10lt VV0214 Piemonte D.O.C Barbera Red Wine 12.0% Tap/Spout 2014 1x10lt www.astrumwinecellars.com 08 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 AUSTRALIA Deemed to be the New World’s most successful producer of wine, it was only a matter of time before we made a foray into Australia’s wealth of potential for world class wines. The extraordinary increase in exports at the turn of the century secured Australia’s place as a producer of large volumes at excellent price-points, but the terroir-driven, smaller wineries have grappled to steal time in the limelight from these larger corporations. This is precisely what we were biding our time to tap into, and we have found a spectacular producer from Clare Valley as our first Australian agency. Adelina is one of the fantastic smaller wineries that reflect the Australian wine industry’s desire to offer a wider array of grape varieties, including Italian varieties such as Arneis and Nebbiolo, which are showing real promise in certain pockets of the country. Australian wine producers benefits enormously from their considerable ‘free reign’ when it comes to the regulations on viticulture and vinification restrictions, even if water availability and irrigation costs limit them from a geographical point of view. The scope for further potential in terms of the undiscovered suitability of different grapes and the undiscovered corners of this vast country is incredibly exciting. Australia has, as Jancis Robinson notes, ‘remarkable geological and climatic diversity which can deliver as broad a spectrum of aromas and flavours as anywhere else in the wine-producing world’. She adds that ‘it comes as no surprise therefore, that small-volume, terroir-focussed wines are increasingly championed’. Adelina embodies exactly this. Clare Valley is a relatively small wine-making region but its geographic size has had no impact on the quality of wines it produces. Famed for its picturesque hill-top vineyards, diurnal temperature shifts and great soil variation, Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine producing areas with production dating back to the early 19th Century. The long, warm summer days coupled with cool nights ensure that the grapes grown in Clare Valley develop a great depth of flavour giving the resulting wines crisp acidity and impressive structure. Whilst the Riesling’s from this small region have made a name for themselves across the world, other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are not to be overlooked. Italian varieties like Arneis and Nebbiolo are also proving to be well-suited to this unique and world-class growing environment. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 09 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 ADELINA Clare Valley, Australia We have been looking for an Australian producer to add to our portfolio for a while now and our patience has paid off. The minimal intervention wines from Clare Valley producer Adelina are show-stoppers. The unique conditions in Clare Valley make it a formidable grapegrowing region; the diurnal temperatures and ‘terra rossa’ soils have helped this region in Southern Australia to gain an international reputation. Adelina, established in late 2002, is a small vineyard and winery found in the Springfarm subregion of Clare annd their vines are set amongst one of the most historically relevant vineyards in Australia. Colin and Jennie, the partnership behind the wines, boast a mix of well-established 85+ year old Shiraz, Grenache, a smattering of Pedro Ximenes, along with young Shiraz and Mataro. Colin and Jennie cultivate their vines with organic and biodynamic principles: “It's all pretty simple really, winemaking artifact is minimal, we aspire to show an expression of the vineyard so try not to muscle in too much with heavy handed-ness in the winery”. In the winery, the team draw on French techniques with natural ferments, foudres and longer maceration periods. The soils at Adelina are quite varied. The Grenache is set on a grey sandy loam, on a clay base, this profile extends into a red sand, with lime and a small amount of sandstone where the established Shiraz is grown. The Adelina labelling is quite stunning and the perfect match to the beautiful wines that are ready to be poured from therein. We are very excited to roll these wines out as the newest additions to our portfolio. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size AL0215 Arneis 'Eternal Return' 2015 14.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt AL0116 Riesling - Watervale 2016 11.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt AL0314 Shiraz Mataro 2014 14.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt AL0514 Grenache 'Estate' 2014 14.6% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt AL0413 Nebbiolo 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 10 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 AUSTRIA Austria ranks today amongst the greatest dry and sweet white wine producing countries in the world, and its idiosyncratic reds made from little known native varieties have gathered a bevy of admirers too. At a latitude of 47 to 48 degrees north, Austria has a continental climate with extreme variations in winter and summer temperatures. Local geographical features affect these variations, such as the River Danube (known here as the Donau) which helps to moderate temperatures. Lake Neusiedl in the far east of Austria has a similar influence, and its unique microclimate allows for copious amounts of noble rot to form almost every year, with which some of the world’s greatest sweet wines are made. The warmer climes of the Pannonian Plain, which extends into Hungary, assists in the production of quality red wines. Not surprisingly, Austria’s appellation system is similar to Germany's. Wine quality levels are based on the must weight (sugar level) of grapes. New laws in 1985 curbed yields and imposed higher levels of ripeness for each wine category. Austria also has its own specialties: Ausbruch is a sweet wine somewhere between beerenauslese and trockenbeerenauslese and typical of the area in and around Rust, Strohwein is also a sweet wines made from air-dried grapes, and 'Trocken' (meaning dry in German) which have become fashionable. Quality-conscious producers from the highly regarded region of Wachau have also created their own individual wine styles: Steinfeder (light, fragrant dry wines), Federspiel (fruity, elegant wines comparable to German Kabinett) and Smaragd (high quality wines not unlike dry Spätlese). Austrian dessert wines are some of the richest and the best in the world. The most uniquely Austrian variety is Grüner Veltliner, the most widely planted white grape variety, used to make both dry and sweet wines. The most common are high acid, spicy, mineral dry wines which are food-friendly and ageworthy. Another abundant variety is Welschriesling, usually made in a refreshing style with aromas of green apple, but can give concentrated, thick dessert wines. World class Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) produces a refined, mineral-rich wine from shell-limestone soils, while Grauburgunder (previously called Ruländer in Austria, it is better known as Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio) elegantly combines freshness with weight and body. Likewise, Chardonnay (also called Morillon), Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc (especially) produce world class wines. Among the red varieties, most famous are the indigenous Blauer Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St.Laurent, but excellent reds are made from Roter Veltliner, Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) and the little known spicy Schilcher Rosé as well. Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) is the biggest Austrian wine region, but wines from Burgenland, Steiermark (Styria) and Wien are increasingly sought after nowadays. There are eight specific wine growing areas in Niederosterreich, of which Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Weinviertel, and Wachau are best known. The Carnuntum and Thermenregion areas south and east of Wien enjoy a warmer microclimate and this is where some of Austria’s most exciting reds are made today. In general, the country’s best reds come from its far-eastern vineyards, which experience maximum sunlight and warmth due to warm winds from the Pannonian Plain. Steiermark produces one of the world’s best Sauvignon Blancs, but excellent aromatic white wines and Gelber Muskateller (White Muscat) too. Wien, the wines of which were once previously known only as simple everyday “heuriger” (or tavern) wines, have improved considerably and enjoy cult status in Austria and abroad. From wines that are relatively inexpensive, to those more sought after and costly, from dry and crisp to rich and sweet, Austria has something for every palate. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 11 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 WENINGER (AUSTRIA) Burgenland, Austria www.weninger.com Franz Weninger is considered one of the pioneers of quality wine growing in Austria. His approach to viticulture and winemaking is based on allowing the vines to find and reach their natural balance. Therefore, converting over to a bio-dynamic production method was a logical step toward’s Weninger’s goal to coming closer to nature and improving his wine "Franz Reinhard Weninger is an outstanding producer" Decanter, June 2013 quality. "Weninger is the only grower in Austria, Hungary or Slovenia who is considered by wine lovers of two nationalities to be among their top elite wine growers" David Schildknecht Code Today Franz owns 30 hectares of vineyards in and around Horitschon: most of them have been planted with Blaufränkisch, Merlot, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir. Some of the Blaufränkisch vines from the Hockäcker and Dürrau sites are up to 80 years old. Weninger’s red wines are characterized by a wonderfully integrated use of oak and satiny tannins (over the years, the estate has moved away from French oak barriques to larger Slavonian oak casks). Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size WE0115 Blaufränkisch 'Horitschoner' 2015 12.5% Diam 6X0.75lt WE0213 Blaufränkisch 'Hochäcker' 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt WE0913 Blaufränkisch 'Kirchholz Alte Reben' 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt WE1013 Blaufränkisch 'Kalkofen' 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 12 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 TSCHIDA Neusiedlersee, Austria www.angerhof-tschida.at Hans Tschida is a "stay at home" winemaker, who greatly enjoys tending to his 25 hectares of vineyards in the quaint winemaking town of Illmitz on the right bank of Neusiedlersee. It is a place that seems to have been created to produce great sweet wines, with foggy autumn mornings giving way to dry sunny afternoons, producing perfect conditions for the development of noble rot (botrytis cinerea). He produces a full range of wines, right up to the luscious delights of very sweet wines like the Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), for which he is perhaps most famous. At the 2013 International Wine Challenge (IWC) his hard work and commitment to absolute quality was fully recognised with 19 mendals and 5 Trophies including Dessert Wine of the Year and Sweet Winemaker of the Year. The IWC also named him “Sweet winemaker of the year” for the fourth year in a row. “…Tschida has excelled with a series of exquisite sweet wines that showcase the pedigree of the Burgenland region of Austria.” Charles Metcalfe, IWC Awards Dinner, Sept. 2012 “Along with Kracher, Hans Tschida is the most important producer of Austrian sweet wines today”. Luzia Schrampf, Der Standard Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size HT0515 Cuvée Auslese 2015 8.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HT0115 Muskat Ottonel Auslese 2015 8.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HT0213 Sauvignon Blanc Beerenauslese-Half Bottle 2013 9.5% Natural Cork 6X0.375lt HT0307 Sämling Trockenbeerenauslese-Half Bottle 2007 9.0% Natural Cork 6X0.375lt Dessert Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 13 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 JOHANNESHOF REINISCH Thermenregion, Austria www.j-r.at We can easily remember the day we tasted Reinisch’s wines for the first time at ProWein a few years back; the selection of white, reds and sweet wines were outstanding, and it was extremely difficult to choose which to represent at Astrum. “The leading grower of the Thermenregion producing a wide range of excellent red and white wines, including of course, three beautifully aromatic wines from the local (white) Rotgipfler variety, and one of the best Pinot Noir’s from Austria.” Frank The estate is located in the town of Tattendorf, in the Thermenregion wine-growing area in Lower Austria. The region acquired its name, in part, from geothermal hot springs that flow under the vineyards, contributing to favorable wine growing conditions for finicky varieties. Now in its fourth generation of winemakers, the estate is run by Johann Reinisch's three sons: Hannes, Michael and Christian. With a 2,000 year legacy of wine growing in the region, the Reinischs maintain traditions with vineyards planted with 65 % red and 35 % white vines. The winery is best known for their excellent Pinot Noir and St. Laurent grown in vineyards from both the stony, alluvial gravel soils of Tattendorf (rich in both chalk and lime) near the winery and the elevated, nutrient rich soils of Gumpoldskirchen. Local grape varieties and traditions Smulders MW are hugely important here as the family has its own vine nursery; the indigenous grape varieties Rotgipfler and Zierfandler are cultivated in their Gumpoldskirchen vineyards, for example. Across the globe, there are roughly only 100 hectares (247 acres) remaining of these two indigenous white varieties, making the Reinisch’s offerings an unusual and unique glimpse into Austria’s wine roots. The Reinisch family farms organically and takes its thoughtful approach from vineyard to cellar to bottle. Their Pinot Noir matches splendidly with poultry and duck dishes as well as mushroom pastas whereas the densely structured built refined St.Laurent is particularly stunning with roast pork or veal. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size JR0115 Gumpoldskirchner Tradition 2015 12.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt JR0215 Rotgipfler 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt JR0514 Zweigelt 2014 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt JR0614 Pinot Noir 2014 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt JR0814 St. Laurent 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt JR1609 Pinot Noir Holzspur Grande Reserve 2009 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt JR1712 St. Laurent Holzspur Grande Reserve 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt JR2115 Rotgipfler Auslese 2015 7.5% Screw Cap 6X0.375lt JR1015 Merlot Eiswein-Half Bottle 2015 7.0% Natural Cork 6X0.375lt White Wine Red Wine Dessert Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 14 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 HUBER Traisental, Austria www.weingut-huber.at The Huber family has winemaking roots dating back more than 220 years. Today the winery in Reichersdorf is in its 10th generation and is run by Markus Huber. His outstanding ability to manage the winery with sensitivity and consistency, both in the vineyards and the cellars, has ensured that in a very short space of time he has established Huber wines as an "… increased reliance on spontaneous fermentation seems to have been a key factor in generating a new level of elegance and complexity”, David internationally acclaimed, leading producer of the region. Schildknecht, the Wine Advocate, Oct In no other Austrian wine-producing area does Grüner Veltliner represent such a large proportion of territory: cultivated in 63% of the Traisental´s vineyards, Grüner Veltliner is unquestionably number one here. However, Riesling too is a specialty of the Traisental. 2012 “A young talent, Markus Huber creates white wines that are fresh and linear, helped out in this by the cool winds that blow down into his vineyards from the Alps. His colleagues and coworkers look up to him, and today he is the President of the Traisental Appellation”. The vines are mainly planted on terraces – some of them quite minuscule – comprised of dry and very limy gravel soils. They give the wines a very individual profile: a strong body and a solid backbone. Minerals provide flavour and support the acidity structure, which helps boost the longevity of the wines. Pannonian influences paired with the cool air from the Alps result in warm days and cool nights - special climatic factors that led to the development of very fine aromas and a spicy finesse that really characterise the Grüner Veltliners made here. Additionally, the nearby Danube River plays a temperature-regulating role. Huber’s Riesling Engelreich (made from an especially rocky, southeastern exposed conglomerate site between Reichersdorf and Inzersdorf) is characterised by delicate aromas and flavors of white peach and apricot blossom, framed by very high but fine-boned acidity, while the Grüner Veltliner Steigen is full of subtle apple and dried pear notes on the nose and palate, with complicating notes of fresh tobacco, pepper and fennel. It’s a very elegant wine. Christian Bauer, Wein & Markt magazine We are very pleased to represent these classically crafted wines that are ageworthy and above all great value. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size HU0115 Grüner Veltliner 'Terrassen' 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HU1015 Riesling 'Terrassen' 2015 12.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HU0215 Grüner Veltliner 'Obere Steigen' 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HU0515 Sauvignon Blanc 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HU0314 Riesling Engelsberg 2014 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt HU0614 Grüner Veltliner 'Alte Setzen' Erste Lage 2014 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt Zweigelt Rosé 2015 11.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt White Wine Rosé Wine HU0715 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 15 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PFAFFL Weinviertel, Austria www.pfaffl.at The family estate in the Southern Weinviertel region belongs to one of the most well recognised names in the Austrian wine business. Siblings Roman Josef Pfaffl and Heidemarie Fischer and their parents Adelheid and Roman Pfaffl are still deeply rooted in their homeland. Together they carry the best of the Weinviertel out into the world. Today, the family cultivates nearly 170 acres of vineyards, which are embedded like islands in the landscape and spread over 11 municipalities in the Weinviertel region and also around the capital Vienna. The Pfaffl wines are very well known and appreciated both nationally and internationally, being exported in to more than 20 countries. Step by step the new generation is taking over the reins, but always keeping the family philosophy in mind: “The quality grows in the vineyard”. Grüner Veltliner is the most beloved grape variety of the Pfaffl family. They produce wines from it in a range of styles, from fresh and fruity to opulent and complex, but the never lose the peppery spice quality typically (and usually) associated with Grüner Veltliner. The Hundsleiten bottling is usually the one that requires the longest aging to fully show its very complex aromas and flavours. “Roman Pfaffl founded and created the first Austrian Appellation roughly eight years ago by uniting together local producers of Grüner Veltliner in Weinviertel. His twenty year old son produces, just a few minutes north of Wien, light and excellent wines that are crisp and fresh and never follow the fashions but remain true to the house style”. Christian Bauer, Wein & Markt magazine. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size PF1515 Wien.1 2015 11.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt PF0115 Grüner Veltliner Haidviertel 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt Wien.2 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine PF1615 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 16 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 FRANCE France is arguably the world's most important wine-producing country. For centuries it has produced wine in greater quantity, and many would suggest greater quality, than any other country on earth. Wine is historically engrained in French culture at almost every level of society despite consumer preferences changing over the centuries. It is down to the wide variety of wines and styles historically available from France that has ensured its legions of admirers: red, white, rosé, sweet, dry, sparkling, opulent, austere, fruity or mineral-scented, French wines are the standard by which others are judged. For example, Chablis produces the world’s best example of crisp, minerally Chardonnay, Champagne makes the most complex sparkling wines, and Burgundy the world’s greatest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Other countries produce excellent wines from these particular varieties, and differences are fascinating to compare, but France still leads the way. The diversity of French wine is due, in part, to the country's wide range of climates and soils. Champagne, France's most northerly region, has one of the coolest climates in the winegrowing world - a stark contrast to the warm, dry Rhone Valley 350 miles (560km) away in the south-east. Bordeaux, in the south-west, has a maritime climate heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean to its west and the various rivers which wind their way between its vineyards. Far from any oceanic influence, eastern regions such as Burgundy and Alsace have a continental climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters. In France's deep south, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon enjoy a definitively Mediterranean climate characterised by hot summers and relatively mild winters. Geology and topography play an equally important part in the diversity of French wine: indeed the concept of terroir was born in France. The country's large number of internationally recognised wine regions and sub-regions reflects its wide range of soil types, and the landscapes which created them. From the granite hills of Beaujolais to the famous chalky slopes of Chablis and the Loire, the sites in which France's vineyards are planted are considered of vital importance, and are at the heart of the terroir concept. A region's terroir inadvertently dictates the grape varieties used to produce its traditional wines, as vignerons always grew whatever was best suited to the local soils and climate from the range of varieties available to them. Thus, the relationship between French wine regions and their key grape varieties evolved naturally over a long period time: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are closely associated with Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Bordeaux, Viognier, Grenache and Syrah with the Rhone, Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc with the Loire, and so forth. France's appellation system was created in the early twentieth century and has since been imitated in many countries around the world. These laws define each wine region and its boundaries, impose strict rules around winemaking practices and protect the names of French wines, guaranteeing quality and provenance of the wines. For the most part, these geographic divisions really do tell you something about wine quality, something that is not true of most other wine producing areas in the world. For example, though the talent and hard work of individual vignerons is key in guaranteeing a wine of quality, a well made wine from Grand Cru sites within Musigny or Gevrey-Chambertin will be of a better quality level (most of the time) than those made from a Villages appellation. Still today, France is viewed as the source of the world’s greatest wines, and the good thing is that these are available in a range of prices and styles that will fit everyone’s needs and desires. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 17 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 VIGNOBLES SILVESTRINI Bordeaux, France www.vente-vin-bordeaux.com Developing their family business over three generations, it has been an exciting journey for the Silvestrini family in Bordeaux since Aurélien and Régine’s original purchase of the onehectare vineyard. From that courageous beginning, the winery now comprises 35 hectares in total and three of the most prestigious appellations of the Libournais: Lussac-St-Émilion (28 hectares), Montagne-Saint-Émilion (5.5 hectares) and Pomerol (1.2 hecatres). After Aurélien and Régine, each subsequent generation has played its part in this success story. In 1982, Aurélien and Régine’s son Max gave up his career in industry having graduated in chemical engineering to join the family business with his wife Liliane. Their contribution has been a fundamental and continual updating and improvement of the cellars, winemaking techniques and subsequent wine quality. Since 2005, the most recent generation, Jérôme and Sabine, aim to combine traditional and modern techniques to achieve an inextricable balance to the finished wines. They particularly concentrate on monitoring the growing cycle of the vines in order to maintain, anticipate and quality-check the yields and grapes, and this is followed by a plot by plot harvest designed to ensure optimal ripeness of their fruit. The grapes then begin a long maceration, and during the fermentation process the temperature is strictly controlled and tastings take place at frequent intervals. The wine is then subtly blended, aged and finally comes to life and although Vignobles Silvestrini’s vineyards are based in the hottest, driest part of Bordeaux, the climate is temperate and oceanic and assists in the formation of these stunning wines. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size VG0111 Lussac-Saint-Émilion 'Château Chéreau' 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VG0209 Lussac-Saint-Émilion 'L'Egérie du Château Chéreau' 2009 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VG0311 Pomerol 'Domaine de la Pointe' 2011 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 18 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 LA CHABLISIENNE Chablis, France www.chablisienne.com Ever since its founding in 1923, the co-operative La Chablisienne has been at the vanguard of the modern co-operative movement and has challenged the assumption that big (250,000 bottles/year) cannot be beautiful. Over the years, La Chablisienne has given birth to a series of wonderful, ageworthy wines that have positioned it at the top of the cooperative wine quality hierarchy; indeed, there are fewer cooperatives anywhere that make better wines than La Chablisienne. (Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2008) "White fruit, sea shell and iodine aromas precede the rich, full and very classy mediumbodied flavors that are perhaps a bit less precise but more generous, all wrapped in a strikingly long and harmonious finish. This is really a lovely wine and worth your attention." 94 Another ace up La Chablisienne’s sleeve is the mosaic of climates, or vineyard plots, making it one of the few sources from which wine lovers can truly taste the differences between the various premier cru and Grand Cru sites of Chablis. The wines are made from a single grape variety, Chardonnay, and so differences between the wines express terroir diversity. The unique soils and microclimates of Chablis prove the right place for Chardonnay, where the most mineral examples of such wines are produced, wines of superb finesse unmatched by any other Chardonnay in the world. La Chablisienne’s range of Chablis offerings runs the gamut from, from Petit Chablis (the 2009 Petit Chablis won a silver medal at the 2011 World Chardonnay Contest) to Grand Crus, and the quality is consistently outstanding. They have established themselves as the benchmark for Chablis producers and the bar continues to be raised: we are delighted to be appointed as one of their UK distributors. points, Allen Meadows Burghound Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CH0113 Chablis La Pierrelée 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt CH0213 Chablis 1er cru Côte de Léchet 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt CH03011 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2011 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 19 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CHAMPAGNE DESBORDES-AMIAUD Champagne, France Champagne Desbordes-Amiaud has been exclusively family-run since the women of the family founded the business in 1935, and today it’s Marie-Christine’s daughter Elodie, who manages the estate. From budburst to the champagne flute, the complete production of the Desbordes-Amiaud champagne takes place on the estate, using only traditional methods. Implementing these traditional methods throughout the year, means that Elodie can guarantee a constant high quality of product and expression of terroir in keeping with Grower Champagne characteristics, despite vintage variation in weather. The taste of the terroir and the quality-driven production process is the central focus right from the berry to the bubbles in the glass. “The beautiful golden colour gives this champagne an immediate charm. The aromatic palate brings together yellow flowers and candied fruits. It is, however, the elegance of its structure that really grips your attention, displaying impeccable balance and uniting freshness with fullness. Great length is also present.” ** (Two Stars) The Hachette Wine Guide – (Le Guide Hachette des Vins) “The core of this wine is charged with refined aromas of brioche and yellow-fleshed fruits. It has a captivating intensity that delights the taste buds. There is also beautiful length and it should be enjoyed alongside the meal at any special occasion.” Gault & Millau 15.5/20 Code The estate is located near to the village of Reims at the edge of Montagne de Reims and consists of 9 hectares mainly in the Premier Cru vineyard, Ecueil. Pinot Noir is excellently adapted for this particular terroir and area of Champagne, producing a champagne which is fuller-bodied, more powerful, robust, rounded and beautifully long on the finish. All the Champagne Desbordes-Amiaud blends are predominantly made with Pinot Noir Premier Cru grapes and aged for several years in the family’s cellars. They work perfectly both as an aperitif and as an accompaniment to meals, with their aromatic complexity and excellent acidity pairing well with food. The cuvées are regularly commended by critics and Wine Guides and particular praise is given to the ‘savoir faire’ of the female direction at this excellent winery. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Premier Cru Tradition NV 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Champagne DA0114 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 20 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 GERMANY Germany is the eighth largest wine-producing country in the world, and white wine accounts for almost two thirds of the total production. Many experts believe that Germany is the home of the world’s greatest white wines and much of the merit must, of cours,e go to Riesling, as the only grape variety that excels both as a dry wine and a sweet, late harvest wine. This is a far cry from only 20 or 30 years ago, when German wines had at best, a mixed reputation internationally, with consumers often associating Germany with cheap, mass-market, semisweet wines such as Liebfraumilch. On the contrary, Germany has long made fine wines dating back to ancient Roman Times (20 A.D.). Primarily a white wine country, where Riesling is the most common grape planted, there are also significant vineyards of Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder), Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder), Sylvaner, Kerner, Gewürztraminer amongst others. Mostly fuelled by domestic demand, r ed wine production has surged since the 1990s and early 2000s, now accounting for roughly 33% of the total surface area under vine. Red wines are most often made with Spätburgunder, the local name for Pinot Noir, and Dornfelder. It has always been hard to produce red wine in the cold, German climate, and in the past was usually closer to rosé in colour. German wine is predominantly produced in the west of the country, along the river Rhine and its tributaries. The best known wine production areas are the Mosel, Saar, the Rheingau and the Pfalz, although there are still fabulous producers based elsewhere. The Rheingau is the home of many wonderful noble castles that have long enjoyed a reputation for some of Germany’s best wines. Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of German wines is their high acidity levels, caused by both the weaker ripening in a northerly climate and by the ability of Riesling to retain acidity even at high ripeness levels. The wines are usually unoaked and low in alcohol (12.5% is common) though some areas like the Rheingau and the Pfalz, have warmer microclimates and can produce slightly richer wines. Traditionally, German wine has always been slightly sweet, even the Kabinett wines, which are the entry level quality of the “mit predikat” system (with predicate or certification, meaning the wine is certified to have reached a minimum sweetness level and therefore ripeness). Recently, however, much more German white wine is being made in the dry or trocken style again. Most exports are still of sweet wines, particularly to traditional export markets such as Great Britain, which remains the leading export market both in terms of volume and value. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 21 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 REBHOLZ Pfalz, Germany www.oekonomierat-rebholz.de Rebholz has 350 years of tradition in winemaking (the estate has been organically farmed since 2005 and now employs biodynamic techniques) and has always steered clear of fads and fashions. "These are classic Rieslings..." Stephen Brook, The Wines of Germany (Mitchell Beazely editor) Current owner Hansjörg Rebholz’s grandfather, Ökonomierat Eduard Rebholz, was the pioneer of quality winemaking in the south palatine region. Father Hans Rebholz continued the philosophy which resulted in making only dry, completely fermented wines as the style of the winery. Close to 100% of the wines made today by Rebholz are dry, and the estate is non-interventionist, with no fining, deacidification, chaptalisation or artificially sweetening procedures used. "29 superb Rieslings. New reviews of ripe, racy and pure Rieslings from Germany's excellent 2009 vintage, including three that earn 95 points." Robert Parker, Wine Spectator 2010 The estate is managed by Hansjörg Rebholz, his wife Brigit and his mother Christine and is mainly planted with Riesling and Burgundy varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate also grows smaller quantities of Gewürztraminer and (2009 Kastanienbusch Riesling) "There's an element of austerity to this Riesling, but it screams mineral, as well as white peach and grapefruit flavors, allied to a supple texture...95 points." David Muskateller, and Müller-Thurgau. In 1993 Rebholz released the first sparkling wine from the estate. The individual vineyard sites amount to about 14 hectares and are distinguished by great differences in soil, such as the red slate and red loess known as Rotliegendes of the Kastanienbusch site or the loess and gravel found in the Münzberg site. Loess also dominates the Rosenberg, while chalk, gravel and loess characterise the Im Sonnenschein. Rieslings from the Kastanienbusch tend to be more exotic, while those from the Sonnenschein are more classic. Since 1989, Rebholz has also produced barrique-aged wines, distinguished from the traditional wines by a black-banded label. Schildknecht, Wine Advocate, Oct 2009 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size π NO ® Brut 'Gold' 2007 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RH0415 Weisser Burgunder Kabinett Trocken 2015 12.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt RH0314 Riesling 'Kastanienbusch' GG 2014 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RH0312 Riesling 'Kastanienbusch' GG 2012 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RH1410 Spätburgunder Tradition Trocken-Half Bottle 2010 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt RH1312 Spätburgunder Tradition Trocken 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Sparkling Wine RH1507 White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 22 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 HUNGARY Hungary has long been the home to one of the world’s most famous wines, Tokaji, with the sweetest version, Eszencia, sought after by European nobility for centuries. Today, Hungary is also known for its distinctive wine styles ranging from light and dry whites to sturdy reds, as well as the world famous dessert wines of Tokaji. Historically, due to its unique climate and soils, Hungary was always viewed as a source of extremely high quality wines, but the advent of Communism greatly damaged the reputation of Hungarian wines in the 20th century. However, since the fall of the Iron Curtain the Hungarian wine industry has been on a tear. After many years of mismanagement, lack of funds, technical knowhow and equipment, the renaissance of the Hungarian wine industry has been under way and today, Hungary is a country where many exciting wines are to be found. As a consequence of land redistribution in the 1940s, the vineyards have fragmented ownership, and many estates have to work with disparate plots, but this also allows numerous winemakers to have access to the best vineyards. Hungary’s huge and long-untapped fine winemaking potential has, unsurprisingly, attracted considerable foreign investment with many of the world’s most famous wine estates setting up new estates here. While some producers in lesser areas are still undercapitalised, investment in the traditionally famous wine areas has been intense and rapid, allowing for the latest state-of-the-art winemaking and bottling equipment to be installed and very clean, flavourful wines to be made, usually at very competitive prices. Important local grape varieties include Kadarka, Portugieser, Furmint, Hárslevelu, Olaszrizling (better known as Welschriesling, common in Austria and, to a lesser degree, in Italy) and imported international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The best known Hungarian wines are still the Aszú Tokajis, labeled with a range of puttonyos (usually three to six; a puttonyo is a measure of sweetness, and refers to a 20-25 kg hod of Aszú grapes), The highest level of sweetness is achieved by Aszú Eszencia. There are 22 delineated Hungarian wine regions which are concentrated in three major geographical groups namely – Transdanubia, The Northern Massif and The Great Plain. Sopron is the most westerly wine region of northern Transdanubia and is effectively a continuation of Austria's Neusiedlersee-Hugelland. In the west of Hungary lies the wine region of Sopron: predominantly red wines are produced from vineyards located between Lake Neusiedl and the Sopron Mountains – a zone where Pannonian and subalpine terrains converge. The foothills of the Alps bring coolness, the lake stores warmth making Sopron famous for its red wines that, thanks to the unique microclimate and soils, combine power and freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and the indigenous Kekfrankos varieties are mainly grown here. Somlo is the smallest designated region in Hungary, a single hill midway between Pannonhalma-Sokoroalja and Balatonfeldvidek. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 23 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 TORNAI PINCÉSZET Somlo, Hungary www.tornaipince.hu We are very excited to be expanding the range of wines we import from the Tornai winery, in Somló-Balaton. After tasting the rest of the range on offer at ProWein 2015 we are convinced that the 432 meter high Somló hill in western Hungary produces some of the best white wines in Europe. (2008 Tornai Furmint) "This appetising wine has a pale gold colour, even a touch of coppery peach skin to show that it is not a total lightweight. The aromas give stone fruit and some spice and floral notes. The palate is fresh, but still offers some rich texture and succulence to balance the moderately high acidity and fresh minerality. It leans towards a light-bodied style, but with a dash of weight to it which makes it wonderfully drinkable and enjoyable. A joyous dry white wine that is just a little unusual. 89/100" Quentin The volcanic origin of the soil, the diurnal temperature changes and the selection of indigenous grape varieties combine to produce wines of profound character that represent outstanding value. Tornai Pincészet is by far the biggest player in this tiny area; they grow 54 hectares out of a total of 500 for the entire appellation and they are expertly exploiting the virtues of their terroir, a unique combination of volcanic rocks and cinder enriched earth which accounts for the Somló’s characteristic, minerally tasting wines. The grapes planted at Tornai are a mix of native and international varieties: 54 hectares dislocated over the best areas of the Somló (the Ilona, Grófi, Apatsagi and Arany hills.) Traditional and native varieties include Furmint, Juhfark (“sheep’s tail”), Welchsriesling, Harslevelű, Korona, Zeusz (a cross between Ezerjò and Bouvier), Zenit, Csomorika and Sarfeher, while international cultivars are well represented by Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Sadler, Hungarian Rhapsody, 13 June 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size TO0113 Zenit Z 2013 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt TO0513 Furmint F 2013 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt TO0813 Premium Pinot Gris 'Szürkebarát' 2013 12.3% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 24 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 WENINGER (HUNGARY) Sopron / Balf, Hungary www.weninger.com "The wines are quite frankly world class." Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak "The Kékfrankos Sopron 2008 is a deliciously fragrant, naturaltasting red that s not unlike a cabernet franc and that you could equally well drink with fish such as seared tuna as with grilled lamb or chicken." Fiona Beckett, The Guardian, April 2011 Code The Weninger family own 24 hectares in the Sopron area of Hungary which they first purchased in 1997, divided in two vineyards: Spern-Steiner and Frettner. These great southeast facing vineyards are ideally located overlooking the lake Neusiedl on the border with Austria. The young Franz Weninger is producing some of the best red and white wines in Hungary using biodynamic and organic agricultural practices. Franz firmly believes that the grape variety Kekfrankos (better known as Blaufrankisch) has great potential in this area and over the last 10 years he has continued to experiment with it and now produces three distinctive individual styles. All the wines display great complexity and depth. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size WE0713 Sopron 2013 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt WE0813 Kékfrankos Balf 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt WE0513 Syrah 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt WE1513 Kékfrankos 'Steiner' 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 25 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 ITALY Italy is the country most steeped in winemaking history with by far the largest number of local or native grape varieties. At last count, Italy grows an estimated 2,000 different grape varieties (more than all those from France, Spain and Portugal combined), of which roughly 400 have been genetically identified. Though blessed with a huge variety of microclimates and terroirs, it is these relatively unknown native grape varietals that represent the single greatest winemaking asset shared by Italian producers. Another very important feature of Italian wines is that Italians like to drink wine with food, and so prefer sleek, high acid white and reds that will generally match well with food. Italian wine is the most widely exported in the world, with Germany, Great Britain and the United States being the main importers. There are myriads of wines resulting from many climates and terrains. Differences in soils and historical backgrounds have led to an Italian classification system of Denominazione di Origine Controllata or DOC (modelled after the Appellation d’Origine Controlée or AOC of France), Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita or DOCG and Indicazione Geografica Tipica or IGT. These are not quality markers, but rather a guarantee that the wines are made from grapes grown in specific areas, from specific grape varieties and in a specific fashion; producers need to abide by government imposed parameters, such as minimum yield levels and oak-aging periods. Due to the fact that Italy has long been associated with viticulture and winemaking, many of its wines are not just varietally labelled, but are named after a specific place. This is similar to what happens in France and is beginning to happen in New World producing countries as well. Clearly, some areas in Italy are better suited to certain grape varieties, and the resulting wines are better or characterised by a specific aroma or flavour, than those made elsewhere with the same grape. For this reason, you will find wines made with the Sangiovese variety that are labeled either Sangiovese or Chianti Classico. Similarly, in Piedmont both Nebbiolo and Barolo wines are made. This is because the wines made in the small production zone of Chianti Classico or Barolo are different from those made elsewhere in Tuscany or Piedmont, and are therefore labelled with the place name to set them apart. Though Italy has long been known as a red wine country, some of its most famous wines are white: Soave (made mainly with the Garganega grape), Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica (made with the Verdicchio grape), Ribolla Gialla, Friulano and Malvasia wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Vermentino from Liguria and Sardinia, Fiano and Greco from Campania. World famous reds include those of Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara and Carema (all or mainly made with the Nebbiolo grape), Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino (all or mainly made with Sangiovese), Aglianico del Vulture and Taurasi (all made with the Aglianico grape), Valpolicella and Amarone in Veneto, and Nero d’Avola from Sicily. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also play leading roles in specific areas, such as with the 'Super Tuscan' wines (which most often are blends of international varieties, but can be 100% Sangiovese). Each of Italy’s 20 regions produces a range of wines highly typical of its terroir and traditions and the wines are some of the world’s greatest. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 26 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CALDORA Abruzzo, Italy www.farnesevini.it/caldora_azienda Born from the co-op, Cantina Sociale di Ortona, Caldora is a very young business based in the province of Chieti in Italy’s Abruzzo region. This is a historic cooperative with over 1500 hectares of cultivated land and around 700 farmers. Striving to reduce the yield per hectare, Caldora was created as the cooperative’s ‘Progetto Qualità’ (Quality Project) whereby vineyards were selected from all the various terroirs belonging to the coop, which due to specific position, grapes and age of vines, gave the best quality guarantee. The rigorous quality checks of this project mean that today a total of around 200 hectares of high quality fruit, contribute to making Caldora’s delicious wines. The new Caldora winery in the coastal town of Ortona is reaping the benefits of modern winemaking technology; its new bottling system ensures both quality control over the products and packaging and also facilitates efficient handling and rapid dispatching of orders. Their wine is being sold successfully in almost 30 countries and Caldora has already received praise from specialised wine publications and noteworthy acknowledgments in major wine competitions. Caldora’s most esteemed wine is the Yume Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. This is a particularly interesting red wine, obtained from very old vines which belong to the ‘Soggiorno Proposta’ association that helps youngsters recover from drug addiction. The determination of Caldora members to make a social contribution rather than work solely for financial purposes, constitutes an incomparable virtue of the vineyards. The word ‘Yume’ comes from the Japanese word ‘dream’ and reflects this concept of helping young people suffering from drug dependency in order that they may recover and once more follow their dreams and ambitions. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CL0115 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CL0514 Pecorino 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Cerasuolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (SOLD OUT - 2016 NOT YET AVAILABLE) 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CL0415 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CL0611 Yume Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Rosé Wine CL0815 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 27 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CATALDI MADONNA Abruzzo, Italy www.cataldimadonna.com Antonio Cataldi Madonna is an amazing success story and the maker of some of Italy’s greatest white wines of today, he is correctly regarded by wine experts as one of the top wineries not just in Abruzzo, but in Italy as well. The credit for such a rise to stardom must go to his son Luigi, who followed in his father’s footsteps at the estate, founded in 1920. Though Antonio launched the estate into the modern era with his arrival in 1968 (he replanted the vineyards, renovated the buildings and the technical equipment), it is Luigi, aided by star consultant winemaker Lorenzo Landi, who has really put Cataldi Madonna on the map by believing in the native grape variety Pecorino, from which he crafts what is arguably one of Italy’s top ten white wines. Luigi is very keen on trying to preserve and to develop the specific regional characteristics of the wines and it is to his credit that the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo has also never been better; indeed the 2011 is the best ever made at the estate. "Cataldi Madonna's two Pecorino bottlings rank among Italy's best whites [...] the quality of Cataldi Madonna's efforts are light-years ahead of most everyone else in the region." Ian D’Agata, Italy's Rising Stars, Decanter, Apr. 2013 "Cataldi Madonna is one of the very finest estates in Italy. The wines are varietally expressive, full of personality and beautifully crafted." Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate #205, Feb. 2013 The winery has its seat in Ofena, a small town in Italy’s Abruzzo region at an altitude of about 400 metres above sea level. Ofena is located on the slopes of the Gran Sasso massif, in a mountain valley traditionally known as “the oven of Abruzzo”. Thanks to the extraordinary solar exposure and to high variations in temperature, as well as the specific character of the soil, the area is particulary suited for viticulture. Montepulciano has been cultivated since ancient times, and production received further impulse at the end of the 16th century when Francesco de’ Medici, grand-duke of Toscana, pushed for intensification of wine production in this area. The vineyards presently comprise more than 27 hectares, seven of which date back to the 1968 plantings, whereas the others were more recently replanted. The grape varieties are: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and the local Pecorino. For all these different grapes the yields per hectare are very contained. "Malandrino is [...] one of the flag bearers of the new wave of very successful unoaked Montepulciano wines now increasingly in fashion." Ian D'Agata (May 2015) In Vinous May 2015, Antonio Galloni awarded 93 points to Pecorino Giulia 2014 and 92 points to Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino 2013 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CM0215 Pecorino 'Giulia' 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CM0513 Pecorino 'Frontone' 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Malandrino' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine CM0614 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 28 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 GALARDI-TERRA DI LAVORO Campania, Italy "Galardi's Terra di Lavoro is a legend in the wine making. It is a fabulously ripe, rich and seductive wine endowed with beautifully articulated dark plums, ash, leather, liquorice, all of which melt together in an explosive, utterly thrilling display of class and elegance. Clean, mineral notes frame the eternal finish. 95+ points." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Terra di Lavoro 2010) "...An exotic melange of tar, smoke, graphite, blackberry jam and savoury herbs explode from the glass [...] A big, breathtaking wine, the 2010 continues to build all the way through to a deeply resonant, expressive finish. 97+ p o i n t s . " Antonio Galloni, Wine www.terradilavoro.it A true cult wine producer, this small winery (only 10 hectares) produces annually a mere 30,000 bottles from vineyards at 400 metres above sea level and everyone is scrambling to buy some. From the volcanic slopes in Campania, this little estate is a recent phenomenon, as it only has a fifteen year history. The Galardi winery is set among magnificent chestnut groves in the high hills of Sessa Aurunca, in north-western Campania, and on a clear day the Mediterranean can be seen in the distance. The family-owned estate, run with the help of consultant winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, produces just one wonderful wine: Terra di Lavoro, a deeply concentrated blend of Aglianico (80%) and Piedirosso (20%). Aglianico is one of Italy’s noblest grapes, and not by chance it is nicknamed the “Nebbiolo of the South”. This is a black, brooding, long-aging red – one of Southern Italy’s very best wines. Advocate, Feb 2013 (Terra di Lavoro 2011) "Deep ruby. Powerful aromas of ripe dark plum, cherry-cola, graphite, sandalwood and spicy cocoa, with a sexy violet topnote. At once juicy and deeply pitched, offering rich red berry and dark cherry flavors complicated by smoky minerality and a hint of cocoa. Opens slowly and builds well with air, which bodes well for this wine's future. The long finish features chewy, mounting tannins and a floral quality." 93 points, Ian D'agata, Vinous Media, Sept 2011 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Terra di Lavoro 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine GA0111 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 29 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 LAPILLI Campania, Italy Irpinia is home to some of Italy's oldest vines and can boast a proud tradition of winemaking. The area is centred around the town of Avellino, north-east of Naples, along a network of hills that lead into Southern Italy's share of the Appennine mountains, with soils that are predominantly limestone. Lapilli, based in the very South-West of the Avellino province, was created in 1996 as a family-run business, and has been meticulously managed by its dedicated team ever since. With vineyards in and around the towns of Montefusco, Tufo, Benevento, Ponte and Torrecuso (which is actually located within the parameters of the beautiful Parco Regionale del Taburno) and vineyards on the hills of Lapio, Forino and Candida, Lapilli has been able to claim a range of sites within the best parcels of Irpinia land. These are a collection of comunes where wine production is the main focus for the local economy and perhaps can account for the diligence of the Lapilli team in their work, and also for their ethos of cherishing advice from older generations who know the land by heart. The first grapes to be vinified were Fiano di Avellino, followed by Greco di Tufo, Aglianico and Falanghina. Lapilli were keen to develop the vineyards one step at a time, in order to learn as much as possible with each new planting. The Falanghina vines are planted the lowest, at 250-300 metres above sea level in mixed clay soils in vineyards near Benevento and the Parco Regionale del Taburno, whereas the Fiano di Avellino DOCG vineyards are slightly higher at 400 metres in clay and limestone soils and are located on the hills around the town of Avellino. The Greco di Tufo DOCG vines grows in medium textured, limestone soils and make up the highest plantings at 500 metres above sea level, situated in the hilly towns of Tufo and Montefusco. Winemaker Marco Flacco with nearly 20 years of experience, especially as Consultant Winemaker for various wineries in Abruzzo, has brought a fresh approach to the wineries activities and aims, and is an enthusiastic advocate of clean, varietal flavours. In a region traditionally renowned for its premium wines, Lapilli have aimed to make these fabulous wines a little more accessible without compromising on the quality. The result is a range of enticing, elegant wines that represent fantastic value for money and yet still boast outstanding varietal aromas and flavours, complexity and reliable, clean consistancy. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size LP0115 Falanghina Beneventano IGT 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt LP0315 Fiano di Avellino 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt LP0215 Greco di Tufo 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 30 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 NANNI COPE' Campania, Italy www.nannicope.it "These are the first wines I have tasted from Nanni Cope’, easily one of my most exciting discoveries of the last year. Founded only in 2007, Nanni Cope’ appears to have a very bright future... Readers who want to explore the world-class wines of Campania without spending a fortune should start here. The estate’s Terre del Volturno is easily one of the very best wines in its price range anywhere in the world." Antonio Giovanni Ascione, whose childhood nickname was Nanni Cope’, founded the Azienda Agricola Nanni Cope’ in 2007. This is a unique vineyard at Castel Campagnano, on very sandy soils in the upper region of Caserta; beautiful, unspoiled countryside which has allowed Ascione to live out his boyhood dream. Giovanni’s guiding philosophy reflects the need to create wines that express the inner power of a wine from the South, but with a Northern Italian style: He therefore tries hard to enhance the extraordinary qualities of the Pallagrello Nero grape variety (his wine is mainly made up with this variety) by creating wines of the utmost elegance and drinkability. The wine is never concentrated or over the top. A maximum expression of the terroir combined with an agronomic philosophy aimed at minimising interventions, excluding the use of herbicides or pesticides. Galloni, The Wine Advocate # 205, Feb 2013 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco Terre del Volturno 2012 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine NC0112 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 31 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PIETRACUPA Campania, Italy The young and talented Sabino “Sammy Bruno” Loffredo has quickly gained a reputation within Italy and beyond for some of the best Greco and Fiano wines around; his Greco, in particular, is considered by many to be the single best example of this variety. You might say Sabino has certainly lived up to his award of “Up and coming winery of the year 2006” in the Gambero Rosso. (Fiano) "Campania, one of Italy's most promising yet inert regions, is home to several great whites. Considered a sun-drenched corner of the peninsula, it's mountainous centre is actually quite cool, and ideal for slow ripening whites such as the charismatic Fiano. Redolent of peach and lemon it turns minerally and smoky with age...Top producers are Pietracupa...", Walter Speller, Profile: Loffredo’s wines are nothing like the the extremely ripe, residual examples that are frequently associated with this area, but rather tight, serious, focused and extremely mineral. Sabino himself, however, is more of an extrovert. The Greco displays a restrained floral nose, white fruits and a long mineral palate with great acidity and definition. By Sabino’s own admission, it’s a wine that he feels will provide so much more for those who have the patience to wait. The Fiano has power, complexity and restraint, herbal and mineral notes with texture, great acid backbone and length. Future of whites lies in the past, The red Taurasi, made with the noble Aglianico grape, like the whites, shows restraint but plenty of class and flesh; earth, red stewed fruits and animal notes culminate with a long white peppery finish. Financial Times 19 June 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size PI0214 Fiano di Avellino 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PI0115 Greco di Tufo 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PI0413 Fiano di Avellino 'Il Cupo' 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PI2010 Greco di Tufo 'G' 2010 13.0% Natural Cork 1X0.75lt Taurasi 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine PI0511 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 32 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SELVANOVA Campania, Italy www.selvanova.com Antonio Buono purchased the farm in 1990s and set himself the goal of producing great wines from the indigenous grape varieties of Campania: Aglianico, Fiano, Pallagrello Nero and Pallagrello Bianco (Aglianico Vigna Antica 2009) "A robust, peppery red with attractive dark red fruit aromas and flavours. The wine hasn't been aged in oak so it's very fresh and vibrant. Dry and satisfying. Perfect for prime rib. Decant 1 hour." Natalie MacLean, March 2013 Code This very young and small estate, only 5 hectares, is located north of the town of Caserta in an ancient and unspoiled agricultural land near Caiazzo. The vineyards are located on the Selvanova hill at an altitude of 200 metres above sea level facing full south. The Aglianico displays great finesse and complexity without relying on extraction, as too often happens with southern Italian red wines, and it provides a clear example of what this outstanding grape variety can achieve. The Pallagrello Nero is a recently rediscovered ancient local variety (probably already known to the ancient Romans) that is tannic yet characterized by very high acids, making it very fresh and lithe for such a powerful wine, besides being very ageworthy. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Aglianico Vignantica 2010 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt Red Wine FS0110 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 33 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 DI LENARDO Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy www.dilenardo.it Helped by his great determination and his clear stylistic ideals, Massimo Di Lenardo is quickly becoming one of the most respected figures in Friuli, producing benchmark wines that are remarkably affordable. Vigne dai Vieris, Vigne da San Martin, Vigne da les Maris and Tiare D’Albe are the names of the estate’s four vineyard sites totalling roughly fifty hectares, (Chardonnay 2012) "Displays apple pie, coconut and vanilla aromas. Full bodied, with lots of rich fruit. Almost tropical, slightly oily and exotic. 90 points" Wine part of a larger farming area of about 150 hectares. Since 1987 Massimo has made wines exclusively from his own hand harvested vineyards, now planted with densities at between 4,500 and 6,500 plants per hectare with consequently very low yields. Spectator 2013 "It isn't easy to combine good quality , reasonably priced wines with a modern and effective marketing strategy. Nevertheless, the Lenardo family has succeeded in this venture..." The white wines are all fermented in stainless steel with prolonged lees contact. They all show great, almost unbelievable richness, especially considering their low price tag, while retaining freshness and above all a well defined varietal character. The Merlot “Just Me” is concentrated and full bodied while the Verduzzo “Pass the Cookies” is one of the best value Friuli dessert wines around. Bibenda Wine 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Sara' Spumante Brut NV 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt DL0315 Chardonnay 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt DL0215 Friulano Toh! 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt DL0515 Pinot Grigio 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 12X0.75lt DL0115 Sauvignon Blanc 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt Pinot Grigio Ramato 'Gossip' 2015 12.5% Diam 12X0.75lt Merlot Just Me 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Verduzzo Passito Pass the Cookies! 2015 12.0% Diam 12X0.5lt Sparkling Wine DL1013 White Wine Rosé Wine DL0415 Red Wine DL0711 Dessert Wine DL0915 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 34 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 MIANI / CROATTO Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy There may be a better producer of white wines in Italy than Enzo Pontoni of Miani, but as of yet we can't find them. His white (and red) wines have become absolute cult wines owing to a remarkable depth of flavour and concentrated texture, though they are never heavy or unbalanced. The grapes of Miani wines grow on a total of 13 hectares (four directly owned by the family). The varieties grown include the red Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso as well as white varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Malvasia and Friulano. The altitudes of the vineyards range from 100 to 300 metres above sea level, and the vine density in most of the vineyards is a relatively low 3000 plants per hectare. In the winter the vines are pruned mercilessly, and the drastic green harvest leaves rarely more than a single bunch or two on a vine. It is clear that revenue and profitability have never entered this winemaker’s agenda, while the manicured vineyards show intense passion for viticulture. "Enzo Pontoni continues to make some of the richest, most daring wines in Friuli. A recent magnum of the 2009 Sauvignon Banel was exceptional, with perfumes that literally filled the room as the bottle was being poured." Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, Dec 2013 Miani estate is located in the Colli Orientali DOC area which is the hilly slice of the Udine province near Italy’s border with Slovenia. Enzo took over the family winemaking business about a dozen years ago, after his father had passed away, abandoning an engineering career in order to dedicate himself fully to his new passion. At almost 7 feet tall, Enzo has a commanding presence and does not compromise when it comes to making wine: each year he produces a total of only 9000 bottles from his thirteen hectares, and all according to rigorously organic farming methods. He ages many of his wines in French oak barriques, and does not interfere with the natural temperature of fermentation. "The intense Enzo Pontoni, who spends most of his time in the vineyards, is one of Italy's best winemakers; his wines are absolute musts for all those wishing to taste concentrated yet refined examples of native Friuli grapes..." Ian D'Agata, The Best White His reds are complex and decadent, and his white wines are, for many experts, most likely not just the best in Friuli but perhaps in Italy. Wines of Italy's North-East, International Wine Cellar, March-April 2008 Croatto wines are a joint venture between Piero Croatto and Enzo Pontoni from Miani. The wines come from a newly planted, ungrafted vineyard in the Grave DOC between Udine and Buttrio. Enzo is in charge of all aspects of production, from vineyard management to winemaking and his uncompromising approach to wine production is clearly demonstrated by the quality of these wines. Yields are extremely low, with minimal interventionist winemaking in the cellar. These great new wines belie the Grave region’s poor reputation as an area good only for the production of every day wines. With Croatto, this DOC has found a player bent on demonstrating the true potential and diversity of the area. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CR0311 Friulano Croatto 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI1012 Friulano - SOLD OUT 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI1611 Malvasia - SOLD OUT 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0212 Chardonnay Baracca - SOLD OUT 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0112 Friulano Buri - SOLD OUT 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0812 Friulano Filip - SOLD OUT 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0412 Ribolla Gialla Pettarin- SOLD OUT 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CR0112 Merlot Grave Clas - Croatto 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0509 Merlot Buri - SOLD OUT 2009 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MI0709 Merlot Filip - SOLD OUT 2009 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 35 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 RONCHI DI CIALLA Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy www.ronchidicialla.it Ronchi di Cialla is an historical Friulian Estate and it is strictly a family business. "[Schioppettino] produces fragrant wines distinguished by freshness, red fruit, pepper spice and refined, lightish tannins – the sort of wine you might not expect to age well, but it does; wines that are gloriously drinkable and yet capable of complexity." Julia Harding MW for jancisrobinson.com (May 2015) Code Ronchi, in the dialect of Friuli, means hills cultivated with vines. Cialla is a small valley surrounded by woods with chestnut, oak and wild cherry trees, in the D.O.C. Colli Orientali del Friuli area, and it is officially recognised by a Ministerial Decree as cru. The agronomy is made with minimum treatment with non polluting products, the vinification is carried out naturally. The company philosophy has always been to work only with indigenous varieties, such as Ribolla, Refosco, Schioppettino, Verduzzo and Picolit that in the Cru' Cialla find the perfect environment. After 40 years Ronchi di Cialla has a well established reputation on the market as a producer of some of the finest age-worthy wines of Friuli. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Ribolla Gialla 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0514 Ribolla Nera 2014 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0710 Pignolo 2010 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0809 Refosco 2009 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0611 Schioppettino 2011 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC080 Refosco 2003 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0890 Refosco 1990 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0887 Refosco 1987 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RC0683 Schioppettino 1983 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine RC0115 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 36 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 RONCO DEL GELSO Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy http://www.roncodelgelso.com/en/ Ronco del Gelso nestles in a small plain amongst the tributaries of the Isonzo, between the hills of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Collio region and the Adriatic coast providing a partly continental, partly Mediterranean climate. The estate falls within the Isonzo DOC zone and the Rive Alte subzone where the Isonzo characteristics are even more inherent, and the "Stern but ripe apple and melon nose. Plump and rounded, close to overripe with a hint of sweetness. Creamy, tangy, long finish." Pinot Grigio, Sot lis Rivis 2012 territorial identity even more pronounced. Winemaker and estate-owner Giorgio Badin comes from a family of farmers who had always worked the land, and made the transition from livestock farmers to winegrowers in 1988 when they bottled their first wine. 17.5 (91) Stephen Brook for Decanter, Jan 2015 Having now reached an annual production of around 150,000 bottles and won a plethora of awards and praise for their wines, Ronco del Gelso attribute much of their wine’s character to the Isonzo DOC Rive Alte soils, which are poor in nutrients, stony and dry. This soil ensures that vine vigour is controlled, heat is reflected by the stones to promote full-ripening of the grapes and a little water stress avoids excessive production of leaves and focuses the vine’s energy on fruit. Adriatic sea breezes mitigate the high temperatures in summer and mountains in the North protect from cold winds in the Winter, whilst a high diurnal range means that Ronco del Gelso are able to produce firmly structured whites, with full flavour and exquisite aromatics, as well as several beautifully balanced, fresh reds. Ronco del Gelso produce beautiful expressions of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Friulano, Sauvignon and Malvasia Istriana amongst the white varieties and Merlot and Cabernet Franc amongst the red. Ronco del Gelso have striven to make their winery as sustainable as possible and currently consume exactly the same amount of electricity as they generate and can claim to be selfsufficient from this point of view. Their recently built cellar includes two solar-panelled roofs and a woodchip-burning furnace which is fuelled by vine prunings and can both heat the winery and produce hot water. The new drip irrigation systems which replaced the previous sprinkler systems has enabled them to achieve a 75% reduction in the amount of water wasted and the winery now bottles all their wines in new lightweight bottles designed by the Protection Consortium for Isonzo Wines. They have also managed to significantly reduce the use of chemical intervention by using tie dispensers impregnated with pheromones of the female vine moth, which prevents the moths from breeding and damaging the vines and quality of the grapes. Giorgio explains: “I have always sought to enhance the finest characteristics of the grapes that I ferment, using non-invasive vineyard techniques that do not detract from the recognisability of the variety. My ideal wine is balanced and elegant, with sufficient concentration that must never be transformed into muscular body for the mere sake of it. It must also be age-worthy.” This age-worthiness has been proved by their system started several years ago, in which they keep a few hundred bottles aside each vintage, so they can assess the development and provide a ‘historical legacy’ for these outstanding wines. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size RN0115 Malvasia 'Vigna della Permuta' 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt RN0215 Pinot Grigio 'Sot Lis Rivis' 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt RN0413 Sauvignon 'Sottomonte' 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 37 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 RONCO DEL GNEMIZ Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy www.roncodelgnemiz.com Owned and managed by Serena Palazzolo and her sons, Ronco del Gnemiz has been one of Friuli Venezia-Giulia’s leading wineries for more than a decade. The Palazzolo family bought the estate back in the 1960’s, and Serena took over from her father in the early nineties when she returned home after college graduation. Her management of the winery has enabled it to reach new heights in terms of uncompromising quality, natural viticulture and most notably, aging potential. The wines are outstandingly ageworthy, with whites which are still beautifully balanced after ten years; a quality which Serena and her partner and fellow winemaker Christian Patat attribute to their deep-rooted respect for the terroir, preservation and improvement. The 10 hectare winery lays on the hill of Rosazzo. Despite the vineyards’ south-facing exposure which should make them extremely hot in the summer, the heat is tempered by sea breezes and the vineyards are sheltered by the Alps. Friuli does not always have a gentle climate and often suffers harsh winters in comparison to the good summers, and has also endured its fair share of freak, heavy rainstorms, for which the Northwestern region is renowned. If it weren’t for the good North winds known as ‘Bora’ which dry out the land, it would be impossible to manage the drenched vineyards. Ronco del Gnemiz is lucky to have vineyards based on Friuli’s prized sandstone soil ‘Ponca’ which comprises many layers of soil built up over millions of years making it rich in minerals and microelements which give the wine a highly distinctive character. Ronco del Gnemiz wines are characterised by bright acidity in the whites, with a very careful use of oak, while the reds adopt a classic Bordeaux style and austere tannins. All wines are made with fully mature grapes which are never overripe, and subsequently the rich fruit is the focus for both reds and whites. It is the purity, length and display of true varietal style which places Serena’s wines among the gems of the region, and make them a testament to her commitment and passion. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size RG1714 Chardonnay Ronco Basso 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RG0214 Chardonnay 'Sol' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 38 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 RUSSOLO Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Italy www.russolo.it Stony soils on the alluvial flatlands around Pordenone, in Western Friuli, make for welldrained vineyards that keep the vines strong and healthy, even in the wettest years. The father and son team of Iginio and Rino Russolo keep the yields low, further boosting the quality of the wines they make and concentrating varietal character. The Pinot Grigio is a tremendous example of low yielding vines and careful fermentation: minerally, saline and with a distinct herbaceous note remniscent of sage. The Refosco is spicy and clean without the rustic characteristics that are common in lesser examples of this wine. We have since introduced the Massarac Merlot and the Ribolla Gialla, two delicate and well-defined versions of these grape varieties. "The Refosco is such a good introduction to the grape: the tannins are not too unruly, but rather sturdy and the aromas and flavours complex, leather and garrigue on top of dark berry fruits. Great value." Emily O'Hare, Chief Sommelier and Wine Buyer, The River Cafe', London Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size RU0814 Pinot Grigio 'Ronco Calaj' - Half Bottle 2014 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt RU0315 Pinot Grigio 'Ronco Calaj' 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt RU0914 Merlot Massarac 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt RU1113 Refosco Collezione 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 39 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SERGIO MOTTURA Lazio, Italy www.motturasergio.it In the 1990s, once Sergio Mottura’s estate turned to organic grapegrowing ecosustainable farming practices (such as installing a photovoltaic system enabling estate to work with zero energetic impact), it became completely overrun with a rare protected species of porcupines. These animals are remarkably sensitive to pollution and the and and pesticides and clearly found Mottura’s clean, orgnanically-managed vineyards the perfect haven. Ever since, the creature has become the winery’s mascot and is instantly recognisable on every Mottura wine label. (Grechetto Poggio della Costa 2010) "Fresh and floral, with mineral echoes and above average texture and complexity..." Ian D'Agata, Going Mottura is widely believed to be one of Lazio's greatest wine producers and is especially successful with Grechetto (the grape used to make the famous Orvieto wine), for which he has funded many university studies aimed at characterizing and studying the variety. This helps explain why Mottura’s wines are so different from those of neighbouring Umbria (the Mottura estate is located in Civitella d’Agliano, on the border between Lazio and Umbria). Via Native, Decanter Italy Issue 2012 the combination of the unique terroir of north-eastern Lazio and unique clonal selections, Mottura’s grechetto wines are richer, fleshier and deeper than most Orvieto made today. It could be easily argued in fact, that Sergio Mottura’s Orvieto Tragugnano, made from grapes grown in Lazio, is actually better than most Orvieto made in their historic birthplace of Umbria. "Sergio Mottura is a man of great culture who manages to put a touch of class and elegance in every bottle he makes..." Bibenda Wines 2012 Sergio was 21 when he came to the winery, and has never left. His family acquired the 400 hectare estate in 1933 and dedicated 38 hectares to vinegrowing in 1963 planting Trebbiano and Montepulciano. Grechetto was planted in 1968 after much research and experimentation, and the Mottura family quickly found that the best expression of their terroir came across in the Grechetto variety. The resistance of this grape to disease also lended itself to organic cultivation. Today, Sergio Mottura offers a range of wines unmatched in quality by any estate in Lazio. Besides the Tragugnano Orvieto, the Grechetto Poggio della Costa (mineral, unoaked) and the Latour a Civitella (oaked, richer, somewhat Chardonnay-like version) are not to be missed as they represent qualitative pinnacles of what the variety can achieve. Latour a Civitella was so named to honour the friendship between Sergio, and Fabrice Latour of Maison Louis Latour. Fabrice believed the wine to be one of the best structured whites in Italy, and mentored Sergio; suggesting different oak for the barrel fermentation and even lending Sergio his enologists to develop the wine. Latour a Civitella was the first white wine from Lazio to win the Tre Bicchieri award in 2004 and more recently, Sergio Mottura’s efforts and competence have been such over the years that he was named of “Winemaker of the year” in 2013 by the Gambero Rosso Guide. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size MO0115 Orvieto Classico 'Tragugnano' 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt MO0215 Grechetto 'Poggio della Costa' 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt MO0414 Grechetto 'Latour a Civitella' 2014 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Grechetto 'Muffo' 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt White Wine Dessert Wine MO0711 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 40 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CANTINA CINQUE TERRE Liguria, Italy www.cantinacinqueterre.com The 300 growers of Cantina Cinque Terre cultivate around 60 ha of some of the most spectacular and dramatically-terraced vineyards in the world. Using a blend of mainly three local grape varieties (Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino), some of the most unique mediterranean white wines are produced in these vineyards precariously perched on the (Costa da Posa 2011) "Cru bottling. Very scented and yet delicate. Really delightfully poised. Floral but with fine structure." Jancis Robinson, Ligurian cliffs. Thanks to the significant investment made by the Cooperative in recent years, Cantina Cinque Terre is finally capable of producing white wines that are a true expression of this unique winegrowing area and much can be learnt about the surrounding terroir through these stunning wines. The dry whites are brightly saline and intensely floral and the sweet wine called Sciacchetrà made from air-dried grapes, is one of Italy’s most famous. www.jancisrobinson.com (Cinque Terre 2008) "Here's a rare and exciting blend of Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino from a cooperative winery in the beautiful Cinque Terre region of northern Italy. You won't find these native grapes anywhere else and the wine is perfectly suited to the fresh fish dishes served in this gorgeous part of the world. 86 points." Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, March 2011 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Cinque Terre 'Costa da Posa' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine CQ0215 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 41 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SELVA CAPUZZA Lombardia, Italy www.selvacapuzza.it (Lugana Superiore Riserva 2008) "Fairly firm nose with light nutty and vegetal notes, citrus and pomaceous fruit, moderate oak, yeasty traces, light mineral notes in the background. Clean, polished, slightly creamy fruit on the palate, touch of nutty oak, elegant spicy vegetal notes, yeasty and mineral notes, very elegant, lively acidity, good substance and persistence, compact, still youthful, very harmonious, has some bite, very good finish. Still developing positively. 88 points." Wein Plus, Apr The Selva Capuzza estate is located 6 km south of Lake Garda and it sits in the heart of the two main DOC areas of Garda Classico and Lugana. The 50 hectare farm is owned and managed by the Formentini family and today produces some of the most interesting white and red wines on the Brescia side of the Garda Lake. The entry level Lugana is pure and refined with classic floral character well supported by the lively, mineral acidity. The Lugana Riserva is simply one of the best expressions of the Trebbiano di Lugana grape that we have ever tasted. It offers precise and mature floral notes and yellow fruits on the nose with a round, complex palate that is very long and clean. The Campo del Soglio is made from 100% Friulano and displays rich and full body character without compromising on drinkability. The two balanced and refined red wines are classic examples of the medium bodied wines of the Garda. The Groppello is bright and lively with raspberry fruit, and new to the range is the pale and fresh Chiaretto Garda Classico Rosé. 2013 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size SE0115 Lugana 'Selva' 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SE0212 Lugana Superiore Riserva 'Menasasso' 2012 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Chiaretto Garda Classico 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Groppello Garda Classico 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Rosé Wine SE0715 Red Wine SE0315 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 42 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SARTARELLI Marche, Italy www.sartarelli.it Since the middle of the 1980s an ever increasing number of producers have been making serious wines in the Marche region from the Verdicchio grape, and Sartarelli has been at the forefront of the quality revolution. Verdicchio is a serious grape variety; many experts believe it may well be Italy’s single best white variety along with Campania’s Fiano. Well-made Verdicchio wines are wonderfully aromatic, offering both weight and presence, whilst also producing quality, rich wines at yields which would result in insipid, diluted wines with other varieties. (Travlivio 2011) "Pithy citrus nose, full bodied steely lemon with a glorious texture and eternal finish. Great ageing potential." IWC Verdicchio Trophy 2013 Helped by their children Tommaso and Catarina, Patrizio Chiacchiarini and Donatella Sartarelli are the husband and wife team that are turning out not just some of the best Verdicchio wines of the Marche, but some of Italy’s best white wines. They grow no other variety apart from Verdicchio on their 55 hectares, proving their commitment to and belief in this outstanding grape. The steep vineyards are all more than 300 metres above sea level, "Sartarelli is one of the premier, reference-point producers of fine Verdicchio. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous whites from the Marche." Antonio Galloni, The Wine south to south-east facing, with the exception of the Balciana slope which faces north-east. The unique microclimate of the Balciana vineyard results in a much longer ripening season and a higher concentration of aromas, as well as the occasional late harvest. All the wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel and are released during the spring following the vintage, apart from the late harvest 'Balciana' which is bottled one year after the vintage. 'Balciana' may well be one of Italy’s three best white wines, but the Verdicchio Tralivio is also highly acclaimed. Advocate Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size SR0115 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2015 12.5% Nomacork 12X0.75lt SR3014 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 'Tralivio' 2014 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 43 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 BORGOGNO Piemonte, Italy "These wines show charm, liveliness and personality. They are like a long-lost relative who embraces you at a family reunion." Wine Advocate http://www.borgogno.com Borgogno needs very little introduction. This historic estate sat right in the centre of the Barolo has always produced benchmark, traditional Barolo. "Borgogno's 2011 Langhe Freisa is beautiful, intense, dark and austere. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 boasts incredible length and persistence, with a compelling array of dark red/black fruits, smoke, tobacco, licorice, incense and tar." Established in 1761 by Bartolomeo Borgogno, this estate was one of the first producers in the Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media 2013 Today the estate is managed by Andrea Farinetti after it was acquired by his family in 2008. This young winemaker is combining both the history and traditions of this estate with a modern approach and the resulting wines are fantastic. Code area, however it was in 1920 when Cesare Borgogno took over management that the winery's direction and destination was really changed forever. Cesare started to export his wines but also had the vision to keep aside at least half of the production, with the idea of releasing it after a minium of 20 years ageing. It is due to this that Borgogno has the most amazing collection of older vintages and is able to offer aged bottles directly from the cellar. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size BO0214 Langhe Freisa 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0312 Langhe Nebbiolo 'No Name' 2012 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0411 Barolo 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0506 Barolo Riserva 2006 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0504 Barolo Riserva 2004 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0598 Barolo Riserva 1998 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0501 Barolo Riserva 2001 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO0597 Barolo Riserva 1997 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BO5006 Barolo - Magnum 2006 14.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt BO0585 Barolo Riserva 1985 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 44 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 ETTORE GERMANO Piemonte, Italy www.germanoettore.com "The 2012 Dolcetto d'Alba Lorenzino is drop-dead gorgeous...Gracious and light on its feet, the 2012 impresses for its length, balance and pure class. What a pretty wine this is." The "Germano Ettore" estate lies on one of the most important crus of Serralunga d'Alba named "Cerretta", a hill with a wide winegrowing area facing South, South-West. Germano’s 6.6 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to the cultivation of grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo, while a smaller area is reserved for Riesling and the indigenous white grape Nascetta. Sergio and his wife Elena run the show, from viticultural to winemaking aspects as well as taking care of sales. Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, Oct 2013 (2007 Barolo Cerretta) "very ripe aromas of currant, plum, red cherry, dried flowers and chocolate, complicated by a savoury character. Sweet, concentrated and deep; broad and mouthfilling." 93 points, Stephen We are not alone in believing that Sergio’s wines have been steadily improving for the last decade and today we are proud to represent one of the most talented winemakers from Piedmont. Having all of his red vineyards situated within Serralunga, enables Sergio to make characteristically powerful, muscular and intense wines, that are the biggest, richest and most long-lived of all Barolo. Using what may appear to be very modern techniques (stainless steel is much in evidence), the driving force behind the wine making here is actually solid Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov- tradition. Fermentation is short, around 12-15 days, in open wooden fermenters and maturation is completed in a variety of barrel sizes (225 litres and upwards) made from up to two year old French oak. Dec 2011 (2006 Barolo Lazzarito Riserva) "wild, highly aromatic nose combines tar, menthol, dried rose and leather...Then sweet, supple and rich but classically dry, with an almost peppery impression...Firmly tannic but long and sweet..." 92 points, The Barolos are mineral, earthy and complex with very finely grained tannins, and depending on the vineyard size, touches of cocoa and hints of violet can also be found. The Germano family is blessed with some of the very best vineyards, owning vines in Lazzarito (a true grand cru), Cerretta, Prapò and now, thanks to an inheritance, even the legendary Vigna Rionda, which many experts consider the single greatest Barolo vineyard of all. The single vineyard Barbera “Vigna della Madre” is produced in the same way as the Barolo but inevitably has brighter, blackberry, and coffee undertones while the basic Barbera is fresh, clean and enjoyable. The Dolcetto is big but not over extracted. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov-Dec 2011 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size 'Rosanna' Brut Rosé Metodo Classico 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Riesling Renano Hérzu 2015 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt ET0413 Dolcetto d'Alba Lorenzino 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt ET1014 Barbera d'Alba 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt ET1711 Barolo Serralunga-Half Bottle 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt ET0311 Barbera D'Alba Vigna della Madre 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt ET0711 Barolo Serralunga 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt ET0510 Barolo Cerretta 2010 14.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt ET3208 Barolo Serralunga-Magnum 2008 14.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt ET2009 Barolo Lazzarito Riserva 2009 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt ET12007 Barolo Cerretta-Magnum 2007 14.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt Sparkling Wine ET4013 White Wine ET1115 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 45 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 FERRANDO Piemonte, Italy www.ferrandovini.it Luigi Ferrando is one of Italy’s best winemakers and his Carema red wines, true expressions of extreme mountain viticulture, are some of Italy’s greatest and longest lived wines. Ferrando Vini was founded in 1890 by Giuseppe Ferrando, who moved to Ivrea from Acqui to introduce the wines of Piedmont into the neighbouring region of Valle d’Aosta. Giuseppe’s son Luigi then expanded and developed the winemaking business. In 1957, Giuseppe Ferrando junior, the founder’s grandson, began production of one of the rarest wines obtained from the Nebbiolo variety, Carema, named after a small town in northern Piedmont on the border with Valle d’Aosta. The wine is very much a 'mountain Barolo', blessed with assertive but silky tannins, extremely pure aromas and flavours of red roses, red cherry and raspberry fruit. Ferrando have produced an excellent, entry-level version called 'Etichetta Bianca' (White Label), and a top-of-the-line version named 'Etichetta Nera' (Black Label). “…I have always loved the wines of this estate… one of Italy’s truly historic estates…and also one of the best… ” Ian D’Agata, The D’Agata & Comparini Guide to Italy’s best wines 2010. "...Simply put, I can’t recommend these wines highly enough!" Antonio Galloni, The wine Advocate In 1964 the Ferrando family built the cellar (a DOC since 1967) in Carema and have since been considered the patriarchs of this once very famous wine that has only recently returned to the limelight it deserves. In the early eighties, Giuseppe’s son Luigi took over the company, which is currently owned by his son Roberto. Besides Carema, Ferrando’s flagship wine, production includes the white Erbaluce di Caluso wine made with the indigenous white grape Erbaluce, which is vinified in both still wines (as the vineyard selection 'Cariola') and sparkling and sweet versions. Ferrando is amongst the the few who makes both a lighter, more refined, late harvest version as well as a richer, thicker, sweeter air-dried wine. Erbaluce is a true star of Italian native grapes, though it is little known outside of its immediate production zone. Both the still and sparkling wines are characterized by very bright, high acids and delicate white flower and citrus aromas and flavours. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Erbaluce di Caluso Cariola 2014 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt FE0312 Carema Etichetta Bianca 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt FE0411 Carema Etichetta Nera - SOLD OUT 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine FE0114 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 46 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 FRANCESCO RINALDI Piemonte, Italy www.rinaldifrancesco.it The great traditionalist estate of Francesco Rinaldi e Figli is one of the greatest names in Piemonte. Located in the town of Barolo itself, the domaine of Francesco Rinaldi has a long and illustrious history in the region. It was founded in 1870, when Francesco Rinaldi inherited a vineyard and house in Barolo, inducing him to leave behind his work with the very large "Francesco Rinaldi is a bastion of traditional, extremely well made Barolo..." Ian D'Agata, Mirafiore estate and set out on his own. His family at that time also had ties to the then greatest estate in the Barolo region, Barale-Rinaldi. Francesco was the cousin of Giuseppe Rinaldi, and together these two superb family wineries have marched down through time side by side, both upholding the unique, traditional style of Barolo that has also been championed by other great names in Piemonte, such as Bartolo Mascarello and Bruno Giacosa. Decanter Italy Issue, Jan 2012 "It is great to see a continued focus on quality at this historic family-run estate." Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate, Oct 2012 "The 2010 Barolo Le Brunate is the most dynamic and textured of these wines. Dark cherry, plum, smoke and violet notes flesh out in a firm, muscular Barolo endowed with tons of classic Brunate nuance. The flavors are intense, dark and bold. Balsamic overtones develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance and complexity. Today, the Brunate is reticent and austere. Readers who can wait will be rewarded with an exquisite Barolo." Antonio One hundred and thirty years later, much of the same techniques are still used in the Francesco Rinaldi cellars to produce some of Barolo’s greatest wines. The estate is now run by Luciano Rinaldi’s niece, Paola Rinaldi (a graduate of business school) with help from her sister Piera, and they continue to make beautiful wines within the great traditions of Barolo, avoiding new oak, and preferring long macerations and aging in large Slavonian oak prior to bottling. The two most stunning bottlings at Francesco Rinaldi e Figli are the single cru Barolos, Brunate and Cannubio. Brunate, which lies on the border between La Morra and Barolo, and Cannubio are, without doubt, two of Barolo’s five greatest vineyards. Wines from the Brunate vineyard are prized for their depth, fragrance and brilliant balance, while those of Cannubio (the single greatest vineyard in the village of Barolo and the most famous and historic vineyard not just in Barolo but in Italy) are magically light and perfumed, perform particularly well in rainy years, for the high sand content of this particular site allows for excellent drainage. It is, like Brunate, a true grand cru in the real sense of the two words. Galloni, Vinous, May 2015 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size FR1014 Barbera d'Alba 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt FR0112 Barolo 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt FR0212 Barolo 'Le Brunate' 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt FR0312 Barolo Cannubbi 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt FR0509 Barolo 'Le Brunate' - Magnum 2009 14.0% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt FR0609 Barolo Cannubbio- Magnum 2009 14.0% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 47 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 MONTALBERA Piemonte, Italy http://www.montalbera.it/ Enrico Riccardo Morando’s family estate in Castagnole Monferrato, Montalbera, is famous for its production of the relatively unknown but indigenous variety, Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, known as the 'Red Prince of Monferrato'. "This is such a distinctive, perfumed, floral red wine. It’s from Piedmont, and made from a very rare red grape variety called Ruché (...) It’s just my sort of style, showing elegance and aromatic interest, but with some edges too." Jamie Goode, Wine Found in seven neighbouring villages within the Asti province in Piemonte, Ruché refers to both the DOCG, which was granted in 2010, and the variety. The origin of this grape is unknown but it is thought that it was introduced by the Haut Savoie. Its extraordinarily attractive red fruit bouquet with floral hints and elegance secured its place on the Astrum list at the first sip. We are delighted to have these incredible and unique wines from Montalbera, and also to stock our first ever Ruché. Anorak (La Tradizione 2011) "Spicy soy sauce, nutmeg and lavender aromas and flavours, with a surprisingly rich mouthfeel leavened by bright acidity." Ian The winery is found at the highest point of the DOCG at 270m above sea level and is completely surrounded by the estates vineyards, meaning the vineyards have a range of different exposures and soil types. All 60 hectares of Ruché, which accounts for 60% of the entire DOCG's plantings are found on the hillsides and are worked by hand. D'Agata's 10 Must Try Other Piedmont Reds, Decanter 2014. Code Montalbera’s philosophy is to let the fruit speak for itself and to share Morando’s passion for the delights of Ruché with the every drinker. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size MT0515 Barbera d'Asti 'Solo Acciaio' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MT0114 Ruché La Tradizione 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt MT0212 Ruché Laccento 2012 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 48 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PAOLO SARACCO Piemonte, Italy www.paolosaracco.it "Saracco is one of the reference point producers of fine moscato. I always make sure to have at least a few bottles on hand at the house." Antonio Galloni This renowned winery run by Paolo Saracco is based in the village of Castiglione Tinella in an area called the Langhe Astigiane. It is a zone widely regarded as the prime area for the production of Moscato d’Asti, the unique wine consisting of partially fermented must. The vines stand in chalky marl soil mixed with sand where the White Muscat grape has been (Moscato d'Asti 2011) "Ample white mousse...aromas of pear, lemon peel and spring flowers...apricot, pineapple on the palate...deliciously long and juicy. 18/20 points." Richard Baudains, Unchartered growing since ancient times. Paolo manages all aspects of the production and cultivation of the property’s 40 hectares to produce nearly 400,000 bottles, almost all of which is Moscato. Tipically this remarkable wine displays a mature nose of white peaches and fresh grapes and a creamy sweetness with lively citrus acidity; perfect as an aperitif, at the end of the meal or simply on its own. Moscato d’Asti deserves to be recognized as one of the world’s greatest wines, if simply for its capability to deliver pure sensory pleasure. Terroirs, Decanter, Apr 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size SC0216 Moscato d'Asti-Half Bottle 2016 5.0% Screw Cap 12X0.375lt SC0115 Moscato d'Asti 2015 5.0% Screw Cap 12X0.75lt Dessert Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 49 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Piemonte, Italy www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com The Produttori del Barbaresco has a long and distinguished history and great wines have always been made here. Prior to 1894, Nebbiolo grapes were sold to make Barolo wine or simply labelled 'Nebbiolo di Barbaresco'. But in 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the first cooperative, the 'Cantine Sociali', by gathering nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned. Cavazza understood that Nebbiolo from Barbaresco differed from Barolo and, for the first time, recognised this on the wine label. The 'Cantine Sociali' was forced to close in the 1920s because of fascist economic rules. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement, and then in the winery built across the square from where the Produttori is still located. United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only "Tobacco, smoke, licorice, menthol, game and a host of dark, ferrous notes give the wine much of its virile personality [...] terrific value at a time when wellpriced Barbaresco is increasingly hard to find. In 2012, the Produttori did not bottle their Riservas. When that happens, the straight Barbaresco is often an overachiever. That is certainly the case here, as the 2012 offers outstanding quality for the money, with plenty of potential for the future. I can't think of too many wines that deliver this much pleasure and value." Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village. The Produttori del Barbaresco now has 50 members and 100 hectares (250 acres) of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation, which amounts to almost a sixth of the vineyards of the area. 2015 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size PB0115 Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt PB0213 Barbaresco 2013 14.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt PB0311 Barbaresco Riserva 'Montefico' 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB0711 Barbaresco Riserva 'Montestefano' 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB0411 Barbaresco Riserva 'Ovello' 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB1111 Barbaresco Riserva 'Rio Sordo' 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB1211 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagotta 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB0611 Barbaresco Riserva Pora 2011 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PB1512 Barbaresco-Magnum 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt PB1309 Barbaresco Riserva 'Montestefano' Magnum 2009 13.5% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt PB1409 Barbaresco Riserva 'Rabajà' Magnum 2009 14.5% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt PB1711 Barbaresco Riserva 'Ovello' Magnum 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt PB1612 Barbaresco Double Magnum 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 1X3lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 50 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PRODUTTORI DEL CAREMA Piemonte, Italy www.caremadoc.it This social cooperative well known in Italy for the high quality of its wines and the colourful labels of their bottles, was originally founded in 1960 by less than a dozen producers. Years of success and growth have seen the number of members rise to eighty-one. (Carema Classico 2007) "Delicate but complex nose of red cherry, mint, aniseed and tea. Dry, intense palate with fine tannins and some oak still to integrate. Firm, grippy, mineral finish, bitter herbs and orange peel. 18pts/20" Georgina Hindle, Unchartered Italy: Carema DOC, Piedmont, Decanter, Apr 2012 Carema is the wine the cooperative is known for, produced from the Nebbiolo grape just like the more famous Barbaresco and Barolo. However the microclimate in Carema is very different than in the latter two; it is far more rigid and previously, before global warming started to have an effect, the Nebbiolo grapes in Carema had trouble ripening. Furthermore, the area also challenges producers with its extremely steep slopes. The vineyard's canopies of vines are trellissed thanks to pillars made of stone and lime which give the pretty countryside an umistakable, easily identified appearance and the Carema wine itself is just as recognisable. This is an aristocratic, very long-lived red, with aromas and flavours reminiscent of sour red cherries, raspberry, red roses and tar, just like Barolo and Barbaresco but usually livelier acidities, a lither structure and great refinement. Unlike Barolo and Barbaresco, Carema does not have to be 100% Nebbiolo, and some wines will also contain small percentages of other local varieties such as Croatina or Uva Rara as long as the wine is made with a minimum of 85% Nebbiolo. Just like the three other Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo-based wines of the cooler north-eastern part of Piedmont (Gattinara, Boca and Lessona), the wines of Carema have been well-known and sought after for centuries. At least since 1500, Carema has been chosen for the festive banquets of Dukes, Kings and Popes, as Bacci tells us in his book entitled 'De vinis Italiae naturalis historia'. The tradition and distinguished characteristics of Carema wines is such that Carema was named one of Italy’s first DOC wines in 1967. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size PC0113 Carema Classico 2013 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt PC0512 Carema Riserva 2012 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 51 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PRODUTTORI DEL GAVI Piemonte, Italy www.cantinaproduttoridelgavi.it "The wines produced by this cooperative are remarkable. Worthed space is reserved to Cortese grape, bottled in three different selections, all excellent. Gavi del Comune di Gavi, with citrus aromas and powerful fruit but with a sapid final, has won Tre Bicchieri." Vini d'Italia 2009, Almost fifty years in business, roughly one hundred members and over one hundred and fifty hectares under vine in prime areas of the appellation, explain why this co-operative, based in the heart of the Gavi district, produces some of the most exemplary wines of the area. Cortese can be a fickle variety and unless yields are reigned in, wines can be lean and very high in acid. Coaxing Cortese to produce a structured wine with character and regionality can prove too much of a challenge for many producers, but with winemaker Andrea Pancotti and consultant Mario Redoglia, that challenge has been met. Huge credit must also go to efficient and passionate co-op in marshalling all the disparate growers into a coherent whole. The consistancy of these wines is also a fundamental asset for the co-op; stunning white wines that are of extremely good quality every year, offering versatility and fantastic value. Gambero Rosso Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size PG0515 Gavi del Comune di Gavi-Half Bottle 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt PG0215 Cortese Divino 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PG0315 Gavi il Forte 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt PG0115 Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2015 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 52 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 TRAVAGLINI Piemonte, Italy www.travaglinigattinara.it During the last 40 years Giancarlo Travaglini has managed to take the name of the historical wine, Gattinara, around the world, when the area lacked other quality producers. Northern Piedmont has a long tradition in the production of outstanding red wines based mainly on the Nebbiolo grape, and the best Gattinara wines are 100% Nebbiolo. “Travaglini makes characterful wines in Gattinara- full of lights and darks, fine fruit, spun with tannin to make something better than silk” Emily O’Hare, Chief Unlike the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the cooler mountainous vineyards of Gattinara and the hills around Novara and Vercelli in the north-east section of Piedmont produce some of the most lithe, refined and perfumed Nebbiolo wines of all, that also age remarkably well. There are several DOC and DOCGs in the Vercelli, Novara and Biella provinces, but Gattinara is the best known. Sommelier and Wine Buyer, The River Café, London “The 2006 Gattinara Tre Vigne Travaglini has… captivating aromas and flavours of almost liqueur-like red berries, violet, red rose and marzipan…” Ian Travaglini cultivates roughly 48 hectares out of a total of only 100 hectares for the whole Gattinara DOCG, and has always made richer wines than most in the area; indeed, his wines often had an uncanny resemblance to those of Barbaresco in decades past. The wines are D’Agata, The other wines of Italy’s North- traditionally crafted with medium to long maceration times and are aged in large Slavonian oak casks. The Nebbiolo is complex and refined with classic full body and palate. The three Gattinara versions made at Travaglini are simply outstanding examples of Old World, traditionally crafted, red wines that age gracefully while gaining complexity as time passes. West, International Wine Cellar, Bonus Section, March 2010 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size TR0114 Nebbiolo Coste della Sesia 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TR0211 Gattinara Selezione 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TR0510 Gattinara Tre Vigne 2010 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TR0310 Gattinara Riserva 2010 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TR 0910 Gattinara Selezione - Magnum 2010 13.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt TR0910 Gattinara Selezione-Magnum 2010 13.5% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt TR1009 Gattinara Riserva-Magnum 2009 13.5% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt TR1209 Gattinara Riserva-3Lt bottle 2009 13.5% Natural Cork 1X3lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 53 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CONTINI Sardegna, Italy www.vinicontini.com These are outstanding Sardinian wines with loads of personality, produced in and around Oristano on the Western coast of the island. The Vernaccia 'Karmis' has no relationship to the Tuscan Vernaccia, as the former is a wine made with the variety Vernaccia di Oristano (also the name of the wine) while the latter is Vernaccia di San Gimignano. "The 2006 Cannonau Tonaghe is a great introduction to one of Sardinia's most compelling indigenous grapes. This deeplycolored, brilliant red reveals an intriguing array of black cherries, sweet herbs and licorice in a medium-bodied style. The Tonaghe offers tons of complexity and precision, especially at this price point, where it over-delivers on quality and sheer pleasure." Antonio Contini’s Vernaccia di Oristano is made in a very traditional style, allowing the wine to develop flor in the early stages of maturation. In this sense, it is very similar to Sherry; in fact a normal Vernaccia di Oristano will more than likely remind you of an Amontillado or even an Oloroso. The Vernaccia di Oristano is then aged for several years in barrel before release. Salty and briney, with plenty of sun-drenched fruit, this is island wine at its best exuding almond and toasted hazelnut aromas leading to a full and intense palate. All of Contini’s wines, however, prove to be full and textured through the palate with a long finish. Galloni, Wine Advocate, Apr 2009 'Tyrsos' is a new DOC for the local Vernaccia and Contini is one of its leading producers. The "Contini has always been identified with Vernaccia di Oristano: Antonio Gregori is one of the best expression of this vine variety, known and appreciated by wine enthusiasts far and wide. Hugh Johnson included it on his list of the '20 Italian wines to drink before you die'..." Bibenda Wine 2012, The Guide to Vermentinos are a perfect example of islands white, both fresh and characterful. The two Cannonau wines are produced from grapes sourced from Central Sardinia, showing both healthy structure and tannins. the Finest Italian Wines Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size AC2115 Vermentino di Sardegna Pariglia-Half Bottle 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 9X0.375lt AC0115 Vermentino di Sardegna Tyrsos 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AC2015 Vermentino di Sardegna Pariglia 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AC0215 Vernaccia Bianco Tharros 'Karmis' 2015 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AC2315 Cannonau di Sardegna Sartiglia-Half Bottle 2015 14.0% Natural Cork 9X0.375lt AC2215 Cannonau di Sardegna Sartiglia 2015 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AC0615 Cannonau di Sardegna 'Tonaghe' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Vernaccia di Oristano 2005 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine Dessert Wine AC0305 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 54 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 BENANTI Sicilia, Italy http://vinicolabenanti.it The Benanti winery was founded in 1988 by Giuseppe Benanti, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur from Catania who decided to turn his family’s long standing traditional passion into an ambitious and challenging new venture. Wine had been produced by the family for several generations, mostly for private consumption, until Giuseppe finally decided to establish the winery with the aim of preserving the unique terroir of Etna’s volcanic slopes, whilst cherishing and developing the indigenous Etnean varieties. “Mount Etna, an active volcano on Sicily, is best known for its red wines. But the white wines can be terrific as well, like this one from Benanti, one of Etna’s old-timers. It’s made entirely from the carricante grape, grown almost 3,000 feet up in the foothills, and it’s simply delicious: dry, savory and lipsmacking.” (Etna Bianco The winery is now run by Giuseppe’s two sons Antonio and Salvino who have continued the original aim to respect the varietal characteristics of the Etnean varieties, by adopting and maintaining a very traditional approach and philosophy. Describing their wines as ‘slow wines’, the brothers ensure nothing is rushed in Benanti winemaking; they are committed to producing only high quality wines from vineyards located on different slopes of Mount Etna, so as to highlight the uniqueness of the many different terroirs within the Etna DOC region. The family now owns vineyards in different DOC areas to the north, south, and east of the Etnean massif allowing them to produce an intriguing range of wines from the indigenous varieties Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante and Minnella. Biancodicaselle) Eric Asimov, New York Times “Benanti’s white ‘grand cru’ continues to shine. The 2010 is barely getting into its stride, still taut and bright, with some Riesling-like waxiness and haunting florality.” (Etna Bianco DOC The area provides a unique microclimate due partly to the proximity to the sea, partly to the volcanic soil and also to the cone-shaped surface of the slopes which provide excellent exposure to the sun. The sea breezes and the altitude ensure the grapes are cooled in what would otherwise be a very hot climate, and therefore the ripening process reaches its full potential but, crucially, without being rushed. Superiore, Pietra Marina) 93 points. Simon Woolf's Top 10 Buys from the slopes of Etna, Decanter 2015 Code Benanti is considered both an iconic producer and a pioneer that has set a very high standard and has certainly inspired other wineries. With a history of 22 harvest seasons on Etna, Benanti has worked every day with an ever-increasing passion to perfect the presentation of Etna both as a land and a community, and its native grape varieties. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size BE0114 Etna Bianco 2014 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BE0211 Etna Bianco Superiore 'Pietramarina' 2011 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BE0411 Etna Bianco Superiore 'Pietramarina' - Magnum 2011 13.0% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt BE0613 Etna Rosso 'Rossodiverzella' 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BE0713 Nerello Mascalese Etna Rosso DOC 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BE0913 Nerello Cappuccio 2013 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt BE0812 Etna Rosso Cru 'Rovittello' 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 55 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CANTINE CELLARO Sicilia, Italy www.cellarovini.it Sambuca di Sicilia is an area which has produced fabulous grapes for centuries and Cantine Cellaro's wines are an incomparable expression for this historical area of vines. After a strategic agreement between Cantine Cellaro and Farnese Vini, the range of the wines has been revised, both in how the wines are produced and how they are presented. Since the winery expanded the number and area of its vineyards and thanks to the company's partners, a process of mapping and classification of the territory has begun, isolating which areas are most perfectly suited to which varietals. Despite the extensive range of varietals, a definite priority has been given to local grapes such as Nero D’Avola and Nerello Mascalese. The winemakers have conducted a high number of experiments to isolate the best approaches for maturation and vinification for each of these local varieties. The high quality of this detailed and comprehensive project Cantine Cellaro has undergone, is only made possible by by the technical experience of Filippo Baccalaro, with the collaboration in loco of the wine specialist Vito Giovinco. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Grillo 'Lumà' 2015 12.5% Synthetic Cork 6X0.75lt CE0215 Nero D’Avola Solea 2015 13.5% Synthetic Cork 6X0.75lt CE0415 Syrah 'Lumà' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CE0314 Nero d'Avola-Nerello Mascalese Micina 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine CE0115 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 56 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CENTOPASSI Sicilia, Italy www.centopassisicilia.it "The co-ops produce all kinds of agricultural produce but Centopassi's wines have actually found the recognition of Italy's leading wine guides, L'Espresso. If that were not enough to make you buy the wines, it so happens that these are some of the most exciting wines currently coming from Sic ily." Vini contro la mafia, Walter Centopassi is the viticultural soul of those social cooperatives that, under the banner of Libera Terra, cultivate land and vineyards that have been confiscated from the Mafia. All the vineyards are organically farmed and are located in the Belice Corleonese, a site particularly suited to the production of high quality wines. The soils are rich in calcaire, and the vines are located high enough above sea level to keep them fresh and interesting. Yields are also kept extremely low. Centopassi has been named one of the five candidates to win the Wine Star Awards of Wine Enthusiast magazine in the category “Innovator of the year”, due to the project’s exceedingly noble, local and ethical repercussions. S p e l l e r , December 2009, www.jancisrobinson.com Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CP0115 Centopassi Bianco 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CP0215 Grillo 'Rocce di Pietra Longa' 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CP0515 Centopassi Rosso 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CP0814 Nero D'Avola Argille di Tagghia Via di Sutta 2014 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CP0913 Syrah Marne di Saladino 2013 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 57 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SOLIDEA Sicilia, Italy www.solideavini.it The Island of Pantelleria, south of Sicily (it is actually closer to Tunisia in Africa than it is to Italy) is a large volcanic spur, nicknamed the “black pearl” due to its black, volcanic soils; for some experts, it is the true vestigium of mythical Atlantis. “ … some of Italy’s best wines are made on Pantelleria, and I especially like the Moscato, oftforgotten, which matches heavenly with shellfish and artichoke and asparagus dishes and all sorts of cheeses. Solidea is particularly adept at making very good versions of not just the Moscato, but the passito and Zibibbo as well”. Ian D’Agata, Decanter Italian Chairman Judge. Code Though that assertion remains hard to prove, what is undoubtedly true is that Pantelleria is the home to one of Italy’s greatest wines, the sweet Passito di Pantelleria, as well as one of Italy's most underrated; the off-dry to slightly sweet Moscato di Pantelleria. The two wines are the product of air-dried grapes, the main differences between the two being the length of air drying. Passito is the result of a longer air-drying, so that the grapes are more raisined and sweeter and so is the resulting wine. Solidea is the pet project of Giacomo D’Ancona, who decided to launch a modern day winery strengthened by a long family winemaking tradition dating back to the 1900s. The estate owns about four hectares of vines located in the southern reaches of the island and besides the Passito and Moscato, it also makes a dry, refreshing white wine called Zibibbo Illios (“Zibibbo” is the other name of the Moscato di Alessandria grape used to make the wines of Pantelleria). While the Passito can be sticky sweet with lovely saline, orange marmalade, raisin and date aromas and flavours, the Zibibbo Ileos is clean and fresh, with zippy acidity and lovely floral and saline nuances. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Passito di Pantelleria 2012 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.5lt Dessert Wine SO0312 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 58 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CAPARZO Toscana, Italy http://www.caparzo.it Established in 1970, Caparzo is one of Montalcino's 30 historic wineries, and is amongst those that contributed to the fame of Brunello di Montalcino. Purchased by the current owner Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini in 1998 after a period of dilapidation, she was determined to grow, improve and develop this estate back to its former glory. Investment in the vineyard, modernisation in the winery and the help of winemaker Massimo Bracalente have all ensured that Caparzo is now enjoying a comeback as a top Brunello producer. The Caparzo estate covers 200 hectares, 90 hectares are vineyards and 9 are designated for Brunello, distributed throughout different hillsides in the DOCG, ranging from 220 to 300 metres above sea level. Owning vineyards in Caparzo, La Casa, La Caduta, Il Cassero and San Piero Caselle, which constitute almost all of Montalcino's best areas, is most certainly one of Caparzo’s strongpoints. This selection of the best vineyards, allows Caparzo to draw the best fruit from every vintage. "Caparzo is another historic property that seems to be enjoying a resurgence, something that is great to see. These new releases are outstanding." Antonio Galloni, Vinous 2013 Found in the north east of the Brunello zone on the hill of Montosoli and with the famous galestro soils, La Casa is often considered to be one of the most prestigious sites in the appellation. In 1977 Caparzo introduced the concept of Cru to Montalcino, vinifying the grapes from the La Casa vineyard separately. "Caparzo has been on a roll of late. The wines are once again terrific" Antonio Galloni, 2016 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CA9014 Sangiovese di Toscana 2014 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt LD8814 Morellino di Scansano Doga delle Clavule 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9214 Rosso di Montalcino 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9511 Brunello di Montalcino- Half Bottle 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 24X0.375lt CA9311 Brunello di Montalcino Rio Cassero 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9411 Brunello di Montalcino 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9810 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa 2010 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9907 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2007 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CA9611 Brunello di Montalcino - Magnum 2011 13.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 59 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CESANI Toscana, Italy www.cesani.it San Gimignano is one of Italy’s best preserved medieval towns and renowned for a variety of reasons; from its many soaring towers, to the white grape variety known as Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The rich history of the grape in Italy no doubt contributed to the fact that Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first grape variety in Italy to gain DOC status in 1966, after the system was established in 1963 and therefore, before illustrious names such as Barolo and Brunello. Vernaccia has always been famous in this neck of the woods, and there are references to a local vernaccia wine dating back to the Middle Ages. "Cesani’s 2010 Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a crisp, refreshing white with good varietal character and fine overall balance at this level." Antonio Cesani makes some of the best wines of all the San Gimignano area, and we are very happy to offer them in our portfolio as we had been looking for a quality wine from this area for quite some time. These days Cesani is in the safe hands of Letizia Cesani, and the wine is made with the assistance of oenologist Paolo Caciorgna, “… one of Italy’s least known but very best winemakers” (Ian D’Agata, Anteprima Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008). The grapes for Galloni, Wine Advocate, Aug 2011 their wines come from Cesani's sloping vineyards that sit higher than nearly everyone else's land in the area, and the cooler microclimate guarantees wines of bright acidity and fresh, crisp aromas and flavours. More importantly still, Cesani’s vineyards are located in the subarea of Pancole, which characteristically yields the most intensely flavorful Vernaccia di San Gimignano of all. All of Cesani’s Vernaccia wines are mineral and clean, displaying great precision and freshness. Even the barrel fermented Sanice selection is complex and ripe without losing any of the signature minerality and freshness central to the Cesani style. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt White Wine CS0115 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 60 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PODERE SAPAIO Toscana, Italy www.sapaio.it At Astrum we are adamant that our catalogue should reflect the best wine production areas in Italy. From Bolgheri, the home of Sassicaia and Ornellaia, we believe Podere Sapaio to produce some of the best wines from this outstanding, world famous terroir. (Volpolo Sapaio 2010) "Deep, dense, suave with youthful tannins supporting the herbal aromatically spicy dark fruit and cedar flavours. " Decanter, May 2014 The estate was founded in 1999, after Massimo Piccin convinced his father to invest in land and to create a wine-making estate in what is one of Italy’s most hallowed viticultural areas. A native of the North-Eastern Italian region of Veneto, where Amarone and Valpolicella wines are made, Massimo always felt a deep-rooted passion for wine and wanted to direct this passion towards his own wine project. The estate comprises a modernised winery and, between the municipalities of Castagneto Carducci and Bibbona, forty hectares of land planted with various grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot; varieties that have made Bolgheri and its wines famous all over the world. The philosophy of Sapaio is experimentation and innovation. Their research is directed towards new expressions of Bordeaux grapes in the Bolgheri region, with the objective of creating wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. The two wines they produce, both Bordeaux-type blends, are created by combining various selections of grapes grown in the different vineyards. The names of the wines Sapaio and Volpolo derive from the names of two ancient Tuscan grape varieties, Sapaia and Volpola, chosen to promote the local origin of the products, starting right from their appellations. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Bolgheri Rosso 'Volpolo' 2014 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine PS0114 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 61 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PRINCIPE CORSINI Toscana, Italy www.principecorsini.com In an archetypal “Chiantishire” countryside rises a Renaissance villa that is the home of the Principe Duccio Corsini (the medieval villa has been in the family since at least the 14th century), a cheroot-chewing connoisseur of Chianti and also a gardening expert (he holds a festival devoted to this passion each year). In contrast to the medieval origins of his family home, his world famous winemaker Carlo Ferrini helps him craft very modern wines. They display richness, depth of colour and fruit and noteworthy complexity without being over the top, and that are far removed from the thin, anemic Chiantis of decades past. "Principe Corsini's 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Cortevecchia, shows off lovely red fruit. Floral notes are layered nicely into the mid-weight frame, adding lift and freshness. There is plenty to admire here, although readers will need to open this bottle well in advance to allow for some small imperfections to blow off." The Chianti Classico is generous and open, featuring vibrant, almost crunchy red berry fruit. The “Don Tommaso” (the namesake of Duccio’s grandfather), is the top Chianti bottling made at Le Corti, a wine made from a selection of the best grapes from the estate’s Chianti Classico vineyards. The wine is altogether more muscular, as it combines Sangiovese with roughly 15% Merlot and spends fifteen months in small oak barriques. It ages gracefully, but can be enjoyed in its youth with style, as it comes across as very deep and complex, yet accessible. In contrast, the Chianti Classico Riserva Cortevecchia is produced from the oldest Sangiovese grapes on the estate, and ages 24 months in large and small French oak casks. From time to time the estates releases some older, library-Chiantis at very competitive prices that clearly demonstrate the great potential of the local Sangiovese to age gracefully for many years. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, Oct 2010 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size LC4813 Chianti Classico Le Corti-Half Bottle 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 24X0.375lt LC4513 Chianti Classico Le Corti 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt LC4613 Chianti Classico Riserva Cortevecchia 2013 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt LC4713 Chianti Classico 'Don Tommaso' 2013 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 62 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SALCHETO Toscana, Italy www.salcheto.it This estate in the heart of Montepulciano is dedicated to Sangiovese in the clonal guise of Prugnolo Gentile: the soul of Vino Nobile. Prugnolo Gentile differs from other Sangiovese clones in Tuscany in that it offers softer, more plum-like flavours than the usual black cherry. If we are allowed a sweeping generalisation, Prugnolo Gentile provides a mid-ground between the robustness of Brunello and the elegance of Chianti. Salcheto is named after the Salcheto stream that runs through the hilly, twenty-one hectare property where the highest slopes reach above 650 metres. Both the Vino Nobile wines are 100% Prugnolo Gentile, while the Rosso includes some Canaiolo and Merlot, and the Chianti Colli Senesi contains Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo and Mammolo. Maturation is in a mixture of stainless steel, large Slovenian oak and French and American barriques. All the wines share a great deal of finesse with great drinkability and defined small red fruit character. The Salco is 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) fermented in large oak vats and aged in a "These new releases from Salcheto span several vintages, but they all have one thing in common: they are absolutely terrific. Readers who haven’t yet discovered Salcheto are missing out on some of the most delicious wines being made in Tuscany today". Antonio Galloni, combination of small French oak barrels and in large Slavonian oak casks for a total of 24 months. The Wine Advocate Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size SA0115 Chianti Colli Senesi 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SA0313 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Half Bottle 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt SA0513 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SA1011 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 'Salco' 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SA0612 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Magnum 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 63 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 TENUTA MARSILIANA Toscana, Italy www.tenutamarsiliana.principecorsini.com Tenuta La Marsiliana is owned by the Corsini family of Fattoria Le Corti in Chianti Classico. Based in southern Maremma, near the Lazio border, the estate covers a staggering 2,500 hectares of wild landscape. A mere 18 of these are dedicated to vines, principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Only 15,000 bottles of the top wine, La Marsiliana, are produced in "The 2007 Birillo is one of the better values readers are likely to come across from the Tuscan coast. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the Birillo offers up plenty of warm, radiant fruit in a soft, plush style ideal for near-term enjoyment." Antonio Galloni, Wine each vintage and they truly are stunners. Eighteen months spent in barriques adds extra depth, dimension and richness to these already massive wines, pervaded by cedar, tobacco, peppery spice and touches of mint. Birillo is the second wine in the Bordeaux-style and in the last couple of years it has enjoyed great commercial success due to its quality, coupled with the affordable price (a combination quite rare in modern Tuscan wines). The wines of the Tuscan Coast are quite different from those of Chianti and Montepulciano; the warmer, drier climate yields wines full of creamy softness and round, smooth fleshy tannins, with little of the nervous acidity and obvious tannins of wines from those cooler inland Tuscan areas. Advocate, Aug 2010 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size TM0313 Birillo IGT Toscana 2013 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TM0411 Marsiliana 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TM0406 Marsiliana 2006 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 64 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 ABBAZIA DI NOVACELLA Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy www.abbazianovacella.it The Abbazia di Novacella was established in 1142 as part of the Augustinian convent, that still today remains one of most important religious and cultural centres in central Europe, and is also the site of one of Europe’s deepest medieval libraries. “Get thee to a nunnery or, at least, an abbey for divine wines” Roberto Dante Martella, Owner Grano Ristorante, Toronto, The Augustinian Canons Regular monastery of Neustift is located in Valle Isarco, the northern-most winegrowing region on the southern side of the Alps. The mineral-rich soils, the elevated position of 1,970 ft – 2,950 ft, and the cool climate are all factors which explain the intense aromas and flavours. These geographical features also account for the fruity, mouth-watering acidity present in their wines, produced from the typical white Eisack Valley ('Valle Isarco' in Italian) grape varieties. The working Abbey, that is simultaneaously a winery and boarding school, displays Gothic architecture which contrasts uniquely with the serried ranks of gleaming stainless steel. Canada. "Abbazia di Novacella is without question the best known winery in the Valle Isarco." Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, Mar 2014 “The wines here are really all of very high quality… their subtle nuances require attention or you’ll miss their very noteworthy charms.” The most widely-grown vines in their vineyards, located around Varna just north of Bressanone, are Sylvaner, Kerner, Gewürztraminer and Veltliner. The monastery also owns vineyards in the warm central region of South Tyrol which supply the red grapes. They include the full-bodied, savoury Lagrein from the Mariaheim vineyard in Bolzano, and red wines from the Marklhof estate in the cool Cornaiano hills, south of Bolzano, where the grapes are harvested, crushed and the wines are matured. Angelo Sabbadin, Decanter World Wine Awards judge and head sommelier at the Michelin three star restaurant Le Calandre near Padova, Italy. Novacella’s Kerner and Sylvaner are particularly good, true world-class examples of these varieties; the Kerner is an aromatic white wine which has become a specialty of Valle Isarco. On the nose there is clear evidence of apple and peach fruit with a hint of mango, whilst the palate is ripe and the opulence of this wine is cut by crisp acidity. Aromatic varietals are aged in large oak and acacia barrels, while the top red wines are all aged in 255 litres barriques. The top quality wines are part of the Praepositus line, and offer a more concentrated version of the deliciously fresh entry level wines made here. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size AN0215 Kerner 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt AN0315 Sauvignon 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AN0515 Sylvaner 'Praepositus' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Moscato Rosa 'Praepositus' 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.375lt White Wine Dessert Wine AN0914 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 65 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CANTINA ANDRIANO Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy www.cantina-andriano.com Cantina Andriano was founded in 1893 which makes it one of the oldest cooperatives in Alto Adige (some Italian experts say it is the oldest of them all). The village (Andrian) is also one of the three that can call their wines Terlaner Classico (the other being Nalles and Terlano itself), a very famous wine in this part of the country. "The 2010 Muller Thurgau is the most exciting of the entry-level offerings from Andriano. Crisp pears, white flowers and mint are just some of the nuances that emerge from this delineated, beautifully articulated wine. Though quite brilliant at the outset, the wine gains roundness and sweetness on the inviting finish." Antonio Galloni, Feb 2012 The great news is that with the 2008 vintage Andriano merged with Cantina Terlano and therefore all the fruit from about 50 hectares is vinified at the Terlano winery under the highly respected winemaking team guided by Terlano’s winemaker Rudy Kofler. As a first step, yields were considerably reduced and under the new management the wines have instantly achieved a degree of precision rarely reached in the past with intense mineral character and rich complex fruit. Also the presentation was completely revamped to reflect the quality of the wines, which tend to be made in a softer, fleshier style than those made at Terlano. "If you like Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, you will love this Pinot Bianco from that region. This one offers a fruity bouquet (apples and pear) and a palate impression that will remind you of Pinot Grigio, but with added minerality and structure. A terrific all-around food wine". Todd Baltich, When making your Turkey Day list, don't forget the wine, The Daily News, Nov 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CD0115 Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 'Finado' 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CD0515 Müller Thurgau Alto Adige 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CD0215 Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CD0815 Alto Adige Vernatsch 'Bocado' 2014 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CD0715 Lagrein 'Rubeno' 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 66 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CANTINA TERLANO Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy www.cantina-terlano.com Cantina Terlano is well known in Italian wine drinking circles for producing Italy’s longest lived white wines. Many memorable wines from the 1950’s and 1960’s which rank amongst the greatest white wines of the world, were made here. Located in the heart of the Terlan wine-growing region and founded in 1893, it is one of the oldest Alto Adige coops. At that time, 24 growers set themselves the goal of joint production and sales marketing. Recognition and prosperity blossomed from there, and today Terlano has approximately 100 members, it farms 150 hectares and has an annual production of roughly 1.2 million bottles. "A wine of precision and nuance, the 2015 Terlaner Classico once again shows why this is one of Alto Adige's most compelling and delicious wines. The Pinot Blanc / Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc blend that has worked so well here for decades yields a white endowed with striking focus. White flowers, lemon peel, ripe orchard fruit, apricot pit, almond, mint and chamomile form a super-appealing fabric of aromas, flavors and textures". Under the expert eye of winemaker Rudi Kofler, the wines are sold and marketed according to three different quality categories. Furthermore, special older vintages have been stored in the valuable 'vinotheque', so that today roughly 12,000 bottles from 1955 to the present day are stored and some date back to even earlier days. This wine collection of older vintages is absolutely unique in Italy and proves that Terlano’s wines are able to age harmoniously for decades. The unique microclimate at the foot of Mount Tschöggel determines the potential ageworthiness and the characteristics of the wines. The soils are very rich in schists and porphyry, a rocky nature that allows for heat accumulation and excellent water drainage. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 2016 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size TE3514 Terlaner Classico-Half Bottle 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt TE0214 Chardonnay Classico 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE1615 Pinot Bianco Classico 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE0415 Pinot Grigio Classico 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE0115 Terlaner Classico 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE3215 Gewürztraminer Classico 2015 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE0315 Sauvignon 'Winkl' 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE6614 Chardonnay 'Kreuth' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE1213 Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg' Riserva 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE5515 Terlaner Classico - Magnum 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 4X1.5lt TE0514 Sauvignon 'Quarz' 2014 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE0814 Terlaner 'Nova Domus' 2014 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE3113 Pinot Bianco Vorberg 'Riserva' - Magnum 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt TE2714 Sauvignon 'Quarz' - Magnum 2014 14.0% Natural Cork 4X1.5lt TE2603 Chardonnay Rarita' 2003 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE4004 Pinot Bianco Rarita' 2004 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE5208 Terlaner 'Nova Domus' - Magnum 2008 14.0% Natural Cork 1X1.5lt TE5012 Terlaner I Grande Cuvée 2012 13.5% Natural Cork 1X0.75lt TE6113 Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg' Riserva - Double Magnum 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 1X3lt TE3014 Pinot Noir 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE1014 Lagrein Gries Riserva 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt TE2514 Pinot Noir Riserva 'Monticol' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 67 Producer Fact Sheet TE1712 +44 20 3328 4620 October 2016 Lagrein Riserva 'Porphyr' info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt 68 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 CESARINI SFORZA Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy http://www.cesarinisforza.com/en We were absolutely blown away the first time we tasted the wines from Cesarini Sforza. Made in the traditional method, this range of Italian sparkling wine demonstrates the extraordinary value for money available outside Champagne, and offers an excellent sparkling that will perfectly somewhere between top-quality Prosecco and Champagne on a winelist. Cesarini Sforza of Trento was founded in 1974, when Count Lamberto Cesarini Sforza, along with Giuseppe Andreaus and other pioneers of the Traditional Method (Metodo Classico), founded the company Cesarini Sforza in Trento. Always having promoted viticulture based on precision and quality, thus enhancing the value of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero grapes, the company has been at the heart of projects that have left an important mark on the development and growth of the “Trentino” Classic Method. It has rejuvenated the region with an established local identity and reputation of excellence in production of Trento DOC sparkling wines. Cesarini Sforza joined the La Vis cooperative in 2000 and in doing so were able both to benefit from the fertile soil research that the cooperative carried out, and also has given them access to the full range of grapes grown by the many members of La Vis. The Cesarini Sforza winemakers have therefore had the unique advantage of combining the elegant grapes grown in the Upper Cembra Valley, the complex structured grapes of Meano and Cortesano, the well-balanced grapes from Sorni and the Pressano Hills with those from the characteristic vineyards located above the city of Trento and on the Besagno Hills. In short, the different soils, microclimates and training systems lend a distinct personality to these vintage sparkling wines. We are thrilled to be importing their Tento DOC Brut and Trento Doc Dosaggio Zero, both from the 'Tridentvm' range of Metodo Classico Sparkling. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size CF0116 Tridentvm Trento DOC Brut 2010 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt CF0316 Tridentvm Trento DOC Dosaggio Zero 2011 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Sparkling Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 69 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 IGNAZ NIEDRIST Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy www.ignazniedrist.com Niedrist's impressive vineyards are located on the summit of the Cornaiano village with amazing views over the Bolzano valley. The amiable and generous Ignaz Niedrist (long term 'cantiniere' at the well respected Colterenzio cooperative) has only five hectares of vines and he tends to them with the utmost precision and care. “Insiders know that Ignaz Niedrist makes some of the purest versions of Alto Adige whites, and his reds are pretty good too.” Ian D’Agata, The best white Yields are kept very low and in good years he manages 40 hectolitres per hectare. The wine is then made in his state-of-the-art winery shed, where minimal interventionist winemaking occurs. Ignaz believes the wine has already been made in the vineyard, and he merely needs to guide it to its natural conclusion. The result of this minute scale production and careful attention to detail, is a portfolio of wines which are concentrated, complex and wondrous. wines of Italy’s north-east, International Wine Cellar, Sept.-Oct. 2012 "Niedrist has been one of the top growers in Alto Adige for years. His Lagrein Berger Gei is a reference point wine for the region. The other wines, especially the whites, are also terrific, but I am always drawn to the Lagrein here." Antonio Galloni, Demand for these wines is high, and availability is small but even with his niche production, the Gambero Rosso Guide says that Ignaz “brings pride to the Alto Adige”. We are certainly proud to represent his wines here at Astrum. Vinous Media, Mar 2014 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size IG0314 Pinot Bianco 'Berg' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt IG1115 Terlaner Sauvignon 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt IG2515 Südtirol Kalterersee Auslese (Lago di Caldaro Classico) 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt IG0113 Lagrein Gries Riserva 'Berger Gei' 2013 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt IG0214 Pinot Nero 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 70 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 ADANTI Umbria, Italy www.cantineadanti.com Though there are more famous and media-savvy Sagrantino estates, many experts, such as Ian D’Agata of the International Wine Cellar and Decanter, believe Adanti to be, if not the best, then one of the top three producers of this unique wine. "Adanti wines are very authentic and straightforward. They need to age but the waiting is well worth it. All the wines we have tasted, even those less appealing, are remarked by an excellent quality." Ian d'Agata, The The Adanti farm is one of the historic cellars of the Montefalco area in Umbria; one of the first to produce Sagrantino wine. The area is also well-known for the lighter-styled wine called Montefalco Rosso, which is not a pure Sagrantino wine, but rather a blend with Sangiovese and Montepulciano. New Wine Journal, Jan 2010 Now owned by Pietro, Donatella and Daniela Adanti, the estate today covers roughly fifty hectares of land located in the hilly areas of Arquata and Colcimino. This area has been famous since ancient times for the particularly high quality olive oil and wine. Indeed some of Adanti's land is still planted to olive groves. The winery produces mainly red wines from local, indigenous grapes, such as the Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG in both dry and Passito versions: Montefalco Rosso DOC and the Red Arquata Umbria IGT. However, it also continues to produce the characteristic white wines of the area such as Grechetto and Montefalco Bianco. Though Sangiovese and Sagrantino are the main grape varieties grown and used at Adanti, they also dedicate some vineyards Cabernet, Barbera, Merlot and Grechetto. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size AA0112 Rosso di Montefalco 2012 14.0% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt AA0408 Sagrantino di Montefalco 2008 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 71 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 ADAMI Veneto, Italy www.adamispumanti.it Not all Prosecco is as good as it should be, but Adami has long been at the forefront of quality and its lineup of sparklers sets the benchmark against which other Prosecco wines are judged. Historical testimony confirms that, even in the Middle Ages, these wines were sought after for "export to Venice, into Germany and even to the Polish Court" as written in 1606 by the court authority of Conegliano, Zaccaria Morosini. In the second half of the 19th century, following the disastrous epidemics of phylloxera and downy mildew in Europe, Prosecco (the grape is now called Glera, while the name Prosecco is reserved for the wine only) imposed itself over the other grape varieties cultivated here due to better resistance and greater productivity, plus the high quality of its wines. Following in the footsteps of grandfather Abele and father Adriano, current owners Armando and Franco, both of whom graduated in Oenology, have updated Adami’s refined technological capacities and the wines have never been better. 'Bosco di Gica' is the ancient name of the location where the family vineyards are grown and is also the name of their best selling Brut Prosecco. Pleasantly acidic and possessing a complex fragrance, it is an excellent aperitif, but also a versatile sparkler complementing fish, shellfish and crustacean dishes. It should not be served too cold (minimum 7-8°C), as overly cold temperatures greatly diminish this wine’s delicate qualities. "Beautiful from the start, the 2013 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Vigneto Giardino Rive di Colbertaldo Dry opens to fragrant tones of almond blossom, honeysuckle and sweet jasmine. The wine is foamy and decadently creamy thanks to its soft perlage. Franco Adami has proven the aging potential (of up to five years) of this wine and I have therefore increased the drinking windows on this excellent Prosecco Superiore." 92 points. Monica Larner Garbèl is another versatile sparkler and its 13 grams of residual sugar place it between the Brut and Extra Dry styles in terms of residual sweetness, and help it accompany a whole meal or act as a delicious aperitif. The Giardino vineyard (historically 'vigna Zardin') has been in the Adami family since 1920. The Vigneto Giardino Dry Prosecco is one of Italy’s very best, with a remarkable fruity fragrance that is delicately aromatic. Though it can age a few years, it is best consumed young when it is at its fresh and bubbly best. for The Wine Advocate Jan 2015 “Simply put, Adami is one of the three best producers of Prosecco today”. Massimo Claudio Comparini, the D’Agata & Comparini guide to Italy’s best wines Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size AD7114 Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore 'Bosco di Gica' - Half Bottle NV 11.0% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt AD0514 Prosecco DOC Treviso 'Garbèl' NV 11.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AD7014 Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore 'Bosco di Gica' NV 11.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AD9015 Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore Rive di Cobertaldo 'Vigneto Giardino' 2015 11.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AD8915 Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore Rive di Farra di Soligo 'Col Credas' 2015 11.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt AD7514 Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore 'Bosco di Gica' - Magnum NV 11.0% Natural Cork 4X1.5lt Sparkling Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 72 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 LE SALETTE Veneto, Italy www.lesalette.it (Amarone Classico La Marega 2007) “ Youthfully modern wine with powerful oaky nose, very drinkable, bright cherry fruit and lots of finesse…very convincing” 18.83/20 pts, Decanter Panel tasting, Amarone 2007 and 2008, April 2012. Code Le Salette is well-established as one of the leading producers in Valpolicella located in the very high quality sub-area of Fumane. Each wine, apart from the entry level Valpolicella and the Amarone Classico from the Le Salette stable, comes from a specific vineyard plot. Winemaker and proprietor Franco Scamperle is adamant that each wine must be allowed to express the character of the soil from where the grapes are grown. The Valpolicella Classico is enchanting; light and fresh with exuberant fruit and a lively palate. Valpolicella I Progni, made using the Ripasso method, involving a secondary fermentation on the lees of the Recioto, is perfumed and juicy with surprising longevity. Pergole Vece Amarone, made only in exceptional years, is subjected to extended drying (6 months), and aged entirely in barrique. It is one of the few Amarone that has enough structure to take such treatment. The La Marega Amarone is made every year in greater or lesser quantities. It is dried for a month less than the Pergole Vece and aged in large Slovenian oak and only about 40% in barrique. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size LS0115 Valpolicella Classico 2015 12.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt LS2814 Valpolicella Classico Ripasso 'I Progni' 2014 13.5% Natural Cork 12X0.75lt LS0912 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico La Marega-Half Bottle 2012 15.0% Natural Cork 12X0.375lt LS3013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt LS0313 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico La Marega 2013 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt LS0412 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Pergole Vece 2012 15.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Le Pergole Vece 2011 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.5lt Red Wine Dessert Wine LS0611 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 73 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SERAFINI & VIDOTTO Veneto, Italy www.serafinievidotto.com Serafini & Vidotto are two old schoolfriends who decided to unite their talents and passion for high quality wines and vineyards, and so back in 1986 they ventured into the winemaking world. (Recantina 2010) "I was in a panic to reassure myself this recovered variety was in our 'Wine Grapes' book. Yes, blackberry fruit, quite soft tannins and low acidity, but lots of pleasure." Jancis Robinson, From the very beginning, they chose to plant and make wines from international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, though the pair has recently begun working with a once famous but now forgotten native grape, Recantina. In fact, Serafini & Vidotto has long been considered one of, if not the best producers of Cabernet wines in North Eastern Italy. www.jancisrobinson.com, Nov 2012 (Rosso dell'Abazia) "This wine, which is aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, is a blend of approximately 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10-15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It is a finesse-styled, austere, Bordeaux-like wine that should handsomely repay aging." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Code Increased production numbers and mounting success meant that the two friends were forced to build a bigger cellar. Thanks to a collaboration with a renowned architect, the result was a very modern, two story, gravity-flow winery. Over the years, the wines of Serafini & Vidotto have met with such success that in the November 2006 issue of the Gambero Rosso magazine, Serafini & Vidotto’s most famous red, the Rosso dell’Abazia, was placed in twentieth place among fifty Italian wines that had most often won the magazine’s top Tre Bicchieri award. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Bollicine Rosé NV 12.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VD0315 Recantina 2015 13.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VD0412 Phigaia 2012 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VD0509 Rosso dell'Abazia 2009 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VD0501 Rosso dell'Abazia 2001 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt VD0709 Rosso dell'Abazia Magnum 2009 13.0% Natural Cork 6X1.5lt Sparkling Wine VD0114 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 74 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 NEW ZEALAND New Zealand is a relatively new winemaking country that has, in a very short time span of thirty years or so, made a name for itself as one of the best spots on the planet for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This is no small feat, since Pinot Noir especially, can rarely deliver truly great wines outside of Burgundy. Yet it does exactly that in New Zealand. The country lies between the 36 and 45 degrees latitude in the southern hemisphere making it the southernmost wine growing country in the world and it covers 1000 miles in length. It is blessed with a cool climate making conditons ideal for other cool weather varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), though the warmer parts of the country have also proven to be a source of interesting Syrah. New Zealand has 10 major wine growing regions spread across the North and South islands, each with their own unique growing conditions that are reflected in the wide range of wine styles. These range from fruit-dominated wines that are best drunk young, to bold and character full reds grown in the warmer parts of the country. Most wine lovers know of the country for its globally recognised, distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc produced in Marlborough, which is bright, crisp and redolent in citrusy-herbal aromas and flavours that are instantly recognisable and unforgettable. Pinot Noir has become New Zealand’s second largest export varietal (after Sauvignon Blanc) and was first produced in the Auckland regions in the mid 1970s. It is now made in three main regions, each with their own distinctive style, Marlborough, Martinborough and Central Otago (which is New Zealand's highest and the world's most southerly wine region.) Marlborough, located at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, is New Zealand's largest wine region in both production volume and surface area under vine; it stretches from the small port town of Picton in the Marlborough Sounds to the east coast town of Kaikoura. Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s sunniest and driest areas. Thanks to plenty of sunshine with cool nights and a long growing season, vibrant fruit flavours are characteristic here. Marlborough whites are feisty, pungent and dry wines of consistent quality. South-east of the Wairau Valley, the Awatere Valley has a cooler, drier climate, producing grapes with intense fruit flavours and minerality. Both sub-regions have stony, fast-draining, heat-reflective, infertile soils. In Central Otago, summer days are hot and dry with cool nights allowing for the development of flavour complexity. These climatic features along with the schist and micabased soils, are reflected in the styles of wines produced in the region, as soil types have a distinct influence on the growth and flavours in the grapes. The wines of Central Otago have a noteworthy fruity intensity and are almost voluptuous compared to the Pinot Noirs produced in Marlborough which are lighter and more fragrant. Those of Martinborough display greater ripeness and softer fruit flavours and are subsequently more typical of a warmer climate. The North Island's Hawke's Bay region is particularly suited for making Bordeaux Blend wines as well as high quality Syrah. Interestingly, the oldest vineyard of New Zealand was planted by the Roman Catholic Church in the Hawke’s Bay back in the mid 1800s. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the most extensively planted red grape varieties in Auckland, Northland, Waikato - Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 75 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 BLACK COTTAGE Marlborough, Central Otago, New Zealand www.blackcottagewines.co.nz Black Cottage by Dave Clouston offers a range of wines full of character. Combining selected parcels of fruit with modern and alternative winemaking techniques, David strives to create very special wines which are approachable yet intense and full of character. "Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2011 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of black cherries, red plums and mulberries with touches of cloves, chocolate and cedar. Medium-bodied with a good fruit core, it has a low to medium level of chewy tannins, refreshing acid and long slightly oaky finish." Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The grapes for the Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from two different plots both located in the heart of Wairau Valley in the Marlborough region. The stony soil and the long summer days present perfect growing conditions to harvest grapes with those classic punchy Marlborough characteristics; nettle and gooseberry with hints of fresh passion fruit on the finish. The fruit for the Pinot Noir is from Central Otago from a single vineyard in the Cromwell Basin. The 10 year old vines are starting to deliver wines with depth and personality while the diurnal temperature swings (from 30 +°C in the day, to 5°C degrees at night) producing Pinot Noirs with pure fruit characters and bright acidity. erobertparker.com, Oct 2012 "Black Cottage’s 2012 Sauvignon Blanc has intense aromas of lime juice, lemon zest and fresh sage with hints of asparagus, pea pods and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, it offers a good concentration of straightforward citrus and vegetal flavors in the mouth, finishing long." Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The wines from this estate have garnered many accolades such as four stars from Winestate magazine and Michael Cooper’s Fine Wine Buying Guide. erobertparker.com, Oct 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2016 13.0% Screw Cap 12X0.75lt Pinot Noir Reserve 2015 13.5% Screw Cap 12X0.75lt White Wine BC0116 Red Wine BC0415 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 76 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 SLOVENIA Beautiful Slovenia has always made wine. Positioned at a crossroads between north, south, east and west, viticultural and oenological knowledge from all the prominent winemaking nations passed through Slovenia and wine was known to the Celtic and Illyrian tribes of north-eastern Slovenia even before the Romans arrived. Accordingly, French, Italian, and German influences are evident both in viticultural and oenological aspects, as well as in the terminology used in the country and there are both varietally labelled wines, and wines under the name of the producing region. Today Solvenia's wine production is earning accolades and praise everywhere. Slovenia lies in an ideal climate zone: between 45 ° 30'N and 47 °N, with the highly beneficial temperate effects of the Adriatic Sea which forms the country’s western border. Other geographic influences facilitate quality viticulture in Slovenia; the Alps form Slovenia's northern border, shielding the land from the harsh, cold northerly winds and helping moderate the intense continental summer heat. Terminology for wine quality is similar to the Prädikatswein system used in Germany, and there are three main viticultural regions differing in microclimate, soil composition and viticultural tradition: Podravje, Posavje, and Primorje. Slovenian wines range from rich Bordeaux-style red wines to aromatic white wines reminiscent of the Mosel and Rhine valleys, from the dry wines of Italy to the sweet ones made in Hungary, and even thick Port and Sherry-style wines. A number of local varieties grown nowhere else have also been developed during Slovenia's long viticultural history and are fast becoming the source of some highly interesting, much sought-after wines. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 77 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 VERUS Ormoz, Slovenia www.verusvino.com Verus (Latin for “true”) is an exciting new winery founded in 2007 and owned by three friends who now produce some of the most exciting white wines coming out of Slovenia. The 12 hectare vineyards are located around Ormoz in the appellation of Styria (Stajerska) on the Jeruzalem-Ormoz hills close to the Hungarian-Croatian borders. The cool climate here is influenced by the Alps, the Adriatic Sea and the Pannonian Plain. (2007 Verus Furmint) "a truly stunning dry white that comes complete with heart-warming story. It comes from inland Slovenia, not the western bit where I spent most of my recent visit. An exciting new producer, Verus, a triumvirate of particularly ambitious young winemaking friends, has produced a range of thrillingly pure 2007 white wine varietals... I can recommend all of them as beautifully made, precise varietal expressions, and have chosen the steely, firm Furmint as the wine that stood out for me." Jancis Robinson, The wines are true expressions of each grape variety and are bottled under screw cap with an exquisitely designed label. Their inaugural vintage 2007 received much acclaim from the press and wine writers and previews the future success of this young dynamic winery. www.jancisrobinson.com, May 2008 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size VS0515 Furmint 2015 12.5% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt VS0215 Pinot Gris 2015 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt VS0415 Riesling 2015 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt VS0115 Sauvignon Blanc 2015 13.0% Screw Cap 6X0.75lt White Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 78 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 SOUTH AFRICA Despite being considered a ‘New World’ wine producer, South Africa has a longer winemaking history than both Australia and California, dating back to the 1600’s, with plantings near Table Mountain and Constantia, where Napoleon’s favourite sweet wine was produced. The wine industry in South Africa has served as an interesting reflection of social progress over the last 50 years, blossoming since the end of the apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s election to Presidency in 1994, when export markets started to open. The industry struggled a little initially from years of underinvestment and a sudden international surge to pressurise the industry through highly critical, comparative tastings, but there are now over 100,000 hectares of vineyards across the country, a flourishing wine tourism industry and a particularly passionate and exemplary commitment to sustainable wine farming. South Africa’s wine country is not only amongst the most beautiful in the world, but it is also one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on earth, known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. With two-thirds of the country’s producers signed up to the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, the introduction of a new sustainability seal and a regular auditing system, the future of South Africa’s delicate ecosystem and the protection of its water, flora and fauna look promising. The climate is predominantly Mediterranean and reassuringly reliable, with plenty of sun during the summer months and rainfall in the cooler winters. Atlantic and Indian oceanic breezes, Antarctic currents and night-time mists mean that ripening is a slow process and allows the intense fruit-flavours take centre-stage. The three fine wine producing areas of Stellenbosch, Swartland and Paarl are the home to some very highly acclaimed wineries, and the setting for new private wineries (of which there are now over 500) rather than larger co-ops known for producing cheap wines for the domestic market and from which South Africa is trying to disassociate itself. There is still a widespread tendency to plant more white grape varieties than red, although the split is slowly becoming less stark, as producers are beginning to seriously concentrate their energies on their red offerings. The main grape, or cultivar, is Chenin Blanc, known locally as Steen, followed by Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Chardonnay, Muscats and Colombard, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon rules the red wine production, followed closely by Shiraz and Merlot. South Africa’s indigenous grape Pinotage, which is a crossing between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, appears to be decreasing in production, so we are particularly excited to be able to list a gorgeous Pinotage from our new producer Scali in Northern Paarl. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 79 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 SCALI Northern Paarl, South Africa www.scali.co.za Willie and Tania De Waal are the fifth generation of the De Waal Family to own the farm, Schoone Oord, which Willie’s great-great grandfather bought in 1877 with a 45 carat diamond he discovered at Kimberley in the Northern Cape. He grew up in a vigneron family and continued this tradition on Schoone Oord, where it was passed on to the generations that (Scali Pinotage 2010) "Willie and Tania de Waal's grapes are much in demand on the Voor Paardeberg and you can see why. This Pinotage is the best of their own wines: a perfumed, silky, beautifully oaked interpretation of the variety with fine red fruits and silky tannins." Tim Atkin MW followed him. In 1993, Willie and Tania decided to start making wine from the grapes they were so passionately nurturing. Beginning with 50 litres in 1993, they progressed gradually and made their first barrique in 1997. The quality was exceptional, and having fairly quickly finished the whole barrique with the help of their wine loving friends, they realised the scope for opportunity and in 1999 made 20 barriques. Since then they have gained international recognition, fantastic critiques of the wine and we are extremely excited to be their representative in the UK market. The de Waal family are particularly proud of their cellar, which was built in 1912 with conglomerate rock, whose gravel components also form the ground in many of their vineyard sites. Originally equipped with concrete fermentation vats and tanks, the cellar was recently renovated and the family installed 10 new 2500litre French oak fermentation vats and brand new insulation and cooling systems to regulate the ambient temperature in the winery and barrique cellar, and cooling plates to control fermentation temperature. The ‘Scali’ name derives from a combination of the farm name ‘Schoone Oord’ and the Africaans word for shale, ‘Skalie’. Shale is the main component in the vineyard soil and the family intend the name to express the intimacy and interaction between the family, farm, and soil. They bottle the wines at the Scali cellar and all the packaging is done by hand. Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Sirkel Chenin Blanc 2014 12.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SI0514 Sirkel Pinotage 2014 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt SI0609 Syrah 2009 14.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine SI0114 Red Wine +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 80 Country Fact Sheet October 2016 SPAIN Spain’s rich history, the diversity of its wines and the volume of production (Spain is the world’s third biggest wine producer after France and Italy) makes it a thrilling place for wine lovers. The fact that both white and red wines have been greatly improved over the last thirty years is further cause for excitement. Gone are the dusty, dry reds and oxidized or neutral white wines of memories past, happily replaced by fruit-driven, fresh and highly diverse wines that will please most palates. The two main factors influencing Spanish wine are geography and climate. Lying at a latitude of 36 to 43 degrees north, Spain stretches from the warm and humid Mediterranean coast in the south and east, to the cool, wet influences of the Atlantic in the north and a number of different mountain ranges further shape grape-growing conditions. Main grape varieties include Garnacha, Macabeo, Verdejo, Palomino and Pedro Ximénez, as well as major international varieties, and surprisingly few of Spain's plethora of native grapes are used by producers in order to make wine in commercially significant numbers. That said, some of these, such as Albariño and Tempranillo, have become household names in a very short time. Amongst the whites, Albariño is a high quality aromatic variety, typical of the northern region of Galicia. It yields highly mineral, crisp white wines that have become the must-have aperitif wine in wine bars all over the world. Verdejo is enjoying almost similar popularity levels, especially with those who prefer a more neutral, fruitier and less mineral-aromatic style of white wine. Tempranillo is by far the best known Spanish red grape (also called Ull de Lebre in Catalonia and Cencibel in La Mancha), an early ripening grape that gives powerful, slightly aromatic red wines of great tannic and ageworthy structure. Garnacha (better known as Grenache in France and Cannonao in Sardinia) can make both great Rosés and hearty reds and some of the grapes from the very old Garnacha vines can make some of the greatest wines in the world. Pedro Ximénez is a high quality aromatic grape used to make the sweetest, richest sherries that carry the same name. Most of Spain's provinces have distinct regional and cultural differences which are evident in the wide range of wine styles made. Their autonomous structure empowers the regions to enforce their own wine laws while staying within the larger European Union framework and Spain's controlled appellation system – the DO or Denominación de Origen. The Spanish capital, Madrid, is situated at the centre of the enormous Iberian plateau – a largely arid land mass with a number of major rivers which wind their way through its many vineyards. As it is so far from the coast and has plenty of sunshine, this central region is suited to the production of red wines as well as the grape variety Airén – used in the production of brandy. The Atlantic-influenced vineyards of the north specialize in creating light, dry and refreshing white wines, while those close to the Mediterranean produce sumptuous reds that are neither as heavily oaked nor as alcoholic as they once were. On a completely different note, the northeastern region of Catalonia is where inland vineyards located at higher altitudes excel in the production of Cava, Spain's sparkling wine produced by the traditional Champagne method. Last but not least, Andalusia in the South, with its mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, is home to one of the world's greatest fortified wines: sherry. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 81 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 PRIOR PONS Priorat, Spain www.priorpons.com Prior Pons, a family cellar with a tradition in viticulture dating back to the 18th Century, is located in La Vilella Alta, at the very centre of the D.O.Q. Priorat. In 2002 the cellar released its first wines, mostly produced using grapes from old vines that the family planted in the 1940s and 50s which grow between 300 and 400 meters above sea level, and are blended with wines derived from 100 year-old vines. The winery’s goal is to express Priorat’s unique personality, making wines that can only be elaborated in this region. (2008 Celler Prior Pons Planet de Prior Pons) "shows intense red berry and cherry aromas complicated by white pepper and anise, along with mineral and floral overtones…" 91 points, Josh The wine production is very limited; only 1,800 Prior Pons bottles are produced at each vintage consisting of two wines. Prior Pons is the first, made from the best grapes of the cellar, and also Planets de Prior Pons, which combines grapes from both old and younger vines. Both wines offer the best characteristics of the zone: colour, freshness, potency, structure, fruit, minerality, spice and balance. Reynolds, International Wine Cellar, SeptOct 2012 (2008 Celler Prior Pons Prior Pons) "an Inky ruby, complex, heady… evokes dark fruit preserves, licorice pastille,… lush, and palate-staining…" 93 points, Josh Reynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept-Oct 2012 Code Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Planets de Prior Pons 2013 14.5% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt Red Wine PP0113 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 82 Producer Fact Sheet October 2016 LAGAR DE COSTA Rias Baixas, Spain www.lagardecosta.com (Albariño 2011) "Green fruit and nectarine aroma which is also subtly smoky with a pungent grassiness. Makes a powerful impression in the mouth with its crunchy fruit. Full flavoured, modern and expressive with a lingering finish and a mineral, salty note. Highly recommended." Decanter, Aug 2012 Code Lagar de Costa is small family run winery located on the Atlantic shore, opposite the island of La Toja in the heart of the Salnes. Lagar de Costa has a long tradition of growing Albariño which goes back to the beginning of the last century, but it has only been bottling its fruit since 2001. Some of the vineyards are more than 50 years old and yields are kept well below the DO average. The soil is predominantly sandy and the ocean influence keeps the temperature at a yearly average of 14 degrees. Only the best selection of grapes go to make up the final wine, which offers exuberant floral, mineral character and is a true expression of this exciting grape varietal. Label name Vintage Alcohol Closure type Case size Albariño 2015 13.0% Natural Cork 6X0.75lt White Wine LA0115 +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com 83 Terms and Conditions October 2016 TERMS AND CONDITIONS Definitions: "Company" Astrum Wine Cellars Ltd. "Goods" the goods which the Company is to supply in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. "Customer" the person, firm, sole trader or limited company who accepts the Company's quotation for the sale of Goods by making an Order Request. General: All Goods are sold and supplied to the Customer upon the following standard terms and conditions. The Company reserves the right at its discretion to accept or decline any Order Request. Orders Request only becomes Order binding upon the Company when the Company has provided a confirmation of acceptance of the Order request. Orders will only be accepted from persons over the age of 18. Prices: All prices are quoted per bottle and per case excluding VAT and including excise duty unless otherwise stated and are correct at time of quotation. The Company reserves the right to change prices without notice and Goods will be charged at the price prevailing at the date of dispatch. All goods are offered subject to stock availability and remain the property of the Company until paid in full. Carriage: Within the Greater London Area carriage is free of charge for orders of 12 bottles or more. For all orders requiring delivery outside of London, carriage is free for orders of 72 bottles or more, or for orders with a value of £500 or more before VAT. Orders that do not reach these minimum requirements will incur a carriage charge as per the cost of the haulier. Delivery: Within the Central London Area, orders placed by 4pm will be delivered the next day . Orders placed after 4pm have no nextday delivery guarantee. Any order for the UK mainland will be delivered within 3 working days. Emergency deliveries can be arranged at an agreed cost. We can guarantee specific delivery time slots only for clients who request this when ordering at least 48 hours before. Minimum order: 12 bottles, which can be mixed. Payment Terms: The Company must receive payment in full before delivery will be arranged unless the Company has agreed credit terms. The Company will not enter into a sale or return arrangement unless specifically agreed prior to order confirmation. Late payment: The Company reserves the right to charge interest pursuant to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act. Claims: All goods must be inspected at the time of delivery. Claims for breakage, loss or damage must be notified in writing to both the Company and the carriers within three working days. Non-delivery must be notified within 7 working days of date of invoice or dispatch note. Packing materials should be retained for inspection. No claims for compensation will be accepted if notification is made outside these deadlines. Corked or defective bottles should be returned to the Company for examination. Warranties: Other than as stated in these terms and conditions, all warranties, conditions, terms and undertakings expressed or implied, whether by statute, common law, custom, trade usage, course of dealings or otherwise in respect Goods supplied by the Company are hereby excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law save that nothing in this agreement operates to exclude or limit the Customer's statutory rights. Retention of title: The Company shall retain title to the Goods until the Company receives full payment of the price of the Goods and any other outstanding sums which The Customer shall keep such Goods as the Company's bailer and shall deliver up the Goods to the Company at its request and shall: 1. insure the Goods against the usual risk. 2. store them separately or otherwise ensure that they are readily identifiable as the Company's property. 3. irrevocably authorises the Company's representative at any time in circumstances to enter the Customer's premises where the Goods are thought by the Company to be stored for the purpose of repossessing the Goods. 4. keep the Goods free from any charge lien or other encumbrance. Insolvency: The Company may terminate the order by written notice if the Customer becomes insolvent or is deemed to be unable to pay its debt. Data Protection: In placing an Order Request the Customer consents to the Company holding and using the Customer's personal information in order to inform the Customer of the Company's promotions and events. The Company will not pass Customer details to any third party save for the purpose of delivering Goods pursuant to an Order. If the Customer does not want to receive such information the Customer shall inform the Company of the fact in writing. Dispute resolution: If any dispute arises in relation to Goods supplied by the Company both the Company and the Customer agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute before recourse to litigation. If any dispute cannot be resolved by way of negotiation then both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of England & Wales whose jurisdiction shall be exclusive save in respect of the enforcement of judgments when such jurisdiction will be non-exclusive. Applicable Law: These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England & Wales. THIS LIST SUPERSEDES ANY PREVIOUS ONE. +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com The winelist on the Astrum website is updated frequently. For new vintages and the latest prices register on: www.astrumwinecellars.com/contact +44 20 3328 4620 info@astrumwinecellars.com www.astrumwinecellars.com