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Contrada

Italian for single vineyard. Each Contrada will have its own name.

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Italian for single vineyard. Each Contrada will have its own name. Plural = Contrade. Etna’s Contrade have certainly raised knowledge of the term. Each year a tasting, the Contrade dell’Etna, is held to taste the current releases from Etna. The term is used throughout Italy.

Contrade names you might have heard of from Etna: Rampante, Guardiola, Feudo di Mezzo, Acuria, Sciaronuova, Calderara, and Rivaggi. Moving north to Veneto, Gini’s top Soave is from the Contrada “Salverenza”.

 

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Champagne Benoît Marguet 'Sapience' 1er Cru 2014
It's like the Beatles have Got Back Together! Fruit from Laval, Leclapart & of course Marguet! Champagne Sapience, vinified totally with natural methods. The 2014 Sapience is collaboration between 3 great biodynamic Champagne growers: Benoît Marguet, Vincent Laval and David Leclapart. The concept is to craft Champagne using extreme biodynamic methods. The blend comprises Chardonnay from David Leclapart (Trépail), Pinot Meunier from Vincent Laval (Cumières) and Pinot Noir from Benoit Marguet (
$575
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$535ea in any 6+
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François Villard Côte-Rôtie 'Gallet Blanc' 2022

François Villard Côte-Rôtie ‘Gallet Blanc’ 2022

Shiraz/Syrah | Rhône Valley, Côte-Rôtie

Deceptive intensity and depth on a transparent framework with superfine fruit of sophistication. A wonderful perfume lifts above. Delicate layers of complexing elements: spice, earthiness & woody herbs. Elegant & fine. Orange citrus & red fruit mingle seamlessly. Deftly developed showing the skilled touch Villard has.François looks at this wine as the Holy Grail! Delicious now, yet, with incredible ageing potential.François is making stunning wine. From a 20 year old chef t
$209
$199ea in any 3+
$189ea in any 6+
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Passopisciaro Contrada 'P' Porcaria Nerello Mascelese 2021
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! More immediate generosity from Porcaria, a sub-contrada of Feudo di Mezzo. A little savoury, with a full round aroma profile. Rich and round on the palate with excellent acid, zippy and on the borderline of sour, countered by ripe, spiced fruit. Time will undoubtedly see the acid resolve. Excellent red and darker fruit with baking spice and slatey grip of tannin. Herbal and fine. Very good. NOTE: I tasted these 12
$176
$169ea in any 3+
$162ea in any 6+
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Pieropan Soave 'Calvarino' 2023

Pieropan Soave ‘Calvarino’ 2023

White Blend | Veneto, Italy

The name 'Calvarino' translates to 'small ordeal'. Andrea Pieropan told us it was named after the hill Jesus was crucified on, reflecting how difficult the soil is to work and the tortuous path which winds from top to bottom.A ripping Calvarino. A smidge fuller than general with the acid to hold it. As usual, the fresher of the 2 Cru wines. Excellent core of vibrant fruit with loads going on. It feels like there's been a little more work on textural components and mid-palate weigh
$70
$67ea in any 3+
$64ea in any 6+
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