Verbena Brunello di Montalcino Docg 2019

Song: Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses. Verbena, a charming family-run estate managed by Luca Nannetti, upholds the family tradition and proudly stands as one of the ambassadors of boutique wineries in Montalcino. Their solid and structured Brunello di Montalcino is unmatched in terms of value. With a ruby red color with good concentration, the wine presents a voluptuous and intense bouquet of maraschino liqueur, blackberries, lavender, geranium, chocolate, coffe beans, rosemary and tobacco. The palate is expansive, captivating, and full-bodied, beginning with a rich and succulent maraschino note, transitioning to a groovy and firm tannin that grips the back of the lips, and finishing with a lingering essence of black currants and jasmine tea. It's as if a Brunello is playing Hard Rock music. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2030. Open 3h Before. Price $44

Contucci Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pietrarossa Docg 2020

Song: Rock You like a Hurricane by Scorpions. The history of Montepulciano and Vino Nobile is deeply intertwined with the legacy of this historic family, whose presence in the town is documented as far back as the year 1008 (yes, over a thousand years ago!). Viticulturists and agriculturists since the early Middle Ages, the family owns the iconic Palazzo Contucci, located right in the main square of Montepulciano. The first brick of the palace was laid in 1517 under the guidance of Sangallo the Elder, one of the most renowned architects of the Renaissance. To this day, the cellars of the palace continue to serve as spaces for winemaking and aging, providing a unique and fascinating setting that is both anachronistic and world-famous. Pietrarossa is a single-vineyard rich in clay and iron schists, giving rise to the most Rock'n'Roll wine in the Contucci lineup. A wine that pulses with energy and captivates with its notes of withered violets, red rose, sour cherry, maraschino, blackberry, a touch of sage, and a hint of blood orange. On the palate, Pietrarossa is exuberant and energetic, eager to burst forth with a savory flavor that is rare for Montepulciano, featuring an electrifying tannin and a lingering finish of sour cherry and black tea. A wine that seems to shout, "Here I am, rocking you like a hurricane!" 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Colorino. 1bt in Shipment . Drink through 2025-2030. Open 2h before. Price $32

Contucci Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg 2020

Song: That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. As guardians of traditional Vino Nobile, Contucci presents a bright ruby red wine that captures the essence of Montepulciano. Its aromas reflect the region’s character, with notes of ripe violets, maraschino, red currants, blackberries, freshly cut grass, and a distinctly Tuscan spice of dark chocolate, subtly blended with a hint of tobacco. On the palate, the wine reveals quintessential elegance and balance, offering a "Jazz-like" expression of small red fruits such as currants, seamlessly integrated tannins, and a clean, amusing finish. This timeless style demonstrates how a rich, long-standing tradition can remain beautifully contemporary, much like the unmistakable and eternal voice of Frank Sinatra. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Colorino. 1bt in Shipment . Drink through 2025-2028. Open 2h before. Price $26

Poderi Sanguineto I e II Rosso di Montepulciano Doc 2023

Song: Dancing Barefoot by Patti Smith. Dora and Patrizia are pillars of Vino Nobile, and one of my greatest joys is spending time with the two central figures of this enchanting world called Sanguineto, where time is measured by the rhythms of Mother Nature. Here, geese, chickens, cats, and dogs live in harmony, surrounded by a meticulously tended vineyard. Dora's hands bear the weight of decades of hard work, and her slender shoulders carry the legacy of generations of farmers. From them, she inherited not only sharp wit and empirical knowledge but also a deep respect for the land—principles that lie at the heart of Sanguineto. In summary, Sanguineto's wines hold a special place in my heart. Their wines are soulful, expressive, and free from any unnecessary sophistication. It is always a deeply emotional experience, for me, to savor the wines crafted by Dora and Patrizia. This Rosso di Montepulciano, born from the most challenging vintage of the past two decades, is one of the purest expressions of Sanguineto’s style. A still life painting of red fruits, a vibrant Sangiovese with a distinct personality. Surprisingly intense and structured for a 2023, the wine opens with an aromatic burst of red flowers, red currants, raspberries, maraschino, and sour cherries. The palate is lively and joyful, with a seductive freshness of red berries, a solid structure, and creamy tannins, all culminating in a beautifully balanced finish. It’s a special wine that holds a cherished place among my all-time favorites. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo & Mammolo . 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through: 2025-2027. Open 1h before. Price $31

Poderi Sanguineto I e II Igt 2022

Song: Mr Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan. Crafted from the estate's youngest vineyard, planted by Dora and Patrizia in 2017, this wine is a tribute to the youthful exuberance of Sangiovese, with a vibrant, floral, and carefree character. It offers notes of tart cherry, fresh violets, red roses, crunchy red fruits, chocolate, and freshly cut grass, capturing the most joyful expression of Sanguineto. With a compelling drinkability that's characteristic of the most authentic wines, it reflects a simplicity unburdened by excess. Playful and sincere, it embodies the purity of life's finest pleasures. With no added sulfites, it's as close as one can get to what many would call a 'farmer’s wine’ and I could not think of a better music pairing than a Bob Dylan’s classic. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2026. Open 1h before. Price $27

Canalicchio di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2022

Song: I Say a Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin. The three Ripaccioli siblings represent the third generation of Canalicchio di Sopra, continuing a long farming tradition in Montalcino that spans several generations. The winery itself, located in the Northeastern side of Brunelloland, was founded in 1962 when their grandfather, Primo Pacenti, one of the ‘founding members’ of the Brunello Consortium, acquired the estate. Francesco Ripaccioli, the latest-generation winemaker, is the guardian of a rich Sangiovese tradition, embracing an Old School philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar to preserve the authenticity and the character of this remarkable terroir. Crafted from the estate's younger vineyards, this Rosso offers a perfect introduction to the greatness of Montalcino. It boasts an inviting bouquet of ripe cherries, black currants, and floral notes of violets, red roses, and orange blossoms, alongside intriguing hints of underbrush, licorice, black tea, and eucalyptus. The palate is generous, yet elegant, with the lively rhythm typical of young Sangiovese, complemented by a savory aftertaste and a long, succulent finish of red and black currants. With a Jazz/Blues personality, this expressive wine combines the lightheartedness of a Rosso di Montalcino with the depth and complexity of a Brunello. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2027. Open 2h before. Price $35

Il Barlettaio Chianti Classico Docg 2019

Song: Thunderstruck by AC/DC. Francesco Bertozzi, whose family has owned the estate since the late 1800s, now runs Il Barlettaio alongside his wife Paola. This small organic estate, located in the heart of Chianti Classico in Radda, produces only around 10,000 bottles per year. As a Rock and Roll enthusiast, I consider Radda the Mecca of Sangiovese, where the wines are vibrant, full of energy, and brimming with life. Francesco and Paola intentionally wait several extra years before releasing their wines, allowing time to tame the bold character of Radda. This Chianti opens with intense aromas of maraschino, blood orange, raspberry, candied orange peel, cocoa, and a distinctly Tuscan touch of sage, complemented by a final nuance of carob. On the palate, it’s clean, defined, and energetic, with a Rock and Roll personality that speaks to the terroir. The wine offers a relentless freshness of red-fleshed fruits, vibrant tannins, and a lingering, savory finish. Gluttonous, electric and dynamic, free from any pretension, Il Barlettaio captures the true essence of Radda in every sip. Their Sangiovese has rightfully become a hidden gem among Tuscan wine lovers. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2029. Open 2h before. Price $35

Capezzana Villa di Capezzana Carmignano Docg 2020

Song: Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin. Produced by the Contini Bonacossi family since 1926, this wine is a symbol of Carmignano, the region located west of Florence where Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted nearly 500 years ago at the behest of Caterina de’ Medici. Over time, the ‘Uva Francesa’, ancient name of Cabernet, has become a local variety, historically blended with Sangiovese. With a deep ruby red color and purple highlights, the wine showcases the power of the terroir of Carmignano, offering a robust bouquet of blueberries, dark cherries, withered violets, geranium, and spices such as chocolate, cigar tobacco, scorched earth, cloves, and a subtle hint of roasted red pepper typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is expansive and succulent, with an explosion of blackberries and dark cherries, complemented by grippy yet creamy tannins and a lingering, savory finish that leaves the palate satisfied by its depth. Best paired with rock music, especially the introspective and dark tones of the first album by the greatest rock band of all time. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2031. Open 2h before. Price $36

Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano Doc 2022

Song: Kids by MGMT. A younger, more lighthearted expression of Carmignano, this Barco Reale stands out in the glass with its vibrant ruby red color, hinting at the wine’s playful and lively character. The bouquet is predominantly fruity, with aromas of red currants, tart cherries, and raspberries, complemented by floral notes of wild rose and tomato leaves, alongside sweet hints of vanilla, chocolate, and thyme. The palate is joyful, offering a fresh burst of berries and a savory finish that reflects the mineral-rich terroir of Carmignano, abundant in stones and other minerals. The aftertaste of sour cherry and a lively tannin add to its charm. The perfect everyday wine, it combines exceptional quality with a Pop attitude. 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon & Canaiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2026. Open and drink. Price $18

Ormanni Chianti Classico Docg 2022

Song: In Bloom by Nirvana. The estate boasts a long and glorious history, dating back to the Middle Ages, when the Ormanni family, an influential name from Florence, was even referenced by Dante in the Divine Comedy. During the Renaissance, the estate was acquired by the illustrious Medici family. However, it was in 1818, with its acquisition by the current owners, the Brini family, that the estate truly transformed into a winery. This rich history is reflected in the wine’s traditionalist style—an ‘Old School’ Chianti Classico that stands out for its energy and dynamism, beautifully telling the story of this remarkable estate. The wine showcases a beautiful ruby red color, with an intense bouquet of tart cherry, red currants, and cyclamen, complemented by all the classic Tuscan notes of tobacco, leather, and chocolate. It is finished with spices of scorched earth and graphite, typical of some areas in Chianti rich in Galestro stone. On the palate, it is Grunge and dynamic, with a fresh burst of tart cherry and red currants, supported by a robust tannin and a long-lasting, savory finish of sour cherry. Chianti Classico in a nutshell, Ormanni is always a must-have in my personal cellar, best paired with Pasta and with one of my favorite albums, Nevermind by Nirvana. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2028. Open 1h before. Price $22

Tenuta Carretta Nebbiolo d’Alba Superiore Doc ‘Tavoleto’ 2022

Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock. Tenuta Carretta is a historic estate in Roero, the heart of Piedmont, with documented origins dating back to 1467, when it was already renowned for its wine production. Owned by the Miroglio family, also known for their eponymous fashion brand, Tenuta Carretta has vineyards across various areas of Langhe. The estate produces top-quality wines that stand out for their finesse and authenticity, with exceptional expressions of both Barolo and Barbaresco. With a pale ruby red, typical of the varietal, this classic Nebbiolo opens with mainly floral notes of wild roses, violet, cyclamen, lavender, then fruity notes of fresh wild berries, with also spices of undergrowth, eucalyptus and incense. Palate is lively, with a fresh start and a 'Jazzy’ structure where alcohol is perfectly balanced by the acidity, for a savory finish of red currants and wild roses that tingle the palate, making this slander and graceful Nebbiolo, an everyday wine for all occasions. 100% Nebbiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2027. Open 1h before. Price $25

Tenuta Carretta Dolcetto d’Alba Superiore Doc ‘Il Palazzo’ 2022

Song: Shout by Tears for Fears. One of the most important grape varietals in Piedmont, Dolcetto is known for its concentrated fruit and grippy tannins, presenting a stark contrast to Nebbiolo. Intense ruby red with purple reflections, this wine offers more opulence, yet less complexity, compared to its more famous counterpart. Aromas of raspberries, blueberries, and plum are complemented by hints of freshly cut grass, coffee, and lavender. On the palate, it bursts with plum and raspberry flavors, featuring a vibrant structure and assertive tannins that are best softened with creamy dishes, especially fresh cheeses. With a bold Rock personality, this wine’s flamboyant character pairs perfectly with some classic 80s Rock music. 100% Dolcetto. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2027. Open 1h before. Price $21