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 Mulinvecchio Docg 2020

Song: I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone. Mulinvecchio is a 2-acre vineyard that gives rise to the most ‘Blues' of the Contucci wines—a seductive and velvety Sangiovese of extraordinary elegance and intensity. With its deep ruby red hue, the wine offers a bouquet of red roses, maraschino, blackberry candy, and delicate spices of chocolate, tobacco, leather, and tea, along with an intriguing balsamic touch of eucalyptus and sage. On the palate, Mulinvecchio is precise and refined, displaying great elegance and the finesse of a Blues ballad of exceptional quality. It begins fresh, then progresses with a crescendo of red-fleshed fruits and tea, culminating in a round and indulgent tannin of masterful craftsmanship. This wine reveals the gentle side of Vino Nobile, showcasing its true depth and character, best paired with Nina Simone’s iconic and unmistakable voice. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Colorino. 1bt in Shipment . Drink through 2025-2030. Open 2h before. Price $39

Tenuta Carretta Barbaresco Cascina Bordino Docg 2021

Song: Hotel California by Eagles. 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 its bright ruby red color, this Barbaresco showcases the complexity of the exceptional 2021 vintage. It opens with intense and elegant notes of violets, cherries in spirit, dried apricot, and subtle hints of pinewood and sandalwood. A quintessential Piemontese character emerges with aromas of high-quality underbrush, mushroom, and truffle, rounded off by a signature touch of incense that has become the hallmark of the winery. On the palate, the wine prevails with an aristocratic combination of power and elegance, with a mouthwatering taste of sour cherry and red berries, a sapid touch and an exceptionally polished tannin, for an incredible overall balance and quality. The pairing I have chosen is a timeless rock classic for a wine that embodies both history and elegance. 100% Nebbiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2032. Open 3h before. Price $45

Tenuta Carretta Barolo Cascina Ferrero Docg 2020

Song: My Favorite Things by John Coltrane. This quintessential and traditional Nebbiolo embodies all the Jazz-like characteristics of a great Barolo, from its light ruby red color that makes the glass sparkle, to its elegant bouquet of wild roses, plum, tart cherry, and subtle hints of mushroom—typical of Barolo. Notes of pinewood and a delicate touch of incense and pine complete the aromatic profile. On the palate, this Barolo is luminous, vibrant, and aristocratic, with a delicate interplay of red fruits and wild roses, perfectly integrated tannins, and a lingering finish of mushroom and pomegranate. The wine unfolds in a crescendo of flavors of unparalleled quality, typical of the finest wines. A great Barolo is like a beautiful and intelligent woman, surrounded by an aura of mystery and charm, with elegance and finesse that are truly unmatched. An enigma that will never be fully solved, its allure lies in the beauty of the discovery. 100% Nebbiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2033. Open 4h before. Price $47

Poderi Sanguineto I e II Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg 2021

Song: Mother by Pink Floyd. 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. A powerful, inebriating Vino Nobile, with notes of black currants, black cherries, plum, potpourri, withered red roses, lavender, and subtle spices of cocoa, leather, and tobacco of the highest quality. On the palate, the generosity of the 2021 vintage shines through. This Vino Nobile is rich and succulent, yet retains the enjoyability and smoothness that define Sanguineto, finishing with a perfectly round tannin of majestic elegance and a lustful aftertaste of blueberry and jasmine tea. A wine that always leaves an indelible mark on my soul, much like one of my favorite albums by Pink Floyd, which offers a perfect pairing for the senses. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo & Mammolo . 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through: 2025-2029. Open 3h before. Price $40

Poderi Sanguineto I e II Rosso di Montepulciano Doc 2023

Song: Dancing Barefoot by Patti Smith. 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

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 red ruby 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

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

Mastrojanni Ciliegiolo Toscana Igt 2021

Song: White Room by Cream. I am glad to introduce for the first time in the Perbacco Wine Club, one of the most traditional grapes of Tuscany, Ciliegiolo, here impeccably interpreted by Mastrojanni, one of the most renowned estates in Montalcino. A rock-solid representative of the southern side of ‘Brunelloland’ with its expressive wines and always amazing quality, Mastrojanni offers a fantastic version of this grape, whose Italian name recalls the fruit cherry(Ciliegia). With a beautiful ruby red color with purple reflections, the wine opens with an intense and distinctive aroma of ripe cherry, typical of the grape, then notes of blueberry, sandalwood, tobacco, chocolate, mushroom, wild rose, lilac, mirth. Palate is opulent, with a soft entry and a succulent progression of sour and ripe cherry, with a firm tannin and a sapid finish, for an overall great balance. This wine is the incredible combination of the complexity of the soil of Montalcino with the unmistakable quality trademark of Mastrojanni and the Ciliegiolo grape, for a Rock/Blues explosion of flavors. 100% Ciliegiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2028. Open 2h Before. Price $46

Mastrojanni Toscana IGT ‘San Pio’ 2021

Song: The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy. Like a beautiful Tuscan woman wearing a classy French dress, the Sangiovese in this wine does not lose its identity in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, showing great freshness, balance and elegance. With a ruby red color with purple reflections, the San Pio opens with good intensity, with notes of maraschino cherry, plum, roasted red pepper, lilac, chocolate, blueberry, tobacco and a herbal side of sage. Palate is fresh, vibrant, rich. The freshness of Sangiovese intertwines with the grippy tannin of Cabernet Sauvignon, with a sapid finish of sour cherry, pomegranate and tobacco. Succulent and complex with a robust and Classic Rock personality, this blend represents the triumph of the terroir of Montalcino, the perfect fusion between two grapes that perfectly integrate each other. 50% Sangiovese, 50% Cab Sauvignon. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2027. Open 2h before. Price $35

Godiolo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Docg 2012

Song: Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters. The Fiorini family, with Franco and his young nephew Mattia, is definitely one of the cornerstones of Vino Nobile, producing an expressive and traditional Sangiovese, right at the bottom of the hill of Montepulciano. Godiolo is a boutique winery, producing around 20’000 bts of wine per year. This Riserva, produced in the limited quantity of 2’000 bts, is the result of an attentive selection of the best grapes from the oldest vineyard of the estate. With a ruby red color with garnet reflections, this Riserva is dark, introspective, intense like an old school Blues. Cherry jam, prune, with dark spices such as licorice, leather and scorched earth, a hint of Campari, eucalyptus, potpourri and chocolate for a bouquet of extraordinary complexity. Palate is warm, rich, compelling with a succulent, never-ending flavor of prune and cherry jam, currants, chocolate, Cointreau. Tannin is firm, majestic with creamy and aristocratic traits.98% Sangiovese, 2% Colorino, 2% Canaiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2027. Open 4h before. Price $42

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

Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico Docg 2021

Song:Uprising by Muse. The Castle has been under the ownership of the family since 1739, but it was in 1965 that the Rampolla family transformed the estate into a modern winery. With the guidance of the legendary Italian winemaker Giacomo Tachis, Rampolla became a symbol of modernity and innovation, blending Sangiovese with international varietals. Pioneers of biodynamic farming, the estate transitioned to a more regenerative and sustainable production in 1994, demonstrating a forward-thinking mentality well ahead of its time. This blend of Sangiovese, with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, presents a modern take on Chianti Classico, boasting an intense ruby red color and aromas of tart cherry, blueberry, withered violets, chocolate, a hint of eucalyptus, and a touch of sweet cinnamon spice. On the palate, the wine reveals the vibrant freshness typical of a classic Chianti, enhanced by the “international” flair of Merlot’s cherry jam and the grippy yet refined tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon, achieving perfect balance and a long, savory finish with a bold, satisfying push. A Rock personality with a contemporary look. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Cab Sauvignon. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2030. Open 2h before. Price $35

Castello dei Rampolla Liù Toscana Igt 2021

Song: Wicked Game by Chris Isaac. Liù is a symbol of the contemporary approach embraced by this historic estate, a Merlot with a distinctly Tuscan character. Its intense purple hue leads into a peppery personality, offering an intriguing bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, red pepper, lavender, incense, and an exotic touch of pink pepper. On the palate, it is vibrant, playful, and refreshingly pleasant, bursting with flavors of black currants and black tea. Rhythmic and succulent, the wine finishes with a bold, indulgent tannin and a lingering finish, carrying a 'Chianti-like' energy. It’s the perfect fusion of true Tuscan character and French elegance—like a stunning Tuscan woman draped in a stylish Chanel dress. 100% Merlot. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2029. Open 2h before. Price $48

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

Palazzo Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Docg 2019

Song: Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin. Palazzo Vecchio, standing high on the Valdichiana, right between Montepulciano and Cortona, is a magical place, producing wines that reflect the intensity and the gentle character of the winemaker Luca Sbernadori. This is a place I cherish, when my wife and I decided to get married, we could not think of a better location than the Palazzo, with its breathtaking sunsets and its rustic charm. Produced in the limited quantity of 3’000 bts, by selecting the best grapes of the estate, this Riserva shows a ruby red color with garnet reflections. Intense, introspective, ample bouquet, with notes of red currants, dark cherry, prune, candied orange peel, wild rose, eucalyptus, and a series of delicate spices that enhance the complexity of the wine, such as dark chocolate, coffe beans, leather, cigar tobacco. Palate is broad, aristocratic, with a fine grained tannin that is perfectly carved, for a succulent and fulfilling finish of dark cherry, sandalwood and dried violet. A Nobile that shows a Rock character with a touch of Blues, best paired with one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite bands. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 5% Mammolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2030. Open 3h before. Price $39.

Palazzo Vecchio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg ’Maestro’ 2020

Song: Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. With a bright ruby red color, the wines open with good intensity and elegance. The bouquet offers notes of sour cherry, dark fruits, sandalwood, a slight hint of geranium and delicate spices of chocolate, tobacco, wild rose and a gentle note of candied orange peel. Palate is round, velvety, perfectly balanced and refined, with a creamy tannin, leading to a luscious and clean finish of sour cherry. A perfectly executed warm climate Vino Nobile, a wine with aristocratic charm and a Blues, warm, attitude. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 5% Mammolo. 1bt in Shipment . Drink through 2024-2027. Open 2h before. Price $30

Casa di Baal Torno Subito Campania Igt 2022

Song: Small Worlds by Mac Miller. Casa di Baal is a boutique estate in the heart of Campania, one of the best winemaking regions of Italy. This organic estate produces a lighthearted and surprising version of Barbera, a Pop red wine that offers an explosion of red fruits, whose format had necessarily to be 1lt as it drinks compulsively. With a beautiful purple color, the wine is a basket of red fruits and flowers. Blueberry, tart cherry, red currants, raspberry, red rose, lavender and any sorts of berries you could imagine. Mouthwatering in the palate, with a slim tannin, the wine offers a dynamic and lively structure, in which berries are the most distinctive flavor, for a fresh and sapid finish of pomegranate and red rose. If ‘Natural Wine’ is seen by someone as the ‘Trap’ version of winemaking, this is a beautiful interpretation of this innovative genre and one of the coolest reds I have tasted in the past few months. Only 3’300 bts produced. Warning: this is not your typical Barbera, I am taking some risks here but I loved this wine so much and I am looking forward for our members to try something different and more innovative. 100% Barbera. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2025. Open and drink. Price $24

Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole Toscana Igt 2021

Song: Caruso by Andrea Bocelli. Andrea Franchetti was the visionary genius that first saw the potential of Valdorcia in Tuscany and Etna in Sicily, creating from scratch, in the early 90s, Tenuta di Trinoro, one of the pillars for Supertuscans. He saw the Bordeaux-like characteristics of the soil, producing the first top quality wines in the area, setting an example not only for the contemporary winemakers, but also for the generations to follow, becoming one of the most influential figures of all time for Italian wine. 2021 is the last vintage of Mr. Franchetti, the last star in the firmament of his incredible career. Le Cupole, with its impenetrable ruby red color with purple reflections, offers an intense, rich bouquet of dark fruits such as black cherry, black currants, blueberry and gentle spices of coffee, cinnamon, mushroom, tobacco, dark chocolate, for an impeccable overall quality. Palate is rich, mouthwatering with dark fruits such as black currants and black cherry, elegant with a supple tannin. A wine that perfectly reflects the style of Trinoro with fruit, complexity, overall balance and incredible quality. In my opinion, Le Cupole is the best entry-level Supertuscan, a category in which Trinoro has no rivals. Perfectly paired with the iconic voice of the Maestro Andrea Bocelli. 56% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cab Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2030. Open 3h before. Price $42

La Valle del Sole Offida Rosso Docg 2019

Song: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode. After spending years advocating the difference between Montepulciano grape and the wine made in the town of Montepulciano, I am now glad to introduce this popular varietal with this great wine from Marche region, made by this fantastic boutique estate. La Valle del Sole is in Offida, an area that granted the highest level of Italian appellation(Docg) and it is organic since 1989, producing great white and red wines with the 4th generation of the family. Made with the oldest vines of the estate, planted by the first generation, the wine has an intense, ample bouquet, with notes of maraschino, red flowers, chocolate, blueberry and a hint of graphite(pencil case). Palate is fresh, elegant, succulent, with lots of red fleshed fruits and a firm, yet perfectly integrated tannin. I fell in love with this wine during a wine festival, it just stood out as a Rock, colorful interpretation of Montepulciano in one of the greatest terroirs in Italy. A terrific value.100% Montepulciano. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2027. Open 2h before. Price $27

Fonterenza Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2021

Song: America by Gianna Nannini. Fonterenza, under the fearless leadership of the Mantovani sisters, has become one of the most brilliant stars in the firmament of Montalcino. Francesca and Margherita, both born in Milan, were adopted by Montalcino in 1997 and their link with the Tuscan town has become so strong, that they manage to produce wines whose expressivity is second to none, in this enchanting terroir. As many of the ‘new generation’ of Rosso di Montalcino, this wine has a defined personality and nothing to envy to its ‘older brother’ Brunello. Outcome of the warm 2021 vintage, this Rosso is intense, refined, exuberant. With its intense ruby red color, the wine opens with a lush, ample bouquet of cherry under spirit, raspberry, violet, red rose, eucalyptus, scorched earth, dark chocolate, Jasmine tea and a hint of Mediterranean scrub. Palate is rich, voluptuous, juicy, with a warm structure, a perfectly tamed tannin considering the concentration of the 2021 vintage, and a sapid ending, for a lingering finish of black currant and tea leaves and an overall spectacular succulence. Fantastic wine, an anthem to the generosity of the western side of Montalcino, an hymn to the most Rock grape of all, Sangiovese.100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2024-2029. Open 2h before. Price $53