Description
Seasonally Perfect Reds from the Iberian Peninsula and Italy – All Fruit and Spice
As the weather cools and we lean into cozy, comforting moments, this selection of vibrant reds is the perfect companion for the season. Bringing you the best of the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, each bottle showcases the warm embrace of ripe fruit and spice that these regions are celebrated for. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or savoring a quiet evening by the fire, these wines are ideal for enjoying the rich and bold flavors of autumn.
2021 Q.S.S. Rare Vinho Tinto (Portugal) - A rare Portuguese gem that combines rich red fruit with notes of spices and herbs. Expect ripe cherry, cranberry, and a touch of clove, with a balanced finish. A versatile red that pairs beautifully with anything from charcuterie boards to spiced lamb.
2018 Castillo de Mendoza Vitaran Tinto Crianza (Spain) - This Tempranillo-driven wine from Rioja is aged to perfection, featuring lush flavors of red cherry, vanilla, and baking spices with a smoky undertone. Its velvety tannins and elegant finish make it a superb choice for fall and winter evenings.
2022 Falset Marca Imus, Montsant (Spain) - This blend is a wonderful representation of the range of terroir present in Montsant. The wine leads with the fruit-forward nature of the Cariñena from the sandy soils, which shows itself in flavors of deep plum, red cherry, and spice. Meanwhile, the influence of Grenache from licorella (black-slate) soils provides balance, concentration, and complexity with its introduction of raspberry, black cherry, licorice, and fine-grained texture. Lastly, the Syrah from limestone soils imparts notes of white pepper as well as the structure that carries the wine into a cozy, satisfying finish.
2021 Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina (Italy) - Vinous said of owner Renzo Masi and Basciano, “[Masi] turns out solid, well-made and relatively inexpensive Chiantis that age well at this little-known Chianti Rufina estate. His wines all show the tell-tale refinement, high acidity, relatively low alcohol, sour cherry fruit and slight underbrush-mushroom notes that define great Rufina wines, and they couldn’t be any farther removed from alcoholic fruit bombs.”
From the heart of Chianti Rufina, on the top of a hill overlooking the Argomenna Valley on one side and the Sieve River on the other, comes our next great find. It’s muscular with good structure, great mineral-tinged fruit, dominant cherry flavors and the subtle, intricate bramble notes that make Rufinas so dang fun to drink.
A great 90-point review from Wine Spectator is tied to this sub $20/btl Chianti gem, which commends the wine for its “fine balance, length and character”. That kind of score from Wine Spectator doesn’t come often for wines at this price point, but it happened, and we were all over it.
2020 Uggiano Il Sanzio Sangiovese & Syrah Toscana Rosso (Italy) - This blend of Sangiovese and Syrah brings together the best of both grapes—juicy red berries from the Sangiovese and dark plum, peppery spice, and structure from the Syrah. It’s a bold yet balanced wine that pairs well with slow-cooked stews or grilled steak.
2019 Valle Martello Villamagna DOC (Italy) - This handsome Montepulciano from Villamagna shows an impressive and well-balanced ratio between fruit, spice, and structure. Black cherry, mulberry, and plum skin are layered with sweet tobacco, clove, wood spices, licorice and walnut. This heady blend of aromas translates to a rich yet smooth, velvety palate where rounded tannins lead to a lengthy and pleasant finish.
Each of these wines captures the essence of the season, blending fruit-forward richness with complex spice notes. A perfect set for embracing the warmth and flavors of fall!
This Package Includes:
2018 Castillo de Mendoza Vitaran Tinto Crianza
2022 Falset Marca Imus, Montsant, Spain
2021 Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina
2020 Uggiano Il Sanzio Sangiovese & Syrah Toscana Rosso