Three Kings of Italy Pack
When we think about Italian wine, we think of a variety of different grapes that span over 20 regions. But there are three wines that are supreme and are known as, “The Three Kings of Italy”. Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone della Valpolicella are three wines that hold the crown and for good reason.
When we think about Italian wine, we think of a variety of different grapes that span over 20 regions. But there are three wines that are supreme and are known as, “The Three Kings of Italy”. Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone della Valpolicella are three wines that hold the crown and for good reason.
When we think about Italian wine, we think of a variety of different grapes that span over 20 regions. But there are three wines that are supreme and are known as, “The Three Kings of Italy”. Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone della Valpolicella are three wines that hold the crown and for good reason.
TENUTA CORTE PAVONE - BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO D.O.C.G. 2017
Tenuta Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that boasts a tale of tradition, passion, and the enchanting landscapes of Montalcino. In the heart of Tuscany, where golden sunsets cast a warm glow on the vine-covered hills, this vineyard stands as a testament to the art of winemaking. They are the pioneers of modern organic and biodynamic viticulture in Italy and are proud of their 40-year-old organic wine heritage and philosophy.
The story begins with Sangiovese grapes, carefully cultivated in the estate's 19 hectares of galestro limestone slate soils. The estate sits on the highest point of Montalcino, with each vineyard having a different aspect. The name "Corte Pavone" evokes images of an ancient courtyard where generations of winemakers have gathered, each leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of the wine. Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of distinction, and Tenuta Corte Pavone takes pride in following the stringent regulations of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), ensuring that each bottle reflects the true essence of Montalcino's terroir.
In the cellar of Corte Pavone, winemaker Hayo makes the magic happen. Brunello di Montalcino is born through a patient aging process, spending years in oak barrels, refining its character. The result is a wine that captures the soul of Montalcino; each bottle tells a story of the estate's dedication to preserve tradition while embracing innovation.
The Vintage: The 2017 vintage reflects extraordinary elegance and minimal intervention It began with quite dry conditions and minimum rainfall throughout majority of the vintage. August and ripening: The temperature range during this part of the month allowed adequate ripening, with good pigmentation of the skins, concentrating the aromas and dry extract, which are ideal characteristics for the production of high-quality grapes. September began with maximum temperatures of around 27°C and heavy rainfall. The combination of the two factors - moderate temperatures and rainfall - prevented the risk of the grapes ripening too fast in the final stages, allowing a gradual but above all balanced stabilisation of the anthocyanins and aromas. These conditions, combined with good ventilation, allowed the harvesting of healthy grapes with important organoleptic characteristics.
Grape: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Location: Montalcino - Tuscany, Italy
Eye: Bright red ruby
Nose: Aromas of cassis, liquorice, dark berries, and black pepper
Taste: Well integrated tannins with a nice acidity. Super juicy and durable.
Maturing: 80% of the Sangiovese is aged in used small barrels and the remaining 20% in new tonneau (thin barrels) for 18 months. 100% is then placed in large oak barrels for 11 months, followed by 1 month of stainless-steel tank before bottling.
Food pairing: Ideal with red meat like "Fiorentina" or matured cheeses like Pecorino.
Accreditation: VEGAN, Certified ORGANIC, BIO-DYNAMIC
Awards:
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) - Silver
Robert Parker - 93
James Suckling - 93
AZIENDA AGRICOLA ICARDI – BAROLO, FOSSATI D.O.C.G. 2016
Fossati Barolo is a wine that unfolds like a captivating tale of tradition, perseverance, and the magic of the Piedmontese terroir. Nestled in the illustrious Barolo region, where vineyards drape the hills like emerald blankets, the story of this wine begins.
In this single vineyard, the noble Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme. Named after the family that has lovingly tended these vines for generations, the Fossati vineyard embodies the essence of Barolo. Each grape, bathed in the warm sunlight is caressed by the cool breeze from the nearby Alps.
The name Fossati signifies a commitment to excellence, with adherence to strict regulations that honour the traditions of the region. The journey of this wine is a testament to the dedication of the Icardi family and winemaker Stefano - where the art of winemaking is a cherished inheritance passed down through the ages.
As the Nebbiolo grapes ripen in this organic vineyard, they develop a symphony of flavours and aromas. After months of meticulous care and using dynamic practices, Stefano begins his work in the cellar and the transformation commences. The grapes undergo a slow natural fermentation and an extended aging process in Slavonian oak barrels, allowing the wine to mature and evolve gracefully. The resulting Barolo is a masterpiece - each sip is an immersion into the rich tapestry of the Piedmontese landscape, with the echoes of generations past and the promise of those yet to come.
The Vintage:
The 2016 vintage of Barolo Fossati is a testament to the exceptional conditions of that year in the Piedmont region, where favourable weather conditions, including warm and dry summers with cool evenings, allowed for optimal ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes while maintaining good acidity levels. Overall, the 2016 vintage was praised for producing a Barolo with excellent concentration, vibrant acidity, and well-defined tannins.
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
Locations: Barolo, South-East Piemonte, Italy
Eye: Ruby red with garnet hints
Nose: Very complex, wild berries and violet at the beginning, then ethereal and balsamic notes of mint, eucalyptus, liquorice.
Taste: Velvety tannins, with good acidity and length.
Maturing: 2,5 years in barrel
Food pairing: Grilled or braised meats, game meat, truffle dishes and aged cheeses
Accreditation: CERTIFIED ORGANIC, BIO-DYNAMIC, VEGAN
Awards:
Ontario local wine critic – 94/100
Luca Maroni – 92/100
Vini Buoni d’Italia – 4 stars
James Suckling – 93 points
CANTINE GIACOMO MONTRESOR – Amarone della Valpolicella Satinato DOCG 2019
Montresor Amarone Satinato, unfolds its story as a luxurious and opulent wine from the renowned Cantine Giacomo Montresor located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, near the city of Verona. Valpolicella landscape is characterised by rolling hills, vineyards, and a mix of soils, including limestone and volcanic elements. The region's unique terroir protects it from freezing winters and sudden temperature changes. This multifaceted diversity contributes to the complexity and character of the wines.
The native grapes, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondiella and Molinara, have unique characteristics. These grapes are meticulously selected from the vineyards and undergo the traditional appassimento process, where they are dried to intensify the flavours. Appassimento is a unique and ancient method which has been a part of the territory and local wines for centuries. The grapes are hand-picked, then laid in small crates to start the natural drying process, which takes 3 months. The bunches slowly dry out, losing a third of their weight. This increases their sugar, polyphenol and tannin concentration.
The unique bottle was designed by Giacomo in 1921, a simple sketch from which the ‘Mula Bottle’ was born. It evokes a sense of luxury and opulence, mirroring the rich and full-bodied nature of the wine itself. The choice of the name "Satinato" (which translates to "satin" in English) suggests a smooth and velvety texture, emphasizing the wine's silky and sumptuous qualities.
Montresor Satinato captures the essence of Amarone tradition, embodying both the passion of the Montresor family and the distinct terroir of Valpolicella. Each sip is an indulgent journey into the heart of this iconic Italian wine, craftsmanship and the art of creating a truly extraordinary Amarone.
The Vintage:
The 2019 vintage in a nutshell was exceptional – primarily due to the climatic conditions that positively influenced the quality of the wine. Moderate temperatures in early vintage favoured a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes, enhanced by an abundance of rainfall that facilitated a healthy vegetative canopy. As the vintage moved into summer, warm days and cool nights ensured perfect ripening, while preserving natural acidity. Harvest in late September started with the hand-picked selection of the best grapes from the high-altitude vineyards, which then underwent the drying process, appassimento. Overall, this extraordinary Amarone presents an intense and complex aromatic profile, with a robust structure and soft and well-integrated tannins.
Grape: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara,
Location: Historically the oldest area in Valpoicella, Veneto, Italy
Eye: Deep garnet red
Nose: Ripe red fruit, delicate spices and a pleasant sensation of tobacco and chocolate
Taste: Full-bodied and velvety with an aftertaste of raspberry and herbs.
Maturing: Oak barrels for approximately 18 months before bottling
Food Pairing: Grilled and braised meats, aged cheeses, rich pasta dishes
Accreditation: Vegan
Awards:
Decanter World Wine Awards – Gold medal