{"title":"Sept 3: Big Italian Reds","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"colli-di-lapio-di-romano-clelia-donna-chiara-irpinia-campi-taurasini-campania-italy-2018","title":"Colli di Lapio di Romano Clelia 'Donna Chiara' Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Colli di Lapio company of Romano Clelia was born in 1994 in the small town of Arianello in the municipality of Lapio; a company characterized by great personality and very high quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe vineyards of the company extend for about 6 hectares, between the localities of Arianello, Stazzone, and Scarpone, some even reaching altitudes of 550 m; the soils are quite mixed with volcanic, clayey, and limestone presences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnother peculiarity that distinguishes Colli di Lapio\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eis the production of the Greco grape. This wine derives from the Greco di Tufo DOCG appellation, where Tufo not only represents the name of the city but also the special type of soil present, that is the tuffaceous rock of volcanic matter from previous eruptions. This soil is what makes the wine special and distinctive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRomano Clelia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Aglianico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCampania, Italy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIrpinia Campi Taurasini Donna Chiara DOC is a red wine from Romano Clelia's Colli di Lapio winery produced for the first time in 2001. The wine deriving from Aglianico grapes harvested in November. Ruby red in color, it has a broad, intense and persistent aroma of raspberry jam on the nose. The taste has a full and elegant flavor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipWineNotes\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipWineNotes_copy viewMoreModule js-expanded\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48088140087601,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CollidiLapiodiRomanoClelia_DonnaChiara_IrpiniaCampiTaurasini_Campania_Italy_2018.jpg?v=1705080135"},{"product_id":"monte-dallora-la-stropa-amarone-della-valpolicella-classico-veneto-italy-2013","title":"Monte dall'Ora, 'La Stropa' Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2013","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eLocated in the center of Valpolicella on one of the five ridges that descend the valley (which resemble the fingers of a hand), Monte Dall'Ora is the creation of Carlo Venturini and his wife Alessandra Zantedeschi. Both are from vignaioli families, but decided to start fresh with their own estate in 1995. At the time, the purchased terraces were in terrible condition and everything had to be rebuilt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVines are either selection massale or grafted on American rootstock. Carlo has chosen to work with (and in some cases, replant) the region's traditional varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta (a lost indigenous grape). The estate was worked organically until 2006, when the couple converted to biodynamic agriculture. The soils are unique to their particular ridge and are composed of limestone with a reddish hue. The first 15 meters are very soft and porous, permitting the vines' roots to penetrate deep in the subsoil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are all trained in the pergola style. Carlo thought about training the vines in Guyot, but quickly changed his mind for reasons of climate and quality control. In many regions, growers continue to use pergola because this vine tending system produces very high yields; while often inconsequential to the health of the grapes, the widespread justification is that is necessary to protect the fruit from the sun. In Valpolicella's case, this is actually true: Corvina and Corvinone are both very susceptible to sunlight. They are also very vigorous varietals: with guyot, bunches would get too big and become prone to illness. Pergola creates more air and space between clusters; the plants are more separated, which results in smaller and more concentrated bunches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBiodynamic.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCarlo Venturini and Alessandra Zantedeschi\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta \u0026amp; Molinar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVeneto, \u003c\/span\u003eItaly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest for the amarone happens 2-3 weeks before same for Saseti and Saustò in order ensure higher-acid, fully healthy fruit. Each bunch is carefully selected by hand in multiple passes through the vineyard. The bunches are placed in single layers in small, slatted wooden boxes that are stacked in the open-sided \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003efruttaio\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e next to the house\/cellar. The drying process lasts around 4 months in this well-ventilated, cool space. The fruit is then destemmed, gently crushed and dropped into low-sided, open-topped oak vats. Fermentation is entirely spontaneous and takes 30 to 40 days with daily foot-treading; it goes to near-total dryness (1-2 grams maximum of residual sugar). The wine is aged in a 25-hectoliter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ebotte \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor 3 years, followed by 2.5 more years in bottle. It is named for the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003estropa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \"switch\" from the native weeping willow, used historically in Valpolicella and by Monte dall'Ora to tie the vines to their pergolas; each wax-capped bottle is adorned with an actual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003estropa \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003eas well. While DOCG law permits the use of up to half of a harvest for amarone production, Monte dall'Ora restricts it to 15-20% of theirs in order to maintain their hands-on, top-quality standard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom certified-biodynamic estate vines ranging from 25-65 years old, the same ones from which Monte dall'Ora makes their entry-level Saseti and their ripasso Saustò. The vineyard is a south-facing hillside of ancient terraces that have been slowly restored by the Venturini family over time (segments of it are still consist of old stone walls overgrown completely with trees, wild vines and other plant life). The vines are cultivated in pergola rather than in guyot, all the better to see and manage the plants as well as to protect the bunches from the sun and to keep them far from the moisture of the ground. The soils are crumbly limestone over limestone mother rock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChocolate, figs, leather, espresso, dried fruit and spices. This is complex, still young and delivers an approachable expression of Amarone that is medium plus in tannins and medium in acidity. Recommended to pair with grilled food or red meat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe darkly alluring 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Stropa smolders up from the glass with a beguiling mix of ground ginger, crushed ashen stone, sugar-dusted black cherries and cloves. This floods the palate with an intense wave of ripe medicinal cherry and blackberry, accentuated by a pretty inner sweetness yet contrasted by a pop of brisk acidity that adds tension toward the close. The 2013 finishes dramatically long and primary with youthfully grippy tannins and a potent staining of residual fruits. Cedar and licorice hints slowly fade. So powerful but also energetic, the 2013 has outstanding cellaring potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farm Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50399561056561,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Montedall_Ora_LaStropa_AmaronedellaValpolicellaClassico_Veneto_Italy_2013.jpg?v=1759500265"},{"product_id":"santoleri-tenuta-di-crognaleto-montepulciano-dabruzzo-italy-2012","title":"Crognaleto Santoleri, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy, 2012 (released in 2025)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHidden and protected by the famous Mount Maiella, in the Abruzzo Apennines, there is a hill in love with the sun, more than any other, covered with Nicola's pergolas: Crognaleto is the privileged seat of gems of incessant gratitude, the result of an acclaimed liturgical cycle suspended in mid-air between the sea and the mountains. The farmhouse-cellar is also the same built in 1700, surrounded by vineyards it was originally one of the farmhouses used by the settlers who worked the land on behalf of the Santoleri family. Today the farmhouse, completely renovated in 2014, houses offices, production, storage and a farmhouse with guest rooms. The promise and commitment to produce an exceptional and quality wine began even before the approval of the law in 1968 that established the controlled designation of origin of wines. Santoleri wines have the Controlled Designation of Origin (D.O.C.) mark as well as the \"Crognaleto\" sub-area to indicate a territory particularly suitable for the production of wines that best represent the grape variety and the territory, enclosing everything in a few bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crognaleto estate covers a total of 188 hectares, 28 of which are planted with vineyards with practices aimed at promoting the utmost respect for nature and the fruit. Fertilization is exclusively organic. The Crognaleto vineyard consists of 26 hectares of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and 2 hectares of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo cultivated with the canopy system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNicola Santoleri\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Montepulciano\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAbruzzo, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSantoleri’s Crognaleto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a bold and characterful wine from the rugged hills of Abruzzo, offering depth, structure, and rustic charm. The nose is intense and earthy, with aromas of black cherry, plum, and wild berries, layered with notes of leather, licorice, and dried herbs. On the palate, it's full-bodied and firmly structured, with gripping tannins and vibrant acidity supporting dense dark fruit and savory spice. The finish is long and robust, with lingering notes of tobacco, balsamic, and forest floor. A powerful, traditional Montepulciano built for hearty food and aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Caroline Debbane Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51351856808241,"sku":null,"price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Crognaleto_Santoleri_Montepulciano_d_Abruzzo_Italy_2012.jpg?v=1747225147"},{"product_id":"argiano-solengo-toscana-igt-tuscany-italy-2022","title":"Argiano, Solengo, Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDescending from Montalcino towards Tavernelle, Argiano sits atop a plateau at an altitude of approximately 350 meters above sea level. Nestled on the southwestern slope of Montalcino, the estate benefits from ancient calcareous marl soils, formed around 25 million years ago when the ocean covering this region receded, leaving behind marine deposits. Fossils found in our vineyards bear witness to this geological history. This area is among the most suitable for cultivating Sangiovese, thanks to its ventilated microclimate and calcareous marl soils, which enhance the wines’ ageing potential and create a distinctive expression of their unique terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArgiano, one of the oldest wineries in Montalcino, has embraced an innovative and forward-thinking approach while remaining deeply rooted in its history and location. Its philosophy is a journey through time: like Janus, the Roman god with two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future—Argiano values its centuries-old heritage while designing a future grounded in sustainability, biodiversity, and respect for the vineyard.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArgiano is a place defined by its people—a site infused with dedication, passion, courage, and a profound connection to the land. With nearly 500 years of history, Argiano is a cornerstone of Montalcino’s cultural heritage, where every stone echoes the past of a region steeped in the ancient art of winemaking. This rich history does not hinder progress; instead, it provides a strong foundation for a unified team that works with commitment, harmony, and responsibility to make Argiano a symbol of Italian excellence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBernardino Sani\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, and 5% Sangiovese\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFruity nose with characteristic red fruits, notes of undergrowth and final spiciness. Powerful but harmonious mouth with a savory finish and present but silky tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Falstaff\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIntense ruby red, almost impenetrable. Elegant nose, ripe plum and cherry, followed by some fresh thyme and pepper. Also elegant on the palate, with pleasant herbal spice, juicy, builds up well, fine tannins, animating acidity, persistent, spicy finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51493551735089,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Argiano_Solengo_Toscana_IGT_Tuscany_Italy_2022.jpg?v=1750275396"},{"product_id":"arianna-occhipinti-sp68-rosso-sicily-italy-2024","title":"Arianna Occhipinti, 'SP68' Rosso, Sicily, Italy, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwner, winemaker, and viticulturist Arianna Occhipinti founded the estate in 2004, bottled her first commercial vintage in 2006 and today works exclusively with estate fruit. She began her career at 16 in her uncle Giusto Occhipinti’s cellar (of COS fame). Arianna loved the business enough to go to enology school. However, once there, she was disillusioned by the type of winemaking they were teaching, so she returned to the methods she observed while working with her uncle when it came time to establish her winery. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 25-hectare vineyard on the southeastern coast of Sicily is certified organic. The winery sits between the Mediterranean and inland mountains in the Vittoria region. The vineyard is planted with native Sicilian varietals; Frappato and Nero d’Avola for reds and Albanello and Zibibbo for whites. While the farm is certified organic, they follow biodynamic practices. That means farming in conjunction and harmony with nature. For example, they use cover crops such as fava beans and other valuable plants to maintain moisture in the soil in this hot and windy place rather than irrigate the vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic and biodynamic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eArianna Occhipinti\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSicily, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSP68 is a road but also a young wine. Fresh and pleasant, with a delicate taste that brings with it the taste of the sun and the freshness of this land.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Vinous (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe 2023 Rosso SP68 is pretty and perfumed, with a blend of crushed roses and violets accentuating blackberries, white smoke and wet stones. It washes across the palate with a liquid floral concentration and tart wild berry fruits, all guided by a core of brisk acidity. The 2023 leaves the mouth salivating as a tart cranberry crunchiness resonates and hints of blood orange slowly fade. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farm Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52114196037937,"sku":null,"price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/AriannaOcchipinti_SP68_Rosso_Sicily_Italy_2023.jpg?v=1736017189"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/sept-3-big-italian-reds.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}