The finest wines |
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Harlequin Wines, is devoted to supplying the finest wines from the most dedicated producers from around Europe here is a list of the wines we represent. Here are a few selections from our extensive wine list, to see our full list of wines please click here. |
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The pretty region of Alsace offers unique appeal, in both its wine and culture.The ribbon of vineyards is broken only by small villages, whose half-timbered houses are decorated in summer with brightly-planted window boxes. Standing apart from the rest of France, Alsace is geographically isolated on the west of the Vosges Mountains and on the east by the river Rhine. Alsace has the driest climate in France; its summers are hot and stormy, with long dry autumns. The wines here are predominately white [the only permitted red variety cultivated is Pinot Noir]. The finest grape variety, Riesling, often described as the King of Alsace, gives distinctly dry wines that vary in style from fresh, open and elegant to subtle, aromatic and firm. |
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The Wines |
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A Scherer 2004 Rouge Pinot Noir 101. This light coloured red wine is graced with the subtle flavours of summer fruits, especially raspberry.With its light tannins and superb dry finish, this is an ideal wine for roast lamb and goat’s cheese. |
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A Scherer 2005 Tokay Pinot Gris St Martin 105. The style is medium- to full-bodied; rich, somewhat floral; viscous, almost oily in texture; less fruity than some wines; long lasting and an excellent wine with a wide variety of foods. |
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J Loberger 2005 RieslingVieillesVignes 111. This delightful example produced from mature vines is dry, with delicate fruit flavours. Complex, with a subtle acidity and a hint of lemon, it is ideal for fish, shellfish and “la choucroute”. |
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J Loberger 2002 Gewurztraminer Weingarton 115. This grape has brought more fame to Alsace than any other. It has a distinctive, spicy, full, honeyed - yet dry - finish, and floral. |
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The only wine region in Bavaria (centred on the city of Wurzburg) this area specialises in outstanding dry white wines (and offers some superb sweet wines and excellent reds as well!). Franconian wines are not so well known outside Germany so this is your only opportunity to try some treasures that would normally be difficult to source. Franconia possesses a special climate, which is ideally suited for making full fruit wines with refreshing acidity. So proud are the Franconian wine makers they use the centuries old flagon shaped bottle known locally as a "bocksbeutel" to ensure their wines are easily identifiable. This is bound to be a conversation piece. The soils of the region are many and varied, but there is a true reflection of Franconia's geology in its wines. |
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The Wines |
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Castel 2007 Hohnart Riesling 202. Good balanced acidity with a hint of grapefruit. A classic. |
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Castell 2006 Schloss Castell Domina 207. A full, fruity, smooth, rounded red with good tannins and a hint of wild strawberries and cherries. Superb drinking. |
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Trockene Schmitts 2005 Randersacker Marsberg Riesling Kab Trocken 229. Hints of elderflower, very dry and not too fruity. SOLD OUT |
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Trockene Schmitts 2004 Randersacker Sonnunstul Spatbugunder Sptl 237. A cross between Rieslaner and Silvaner, this grape is grown in minute quantities. Smooth, with a honeyed grapefruit edge, this wine will keep for many years yet. |
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Domaine St Croix is a new vineyard to Harlequin Wines situated in the Corbiere region of Languedoc.We hope you enjoy learning a little more about them. In 2007 Jon Bowen contacted me about featuring his wines. A visit to the 15 hectare vineyard 1km from the old Spanish border convinced me that his wines were worth it. He trained as a winemaker in Britain, but spent most of the 1990s looking after other people's vineyards in the south of France. He started his search and found what he was looking for in Languedoc and bought it though the Société d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Etablissement Rural (SAFER). |
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The Wines |
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Domaine Sainte Croix 2004 La Serre 301. This wine is made from Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. It is pale in colour with a hint of green, on the nose citrus aromas with peach and cashew nut. On the palate there are similar fruit characters with intense minerality. SOLD OUT |
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Domaine Sainte Croix 2004 Magneric 304. The grape varieties are Old vine Grenache Noir, Carignan Noir and Morrastel Bouchet [2%] with some young vine Syrah. Deep red in colour, and with intense deep red and black fruits in a light toasty vanilla barrel note. On the palate a whole range of red and black fruit with notes of violet and soft brown sugar. The tannins are soft and ripe and compliment the full concentrated palate. |
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Château Coupe Roses is a very old domaine located in La Caunette, high on the cliffs in the northeasterly part of the Minervois appellation of the Languedoc. It has been in the hands of the de Calvez family since 1614, but Françoise de Calvez and her husband, Pascal Frissant, have been in control since 1987. Together they have revitalized the estate. |
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The Wines |
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Coupe Roses 2004 Granaxa 325-R. Granaxa (dialect for Grenache) is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah made in older barrels. This is one of the finer Grenache wines made in the Languedoc, with a purity and sweetness of fruit that normally is only found in top Châteauneuf-du-Pape. |
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Coupe Roses 2004 Cuvee Orience 328-R. Orience is the luxury cuvée of densely dark Syrah, intensely flavored old-vine Carignan, and a dollop of pure red fruit Grenache. Orience deserves decanting to allow its flavors to unfold. |
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The domaine is classified AOC Coteaux du Languedoc 'Terrasses du Larzac' and is situated 50km northwest of Montpellier and lies between Clermont l’Herault and Lodéve. "Having searched for 18 months for the ideal terroir, it was clear from our very first visit that the potential for quality, at this domaine, was remarkable. "The vines cover 32 hectares on a band of schist at an altitude of between 150 to 400m. A variety of well-exposed sites and the prevailing north westerly winds ensure that our vines reach perfect maturity with little risk of disease. The use of chemical herbicides is avoided and vine treatments are kept to the minimum.We work the land and vines as much as possible by hand, with meticulous shoot and grape selection. Gavin Crisfield |
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The Wines |
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La Sauvageonne 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc Rouge Pica Broca 341. A blend of Syrah (60 percent) and Grenache (40 percent), made half in tank and half in oak barrels, the wine is dark garnet, with perfumed and pleasantly peppery aromas leading to a mouth full of plummy, structured fruit. |
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La Sauvageonne 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc Puech de Glen 344. Deep and concentrated, pure black fruit, "sweet" and full, this high-end bottling presents pure essence of fully ripened Syrah fruit. |
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Dom La Grangette 2006 AOC Cot du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet 335. Dry white wine, pale gold with a hint of green. The bouquet is fine, elegant, fruity and floral with perfumes of hawthorn and lime. Rich creaminess, sharp and fresh on the palate, and a balanced harmony between acidity and roundness Ideal as an aperitif or with fish and shellfish. SOLD OUT |
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From the Languedoc we provide a light Faugeres and a heavy Syrah Vin de Pays from a new find near Pezenas. |
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The Wines |
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Ch. Grezan 2004 Cuvee Arnaud 364. A cuvee of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre. This intense, expressive wine with a hint of blackcurrants, liquorice and “garrigue” is warm and powerful having spent 10-12 months in oak. |
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Ch. Grezan 2001 Schistes Dores Grande Cuvee 369-R. A majority of Syrah vine blended with Mourvèdre. Beautiful crimson colour, rich and complex nose with the aromas of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), of humus, spices, chocolate. |
Domaine Bourdic 2001 Vins de Pays des Cotes de Thau Rouge Syrah 336. This is a big, powerful red. The tannins have softened with aging. Now this is the wine for hunter-gatherers – perfect with wild boar or a venison stew. |
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Domaine du Theron was given a new lease of life in 1997 when taken over by Vic Pauwels a Belgium industrialist. He built a new chai with stunning views over the Lot valley. A chance visit several years ago convinced us that we had stumbled on a stunning example of the Cahors 'black wine' made from the Malbec grape. |
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The Wines |
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Domaine du Theron 2002 Dom Du Theron 404. Wines of deep red colour with blackcurrants, blackberry and cherry on the nose. A second nose will detect vanilla, spices developing a cedar and tobacco finish. All typical of the Malbec grape. Suitable with many meat dishes. |
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Domaine du Theron 2002 Le Theron 405. This wine has a highly concentrated deep colour and is spicy on the nose. Aged in oak the wine gives vanilla, cinnamon and clove in a burst of aromas. Cherries, blueberries and prunes come from this robust concentrated wine. Tannins softened by the oak yet the structure will give great aging potential. |
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The Wines |
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Domaine de la Cabernelle 2006 Bourgueil Vielles Vignes 480. This wine has the marvellous musty earthy character for which Bourgueil is famous. This is such a good wine, and so delicious.... |
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The Touraine wine region of France is at the heart of the huge Loire wine producing area. It is proud of its long history of quality wine production. It is an area well known to many from this country, as it is one of the most popular holiday regions in France. It is the region of the French Châteaux such as Chenoceaux, Chambord, Cheverny and so on. The style of its wines mirrors the region - stylish, traditional and full of beauty. Many people believe the Touraine only produces white wines, but in fact over half the production of the area is red. The main grape is the Cabernet Franc, and the style of these reds is full and generous. |
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The Wines |
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Confrerie Oisly & Thesee 2005 Cremant de Loire Blanc 501-W. Traditional method Sparkling wine. This cremant de Loire is made from Chardonnay has smooth creamy mousse. Puts many cheap champagnes in the shade. |
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Confrerie Oisly & Thesee 2007 Sauvignon AOC Touraine Excellence 502-W. This has has a lemony, zingy taste. It has now softened and lost its sharp edge. It comes from the Confrerie des Vignerons de Oisly et Thesee, a co-operative with the reputation of being one of the best collective wine producer in the whole of France. |
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Confrerie Oisly & Thesee 2007 Cabernet AOC Touraine Vallee des Rois 503-R. This red, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, is an excellent example; ruby-like in colour with a rich aroma of strawberries and currants. |
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Bergerac is an appellation (vineyard region) of France that has the same grape varieties and geology as Bordeaux but without the arrogance or price! The climate is more continental with decidedly less rainfall. The Merlot grape variety from this region achieves "strong tannin structures with the appropriate ripe flavour profiles and mouth-feel that no other country in the world can achieve" (according to the Oz & NZ Wine industry journal). Classic melon/lemon/peach aromas of Semillon are present in the dry white wines of Bergerac. |
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The Wines |
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Ch. La Colline 2006 Vin Blanc sec Cote Sud AOC Bergerac 504. 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, full fruit flavours already obvious in the bouquet with hints of citrus fruits lemon and guava the resulting wine is complex, rich, with the freshness of green apples SOLD OUT |
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Ch. La Colline 2004 Vin Blanc sec Cote Ouest AOC Bergerac 505. 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Beautifully layered-complexity of classic melon-lemon-peach aromas on the nose. Generous richness on palette, citrus notes on attack linked by creamy middle due to extended lees contact, gentle oak backgrounds lively fruit. Clean fresh finish SOLD OUT |
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Ch. La Colline 2005 Vin Rouge sec Cote Sud AOC Bergerac 506. Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a very deep intense colour, nearly ink due to the excellent ripeness of the grapes. - The nose exodus warm aromas of comfit black currants and strawberries. -In the mouth opens up ample to balanced classy tannins and finishes with a return of fruit SOLD OUT |
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Ch. La Colline 2000 Vin Blanc moelleux AOC Bergerac 508. 85% Semillon with 15% Muscadelle, this wine has a deep yellow straw colour. The nose is powerful with developed aromas of stewed fruits, white peach mixed with orange, and apricot. In mouth, the attack is fresh giving way to the voluminous very rich liqueur but stays light and spicy. The finish stays long, the same spice leaving a long reminder in the middle of palate |
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The Wines |
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J-C&D Aubert 2007 Vouvray AOC Sec 511-W. The initial harsh acidity of Chenin Blanc has mellowed with aging in oak casks and further bottle aging in the cellars hewn out of the calcareous tuff. Quince and honey on the nose. Creamy to taste. Another wine for seafood and white meat. Very dry. |
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J-C&D Aubert Vouvray AOC Method Trad Reserve Brut 512-W. Vouray is dry with less than 6gms/sugar/litr It is fresh and fruity, with a slight hint of almonds. Will still age for many years. |
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On our journey along the Loire we reach Bue, a village outside of Sancerre yet steeped in the tradition of mineral and rich Sauvignons.
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The Wines |
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Daniel Crochet 2007 Sancerre Blanc 522. Has a balanced acidity of sauvignon Blanc with freshness of fruit. |
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The Wines |
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Jean-Jacques Girard 2002 Savigny-les-Beaune 601. At first lemon and seasoned oak. The aromas progress to a delicate buttered crumpet, apricot, and white plum and apricot fruit flavours with savoury oak. |
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Jean-Jacques Girard 2003 Pernand Vergelesses 602. Gently oaked, this smooth, honey-textured wine shows delicious pear and hazelnut flavours, along with characteristic butter and toast on the finish. |
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Jean-Jacques Girard 2001 Savigny-les-Beaune 603. This wine shows violets, raspberries, flowers and red fruits on the nose. |
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The Wines |
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Domaine de La Denante 2003 St Veran 610. A rich and elegant wine.When young it has much sought after pear and apple aromas. These now have evolved into a more complex bouquet of honey, almonds and roasted hazelnuts. SOLD OUT |
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Domaine de La Denante 2002 Puilly-Fuisse 612. This wine has a golden straw colour and exhibits white fruit notes on both the nose and palate. The structure is flawless and the balanced acidity with richness assures the long finish that follows.Will still develop more of the roasted nut aromas. |
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Domaine de La Denante 2007 St Veran 614. A rich and elegant wine.When young it has much sought after pear and apple |
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Before travelling to Languedoc we stop in the region of Beaujolais. A southern satellite of the Burgundy region, lying to the west of Villefranche-sur-Saone, close to the A6 autoroute. It is a very pretty area, with green rolling hills and extinct volcanoes in the north, and flatter land in the south.We feature a Chiroubles again.
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The Wines |
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Meziat Pere et Fils 2005 Morgon AOC 620. Made on a unique terroir of loose crumbling schistous rock. Intense garnet in colour and with aromas of ripe cherries, peaches, apricots and plums. |
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Meziat Pere et Fils 2006 Regnie AOC 621. A cherry-red, violet tinged wine. The most striking characteristic on the nose is the terroir, a perfume of concentrated cherries, underpinned with a mineral/pebbly aroma. On the palate the fruit is dense with rich Kirsch flavours. |
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Meziat Pierre 2006 Chiroubles Vielles Vignes 623. The gamay grape produced from these old vines on granite slopes a wine with aromas of soft red fruits and blackcurrants. There are velvety tannins and a hint of peonies and violets |
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Villa Forano is owned by Count Lucangeli in Appignano near Macerata in the Marche region of central Italy. 20 hectares of land are under vine. Much recent investment in replanting, modernizing equipment and improving the cellar has produced great wines. My daughter who lived in Macerata had discovered the delights of this vineyard and following a visit in 2007 I vowed one day to include Villa Forano in the list of Harlequin Wines. And last year we achieved this aim. |
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The Wines |
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2008 Le Piagge Colli Maceratesi Bianco DOC 701. Straw-coloured with gray tones, with shades of delicate salty freshness, hints of white fruits such as apple and pear, sensations of acacia flowers and chamomile, dry, very fresh with a soft balance and fair structure. A blend of 80% Maceratinto and 20% Trebbiano grapes. |
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2007 Monteferro Colli Maceratesi Bianco DOC 702. Well structured, complex with a straw coloured golden reflections, intense aroma and persistent hints of exotic fruit ripe spicy fruit compote, honey and chamomile. Dry, cool and soft, a remarkable structure and excellent body. A blend of 90% Maceratinto and 10% Malvasia grapes. |
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2008 Occhio Di Gallo IGT Marche Rosato 704. Cherry red colour with a hint of light red. Fragrances ranging from floral to fruity with a suggestion of cyclamen, plum and fresh red berries. The mouth is very pleasant, of good structure and typical freshness. A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes. |
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2008 Montelipa Colli Maceratesi Rosso DOC 707. Ruby red with purple highlights, this wine has floral and fruity notes, followed by a pleasant slightly spicy note, aromas of rose, raspberry and blackberry. The mouth is soft and very balanced, discrete tannins and typically mature Sangiovese and tangy acidity. A blend of 50% Sangiovese 25% Lacrima and 25%Vernaccia nera grapes. |
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2006 Rosso Piceno DOC 708. Ruby red with violet hues, intense aroma and persistent red berry fruits like black currant, blueberry and raspberry, with a presence of light vanilla. Dry, quite crisp and pleasantly tannic, with a good palate, of obvious structure and volume. A blend of 60% Montepulciano and 40% Sangiovese grapes. |
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2003 Bulciano Rosso Piceno DOC 709. Deep ruby red colour, very intense and persistent fragrance. Tertiary scents (vanilla, leather, tobacco) with strong varietal characters of spice and hints of cherries, jam and fruit in alcohol. Dry, quite crisp and soft, shows a remarkable structure and an excellent volume on the palate, ripe tannins and well focused. A blend of 80% Montepulciano and 20% Sangiovese grapes. |
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Villa Forano 2001 Bulciano Rosso Piceno DOC Magnum 1.5L 710-R. Deep ruby red colour, very intense and persistent fragrance. (vanilla, leather, tobacco) with strong varietal characters of spice and hints of cherries, jam and fruit in alcohol. Dry, quite crisp and soft, shows a remarkable structure and depth of structure on the palate, ripe tannins and well focused. A blend of 80% Montepulciano and 20% Sangiovese grapes. |
To see our full list of wines please click here.
