Christmas gifts for sommeliers: wines and zodiac signs
Whether you’re the type who buys Christmas gifts at the last second or plans them months in advance, a bottle of wine is always appreciated! That’s why we invite you to compose one of our boxes—of 3, 6, or 12 bottles—and buy Christmas presents for all your wine-loving friends! And of course, we suggest you keep a good bottle or two hidden for yourself…
Christmas Gifts for Sommeliers
To help you pick the right wine-themed Christmas gift, we decided to match wines to zodiac signs… Leave us a comment if you recognize your wine-loving friends in these traits!
Christmas gift for an Aries sommelier
- Essence: serial starter: puts a bottle of Prosecco in the freezer to have it at temperature for dinner, then remembers that if it freezes the cork explodes—when they’re already out of the house having a beer and pizza with their best friend.
- Superpower: Super Saiyan–level courage. If a volunteer is needed to go to a cellar in the middle of nowhere to fetch the last bottle of that wine only you like, they’ve already said they’ll come with you.
- Achilles’ heel: patience not found. They can’t wait a few years before opening their favorite Barolo.
The Aries sommelier needs the right wine: ready now, straightforward, and no frills. For them I chose “Pane al pane vino al vino” by Fontefico: the name itself is a statement of intent! It’s a red wine made from Montepulciano in its homeland—Abruzzo—where the vines sink their roots into stony, skeleton-rich soils. After hand-harvesting in small crates, it rests in steel for 36 months and ages 6 months in bottle before release. Why is it perfect? Its easy, characterful drinkability will win them over from the first sip.
Regioni: Abruzzo
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 16%
Serving Temperature: 18
Price 32 €
Qty 1
Montepulciano "Pane al pane vino al vino" Fontefico
Description
The red wine 'Pane al Pane Vino al Vino' is made from 100% Montepulciano grapes grown on Fontefico's own land. A wine that surprises with its uniqueness and boldness, capable of capturing your attention from the first sip. The idea of creating this new label was born out of a vintage that was powerful and generous in terms of vineyard productivity, so Nicola and Emanuele decided to expand their wine catalogue! Pane al Pane Vino al Vino' is a red wine with a juicy sip, a lively personality, easy and immediate to drink, suitable for informal occasions such as an evening spent with friends tasting an excellent wine.
The grapes come from the same parcel of land as the other Montepulciano wines, called Vigna del Pozzo, characterised by gravelly soil, rich in skeleton, with a good percentage of iron and clay.
We are situated 120 metres above sea level, not far from the splendid Adriatic coast, a factor that the proximity of the sea influences the growth of the grapes and the aromas that will be perceived in the glass.
The Fontefico winery's production philosophy is based on total respect for the ecosystem and organic farming; even the harvest is done by hand in boxes, before spontaneous fermentation in steel tanks, with the must remaining in contact with the skins.
The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks for 36 months and then in bottle for at least 6 months before release.
Pane al pane vino' has a ruby red colour in the glass and releases aromas of red fruits with balsamic and herbal nuances on the nose.
On the palate, it is simple and smooth, but at the same time full of character, fascinating and powerful.
Perfect for those who love honest, uncompromising wines, 'Pane al Pane Vino al Vino' is a constant discovery, an invitation to be carried away by the pleasure of good drinking.
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Vinification
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, maceration on the skins in steel tanks
Ageing
In stainless steel vats for 36 months, plus a minimum of 6 months in the bottle
Wine Color
Intense ruby red
Smag
Simple, soft, powerful, smooth tannin, composed finish
Perfume
Red fruits, herbs, balsamic, almost earthy
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 10 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 30 minutes before
Pairings
Matured cheeses, pasta with meat sauce, stewed meat, grilled meat, game
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Taurus sommelier
- Essence: zen hedonist: enjoys the little things… provided they’re quality wines—good and expensive.
- Superpower: premium reliability; if they promise to open the best bottle in their pricey cellar for you, they really will.
- Achilles’ heel: emotional inertia: if they date a teetotaler, they might stay forever even if unhappy. Maybe because they get to drink everything themselves.
The Taurus sommelier needs the right wine to share… and what’s better than “Dire Fare Baciare” by Fontefico—also a nudge to take the initiative? The name says it all: say it, do it, and kiss. It’s a skin-contact white made from native Abruzzese white grapes only in the best vintages. The organically farmed vines root in iron-rich soils facing east. After hand-harvesting in small crates, the must undergoes about 10 days of skin maceration. It rests in steel for 20 months and ages 3 months in bottle before release. It’s not particularly expensive, but a Taurus knows well what “limited production” means…
Regioni: Abruzzo
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 13,50%
Serving Temperature: 16
Price 27 €
Qty 1
"Dire Bere Baciare" Fontefico
Description
Fontefico's 'Dire Bere Baciare' macerated white wine is made from indigenous white grapes from the Abruzzi, an aromatic wine that defies convention and fascinates for its originality. This is demonstrated by the fact that it is produced only every few years.
This creative label unleashes all its sweetness on the nose, derived from fruity and floral aromas, a wine designed and produced in an alternative key to the conventional canons, different and special to be taken.
At Fontefico, Nicola and Emanuele are careful to respect organic farming methods and the vinification of grapes from individual plots. This white wine comes from the Bianca vineyard, which is situated 120 metres above sea level and faces east towards the Adriatic Sea. In this vineyard, the soil is rich in iron, with variable sand and clay components, and the harvest is rigorously carried out by hand in boxes.
Once in the cellar, the grapes are fermented with the must by maceration for about 10 days in steel tanks. The maceration time can be as variable as the fermentation time, which is usually around 20 days. Fontefico's 'Dire Bere Baciare' macerated white wine is made from indigenous white grapes from the Abruzzi, an aromatic wine that defies convention and fascinates for its originality. This is demonstrated by the fact that it is produced only every few years.
This creative label unleashes all its sweetness on the nose, derived from fruity and floral aromas, a wine designed and produced in an alternative key to the conventional canons, different and special to be taken.
At Fontefico, Nicola and Emanuele are careful to respect organic farming methods and the vinification of grapes from individual plots. This white wine comes from the Bianca vineyard, which is situated 120 metres above sea level and faces east towards the Adriatic Sea. In this vineyard, the soil is rich in iron, with variable sand and clay components, and the harvest is rigorously carried out by hand in boxes.
Once in the cellar, the grapes are fermented with the must by maceration for about 10 days in steel tanks. The maceration time can be as variable as the fermentation time, which is usually around 20 days. The wine is then aged in stainless steel tanks for 20 months before being bottled without filtration, which means that there may be some sediment at the bottom of the bottle. It remains in the bottle for at least 3 months before being released.
Dire bere baciare' is a limited edition label. In the glass, the colour is deep and slightly veiled, while the bouquet is rich and intense, dominated by floral notes reminiscent of potpourri and delicate nuances of green tea. These enveloping aromas prepare the palate for a structured and dry taste, with sensations of bitter almonds that perfectly balance the floral sensations perceived on the nose, the finish is characterised by a light tannicity that adds complexity and persistence.
This is a white wine that goes beyond the norm, elegantly expressing its uniqueness and the soul of its terroir.
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Druer
Indigenous white grapes
Vinification
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, maceration on the skins for about 10 days in steel vats
Ageing
In stainless steel vats for 10 months, followed by a minimum of 3 months in the bottle
Smag
Structured, slightly tannic, almond sensation, persistent finish
Perfume
Rich, intense and floral, with notes of putpourri and green tea
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 3-5 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 30 minutes before
Pairings
Fresh cheese, pasta with vegetable sauces, pasta with white meat sauces, vegetables in tempura
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Gemini sommelier
- Essence: human router; a thousand wines in the cart and zero battery to decide which ones to actually buy.
- Superpower: acrobatic communication; when you’re at the wine shop together, they sell your rosé better than you do.
- Achilles’ heel: chronic energy scatter: they’re so afraid their favorite wine will bore them that they buy 10 wines they don’t like rather than rebuying the one they love.
The Gemini sommelier never sits still. Today they want to buy this, tomorrow that… and in the end they risk buying nothing! I picked “Argento vivo” by Lecci e Brocchi. It’s a red made from Sangiovese in Tuscany, near Siena. The vines grow on hillside soils at 420 meters above sea level. Fermentation is in concrete with malolactic completed. It rests 12 months in second-use tonneaux and ages in bottle for a variable period before release. At least you can say you chose it because the name reminded you of them!
Regioni: Toscana
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 14%
Serving Temperature: 16-18
Price 40 €
Qty 1
Sangiovese "Argento Vivo" 2020 Lecci e Brocchi
DescriptionArgento Vivo from Lecci e Brocchi is a prestigious red wine that will easily win over fans of the enchanting region of Tuscany. Dedicated to lovers of pure Sangiovese, this limited production wine offers a rich and seductive tasting experience, with complex aromas and decisive flavours that are never ordinary.
This wine is made from pure Sangiovese grapes grown in the Siena area, among the gentle hills of very rare composition, covered with vineyards and olive groves, at an altitude of about 420 metres above sea level. Harvesting takes place between the end of September and the beginning of October, when the grapes reach full phenolic and technological maturity.
Vinification of this characteristic red wine takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. During the alcoholic fermentation, the must undergoes maceration in direct contact with the skins for about 20 days. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in cement vats and is aged for 12 months in second passage tonneaux.
This wine has a deep ruby red colour with light garnet reflections that appear with ageing. The bouquet is intense and persistent, with notes of fruity and spicy jams, enriched by tertiary nuances due to the time spent in oak. On the palate, the richness and softness of the first sip are enhanced by a full-bodied taste, with integrated tannins and a pronounced spiciness that lingers on the finish.
Argento Vivo is the perfect accompaniment for all tasty first courses and red meats, including game, both roasted and braised. It is also excellent with a selection of seasoned cheeses.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Toscana IGT
Vinification
Fermentation with maceration on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
Ageing
Malolactic fermentation in cement vats and 12 months in second passage tonneaux
Wine Color
Ruby red with garnet hues
Smag
Soft and full-bodied, savoury with persistent finish
Perfume
Notes of fruit jam, spices, tertiary hints due to ageing
Serving Temperature
16-18°C
Hvornår du skal åbne
Wine that, if well stored in the cellar, can have an excellent evolution over time
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened
Pairings
Cured meats in combination with mature cheeses, truffle-based first courses, grilled or stewed meat, game
Company Name
Lecci e Brocchi
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Cancer sommelier
- Essence: heart with GPS; they always know where their favorite bottle is.
- Superpower: tactile empathy: they even hug bottles that aren’t theirs.
- Achilles’ heel: weather-emotional sensitivity: the mere suspicion that a wine is at the wrong temperature can set them off.
The Cancer sommelier needs a family story to tell with the wine… so I chose a Chianti Classico Riserva dedicated to the father, the estate’s founder. It’s a red made from Sangiovese in the beautiful Tuscan countryside near Siena. The vines root in hillside soils at 420 meters above sea level. After strictly manual harvest, the must macerates on the skins in concrete tanks for about 30 days. It then rests in large Slavonian oak casks for 24 months and further months before release. They’ll love your gift even before tasting it, just for the family story you’ll tell when you give it.
Regioni: Toscana
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 14%
Serving Temperature: 16-18
Price 28.9 €
Qty 1
Chianti Classico riserva "Il Chiorba" 2018 Lecci e Brocchi
DescriptionLecci e Brocchi's Chianti Classico Riserva 'Chiorba' is dedicated to Vasco, the founder of the company and the father of Sabrina, the current owner. It was Vasco who, with vision and wisdom, planted the first vines in what he considered to be the most suitable land for growing grapes, thus creating a winemaking tradition that is still flourishing today. The Sangiovese grape is the undisputed protagonist of this Chianti Riserva, flanked in small quantities by Canaiolo Nero and Colorino, two native Tuscan grape varieties that add colour and structure.
The winery and vineyards are located in the southern part of the Chianti Classico area, near the famous city of Siena, on a hill at about 420 metres above sea level. This is a very rare and special terroir, capable of giving the wine a wealth of aromas both in the mouth and on the palate, where they are even more exalted. Harvesting, which is always done by hand, takes place between the end of September and the beginning of October, while vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a maceration period of about 30 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in cement vats before ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels for about 24 months.
The colour is ruby red with light garnet reflections; the bouquet is fruity, with notes of cherry undergrowth and distinct nuances of spices and tobacco, accompanied by sweet hints of vanilla. On the palate, the tannins are velvety and expressive, soft and ripe, with a good balance between the different components.
This Chianti Classico Riserva is perfect with succulent roast meats and even very mature cheeses.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Chianti classico DOCG
Druer
90%.sangiovese, 10% canatiolo nero and colorino
Vinification
Fermentation with maceration on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
Ageing
Malolactic fermentation in cement vats and 24 months in large Slavonian oak casks
Wine Color
Ruby red slightly garnet
Smag
Soft, balanced and harmonious entry, expressive and integrated tannin
Perfume
Notes of cherry, spices, tobacco and vanilla
Serving Temperature
16-18°C
Hvornår du skal åbne
Wine that if stored well in the cellar can have an excellent evolution over time
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 30 min beforehand
Pairings
Cured meats and very mature cheeses, pasta with meat sauces, meat risottos, game, roast or grilled meat
Company Name
Lecci e Brocchi
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Leo sommelier
- Essence: born protagonist; when they enter a room, they want to see corks fly after the best sabrage ever.
- Superpower: sunny charisma: they can turn the worst Martinotti method into a vintage-level Classic Method.
- Achilles’ heel: sensitive ego. Criticism? Decant first and serve at 18 °C.
The Leo sommelier wants to be the center of attention and needs a wine that stands out. I chose the Classic-method Extra Brut DT10 by Deltetto. It’s an Alta Langa DOCG Riserva from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the family’s best parcels. It ages on the lees for 120 months before disgorgement and release. A costly, important wine, produced in only 928 bottles for the 2010 vintage.
Regioni: Piemonte
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 12,50%
Serving Temperature: 6-8
Price 27.1 €
Qty 1
Alta Langa Metodo Classico Rosè Brut "N" 2020 Deltetto
DescriptionMetodo Classico sparkling wine 'N' is the pink bubbly from the Deltetto family, an oenological work of art made from a blend of indigenous red grapes that captures the unique soul of the Langhe terroir in every sip. The expert oenologists Antonio and Carlo Deltetto carefully supervise every stage of production in the cellars to guarantee maximum quality, from maturation on the lees to disgorging. The "N" is a classic method, fresh and fragrant, with exceptional olfactory complexity.
The vines are planted on compact clay and marl soils, cultivated according to a strictly organic system. They are covered with grass to improve the structure of the soil and protect it from erosion, and fertilised with manure from local farms and with marc and stalks from the pressing of the grapes. As with all the labels, the grapes for this rosé sparkling wine are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the vinification process begins with the destemming of the grapes and a gentle cold maceration in the press for about 5 hours, followed by fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 18°C. The subsequent prise de mousse, or second fermentation in the bottle, takes place in air-conditioned rooms so that the temperature can be controlled to around 14°C. After fermentation, the wine remains in the bottle to age on its lees for at least 30 months until disgorgement.
The result is an elegant and irresistible creation, pale pink in colour, with a fine and persistent perlage and intense varietal aromas, with notes of raspberry enriched by fresh violets, bread crust and yeast. On the palate, it is dry, with a slightly sweet tannic presence that ensures perfect balance and a persistent finish that enchants the palate for long moments.
"N' is excellent as an aperitif and with a wide range of dishes, with the exception of desserts.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Alta Langa DOCG
Druer
Autochthonous grapes
Vinification
Destemming, maceration for 5 hours in the press, fermentation at controlled temperature in steel vats. Second fermentation in bottle at controlled temperature.
Ageing
At least 30 months in bottle 'sur lies' before disgorging
Smag
Fine and persistent perlage, dry, sweet tannin, balanced, lingering finish
Perfume
Hints of raspberry and violet, bread crust, yeast peel
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 5 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened
Pairings
Sushi and sashimi, shellfish salad, grilled fish, fish tempura
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Virgo sommelier
- Essence: obsessive editor; they even prune the neighbor’s vines—just in case hearsay says it could worsen their own quality.
- Superpower: surgical precision—opens even the most fragile bottle without causing damage.
- Achilles’ heel: overanalysis: sees only selected yeasts, sulfur dioxide, residual sugar—and loses the poetry.
The Virgo sommelier wants to control every production step, so I picked a craft wine from the most meticulous region: Trentino-Alto Adige. It’s a red from Teroldego grapes carefully grown on the Piana Rotaliana. Manual harvest, brief maceration, native-yeast fermentation, and about 10 months’ rest in concrete vats before release. The affordable price will make them fall in love even more.
Regioni: Trentino-Alto Adige
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 13,50%
Serving Temperature: 12
Price 16.2 €
Qty 1
Teroldego "Controcorrente" 2022 De Vigili
DescriptionThe Teroldego Controcorrente, a new entry level label from Cantina de Vigili, unmistakably expresses the varietal character of the vine, and tasting it will immerse you in a world of fruity and floral aromas, enriched by softness and crispness.
The Teroldego grapes come mainly from the Marini vineyard, 243 metres above sea level in the Piana Rotaliana, where the alluvial soil has a low water retention capacity, which contributes to the freshness and liveliness of the wine.
The vines planted in this area are relatively young, between 15 and 20 years old, and are trained in the Trentino double pergola system, in an attempt to balance their natural vigour with the production of quality grapes, which are harvested strictly by hand with an annual yield of around 100 quintals per hectare.
In the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and the must obtained ferments spontaneously, macerating on the skins for 5-8 days. After racking, which is the process of separating the liquid from the skins and seeds, the wine matures in cement tanks for 10 months before bottling.
The Teroldego Controcorrente is an intense ruby red, very elegant on the palate, with very soft and enveloping tannins, a fragrant and varietal bouquet with notes of violet petals and a fruit reminiscent of morello cherries and juicy red berries. A young wine, suitable for a wide range of occasions, from aperitifs to meals, a delicious experience even with a nice snack.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Vinification
Destemming, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and maceration on the skins for 5-8 days with indigenous yeasts
Ageing
In cement vats for 10 months
Wine Color
Intense ruby red
Smag
Elegant, soft and enveloping tannin
Perfume
Varietal, notes of violets, and red berries, morello cherry
Hvornår du skal åbne
Wine to be consumed within 1-2 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened
Pairings
Cold meats and salami, pasta with meat sauce, risotto with meat sauce, roast vegetables, stewed meat
Production Philosophy
Handcrafted
Christmas gift for a Libra sommelier
- Essence: aesthetics & diplomacy; if they think a label is ugly they say nothing, they just stick a new one on top with nonchalance.
- Superpower: star mediator: when Brunello and Barolo quarrel, they find a way to make everyone feel special.
- Achilles’ heel: pro-level indecision: can’t choose between two wines.
The Libra sommelier needs beauty and diplomatic versatility—even at the table! I chose an easy-pairing, beautifully balanced wine like “Poggio delle noci” by Rossella Cicalese. It’s a red from Aglianico grapes between the Cilento mountains and the sea of Castellabate. After manual harvest, fermentation occurs with native yeasts at controlled temperature. Then it rests 12 months in tonneaux before release.
Regioni: Campania
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 13,50%
Serving Temperature: 18
Price 22.1 €
Qty 1
Aglianico del Cilento "Poggio delle Noci" 2021 Rossella Cicalese
DescriptionPoggio delle Noci is more than a wine, it is a celebration of the senses, a hymn to the land that nourishes it and the passion that springs from it. Its name is a tribute to its origins, a sun-drenched hillock that rises majestically in the Noce Alta hamlet of Perdifumo. This enchanting place is a tourist destination renowned not only for its gastronomy and the warmth of its people, but also for the panoramic view of the Cilento mountains and the sea of Castellabate.
The soil is a unique combination of sand and skeleton, enriched with micro- and macroelements thanks to the green manure, planted every year with a carefully dosed mixture of leguminous and gramineous plants. The vines, trained according to the Guyot method, are the result of an artisan commitment to preserving the authenticity of the terroir.
The winemaking process is a meticulous ritual. The grapes are hand-selected, destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The fermentation is entrusted to indigenous yeasts, at controlled temperatures between 25° and 28°, on the skins for eight days. For this 100% Aglianico, we prefer to carry out the malolactic fermentation in steel, which gives depth and complexity.
A year's rest in 500-litre oak barrels (tonneaux) gives the wine a robust structure. The result is a deep ruby red colour that tends towards garnet, anticipating the sensory experience. The alcoholic ether envelops the palate, revealing hints of ripe fruit, including cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, ripe raspberry, liquorice, coffee and pepper. The full, enveloping entry is matched by soft tannins that provide a sensation of freshness that extends into a balsamic finish, with the triumphant return of the fruity notes.
Poggio delle Noci is the ideal companion for the most demanding palates. Serve with selected cured meats, a juicy steak or a rich lasagne.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Cilento DOC
Vinification
Destemming, crushing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperature with 8 days of maceration on the skins, malolactic fermentation is carried out
Ageing
In oak tonneaux for one year
Wine Color
Red tending to garnet
Smag
Full, enveloping, warm entrance, soft tannin, fresh with a balsamic finish and return
of fruity hints
Perfume
Hints of ripe red fruit, liquorice, coffee and pepper
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 5-10 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 30 min beforehand
Pairings
Pork sausages, cured meats, pasta with meat sauces, grilled red meat
Company Name
Rossella Cicalese
Production Philosophy
Handcrafted
Christmas gift for a Scorpio sommelier
- Essence: emotional detector; not a single bottle slips past them.
- Superpower: transformative intensity; turns water into wine like Jesus.
- Achilles’ heel: strategic jealousy; even the wine fridge has a password.
The Scorpio sommelier is attentive and meticulous: they know everything about any wine that catches their fancy. I chose an important wine with a long tradition that can evolve and change over time… a Barolo DOCG from Nebbiolo grown in the famed communes of Serralunga d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto. After manual harvest, there’s about 20 days’ skin maceration and fermentation with native yeasts. The wine rests 36 months in oak casks and 12 months in bottle before release.
Regioni: Piemonte
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 14,50%
Serving Temperature: 18
Price 41.6 €
Qty 1
Barolo "Fondatore Carlo Deltetto" 2017 Deltetto
DescriptionThe Barolo of the founder, Carlo Deltetto, produced by the estate of the same name, is a tribute to the visionary craftsman who immediately understood the extraordinary potential of the land and its fruits and who, together with his wife, decided in 1953 to become farmers and wine producers.
Created in 1961, the year of the first bottling, this Barolo is a precious testimony to the history of the winery, which is recognised as a "Historic Winery", one of the few authorised to produce Barolo outside the DOC zone.
This label is produced according to a tradition handed down from generation to generation, with dedication and passion, using pure Nebbiolo grapes from vineyards located in the famous towns of Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto, then blended to obtain a harmonious red wine with floral and spicy notes, with excellent balance, the full expression of the territory. Located in the heart of the Langhe, at an altitude of 250-300 metres above sea level, the soil is rich in limestone and clay, the vines are between 15 and 30 years old and are traditionally cultivated using sustainable methods with low environmental impact, such as the exclusive use of copper and sulphur for anti-fungal treatments and harvesting is always done by hand. The same principles are applied in the cellar, where the addition of sulphur is kept to a minimum and fermentation begins on the skins with indigenous yeasts. During fermentation, the must remains in contact with the skins for 15-20 days. The Barolo is aged in oak barrels for 3 years, during which time malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine then rests in the bottle for 12 months before being released.
Garnet red in colour with ruby highlights, Barolo Carlo Deltetto has an intense, spicy bouquet with hints of roses and violets. On the palate, it offers finesse and structure, accompanied by elegant tannins and a long finish. Perfect with meat first and second courses.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Barolo DOCG
Vinification
Destemming, fermentation with maceration on the skins for 15-20 days with indigenous yeasts
Ageing
36 months in oak barrels, during which time malolactic fermentation takes place
Wine Color
Garnet red with ruby highlights
Smag
Fine, harmonious and structured, elegant well-integrated tannin, lingering finish
Perfume
Red fruits, rose and violet petals, spicy
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 10-20 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 60 min beforehand
Pairings
Matured cheeses, pasta with red meat sauces, meat and vegetable dishes game, grilled red meat
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Sagittarius sommelier
- Essence: wine explorer: with map in hand, they’ll find a winery even if it’s underground.
- Superpower: propulsive optimism: finds a solution even when the wine is gone.
- Achilles’ heel: stamp-free sincerity: if they don’t like a wine, you’ll be the first to know.
The Sagittarius sommelier is the emblem of wine tourism: thanks to this, they uncover unusual wines and always believe the trip will be worth it. I chose a wine from a “lesser Bacchus” called “Costellazioni.” It’s a rosé made from Groppello, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Marzemino from organic vineyards overlooking Lake Garda. Carefully selected yeasts and meticulous attention produce a wine that rests 5 months in steel before release.
Christmas gift for a Capricorn sommelier
- Essence: mountaineer of ambition; starts with a Prosecco and ends with a Petrus.
- Superpower: stoic discipline: if they say one glass, not even their favorite wine can tempt them.
- Achilles’ heel: emotional stiffness: no favorite wine—assesses them all didactically.
The Capricorn sommelier is strict, formal, and ambitious. I chose “Parmenide”: a red made from Merlot in the Marche. Fermentation is with native yeasts—no compromises. For about 10 months, part of the mass rests in wooden barrels, the other part sur lies, then it ages in bottle for a few months before release. Capricorn bonus: a rigorous price (just €11.70) for no-frills quality.
Regioni: Marche
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 14%
Serving Temperature: 18
Price 15.1 €
Qty 1
Merlot "Parmenide" 2020 Podere Santa Lucia
DescriptionPodere Santa Lucia's Parmenide wine is made from pure Merlot grapes grown on sandy soils near the Adriatic Sea, caressed by the sea breeze. This red wine from the Marches, made from international grapes, rediscovers the region's winemaking past, with spontaneous fermentation, without any additives or treatments, according to the practices of the past. The result is a pure, unfiltered Merlot, with structure, softness and balance, with great drinkability and digestibility.
The vineyard, planted according to the Guyot system, is 15 years old and is located near the village of Monte San Vito, on the first hill facing the sea. The grapes, once harvested, undergo a long maceration with indigenous yeasts in steel vats at a controlled temperature of around 22-24°C. The extraction of colour results in an intense ruby red wine. After fermentation, part of the wine is matured in wooden barrels in contact with its own yeasts, while the other part is matured in steel vats, also "sur lies", for a period of about 10 months. It is then bottled.
The aromatic profile is fruity and floral, with an intensity that translates into enveloping hints of crisp red fruits. On the palate, Parmenides has a soft entry, with the typical roundness of Merlot wines, the tannins are balanced, and a velvety texture envelops the palate.
This Merlot is the perfect accompaniment to structured main courses such as grilled or roast meats.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Marche IGT
Vinification
Temperature-controlled fermentation with long maceration on the skins in steel vats with indigenous yeasts
Ageing
50% in steel tanks, 50% in wooden barrels for 10 months
Wine Color
Intense ruby red
Smag
Excellent structure, soft rotodno and balanced, velvety tannin
Perfume
Fruity and floral, with hints of blackberries, raspberries, ripe cherries
Hvornår du skal åbne
Ready to drink when released, it can continue to evolve well if properly cellared for up to 5 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened, but it is recommended to uncork and oxygenate up to 60 min beforehand
Pairings
Cured meats and mature cheeses, first courses with mushrooms, meat risottos, grilled beef, mixed meat grills
Company Name
Podere Santa Lucia
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for an Aquarius sommelier
- Essence: friendly futurist: they already know in August which wine you’ll give them for Christmas.
- Superpower: contagious originality: chooses only wines whose label they don’t understand.
- Achilles’ heel: on-off detachment: today they love Sangiovese, tomorrow they prefer Merlot.
The Aquarius sommelier’s love for wine is utterly unreliable; the only safe choice is an important sweet wine—quite likely the one thing missing from their cellar. It’s a passito made from Sangiovese grapes dried in a loft on small crates. The must ferments spontaneously in small caratelli of oak and chestnut and rests in the same small casks for 48 months before release.
Regioni: Toscana
Format: 375ml
Alcohol: 16,50%
Serving Temperature: 12-14
Price 48.1 €
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Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice "Insieme" 2015 Lecci e Brocchi
DescriptionInsieme, the sweet Tuscan wine from Lecci e Brocchi, is an enveloping sensory experience that awakens the senses and conveys unforgettable notes and flavours through its personality and persistence. This concentrate of aromas and elegance is obtained from pure Sangiovese grapes grown in the family estate of Villa a Sesta.
The grapes are harvested at the end of September and the beginning of October, when they are fully ripe they are carefully selected by hand and taken to the cellar in special rooms called "appassitoi" where they are laid out on small crates to prevent the grapes from being crushed. The drying process lasts for about 6 months, after which the grapes are gently pressed and the must, after a 24-hour decantation, is transferred to oak and chestnut barrels for a slow spontaneous fermentation carried out by indigenous yeasts.
The ageing of this sweet wine is a careful process that lasts at least 48 months. It takes place where the fermentation took place, in caratelli, small wooden barrels with a capacity of 125 litres. The result is an amber-coloured wine, rich and concentrated, with a long persistence and enveloping aromas of bitter almonds and candied fruit, dates, panforte and sweet spices. On the palate it offers ever new, sensual sensations, with a very complex and persistent finish due to the very long bottle ageing.
When paired with blue and mature cheeses, "Insieme" is ideal and surprising, creating a perfect synergy. This sweet wine is also the ideal companion for moments of meditation, offering a rich and satisfying tasting experience.
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Betegnelse af oprindelse
Vin santo del chianti classico occhio di pernice DOC
Vinification
Soft pressing, fermentation in oak and chestnut barrels with indigenous yeasts
Ageing
Aged in small barrels for 3 years
Smag
Sensual and ever-evolving taste, complex and persistent finish
Perfume
Aromas of bitter almonds, candied fruit, dates, enriched with sweet spices
Serving Temperature
12-14°C
Hvornår du skal åbne
Wine that if stored well in the cellar can have an excellent evolution over time
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened
Pairings
Dark chocolate, dry pastries, traditional sweets
Company Name
Lecci e Brocchi
Production Philosophy
Organic
Christmas gift for a Pisces sommelier
- Essence: mental director: dreams of a cellar with every vintage from 1945 to today of Romanée-Conti.
- Superpower: healing imagination: can tell if a wine is good or bad even before tasting it.
- Achilles’ heel: blurred boundaries: your favorite wines are theirs too.
The Pisces sommelier thinks in atmospheres: pairs wine with places and memories. I chose a wine that speaks of old vines near the sea—Trebbiano d’Abruzzo by Bossanova. It’s a white made from Trebbiano in Abruzzo. Spontaneous fermentation and 8 months’ rest in concrete, then another 3 months in bottle before release.
Regioni: Abruzzo
Format: 750ml
Alcohol: 12%
Serving Temperature: 12
Price 21.4 €
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Trebbiano d'Abruzzo "Swing" 2022 Bossanova
DescriptionBossanova's 'Swing' is a lightly macerated white wine made from 100% Trebbiano d'Abruzzo grapes. Fresh and ready to drink, with an agile and lively sip, a white wine with delicate tannins and a satisfying finish, with intense aromas of ripe fruit. The name on the label can be defined as a tribute to the famous musical genre, a link between music and wine that is always alive in the winery, thanks also to the passion of Andrea, owner together with Nat, for both arts, that of making music and that of making wine. The grapes come from vines that are almost 20 years old, planted in the hills of Teramane, in the municipality of Controguerra, at an altitude of 250 metres above sea level, where the soil is mainly clayey. The proximity of the sea influences the growth of the vines and the quality of the grapes, which are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before being transferred to cement vats for spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeasts. The must ferments in maceration with the skins for 8-10 days. The wine is golden yellow in colour, fresh, easy to drink, dynamic and mineral on the palate, with a long and balanced aftertaste. On the nose, notes of ripe, yellow-fleshed fruit are enriched by a not-too-obtrusive herbaceous note, with an aromatic herbaceous finish. It goes very well with fish dishes, both first and second courses, vegetable dishes or fresh cheeses.
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Vinification
Destemming and crushing, spontaneous fermentation in cement vats with maceration on the skins for 8-10 days
Ageing
In concrete tanks for a short time
Smag
Beverino and fresh, agile and mineral, long finish
Perfume
Notes of ripe fruit, herbaceous hints, flowers, Mediterranean herbs
Hvornår du skal åbne
Wine to be consumed within 2-3 years
Hvornår man skal drikke
Good to drink freshly opened
Pairings
Fish salad, fresh cheese, pasta with white fish sauce, steamed or grilled fish
Production Philosophy
Organic
Tips for getting it right
Found the perfect wines to gift? One more idea before we say goodbye: how about pairing your bottle with a zodiac-themed greeting card? One of those ironic ones with the sign’s traits… or you can print the characteristics from this article and attach them to the bottle. After you’ve drunk it (hopefully together), invite your friend to keep the bottle with the card inside—almost like a romantic message in a bottle they received. Even if it didn’t arrive by sea, it’ll still be a reminder of a special moment.
I truly hope this article helps! If you need purchase advice or pairing help, leave me a comment!
Chiara
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