DECEMBER 2018 m nthly

cheers to SEVEN new Italian and brands Gagliole: land of dreams

December 2018 • Issue XIII • NEW JERSEY Vias Imports Ltd., 875 Sixth Ave, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10001 USA • Tel. (212) 629-0200 • Fax (212) 629-0262 • www.viaswine.com • @viaswine PRODUCER OF THE MONTH

Gagliole's Panzano property

Gagliole

Nothing is left to chance at Gagliole; rather, retreat in Tuscany’s Chianti zone, near The lofty cypresses, the stepped as owner Thomas Bär says, “Our vision Castellina in Chianti, a privileged spot terraces, the hedgerows interwoven consists of showcasing, in our wine, the where they could at last spend long with roses, aromatic herbs, and shrubs— cultural synthesis between our personal periods of tranquillity. these are the elements that comprise history and the history of our Chianti Gagliole’s welcome to its guests. Monika Classico growing area, and to achieve a The old barely-tended vineyards had their Bär-Bettschart, who has dedicated a large felicitous interrelationship between Italian own charm that enchanted them, just as it part of her life to the world of art and tradition and creativity and Swiss precision.” had, almost a thousand years prior, to collecting art, has focused painstaking Ildebrando, son of Lombard King attention on the design of her garden. ------Berengarius, who gave this domain to his Strolling along its pathways, one is struck wife as a wedding present. What the Bärs not just by its overall beauty and harmony, Many years ago, love struck under the called the "Land of Dreams" is a jewel of but also by the certitude of being Tuscan sun between Swiss travelers an estate, where at first they only spent welcomed in a place that is cherished, Thomas Bär and Monika Bettschart. Both their vacations. Later, having tasted the tended, and designed to be in harmony on a vacation, they decided to stay and wine that local winemakers had made with the larger surrounding environment. spend their lives together right in these from grapes grown on their property, they Here, roses predominate, Monika Bär’s Tuscan hills and to make thei r second decided to becomewine producers as well, favourite, to the extent that she wanted home in the Chianti region. Thus, a new and started out with just three hectares of them even on the front label of the chapter began for the Antico Podere vineyards. That was in 1994, and since then Rubiolo Chianti Classico. Gagliole, the ancient estate of Gagliole, many things have changed. Today, Gagliole which the Bärs chose in 1990 as their is a modern winery that boasts almost 20

2 hectares of vineyards, on two different sites, one in Castellina in Chianti and the other in the Conca d’Oro in Panzano. Its iconic wine, of course, couldn't be called anything other than "Gagliole," the ancient name of the estate.

Approaching Gagliole from Castellina, one travels along a road almost hidden amidst the classic Chianti-area vegetation, with its young oaks and ilexes, which winds "Our vision down the western slope of the high hills that provide a magnificent view of the Elsa consists of Valley. Travel around the last curve, and showcasing, in our there is the winery, announced by a line of dark green cypresses, with slender, heaven- wine, the cultural reaching shapes that seemingly protect the galestro-rich terraces that host some synthesis between of Gagliole’s estate finest vineyards. There are 10 hectares of vineyards in Castellina, our personal of which 4 form a semi-circle around the winery itself, facing west, southwest, and history and the southeast. The brownish-yellow soil here is derived from clay pebbles, a terrain classic history of our to Chianti at this elevation, 450 meters. Chianti Classico Sangiovese predominates here, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Malvasia Bianca, growing area, all ancient vines. The latter vines have now reached the age of 40 years, while the and to achieve youngest vineyards date back to 1996. Later, in 2011, Gagliole’s viticultural wealth a felicitous was further enriched by a considerable vineyard located in the Conca d’Oro in interrelationship Panzano in Chianti, whose site, exposure, between Italian and potential quality immediately excited Monika & Thomas. Its 10 hectares tradition and include Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, at a significant elevation of creativity and 500-550 meters; the vines are planted in predominantly galestro-rich soils that are Swiss precision." rocky and nutrient poor, but with abundant mineral content. They possess excellent groundwater reserves and allow the vine grapes that naturally express all the qualities depth of Gallule and Pecchia. roots to extend very deep into the soil, so of their terroir, Gagliole’s philosophy is that they absorb components required for based on the principles of sustainable good vine and fruit growth. In addition to agriculture, and they pay serious attention The wines of Gagliole the existing vines are new ones that were to innovative products of organic viticulture planted in accord with rigorous viticultural that boost the vine’s own defences against The true standard-bearer, the most principles with respect to specific clones, the most virulent pathogens. In winemaking, impressive expression of the estate, from rootstocks, and vine density, which reaches they employ state of the art techniques to which it takes its name, is Gagliole IGT 7,000 vines per hectare in a parcel extract the grape’s full concentration and Colli della Toscana Centrale, its dedicated to Sangiovese. all aromatic compounds. Gagliole produces grapes a blend of 98% Sangiovese and the Toscana IGTs for its white wines, Colli remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, with all its On this recently-acquired estate, lying in the della Toscana Centrale for its reds, and, of grapes grown in vineyards in Panzano in prestigious Conca d’Oro area of Panzano, course, Chianti Classico. For each individual Chianti. The clusters are given a meticulous the Bärs have carried out experimentation wine, the winemaking team carefully selects, quality-selection in the vineyard, followed invaluable for the future qualitative from the winery’s wealth of vineyard by a second selection of the berries on evolution of Gagliole’s wines. This future lies parcels, the lots of grapes that can convey the sorting tables in the cellar, after which in large part with Sangiovese, seeing that in the most complete and focused manner the berries are given a fermentation- this grape constitutes 85% of the vineyards possible the character of each individual maceration in oak barrels lasting almost 60 and makes up a prominent—yet always wine— whether Rubiolo’s nervy crispness, days. Eighteen months of maturation in oak, variable—percentage of the blend of the Valletta’s seductive smoothness, Gagliole’s 30% new, ensure that the wine will fully winery’s red wines. In order to produce complex concentration, or the impressive exhibit its fascination, its rich, floral bouquet,

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 3 with hints of spice, and its full-volumed An avant-garde cellar lengthy fermentation-maceration, lasting as body and densely-woven tannins. Construction of the new cellar in Panzano long as 2 months. No pump-overs or Pecchia, the winery’s renowned IGT, will punch-downs are necessary, since the enter a new stage in its life with the 2013 in Chianti is in full swing, and in the 2019 harvest, all the winemaking and maturation barrels are designed to be easily rotated vintage, since with that harvest the wine will several times a day, which ensures that be made exclusively with grapes from the will take place there. Its construction became necessary in order to meet the grape skins, pulp, etc. remain almost vineyards in Conca d’Oro di Panzano in continuously immersed in the fermenting Chianti. Only the finest-quality growing challenge of processing an amount of grapes that had doubled with the purchase must and that the sediment stays years go into that wine: 2013 will be suspended in the fermenting mass. Without followed by 2015, while the estate’s wine of vineyards in the Conca d’Oro. The building, set into the hillside, is almost going too much into detail— which is the library preserves the 1999, 2003, 2004, domain of Tonnellerie Baron, which holds 2006, 2007, and 2010 vintages, which hidden from view, and that integration into its surrounding landscape, of breath-taking the patent of this technology— the results were made with grapes from the historic are quite remarkable, with more sharply- vineyards at Gagliole. A monovarietal beauty and proportion, will be further favored by its façade of native Chianti stone. focused aromatics and a more forward Sangiovese, Pecchia matures 18 months in spiciness, improved concentration, and French oak barrels and ages a further year in the bottle, which yields a superb red A peek into a barrel used for integral with an impressive structure and multi- vinification layered complexity, displaying extractive concentration and a forceful personality that maturation in oak—70% new, which transforms it into pure elegance. What particularly stands out is its full body, masterfully balanced and supported by fine- grained, silky tannins, and unrivaled length, elements that can develop for many years into the future.

2018 will witness the introduction of a milestone wine, fruit of lengthy experimentation with grapes grown in the terraced vineyards of Castellina in Chianti. A Chianti Classico Riserva, its name, Gallule, honors the ancient name of Gagliole. The vines are decades old and produce Sangiovese fruit with extraordinary balance and complexity, while the winemaking process is the same as that a more velvety finish.. The cellar, just as used to produce Gagliole. Inside, cutting-edge technology will make it possible to attain the highest-possible the vineyards, is the domain of Gagliole’s standards of winemaking quality, precisely technical team, composed of Cesare Produced at the Panzano in Chianti cellars, Panti, Giulio Carmassi, and Paolo Salvi, the but not necessarily from its grapes, the the overriding goal of every decision already taken regarding this avant-garde latter in the role of consulting enologist, wine Valletta IGT is a blend of Merlot with a remarkably deep familiarity of the and Sangiovese in equal proportions that “mother” facility in Castellina. Painstaking attention has been paid to every detail, Chianti Classico area and a deft touch in matures 14 months in French oak. At its interpreting locally-grown Sangiovese. • best when enjoyed relatively young, Valletta temperature-control throughout, oak vats is velvet-textured, immediately appealing, for fermenting limited lots of must from and intriguing, with impressive density and individual vineyard parcels, a collection of oak barrels that are regularly replaced, to Thomas & Monika length, a wine that is utterly delicious right Bär from its earliest youth. ensure effective interaction between wine and oak. The final red is Rubiolo Chianti Classico; predominantly Sangiovese with a lot of Merlot, which matures 12 Integral vinification months, partly in oak barrels and partly in steel, ensuring its tangy crispness. Overall, this is a classic interpretation of Chianti For some years now, Gagliole has been Classico—elegant, with a touch of spice, the practicing a new method of fermentation quintessential youthful Sangiovese, fruit of that privileges roundedness and complexity the most advanced technology. in the winery’s star wines. Known as integral vinification, it features an innovative series of barrels into which are placed the just- destemmed berries, which then undergo a

4 Producers listed alphabetically point guide New scores indicated in red

WA=Wine Advocate • WE=Wine Enthusiast • WS=Wine Spectator • 90+W&S=Wine & Spirits Magazine VM=Vinous Media • JS=James Suckling • DEC=Decanter • 3B=Tre Biccieri ITALIAN PORTFOLIO ITALIANITALIANITALIAN PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

BAGLIO DEL SOLE Sicilia Nero d'Avola 2016 92 JS

BARICCI Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2013 97 WE, 93 WS, 95 VM

BROGLIA Piedmont Gavi La Meirana 2017 90 DEC

BROGLIA Piedmont Gavi La Meirana 2016 90 WA, 90 WS

BROGLIA Piedmont Gavi Vecchia Annata 2009 91 DEC

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2013 94 JS, 93+ WA, 91 VM, 93 WS

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino Gualto Riserva 2012 92 WA, 93 VM, 95 WS, 92 JS

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio 2012 93 JS, 93 WA, 93 WS, 93 VM, 90 WE

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Rosso Poderuccio 2016 90 JS

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Rosso Poderuccio 2015 90 JS

CAMIGLIANO Tuscany Rosso di Montalcino 2016 90 WS, 90 JS

CAMPO ALLE COMETE Tuscany Campo alle Comete 2015 95 JS

CAMPO ALLE COMETE Tuscany Stupore Bolgheri Rosso 2016 94 WS, 93 WE, 90 JS

CAMPO ALLE COMETE Tuscany Stupore Bolgheri Rosso 2015 91 JS, 91 WE

CAMPO ALLE COMETE Tuscany Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 90 JS

CAMPO ALLE COMETE Tuscany Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 91 JS

CANTELE Puglia Amativo 2014 90 WS

CANTELE Puglia Negroamaro Rosato 2016 90 WA

CASTELLO DI SPESSA Friuli Pinot Grigio 2016 90 WA

CASTELLO DI SPESSA Friuli Sauvignon Blanc 2015 90 WE

CATALDI MADONNA Abruzzo Cerasuolo 2016 91 VM

CATALDI MADONNA Abruzzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Malandrino 2015 91 VM

CATALDI MADONNA Abruzzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Toni 2013 92+ VM

CECI Puglia Nero di Troia Castel del Monte 2011 90 WS

CERBAIOLA (SALVIONI) Tuscany Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 97 WE, 93 WA, 96 VM

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 5 CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Chianti Colli Senesi 2016 91 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Chianti Colli Senesi 2015 JS92

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Rosso di Montepulciano 2015 91 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Manero Bianco 2015 90 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Manero Rosso 2016 90 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Vino Nobile 2014 91 JS, 3B

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Vino Nobile 2015 92 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Vino Nobile Riserva 2013 91 JS, 91+ WA

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Vino Nobile Riserva 2012 3B, 92 VM, 92 JS

CERRO, FATTORIA DEL Tuscany Vin Santo 2006 90 WE

COLOSI Sicilia Passito 2011 90 WA

COLPETRONE Umbria Rosso di Montefalco 2013 92 JS

COLPETRONE Umbria Rosso di Montefalco 2012 91 JS

COLPETRONE Umbria Sagrantino di Montefalco 2011 93 JS

COLPETRONE Umbria Sagrantino di Montefalco 2010 93 JS, 90 WS

COLPETRONE Umbria Sagrantino di Montefalco Sacer 2009 92 WS, 92 JS

COLPETRONE Umbria Sagrantino di Montefalco Gold 2007 90 WA

DAMILANO Piedmont Barbera d’Asti 2016 90 WS, 90 JS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barbera d’Alba Lablu 2015 90 WA

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Brunate 2014 93 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Brunate 2013 94 JS, 92 WA, 93 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Brunate 2012 92 WS, 92 JS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cannubi Riserva 1752 2010 99 JS, 95 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cannubi Riserva 1752 2009 98 JS, 95+ WA, 94 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cannubi 2014 94 JS, 93 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cannubi 2013 95 JS, 94 WA, 92 WE, 93 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cannubi 2012 95 JS, 93 WS, 93 WA, 92 WE

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cerequio 2014 93 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Cerequio 2013 94 WS, 94 JS, 93 WA

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Lecinquevigne 2014 90 WS

DAMILANO Piedmont G.D. Chardonnay 2015 93 JS

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Lecinquevigne 2012 93 JS, 92+ WA, 92 WS, 91 WE

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Liste 2013 94 JS, 91 WS

6 90+ GUIDE ITALIAN PORTFOLIO DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Liste 2012 95 JS, 93 WA

DAMILANO Piedmont Barolo Liste 2010 95 WA, 93 JS

DAMILANO Piedmont Nebbiolo d’Alba Marghe 2015 91+ WA, 90 WS, 92 JS

DONATO D’ANGELO Basilicata Aglianico del Vulture 2012 92 VM

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Cabernet S, Missoni 2015 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Cabernet S, Missoni 2014 93 WS, 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Cerasuolo Giambattista 2012 3B, 91 VM, 90 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Chardonnay Ferretti 2015 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Chardonnay Ferretti 2014 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Frappato Carolina Marengo 2015 90 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Frappato Carolina Marengo 2014 92 WS, 92 JS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Gianfranco Ferre Passito 2014 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Grillo Carolina Marengo 2014 91 VM

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Merlot Valentino 2014 90 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Nero d’Avola Versace 2015 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Nero d’Avola Versace 2014 90 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Pinot Noir L’Eterno 2015 91 WS

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Pinot Noir L’Eterno 2014 91 1S

FEUDI DEL PISCIOTTO Sicily Pinot Noir L’Eterno 2011 91 JS

FOSSACOLLE Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012 93 WA, 93 JS

FOSSACOLLE Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2013 92 JS, 94 WA, 92 VM

FOSSACOLLE Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2012 93 WA, 92 WE, 92 JS, 92 VM

FOSSACOLLE Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2011 94 JS, 92+ WA, 90 WE

FOSSACOLLE Tuscany Rosso di Montalcino 2013 90 JS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Baffonero 2016 93 WS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Baffonero 2015 94 WS, 94 WA, 93 VM

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Baffonero 2014 3B, 94 VM, 90 WS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Le Sughere 2016 93 WS, 91 JS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Le Sughere 2015 91 WA, 93 VM

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Ornello 2016 92 WS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Ornello 2015 92 WS, 90 WA, 92 VM

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Poggio alla Guardia 2016 90 WS, 92 JS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Poggio alla Guardia 2015 92 WS

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 7 FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Rocca di Frassinello 2016 92 WS

FRASSINELLO, ROCCA D Tuscany Rocca di Frassinello 2015 93 WS, 93 WA, 95 VM

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Pecchia 2015 96 JS, 95 WA

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Pecchia 2013 95 WA, 95 VM, 95 JS

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Rosso 2017 93-94 JS

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Rosso 2016 96-97 JS

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Rosso 2015 94 JS, 94+ WA

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Rosso 2014 93 JS, 90 WA, 93 JS, 92 VM, 95 DEC

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Valletta 2016 93+ WA

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gagliole Valletta 2015 90 VM, 92 JS

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Gallule Chianti 2015 95 WA

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Rubiolo Chianti 2016 92 JS, 91 WA

GAGLIOLE Tuscany Rubiolo Chianti 2015 90+ WA, 92 JS

GOTTARDI Alto Adige Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder Mazzon) 2014 92 JS

GOTTARDI Alto Adige Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder Mazzon) 2013 93 VM, 92 WA

GOTTARDI Alto Adige Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder Mazzon) 2012 91 W&S

GOTTARDI Alto Adige Pinot Noir Riserva 2012 93 WA, 92 W&S, 92 VM, 92 JS

GOTTARDI Alto Adige Pinot Noir Bruno 2010 90 VM

IL CHIOSSO Piedmont Gattinara 2011 90 WS

IL POLLENZA Marche Angera Bianco 2016 92 JS

IL POLLENZA Marche Porpora 2013 93 JS

IL POLLENZA Marche Cosmino Rosso 2013 93 JS, 90 WS

IL POLLENZA Marche Cosmino Rosso 2011 95 JS, 90 WS

IL POLLENZA Marche Il Pollenza Rosso 2013 94 JS

IL POLLENZA Marche Il Pollenza Rosso 2011 90 WS

IL POLLENZA Marche Il Pollenza Rosso 2010 93 JS

LA LASTRA Tuscany Vernaccia di San G. Riserva 2016 92 WS, 92 WE

LA LASTRA Tuscany Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2016 91 WS, 91 WE

LA LASTRA Tuscany Chianti Colli Senesi 2012 90 W&S

LA PODERINA Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino 2013 92 WE , 94 WA, 92+ VM, 93 JS

LA PODERINA Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Abate Riserva 2012 93 WA, 92 JS

LA PODERINA Tuscany Rosso di Montalcino 2016 91+ WA

LE SALETTE Veneto Amarone 2013 93 VM, 91 WE, 94 W&S

8 90+ GUIDE ITALIAN PORTFOLIO LE SALETTE Veneto Amarone La Marega 2014 90 WS

LE SALETTE Veneto Amarone La Marega 2013 93 WE, 92+ VM, 92 W&S

LE SALETTE Veneto Amarone Pergole Vece 2012 93 WE, 92+ VM

LE SALETTE Veneto I Progni Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 90 W&S

LUISA, TENUTA Friuli Friulano 2016 91 JS

LUISA, TENUTA Friuli Sauvignon 2016 91 JS

LUISA, TENUTA Friuli Pinot Grigio 2016 92 JS

LUISA, TENUTA Friuli Refosco 2013 91 JS

MONTONALE Lombardy Trebbiano Orestilla Lugana 2016 96 DEC, 91 WS

MONTONALE Lombardy Trebbiano Orestilla Lugana 2015 95 DEC

MONTONALE Lombardy Montunal 2017 92 DEC

MONTERUFOLI Tuscany Vermentino Toscana 2016 91 JS

MONTERUFOLI Tuscany Val di Cornia 2011 92 JS

PACHERHOF Alto Adige Riesling 2015 90 W&S

PACHERHOF Alto Adige Sylvaner 2015 91+ WA

PACHERHOF Alto Adige Sylvaner Alte Reben 2015 92 WA

PALLAVICINI Lazio Amarasco 2015 90+ VM

PALLAVICINI Lazio Casa Romana 2013 91 VM, 90 WA

PALLAVICINI Lazio Frascati Superiore Poggio Verde 2016 90 VM

PALLAVICINI Lazio Malvasia Puntinata Roma 2016 91 VM

PALLAVICINI Lazio Malvasia Puntinata Stillato 2015 95 VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Barolo Bussia 2013 93 WS, 91 VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Barolo Bussia 2012 94 JS, 94 W&S, 93 VM, 93 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Barolo Le Coste 2013 91 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Barolo San Giuseppe 2014 93 WS, 91+ VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Barolo San Giuseppe 2013 96 JS, 93 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Botti Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 91 VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Bricco Botti Dogliani Superiore 2015 92 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Bricco Botti Dogliani Superiore 2013 90 VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Dolcetto Dogliani San Luigi 2016 91 WS, 90 WA, 91 VM

PECCHENINO Piedmont Dolcetto Dogliani San Luigi 2015 90 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Dolcetto Dogliani Siri d’Jermu 2016 90 WS

PECCHENINO Piedmont Dolcetto Dogliani Siri d’Jermu 2015 94 VM

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 9 PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Asili 2014 95+ VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Montefico 2014 96 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano 2014 95+ VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota 2014 94 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Ovello 2014 (93-95) WA, 95 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Pajé 2014 96 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Pora 2014 (91-93) WA

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja 2014 96 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo 2014 93 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco 2015 93 WA, 90+ VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Barbaresco 2014 92 WS, 94 WA, 92 JS, 93 VM

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Nebbiolo Langhe 2016 91+ WA

PROD.DEL BARBARESCO Piedmont Nebbiolo Langhe 2015 90 WA

RAMPOLLA Tuscany Chianti Classico 2016 93 WA

RAMPOLLA Tuscany D’Alceo 2014 94 WA

RAMPOLLA Tuscany Sammarco 2014 94 WA

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Carmenere 2010 93 WA

SAN LEONARDO Trentino San Leonardo 2013 93 WS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino San Leonardo 2011 3B, 93 WA, 92 WS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Terre di San Leonardo 2014 90 JS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Terre di San Leonardo 2013 90+ WA, 90 JS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Vette Sauvignon Blanc 2017 90 WS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Villa Gresti 2011 92 WA, 92 JS, 90 WS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Villa Gresti 2010 92 WA, 92 JS

SAN LEONARDO Trentino Villa Gresti 2009 91 WA

SANTA TRESA Sicily Avulisi Nero d’Avola 2013 90 W&S

STATTI Calabria Arvino 2015 91 WE

STATTI Calabria Arvino 2012 90 WA

STATTI Calabria Gaglioppo Batasarro 2013 90 WE

STATTI Calabria Gaglioppo Batasarro 2012 90 WS

STRASSERHOF Alto Adige Sylvaner 2016 90+ WA

10 90+ GUIDE ITALIAN PORTFOLIO TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Aglianico 2015 92 JS

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Rosaenovae 2017 90 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Rosaenovae 2016 91 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra 2017 91 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Coda di Volpe 2016 92 JS

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Falanghina Corte di Giso 2017 92 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Fiano di Avellino 2017 91+ VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Fiano di Avellino CampoRe 2013 94 JS, 90 JS

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Lacryma Christi Rosso 2015 92 JS

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Taurasi Fatica Contadina 2012 90 DEC, 90 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Taurasi Fatica Contadina 2011 92 WE, 93 JS, 92 WS

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Taurasi Pago dei Fusi 2011 92 VM

TERREDORA DI PAOLO Campania Taurasi Pago dei Fusi 2010 93 WE, 92 JS, 93 JS

TERRE DI PRINCIPE Campania Casavecchia Centomoggia 2012 91 WA

TERRE DI PRINCIPE Campania Pallagrello Bianco Fontanavigna 2012 90 WA

VIE DI ROMANS Friuli Chardonnay Vie di Romans 2016 91 WS

VIE DI ROMANS Friuli Dolée Friulano 2016 90 WS

VIE DI ROMANS Friuli Flors di Uis 2016 91 WS

VIE DI ROMANS Friuli Pinot Grigio Dessimis 2016 90 WS

VIE DI ROMANS Friuli Sauvignon Blanc Piere 2016 90 WS

—GLOBAL PORTFOLIO— GLOBAL PORTFOLIO ARGENTINA WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia A Lisa Malbec 2017 93 JS, 93 WA, 92 VM

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia A Lisa Sémillon 2017 92 JS

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia J Alberto Malbec 2015 93 JS, 91+ VM, 94 WA, 91 WS

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia J Alberto Malbec 2016 94 JS, 90 WA

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia J Alberto Malbec 2017 94 JS, 94+ WA

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia Noemia Malbec 2014 96 WA, 95 JS

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia Noemia Malbec 2015 93 WS, 94 JS, 96 WA, 93+ VM

BODEGA NOEMIA Patagonia Noemia Malbec 2016 96 JS, 97+ WA

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 11 BODEGA MALMA Patagonia Extra Brut Sparkling Cuvée NV 90 JS

BODEGA MALMA Patagonia Malbec Finca La Papay 2017 90 JS

GOUGUENHEIM Argentina Malbec Sparkling NV 91 DEC ARMENIAARMENIA WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

KARAS Armenia Classic Reserve Blend 2013 90 WA AUSTRIAAUSTRIA WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

ALLRAM Austria Riesling Gaisberg Reserva 2013 92 WE CHILECHILE WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

BODEGA VOLCANES Chile Chardonnay Tectonia 2016 92 JS

BODEGA VOLCANES Chile Red Blend Tectonia 2015 92 JS, 90 W&S

BODEGA VOLCANES Chile Pinot Noir Tectonia 2015 90 JS

BODEGA VOLCANES Chile Parinacota 2015 90 JS, 91 W&S FRANCEFRANCE WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

CH. STE EULALIE Languedoc La Liviniere Minervois 2015 90 WS

CHATEAU LA MARZELLE Bordeaux St. Emilion/Bordeaux 2014 91 WS, 93 WE, 92 WA, 93 JS

CHATEAU LA MARZELLE Bordeaux St. Emilion/Bordeaux 2015 92 WE, 92 WA, 96 JS

CHATEAU LA MARZELLE Bordeaux St. Emilion/Bordeaux 2017 (89-90) JS

CHATEAU MAURAC Bordeaux Haut-Médoc 2012 91 WE

CHATEAU MAURAC Bordeaux Haut-Médoc 2015 92 WE, (91-92) JS

DOMAINE CHAMFORT Rhone Rasteau 2015 90 WA

DOMAINE CHATEAUMAR Rhone Secret de nos Vignes Chateauneuf du Pape 2016 (91-93) VM

DOMAINE CHATEAUMAR Rhone Secret de nos Vignes Chateauneuf du Pape 2015 (91-93) VM

DOMAINE CHEVALIER Rhone Marius Red Blend 2015 91 WA

DOMAINE CHEVALIER Rhone Marius Red Blend 2016 90 WS

DOMAINE GILLES NOBLET Burgundy Pouilly-Fuisse La Collange 2015 91 WS

DOMAINE GILLES NOBLET Burgundy Pouilly-Fuisse La Collange 2016 90 WS

DOMAINE GUY AMIOT Burgundy Chassagne Montrachet Old Vines Blanc 2014 90 WS

DOMAINE GUY AMIOT Burgundy Chassagne Montrachet Vergers 1er Cru 2014 90 WS

DOMAINE GUY AMIOT Burgundy Chassagne Montrachet Caillerets 1er Cru 2014 90 WS

DOMAINE GUY AMIOT Burgundy Chassagne Montrachet Champsgains 1er Cru 2014 92 WS

DOMAINE JACQUES GIRARDIN Burgundy Santenay Clos Rousseau 1er Cru 2015 92 WE

12 90+ GUIDE GLOBAL PORTFOLIO DOMAINE MOREUX Loire Sancerre Les Bouffants 2016 91 WE

DOMAINE MOREUX Loire Sancerre Les Monts Damnés 2015 93 WE

DOMAINE MOREUX Loire Sancerre Les Monts Damnés 2016 93 WE

DOMAINE RASPAIL-AY Rhone Gigondas 2016 93-95 VM

DOMAINE RASPAIL-AY Rhone Gigondas 2015 (91-93) WA

EMILE BEYER Alsace Pinot Gris Tradition 2016 92 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Gewurztraminer Tradition 2016 92 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Gewurztraminer Pfersigberg 1er Cru 2015 93 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Pinot Gris Eguisheim 2016 92 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Pinot Noir Eguisheim 2015 90 JS

EMILE BEYER Alsace Riesling Tradition 2015 90 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Riesling Eguisheim 2016 92 WE

EMILE BEYER Alsace Riesling Pfersigberg 1er Cru 2016 94 WE, 92 JS

EMILE BEYER Alsace Riesling Pfersigberg 1er Cru 2014 90 WA

J.M. GOBILLARD Champagne Champagne Brut NV 90 WS

J.M. GOBILLARD Champagne Champagne 1er Cru Grand Reserve NV 91 WS, 91 WE, 94 DEC

J.M. GOBILLARD Champagne Champagne Brut Rose NV 90 WS PORTUGALPORTUGAL WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Touriga Nacional 2015 91 WS, 93 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Touriga Nacional 2015 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Tinto Red 2015 93 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Tinto Red 2014 93 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Tinto Red 2013 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Tinto Red 2012 93 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Tinto Red 2011 90 JS, 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Petit Verdot 2015 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Petit Verdot 2014 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro R de Romaneira 2013 90 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Red Reserva 2015 95 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Red Reserva 2014 95 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Duoro Red Reserva 2013 95 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Porto 10 Year Old Tawny Port NV 90 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Porto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2012 93 WA

VIAS MONTHLY • DECEMBER 2018 13 Quinta da Romaneira Porto Vintage Port 2015 92 WE

Quinta da Romaneira Porto Vintage Port 2011 95 WS SPAINSPAIN WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Crianza 2014 90 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Crianza 2015 91 WA, 91 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Garnacha Cepas Viejas 2015 93 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Reserva 2012 92 WA, 92 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Terruno 2010 93 WA

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Terruno 2011 90 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Viura Cepas Viejas 2012 90 WA, 91 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Parcela 1 2015 91 JS

FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ Rioja Parcela 1 2012 90 WA, 93 JS

LOS TROS Catalonia Priorat 2015 90 DEC

LOS TROS Catalonia Priorat 2013 90 WS UNITEDUNITED STATES STATES WINERY REGION WINE VTG SCORE(S)

KENEFICK RANCH Sonoma Pickett Road Red 2011 90 WS

KENEFICK RANCH Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2015 90 WS

KENEFICK RANCH Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 90 WE

KENEFICK RANCH Sonoma Cabernet Franc 2013 90 WE

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Pinot Noir Mas Cavalls 2014 90 WE

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Pinot Noir Mas Cavalls 2013 90 WA

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Chardonnay La Masia 2016 90 WS, 90 WE

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Chardonnay La Masia 2015 92 WS

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Chardonnay Acero 2016 90 WE

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Albarino 2016 90 WE

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Pinot Noir Cristina 2013 91 WA

MARIMAR ESTATE Sonoma Pinot Noir Cristina 2012 90 WE

VON STRASSER Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard 2013 90 WE

VON STRASSER Napa Reserve Red 2013 92 WE

14 90+ GUIDE GLOBAL PORTFOLIO VIAS IMPORTS LTD NEW BRANDS ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Team,

It’s almost the end of the year and we are all very focused on finishing this year strong. Thanks to your commitment and your passion, we are extremely excited to enter into a new chapter of VIAS history, sharing a new vision which will shape our company in a more dynamic, modern and successful way.

Pursuing this mission we are thrilled and proud to announce the introduction of five new Italian wineries to our portfolio – all available effective January 1, 2019.

These new additions perfectly suit the VIAS philosophy of expressing the history, sense of place, and devotion to craft of all our producers through the art of wine. These five wineries embody the distinct terroir and character of each wine region they pertain to, offering us the opportunity to sharpen our offerings with access to a richer array of Italian indigenous varietals.

Before the official launch, we have prepared an internal preview for you in the following few pages, which include a brief presentation of all the new wineries – with a special focus on key points, pricing, and winery history.

We are so happy to share this news with you and, furthermore, to kick off 2019 with a fresh new treasure trove of wine stories and producers that will become part of the VIAS Family.

We also would like to take the opportunity to wish you the best for the upcoming holidays and, especially, a very happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Thanks to all of you for the wonderful support you show throughout the year.

Very best,

Luca Bigerna President

ViasVias Imports Imports Ltd. Ltd. 875 875 6th 6th Ave. Ave. Suite Suite 1500 1500 New New York, York, NY NY | 212-629-0200| 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com| viaswine.com — LEONE DE CASTRIS | PUGLIA —

— HISTORY— — KEY POINTS— Salice Salentino, a small village in Salento • This winery is a great addition to rich in vineyards and olive trees, is the our portfolio in order to increase our landscape giving life to Leone de Castris’ wine tradition. representation of Puglia in the market and It is exactly here, on the very spot replace Cantele. where today’s cellar stands, that in 1665 Duke Oronzo, Earl of Lemos, began • They present two lines of wines with two the company. He was enchanted by different price points for each varietal/item this landscape and decided to sell all his property in Spain in order to draw the in order to approach and target different best from the rich Salentine terroir. customers. He began to plant new vines, olive trees and wheat on 5000 hectares of land, not • They are located in Salice Salentino (in only in Salice, but also in Guagnano, Veglie, province of Lecce) and are internationally Villa Baldassarri, Novoli and San Pancrazio. At the beginning of the 19th century the recognized as the most iconic, historical and winery was exporting bulk wine to the characteristic wineries of the area. United States, Germany and France. An extremely important year, 1943, marks the birth of Five Roses and the improvement of the bottling line that made Leone de — PRODUCTS — Castris rosé the first ever bottled rosé in Italy and first rosé to be sold in the US. DONNA LISA PRIMITIVO 2014 (6) The name “Five Roses” derives from a FIVE ROSES ROSATO 2017 (12) crest belonging to the family, so called 50 VENDEMMIA SALICE RISERVA 2015 (12) because for several generations, each de VILLA SANTERA PRIMITIVO 2016 (12) Castris had 5 children. MESSAPIA VERDECA 2017 (12) MAIANA SALICE 2016 (12) www.leonedecastris.com MEDAGLIONE NEGROAMARO ROSATO 2017 (12) MEDAGLIONE PRIMITIVO 2017 (12)

Vias Imports Ltd. 875 6th Ave. Suite 1500 New York, NY | 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com —LA GANGHIJA | PIEMONTE—

— HISTORY— — KEY POINTS— The history of this family-run winery • This portfolio addition is to complement stretches back several generations of our Barbaresco offerings – showing a the Rapalino family but it was not until quite recently that La Ganghija evolved different terroir of this region and having into its present form (actually making the additional volume needed to supply wine from its own grapes rather than the increasing demand for Barbaresco from selling them). This idea came to the Produttori. young oenologist Enzo Rapalino while working in the vineyards and studying at La Scuola Enologica di Alba where he • Depending on the area – usually Treiso learned the techniques of winemaking Terroir characterized wines that have lighter and the importance of utilizing the right body compared to Barbaresco produced in ingredients to create high quality wines. Barbaresco – which has a more structured La Ganghija, (Piemontese for “vine and complex body. tendril,” symbolizing something small but powerful), was created in 2004 out of Enzo’s passion and love for wine. To him it was the best way to showcase the — — territory where he grew up: Treiso in PRODUCTS Piemonte. Treiso is a land of great wines and scenic CHARDONNAY 2018 (12) beauty, and an important constituent of DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2017 (12) the famous Barbaresco DOCG wine area. BARBERA D’ALBA SUPERIORE 2016 (12) La Ganghija is still very much a family affair NEBBIOLO D’ALBA 2017 (12) with Enzo’s wife Milena and his parents BARBARESCO 2015 (12) Giovanni and Rita completing the team. BARBARESCO GIACOSA 2015 (12) They currently farm their vineyards in the communes of Treiso, Magliano Alfieri and Madonna di Como (Alba). www. laganghija.com

Vias Imports Ltd. 875 6th Ave. Suite 1500 New York, NY | 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com — GARESIO | PIEMONTE—

— HISTORY— — KEY POINTS— Over the years, the passion that binds the • Wide offer of the SERRALUNGA terroir Garesio family to wine transformed into a with two Barolos: constant, painstaking research of the most o CERRETTA: only produced in the best favorable places for vine cultivation, growing vintages. Made with grapes in organic indigenous grape varieties and opting for conversion high end and limited production farming practices that respect the environment and the people working the land. o SERRALUNGA D’ALBA: regular Serralunga Since 2010, the family has acquired Barolo – more approachable and more approximately 64 hectares of land, 21 of which production are under vine, divided among Serralunga d’Alba, the heart of Barolo, Perletto in Alta • Niche production of the newest Piedmont Langa, Incisa Scapaccino and Castelnuovo DOCG – NIZZA DOCG- 100% Barbera Calcea in Monferrato. wines with a unique terroir and distinction Along with the vineyards, the Garesio family has from other Barberas. undertaken the job of renovating and upgrading an old farmstead in Serralunga d’Alba. Balance, respect, and a deep understanding of • Having a NIZZA DOCG wine will enhance vines and vineyards: in the vineyard as in the our strength as an indigenous varietals cellar, Garesio works so that the raw material specialist and as a scout of excellent niche is naturally excellent. Absolute respect for the wineries who express their terroir in the best terroir and its expressions, quality that begins in way. the vineyard and no forcing. Garesio manages the vineyards according to — PRODUCTS— a rational, non-invasive philosophy – the least possible intervention, only when necessary, and NIZZA 2016 (6) applied row by row, plant by plant if needed. NIZZA RISERVA 2015 (6) Each plot of land within the property has its LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2015 (6) own identity card and its own development, BAROLO SERRALUNGA 2014 (6) which is encouraged without excessive BAROLO CERRETTA 2013 (6) interference or manipulation. www.garesiovini.it

Vias Imports Ltd. 875 6th Ave. Suite 1500 New York, NY | 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com —GIOVANNI ROSSO | SICILIA—

— HISTORY— — KEY POINTS— This project was officially born in May 2016 • New ETNA DOC wines for our portfolio with the purchase of the Etna estate near the – the red based on NERELLO MASCALESE, village Solicchiata of Castiglione di Sicilia by white on CARRICANTE – to represent a Davide Rosso. The farm rises a few kilometers new Volcanic area where we have no brands before Passopisciaro down to Montedolce, a small inactive crater that gives the name to yet. the Contrada. The winery is located on the northeast side of the volcano, a perfectly suited • Giovanni Rosso purchased the Etna estate area for the production of red wines. The new near the village Solicchiata of Castiglione di holdings extend for 14 hectares in one single Sicilia. plot, of which 6 hectares are dedicated to viticulture: 1.2 ha for the whites and 5.5 ha for • Located on Northeast side of the volcano the reds (Carricante and Nerello Mascalese - this is the best area for the great ETNA with small percentages of other local grape ROSSO with best producers growing varieties, as the tradition requires). The training system has been renamed as “candelabro.” grapes here (Frank Cornelissenj – Palmento These are forty years old bush trained vines Costanzo – Tornatore.) (“alberello”), directed in two main branches to allow regular rows. The average altitude is 750m a.s.l. In the next few years new vineyards — — will be planted in the highest parts of the PRODUCTS property. ETNA BIANCO 2017 (6) The soil is entirely made by lava sand and the ETNA ROSSO (2016 (6) plants are farmed organically. The microclimate is unique in the world, and the goal is to produce wines able to tell the terroir with the greatest style and elegance.

www.giovannirosso.com

Vias Imports Ltd. 875 6th Ave. Suite 1500 New York, NY | 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com —DAVIDE FREGONESE | PIEMONTE—

— HISTORY— — KEY POINTS— “Returning to the starting point can • Very exclusive and niche winery with a small become an exciting trip. At least for production of BAROLO in Serralunga d’Alba. me it was as such: after 25 years of different experiences around the world, • Two prestigious cru: Prapò and Cerretta I rediscovered a deep sense of belonging only. Prapo’ is an iconic single vineyard in to my homeland, along with a strong call SERRALUNGA from my roots in Piedmont and my most authentic passions. In the Langhe area, • These two Barolo are the perfect among vineyard masters, eno-gastronomic expression of the SERRALUNGA Barolo – excellences and ancient wine traditions, round, robust, rich in flavors. my dream has begun to shape up: my wine dream. • Two unique gems from a different terroir “Thanks to the friendship and the that complete our offer for a prestigious extraordinary skills of Luigi Vico and Barolo’s Portfolio Davide Rosso (owner of Giovanni Rosso winery), I’ve been producing wines in Serralunga d’Alba since 2014. Langhe is the land of the highest expression of the Nebbiolo wine grape, which gives to — PRODUCTS— the grapes all the historical and natural heritage of these UNESCO sites.” BAROLO PRAPO 2015 (6) -Davide Fregonese BAROLO CERRETTA 2015 (6)

www.davidefregonese.com

Vias Imports Ltd. 875 6th Ave. Suite 1500 New York, NY | 212-629-0200 | viaswine.com