Old Vines Master Selection: 4 Bottles from Ancient Vineyards
A journey into the profound depth and complexity of wines from old vines.
This Master Selection celebrates the wisdom of the earth, showcasing four remarkable wines from vineyards of significant age. Old vines, with their deep root systems and naturally low yields, produce grapes of incredible concentration and character. The resulting wines tell a story of time, struggle, and resilience, offering a drinking experience that is both unique and profound. This 4-bottle collection spans France and Italy, featuring a mix of red and white wines that beautifully express their ancient terroir.
2022 Umani Ronchi, "Vecchie Vigne" Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore
Italy's Great White - Marche, Italy
This is a benchmark for Verdicchio, sourced from a single vineyard planted in the 1970s. Umani Ronchi’s “Vecchie Vigne” demonstrates that Italian white wines can possess the complexity and age-worthiness of the world’s best. Fermented and aged in large oak casks, it is a rich, textural, and deeply savory white wine with incredible persistence.
- Grape: Verdicchio
- Tasting Notes: Ripe apricot, almond, chamomile, saline minerality
- Pairing: Rich seafood, roasted chicken, pasta with cream sauce
2023 Domaine Guy Robin, Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" Vieilles Vignes
Premier Cru Chablis from Old Vines - Chablis, Burgundy, France
From a historic estate in Chablis, this Premier Cru Chardonnay is sourced from old vines in the famed "Vaillons" vineyard. The combination of Premier Cru terroir and old vines delivers a wine of exceptional depth and intensity. It is a classic expression of Chablis, with notes of citrus, oyster shell, and a long, mineral-driven finish.
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Tasting Notes: Lemon curd, green apple, crushed oyster shell, flint
- Pairing: Oysters, grilled sea bass, goat cheese
2023 Domaine de Gouye, Saint Joseph "Vieilles Vignes"
Ancient Syrah from the Rhône - Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône, France
From a tiny, historic estate in the Northern Rhône, this Saint-Joseph is made from Syrah vines that are over 80 years old. The wine is fermented with whole clusters and aged in neutral oak, preserving the incredible purity and aromatic intensity of the fruit. It is a classic, old-school expression of Syrah, full of savory, spicy, and floral notes.
- Grape: Syrah
- Tasting Notes: Blackberry, olive tapenade, smoked meat, white pepper
- Pairing: Lamb chops, cassoulet, grilled eggplant
2016 Tenuta Fessina "il Musmeci" Etna Rosso Riserva
Volcanic Elegance from Sicily - Etna, Sicily, Italy
From the high-altitude, volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this Nerello Mascalese is a wine of incredible elegance and complexity. The "il Musmeci" is a Riserva, aged for an extended period before release, adding layers of savory and spicy notes to the bright red fruit. It is a wine that speaks of its unique terroir, a testament to the power and grace of Etna.
- Grape: Nerello Mascalese
- Tasting Notes: Red cherry, dried cranberry, volcanic ash, dried herbs
- Pairing: Mushroom risotto, grilled tuna, roasted poultry dishes