For more than a century, five generations of the Cecchi family have earned a sterling reputation as wine producers by making enological history in Tuscany. Today, the prime grapes of the graceful Tuscan countryside combined with the Cecchi family's winemaking expertise produce international award-winning wines that are enjoyed around the globe. Wines offered by the Cecchi family include; Morellino Di Scansano, Teuzzo Chianti Classico Riserva, Cecchi Spargolo, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Villa Cerna Chianti Classico Riserva, Orvieto, and the organically grown Arcano Chianti Colli Senesi.
Placido wines owe their phenomenal popularity to choice grapes grown in some of the world's premier wine regions, renowned winemaking expertise and a quality-price ratio difficult to match. The brand inherited its name from a famous Sienese family, the Placidi, on whose vast Tuscan estate some of the Placido vines grow today. Now a worldwide brand, Placido has also brought centuries of European winemaking experience to Chile's grape growing region. Consisting of eight noble wine types, their wines include: Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Chianti and a fruity Pinot Grigio all from grapes grown in choice Tuscany vineyards. Chile's Maipo Valley offers an ideal micro-climate for cultivating the noblest of French stock, suchasPlacido's Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
In 1833 Vincenzo Florio, a successful Italian entrepreneur and ship owner arrived in Marsala, Sicily and purchased vast amounts of land for the production of Marsala wine. Used in the finest cuisines and at the world's finest tables, Florio Marsalas have received the 'Chefs in America National Gold Medal' for superior quality for five consecutive years. Florio's offerings include; Fine Dolce Ambra D.O.C, and Fine Secco Ambra D.O.C.
Sunrise 100% varietals from Concha y Toro are among the best values from Chile, and therefore one of the best wine values in the world. The wines are made from grapes grown near the Andes Mountains in Valle Central - the heart of Chile's wine-growing region. Due to its high altitude and cool nighttime temperatures, Valle Central grapes enjoy a slow and steady development that results in wine full of fruit and character. Sunrise selections include: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Although Walnut Crest wines were introduced just over a decade ago, they were quickly embraced by wine lovers and value seekers, growing into one of America's most popular imported wines . The producer, Bodegas y Viñedos Santa Emiliana of Santiago, Chile, use grapes grown in its own vineyards, 3,500 acres in Chile's Maipo, Casablanca and Rapel valleys. All three regions are noted for ideal soil and climate. Currently, the company is increasing its vinification and bottling capacity and renovating its cellars to allow it to focus on its premium offerings - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
In 1978 John and Harry Mariani, owners of the U.S. wine importer Banfi Vintners, established the award winning vineyard estate and winery Castello Banfi in the Brunello region of Tuscany. A constellation of single vineyards located on ideal sites cover about one third of the 7,100 acre (2,830 hectares) estate. The remaining land consists of bucolic meadows, olive and plum groves, and woodland. Central to the property is a medieval castle that functions as a hospitality center, hosting visitors at a full service restaurant, enoteca and museum dedicated to the history of glass and its relation to wine. Signature wines of the Castello Banfi estate are: Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, a ruby-red Brunello with exceptional depth and character; and two proprietary cuvées, SummuS, an extraordinary blend of Brunello di Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah characterized by a rich color and lively soft-fruit flavors; and ExcelsuS, produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot which promotes an opulent bouquet that hints of plum and black currant. Several noble varietals, including Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Fontanelle Chardonnay and San Angelo Pinot Grigio, are produced there as well as the traditional wines of the region, such as Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. The estate also boasts an extra virgin olive oil, and a balsamic vinegar called "Salsa Balsamica Etrusca."
Concha y Toro is the leading Chilean wine of Latin America, Canada, Europe and the United States, renowned for its quality, reputation and popularity. Concha y Toro's own vineyards cover more than 7,400 acres (3,000 hectares) of land in twelve sites spread throughout four of Chile's best wine valleys (Maipo, Maule, Rapel and Casablanca). Respected wine publications have proclaimed Concha y Toro's Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon the finest red wine made in Chile. Other offerings include: Marqués Chardonnay and Marqués Merlot; Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; Amelia, Terrunyo, Xplorador and several Frontera blends.
The Stonehaven Winery was named for the first settlement in the Limestone Coast region of Australia--after a group of pioneers who hailed from the town of Stonehaven, Scotland. The famous Limestone Coast region is characterized by a bedrock of limestone and rich terra rossa soil that is ideal for growing grapes. The winery, which opened in March 1998, has taken the US wine market by storm--becoming one of the fastest growing brands from Australia.
Stonehaven offers the following three distinctive lines of wine:
Stonehaven Varietals - Careful selection of the finest fruit from South Australia, combined with world leading technology and time honored winemaking skills, has resulted in these premium Australian wines. They reflect the values upon which Stonehaven was founded, an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The line includes Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, and a Shiraz / Cabernet blend.
Winemakers Selection - Exceptional fruit has been carefully selected from the finest regional vineyards in Australia. The winemakers have hand-crafted these elegant wines, each of which is a statement of the finest expression of Australia's most highly regarded viticultural regions. The line includes a Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz.
Limestone Coast Varietals - The Limestone Coast region runs along the South Eastern coast of South Australia. This region is highly prized for its prime vineyards, which are planted in rich terra rossa soils over a bedrock of limestone. Stonehaven's vineyards are located in several different microclimates within the region - in the areas of Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and the Elgin Valley. These wines reflect the variety of flavors and intensities inherent in this region. The line includes a Chardonnay, Shiraz , and Cabernet Sauvignon.