94-Point Super Tuscan Only $21.99!
Lia Tolaini Banville has a beautiful property in the heart of Chianti Classico where she and her team use organic practices to craft what may just be the most deliciously smart buy in all of Tuscany.
“The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine.”
- Antonio Galloni, June 2024
Boasting complex red and black fruit flavors along with the kind of earth and savory notes typically associated with more expensive reds, this blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a serious bottle of wine. And, it is seriously good.
Earning 94 Points from Antonio Galloni and selling for a mere $21.99, it also happens to be an absolute steal. Scroll down for Galloni's tasting notes, and for a yummy, mineral-driven southern Italian white that we also really love, then click the Big Green Button to get your order in!
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2021 Tolaini "Al Passo" Toscana Rosso
Tuscany, Italy
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Not only does this succulent red from Tolaini taste great, it even looks expensive! Pouring a purple-ruby color with a semi-matte opaqueness, just a few swirls has it offering savory aromas and flavors of black cherry, damson plum, baked blueberry, macerated red flowers, roasted sage, vanilla, pepper, toast, and white rock. A bit of air releases classic Tuscan notes of tobacco and leather along with bright acidity and skillfully woven soft tannins.
This over-performing blend of Sangiovese (34%), Merlot (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) was aged for 14 months in French oak. There is such a beautiful texture, structure and flavor here. The finish is long, and will get even silkier, sexier and yummier as it opens in your glass.
Antonio Galloni, who has lauded many vintages of Al Passo over the past 20 years, ranks this 2021 bottling as the best, awarding a highest-ever score of 94 Points...
“The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice and incense lend notable aromatic nuance. This Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a ton to offer. Bright acids pull it all together in style. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2036.”
- 94 Points, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (7/2024)
In his review, Galloni quotes a price of $29. We bring it to you today for a price that is nearly 25% less!
Vin Chicago Price: 21.99
2022 San Salvatore Falanghina
Campania, Italy
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Falanghina is an ancient grape, thought to have been brought to southern Italy by the Greeks in times of classical antiquity. It has survived for over two thousand years, and today grows most commonly in the region of Campania, in and around Naples.
Over the years, one of our favorite producers has been San Salvatore, located just south of Salerno in the middle of an Italian national park!
This dry white is so darn fun. With an array of tasty fruits, a plump texture and a zippy mineral-themed finish, we can’t help but recommend it. In one sip, this juicy nectar reminds us of Viognier. In the very next, its salinity and zing has us thinking Albariño! Pour it and you’ll find white peach, green apple, red Anjou pear, yellow flowers, anise, and minerals in this soft, lively and zippy white that is perfect as a welcome wine or for a lovingly prepared salmon or chicken dish.
We love this juice now, and it will continue to be drink great over the coming 2 to 3 years. Here's the 90-Point review from Vinous, which is slightly more conservative than our 90+ Point rating...
“The 2022 Falanghina is incredibly pretty with a fresh blend of green melon, peach and confectionary spice. It’s soft-textured and soothing on the palate with mineral-laced orchard fruits and ginger hints. The 2022 finishes with admirable length and tension, with a green apple hint that gradually fades. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2026.”
- 90 Points, Vinous - Eric Guido (4/2023)
Vinous quotes $30. As with the Tolaini, our price is considerably less!
Vin Chicago Price: 20.79
