Elegant Wines From Chianti to Istria: Richness, Precision & Character

Fèlsina Chianti Classico

This elegant Sangiovese from Fèlsina in Castelnuovo Berardenga delivers refined complexity and classic Tuscan character. The wine opens with a deep ruby hue and aromas of red cherries, dried Mediterranean herbs, and a whiff of tobacco. These initial aromas lead into a flavor-packed palate that is both structured and balanced, featuring firm tannins and a bright acidic backbone that underscores its aging potential.

Grapes for this Chianti are grown at an altitude between 320 and 420 meters, allowing for slow, even ripening. The careful selection of grapes and fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserve varietal purity. The wine is aged for a year in large Slavonian oak barrels, with a portion seeing time in used French oak to maintain a subtle influence. After an additional three months of bottle aging, it is released with a level of finesse that makes it a benchmark in the Chianti Classico region.

Pair this red with hearty Tuscan fare like wild boar ragu, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or roasted lamb. While ready to drink now, it will improve in the bottle over the next three years. No need to decant—simply open and enjoy its natural elegance.

Louro do Bolo Godello

Hailing from the rugged Valdeorras region of northwestern Spain, Louro do Bolo is a Godello white wine that reflects the passion and innovation of winemaker Rafael Palacios. Grown on steep terraces at elevations reaching 680 meters, the Godello grapes benefit from organic and biodynamic farming. The result is a wine brimming with freshness, minerality, and complexity.

The wine undergoes fermentation in French oak vats using wild yeasts and is then aged on its lees for five months. This process adds creaminess and body to the natural stone fruit and citrus characteristics of the grape. Aromas of pear, green apple, lemon zest, and crushed stones rise from the glass, while the palate reveals layers of white peach, lime, and a hint of almond.

With a smooth texture and a long, clean finish, Louro is the kind of white that pairs seamlessly with seafood, white meats, or creamy risottos. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to six years, making it a versatile companion for food lovers and collectors alike.

Mer Soleil Chardonnay

From California’s Santa Lucia Highlands comes this standout Chardonnay, rich in both texture and flavor. Mer Soleil is the flagship white from a region known for foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, conditions that produce grapes with ripe fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in French oak barrels, with partial malolactic fermentation and frequent battonage to build mouthfeel and complexity.

The result is a golden-hued Chardonnay with aromas of peach, pear, vanilla, and toasted coconut. On the palate, tropical fruits like pineapple and banana mingle with notes of buttered toast, creating a rich and layered experience. Despite its full-bodied style, the wine maintains balance thanks to refreshing acidity and a mineral edge.

This is a wine to enjoy with grilled lobster, creamy chicken dishes, or a roasted vegetable tart. It benefits from brief decanting and will develop further in the bottle for up to a decade. It’s a textbook example of California Chardonnay at its finest.

Kozlović Moskat Momjanski

This captivating dessert wine from Croatia’s Istrian peninsula is crafted from a rare local clone of Muscat known as Moskat Momjanski. Produced by Gianfranco and Antonella Kozlović, it captures the essence of Istria’s unique microclimate and terroir. With a family winemaking legacy dating back to 1904, Kozlović has perfected the art of balancing sweetness with freshness.

In the glass, the wine shimmers with a golden hue and releases inviting aromas of honeysuckle, lychee, lemon peel, and roasted almonds. On the palate it is sweet yet vibrant, delivering flavors of mango, honey, and citrus that linger long after each sip. This elegant sweetness is counterbalanced by a racy acidity, which keeps the wine from becoming cloying and makes it a perfect match for both desserts and savory pairings.

Enjoy chilled alongside blue cheese, foie gras, or berry tarts. It’s also an ideal finale to a festive meal. With its long cellar potential of up to 10 years, Kozlović’s Moskat Momjanski is a must-try for any lover of fine dessert wines.