Charleston - Wine Store

My dear friend and wine enthusiast,
it's time for the special Christmas 2025 wine box! Like last year, I've been searching for wines from the province of Arezzo that best represent the variety and qualities of our wonderful territory.

Similar to last year's selections, these wines are virtually unknown to the general public. Their production is so limited that they're impossible to find in the United States.

Last year, I included the 2020 Tenuta La Pineta Tripinio 2022, which I know made many of you happy. The 2021 vintage was omitted because, according to the producer, the quality of the Pugnitello wasn't up to par for a Tripinio, the flagship and most impactful wine of this estate. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pugnitello in equal parts, only 1,300 bottles produced, a wine of great depth and length, a great super Tuscan.

The 100% Bioselvatico Sangiovese is produced by Filippo Volpi, a dear childhood friend of mine. Filippo has pursued his passions throughout his life, first as a passionate restaurateur and then as a distributor of French wines for Giovanni and Ambrogio Folonari, and finally as a passionate producer of Bioselvatico since 2018. This 2021 vintage boasts great elegance and a fragrance of persistent aromas, yet it's never overpowering. Each year, they produce approximately 8,000 bottles, sold only in Italy.

"As Soon As Evening Comes 2022": There are only 500 bottles produced by Raffaele Vecchione and Federica, who launched their winemaking project in 2018. "As Soon As Evening Comes" refers to the time of day just before sunset, a moment often associated with relaxation and enjoyment, perhaps while sipping a good glass of wine. Wine is seen as an element that brings joy and consolation, as suggested by various proverbs and thoughts expressed by poets such as Giacomo Leopardi.

Nemesi 2021 is 100% Sangiovese from a small plot of land, just 0.9 hectares that face south at 270 meters above sea level. A 17-year-old vineyard, this area has always been one of the most suitable in our province due to the quality of its soil that is rich in galestro (marl) and historically known as as "campo arsiccio" (parched field). The wine is very intense and concentrated, with great longevity, but also ready to drink.

Foramacchie 2023, 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is produced in Cozzano Alto, the highest part of the hill before reaching Castiglion Fiorentino, at 270 to 350 meters above sea level. The proximity of a small natural lake mitigates the hot summer days and favors perfect and consistent grape ripening. 2023 is an excellent vintage for this farm.

I sincerely hope that this Special Box will meet your liking, and I also wish to see you again soon in Italy!

Each year, the special box showcases a producer of Pinot Noir, the quintessential vineyard in Casentino given the height of its mountains. Casentino is the coolest and highest part of the province of Arezzo, home to two shrines dear to all of Christianity: the Sanctuary of La Verna, where Saint Francis of Assisi lived, and the Sanctuary of Camaldoli. The 2022 Podere Pereto Pinot Noir is located in this area full of beech and pine trees in Soci. This is a timeless, small hamlet where snow is a constant feature in the winter, with ideal conditions for producing a great Pinot Noir.

May you enjoy this special box, and I hope to see you again in Italy.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family!

Stefano
Enoteca Charleston