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The following has been translated from Vino al Dia, a website dedicated to the Argentine wine community:

Carmelo Patti’s wines have something of a cult following, with devoted fans in Argentina and abroad. Like art cinema producers, “I don’t want to do it for commercial reasons,” says this enologist, who only has one employee. “I have never picked up the telephone to sell a bottle,” he adds. His wines are quintessentially Argentine: They boast nothing more than the taste and personal experience of a Mendocino winemaker with 34 vintages to his credit. No foreign consultants, no trendy manipulation, no pretentions. Carmelo simply does what he does best, and wine-loving consumers beat a path to his door.

After working as an enologist for other wineries for many years, Carmelo acquired a 50% stake in a then-vacant winery, which he refurbished to meet his needs. He made his first eponymous wine (a malbec) some 15 years ago. All of the grapes he works with for his two single-varietals come from two vineyards in Perdriel and Luján that he monitors closely. There, he obtains malbec from old, low-growing vines and cabernet sauvignon from five-year-old high trellises. The merlot and cabernet franc involved in his Gran Assemblage blend come from Tupungato. Under no circumstances do any of the yields ever exceed 9 tons per hectare.

He produces the wines without a strict protocol: "I try different things as I go along," he says, when asked about temperatures of fermentation and maceration--but he always uses malolactic fermentation. He defines his wines as “a classic style, a naked wine, without anything that can cover it up. I look for a very good balance between wine and wood.”

All of his barrels are of French oak (“It allows me to achieve delicate elegance better than American oak does”) of up to six uses. He would never use chips or staves. Once bottled, all of his wines are set aside for a minimum of 12 months before being released for sale.

Of the 65 thousand bottles he produces, small quantities are exported to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Ireland and Brazil. When he is not traveling, presiding over tastings of his wines, he welcomes visitors to his premises (prior arrangement required).

Experience in fruit and vegetable growing and extensive knowledge of the land around Mendoza led the Sánchez Linares family to venture into winemaking. Given the dedication and effort required for this activity, Adrián Sánchez began planting his vineyards in the Maipú region some years before establishing his bodega.

He chose, as the emblem of his company, the Aconcagua peak--the highest mountain in the Americas. Situated nearby, the Bodega Eclipse vineyards enjoy sunny days and cold nights, water from the mountains, and exceptional weather conditions for producing fruity, modern-style, excellent-quality wines.

In search of excellence, the family worked hard establishing the grapevines and waited until the quality of the grapes was just right before producing their first wines in 2002. State-of-the-art winemaking techniques were applied. In 2003 their wines entered the market, reflecting the ultimate expression of this terroir in the foothills of the Aconcagua.

The Sánchez Linares family anticipates that consumers will enjoy the wines of Bodega Eclipse with the same pleasure and passion that the family experiences with every harvest.

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BODEGA SOTTANO Bodega Sottano has retained the very best of the time-honoured wine-making traditions of its pioneering 19th-century founder, Don Fioravante Sottano, who came from the Veneto in Italy. In their state-of-the-art, architecturally distinctive winery, they and their accomplished staff produce Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignons that we at Argentum Wine Imports consider to be outstanding.

Located in what is recognized as the premier area for wine-growing in Mendoza, the Sottano family winery is able to take advantage of favourable weather and soil conditions. With best practices in harvesting and production applied as they are, the resulting wines are really wonderful.

Bodega Sottano invites you to visit its premises for a guided tour and tasting, should you find yourself in Mendoza wine country in your future travels (details at their website ). They hope you will enjoy your visit as much as their wines.

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BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS MI TERRUÑO Bodega Mi Terruño is located in San Roque, Maipú, one of the foremost wine-growing regions of Argentina. It is owned by the Baigorria family, who have been active in the wine industry since 1978. A relatively young winery, they have nevertheless made a very favourable impression: One of their wines was selected from among thousands of competitors as the Best Foreign Wine at the 2008 Chicago Wine Fair.

Each of their products reflects the ultimate expression of terroir from which the prized grapes are harvested. These come from their own carefully tended vineyards as well as from selected growers in the region. Their wine-making facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has a total capacity of 2,000,000 liters. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to producing wines of excellent quality.

The winery name “Mi Terruño” means "My Native Land" and conveys a sense of belonging to the land of Mendoza and a fierce pride in its reputation as a world-class wine region. Visitors are welcome (advance reservations requested). Mi Terruño offers guided tours of the winery and vineyards, wine-tasting, and a delicious lunch of traditional Argentine fare.

Mi Terruño is represented in Ontario by The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports.

www.bodegamiterruno.com.ar             Products We Carry

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CAVA LA CARMELA Cava la Carmela is owned by Diego Menendez, an author. He notes that the name of his sparkling wine, Hom, means "black" in the language of the Huarpe, the ancient native civilization of the lands where Mendoza’s vineyards grow today. Diego's team brings European sparkling winemaking traditions to Mendoza’s excellent climate and fertile soil. Careful selection and vinification has resulted in a bubbly with traditional soul and a distinctive character all its own.

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FINCA ORGÁNICA LAS YEGUAS S.A. Las Yeguas is a young company dedicated to producing organic wines. With an eye to providing the worldwide market with innovative New World products, these organic wine producers continually strive for improvement and longevity. They are committed to working with the best of nature in the most traditional way, avoiding chemical products that can contaminate and compromise the soil and the grapes. The favourable conditions of the wine-growing region of Lujan de Cuyo make this achievable with wonderful results. The grapes are certified organic by IFOAM (International Federation of Agriculture Movements) and by the USA’s NOP (National Organic Program).

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VARGAS ARIZU S.A. VARGAS ARIZU S.A. The Vargas Arizu family has been involved in vitiviniculture for over a century. Its founders, Leoncio Arizu and Vicente Vargas Videla, established their vineyards in the premier terroir of Mendoza wine country and initiated conservation practices that have resulted in remarkable longevity. Vargas Arizu's Malbec de Crianza vines are now 102 years old, having been nurtured by five generations of a family that treasures its winemaking heritage. Their other Malbec vines are around 35 years old.

In 1999, Tierras Altas, the winery that carries on the family winemaking tradition, was born. Today Rodolfo Vargas Arizu and his team dedicate themselves exclusively to producing Malbec, the wine that this region is most known for. They specialize in limited production and are known for having achieved consistently amazing quality Malbec wines over the past decade.

Tierras Altas offers guided tours, a restaurant, and wine-tasting courses to visitors.

In 1999, Tierras Altas, the winery that carries on the family winemaking tradition, was born. Today Rodolfo Vargas Arizu and his team dedicate themselves exclusively to producing Malbec, the wine that this region is most known for. They specialize in limited production and are known for having achieved consistently amazing quality Malbec wines over the past decade.

Tierras Altas offers guided tours, a restaurant, and wine-tasting courses to visitors.

Vargas Arizu is represented in Ontario by The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports.

www.vargasarizu.com/bodega.htm       Products We Carry

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French Wineries

BUTTERFIELD WINES
* Video Highlights of a 2010 Event Featuring David and His Wines *
Canadian David Butterfield has been living in Beaune, Burgundy for many years. He came there by way of his family’s travel business, Butterfield and Robinson. In 2001, David joined a work/study program in viticulture and oenology at the local wine school in Beaune (CFPPA) and was granted a “Brevet Professionnel” from the Ministry of Agriculture in early 2003. He made wine alongside several well-known winemakers in Burgundy and New Zealand before launching his own brand, Butterfield Wines, in 2005. He found a small, functional winery in Monthelie (adjacent to Meursault) and began sourcing small parcels of quality grapes for winemaking from around Beaune and Meursault.

David is adept at combining grapes of the same variety (i.e. Chardonnay or Pinot Noir), but chosen from varying specific locations, in his cuvées. Thus his wines show a blend of excellent terroir-driven qualities, such as finesse and structure, that are typical of a distinctive Burgundy.

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CHATEAU MAJOUREAU (VIGNOBLES DELONG) Family owned by artisan winemakers for five generations, Château Majoureau has 38 hectares of vineyards planted exclusively in AOC terroir. It is located in the south of Gironde, near the medieval city of St Macaire. This is a historic wine region that has not been publicized to the extent that neighboring Sauternes, Barsac, Loupiac, and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont have been.

The Delong family has produced wine exclusively for 25 years. The grapes are grown with biodynamic, environmentally friendly methods. Bernard and his children Emeline, Aurélie and Mathieu offer a full range of wines from Bordeaux. We have selected a red AOC Bordeaux Supérieur and a white AOC Côtes de Bordeaux St Macaire, both made by winemaker Emeline Delong.

Le Château Majoureau is pleased to welcome visitors from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00.

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CHATEAU ROQUES DE JEANLICE (VIGNOBLES QUEBEC) Near the village of Rauzan, in the Bordeaux wine country, Jean-Jacques, Alice, and Christophe Québec run a farm planted in vineyards, that was established by their family in Young Christophe makes the wine with advice from prominent Bordeaux oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt. The "Château Roques de Jeanlice" comes from a selection of grapes from the best parcels of the farm. In the vineyard, green pruning and very low yields guarantee a wine which is fruity and concentrated. In the cellar, grapes are sorted manually and vinified in a traditional manner. The maceration process is prolonged in order to develop the wine's beautiful colour and aromas. The wine then spends about a year in French oak barrels, which confers aromatic complexity and emphasizes its fruit. The resulting wine is of excellent quality.

Château Roques de Jeanlice from Vignobles Quebec was recommended and is being supplied to us here in Ontario by Les Vins de Pierre Montagnac.

Our sister company, The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports, represents the Château Roques de Jeanlice AOC Bordeaux in Ontario.

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LA GRILLE - THE CLASSIC LOIRE Unlike most of our other suppliers, La Grille is not a winery, per se. It is a range of wines produced by different winemakers throughout the Loire region. Charles and Philippa Sydney have partnered with these small producers of well-made wines from deep in the heart of France, and each bottle shows both the La Grille insignia and the name of the individual winemaker. See their website for more information.

The Pinot Noir made by Jean Marc Josselin in Saint-Pourçain was recommended and is being supplied to us here in Ontario by Les Vins de Pierre Montagnac.

Our sister company, The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports, represents the La Grille Pinot Noir "Les Champs Martin" in Ontario.

http://lagrille.fr       Products We Carry

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Italian Wineries

AZIENDA AGRICOLA LA CIGNOZZA We met the winemaker, Roberto, at Vinitaly 2011. He is passionate about quality, and his wines are elegant, full-bodied and complex. His farm is nestled in the countryside near Siena. View a beautifully presented introduction to his farm and philosophy at the link below.

www.lacignozza.com       Products We Carry

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AZIENDA AGRICOLA LE BATTISTELLE DI DAL BOSCO GELMINO The vineyards of Gelmino and Cristina Dal Bosco are situated in the hamlet of Brognoligo, in the heart of the Soave Classic production area. They have a total of 6 hectares; the largest parcel of land is located in the hilly wine-growing area known as "Castellaro," where viticulture has been a way of life since ancient times. Here, the soil is best suited to give the Garganega grapes and their wines unique qualities not found elsewhere.

Gelmino and Cristina are dedicated to working with the long-established native vine variety and vine-growing traditions of their region. They produce high-quality, typical, and clearly recognizable wines for your enjoyment.

www.lebattistelle.it       Products We Carry

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AZIENDA AGRICOLA MARTOCCIA DI BRUNELLI LUCA The Brunelli family's estate is in the heart of Martoccia, "the place for the best Brunello di Montalcino," according to a 16th century writer. We met Luca at Vinitaly 2011 and loved his wines. Find out more about this dedicated winemaking family and their picturesque Tuscan farm at the link below.

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AZIENDA AGRICOLA ORLANDI CONTUCCI PONNO The Orlandi Contucci Ponno estate has produced wine since the beginning of the last century, when it was acquired by an ancestor of its current owner. Marina is a dynamic businesswoman dedicated to quality and justifiably proud of producing high-end wines. She recently introduced a line of wines that offer a more accessible price point without sacrificing the Contucci Ponno reputation for excellence. You'll see at least one of those wines in our portfolio in the near future.

Located minutes from the Adriatic Sea and close to the Gran Sasso mountain in the Abruzzo region, the vineyards enjoy a climatically privileged position essential to the development of the organoleptic qualities of the grapes. Notably, the original local Montepulciano d'Abruzzo variety was already present in this area at the beginning of the eighteenth century. On the Contucci Ponno estate, particular attention has been given to the production cycle and to the vinification, giving their wines a place among well-made and enjoyable Italian wines.

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AZIENDA AGRICOLA SCRIANI The Cottini family, which has held the Scriani trademark for generations, continues to hand down the art of wine-farming and vinification from father to son. Like their ancestors, Stefano and Paolo Cottini respect the traditional methods and also look for ways to innovate and improve. The firm is in Fumane and has vineyards covering approximately 8 hectares within the scenic and historic Valpolicella district northwest of Verona. The management of the vineyards is carried out in harmony with the balance of nature, without much reliance on irrigation or fertilization and all of the viticulture tasks, including harvesting, are carefully done by hand. This results in a smaller production in tune with the centuries-old, traditional best winemaking practices.

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AZIENDA AGRICOLA SYLLA SEBASTE The Sylla Sebaste winery and vineyards are owned by the Merlo family, led by the young and passionate Fabrizio Merlo along with his uncle, the talented enologist Ugo Merlo. Their winery was built on the summit of a hill in Vergne, Barolo, overlooking the Langa Albese winemaking district. The vineyards, situated in favourable locations in Barolo Bussia and Bricco Viole, are planted with traditional varieties such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Freisa. The Merlo family is dedicated to producing quality wines of original character through steadfast compliance with traditional local viticulture practices.

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CASA VINICOLA ENOT. GIUSEPPE ARINI Casa Vinicola Arini is a family-run business that continues the time-honoured local Sicilian tradition of vineyard cultivation and producing high-quality wines. The vineyards cover an area of 30 hectares on low hills particularly suited for the production of high-quality grapes. Giacomo and Vito Arini invite visitors to the winery, including tastings of new wines and walking tours of historic and fascinating Marsala and of the winery itself.

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DONATO ANGIULI In the Angiuli family of Adelfia, Puglia, passion for working the land has been handed down from father to son for several generations. Today the company is led by Donato Angiuli with the help of his sons Vito, Giuseppe and Lorenzo. The family has been cultivating and transforming grapes into wine since the late 1800s, at which time the decision was made to use only the local Primitivo grapes, which are well adapted to the soils and microclimate of the countryside just south of Bari.

The vines are grown in the traditional Apulian way, which limits the quantity of the grape harvest and ensures the extremely high quality of the wine-destined grapes. As Rolando observed during his visit, each vine is trained to form a tree about 80 cm tall. Initially, each tree has three branches, but they only keep the branch facing south, with one bunch only; the rest are pruned away. So, because they only harvest one bunch of grapes from each tree, the fruit concentration is very high.

The trees are about 2.5 meters apart. Thus there are about 1600 small trees per hectare (2.2 acres) or 1600 bunches of grapes per hectare. If each bunch weighs between 500 and 600 grams, that makes an average yield per hectare of 900-960 kilos. To put this in perspective: Typically, high-end wines are made from between 4,000 and 6,000 kilos per hectare.

The Angiulis quietly do what they love, having never given in to growing what is currently "in fashion." As with Carmelo Patti of Argentina, their story is one of "if you make it, they will come."

The winery offers guided tours and sells its products to visitors.

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FIORE WINES The Fiore Wine Collection is a comprehensive selection of wines sourced from small and medium-sized Italian producers. The well-known enologist Vittorio Fiore consults on the production of many of these wines. He is credited with pioneering the concept of Super Tuscan wines and being the first enologist to make them.

Alessandro Fiore and his wife, Lisa, are dedicated to promoting and marketing them. The wines they have chosen include good-value wines that exceed expectations as well as superb wines from prestigious producers.

Fiore Wines' motto is "Life's too short to drink bad wine!"

Our sister company, The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports, represents the Fiore Wine Collection wines that we carry.

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SOCIETA AGRICOLA ALDRIGHETTI LUIGI, ANGELO E NICOLA The Aldrighetti winery is located in the Le Bignele area, in one of the three valleys that make up the Valpolicella Classica portion of the picturesque Veneto region, close to Venice. Their vineyards, about 11 hectares in all, are also located in the classic Valpolicella hills.

The family’s passion for wine has been handed down from generation to generation since 1818. The Aldrighetti family is proud of the many improvements that have been made over the years, both in terms of production and quality, while maintaining the originality and genuine character of the wines. In keeping with family traditions, Le Bignele is still a family-run business, where all of the work is overseen exclusively by the members of the Aldrighetti family.

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VINICOLA DECORDI In the early-to-mid 20th century, The Decordi family started producing the wines typical of their native Cremona (Lombardia) area, using the local grape varieties. They ran an osteria (a traditional Italian tavern) where townspeople would gather to enjoy the local cuisine specialties together with local wine poured from demijohns (large corked glass jugs). Over the years they expanded the scope of their family-run business, building a state-of-the-art winemaking facility close to their original winery a few years ago. This new facility in Motta Baluffi inspired them to produce and bottle wines from grape varieties grown elsewhere. For example, the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie that we carry is made from grapes grown in nearby Veneto and vinified in the innovative, optimal conditions provided by the new production facility in Lombardia.

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Spanish Wineries

BODEGAS OCHOA Named one of the "Top 4 Spanish value brands" by Wine & Spirits Magazine (June 2010 issue). "Consistently great values from northern Spain..."

Involved in fine wine production in Navarra since the 14th century, la familia Ochoa carries forward a proud family tradition. Their current winery dates back to 1845. In the 1990s they brought their production facilities up to modern standards, yet maintaining the old vines and traditions of their ancestors.

The Ochoa family is actively and fully committed to making exceptional-quality wines. To this end, they personally supervise each step of the wine-making process, from the terroir to the bottle; their conscientious attention to detail is impressive.

They have a strong commitment to research and development, which enables them to progressively meet their goals of enhancing the traditional methods with scientific know-how. They are firm believers that wine lovers will benefit from learning about what it takes to make superb wines. As such, their website is quite comprehensive, and they also welcome visitors to their winery.

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JAVIER SANZ, VITICULTOR This Spanish winery is located in the heart of the Designation of Origin Rueda, the oldest of all existing D.O.'s in the region of Castilla y León. The owner, Javier Sanz, is the fourth generation of winemakers in his family. It was his great-grandfather, Agustin Nanclares, who started this tradition, cultivating vineyards on a 104-acre estate he called Villa Narcisa.

Knowledge and expertise are key assets of this winemaking family, which has carefully overseen the entire process of wine production over the years. In 1995, they created “Villa Narcisa" (currently their flagship brand) and the "Rey Santo" brand, which we carry.

Javier Sanz and his family believe that producing the best wine begins with carefully maintaining the traditional close relationship between the producer and the vine; this is complemented with modern technology in the winery. Their philosophy of quality winemaking continues to be faithfully observed, and their wines deliver excellent value.

The bodega welcomes tour groups and visitors to their premises and their museum of winemaking. See their website.

Javier Sanz, Viticultor is represented in Ontario by The Full Wineglass Agency and Imports.

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