ORDER NOV 26 - JAN 5, 2026
A WORLDCLASS WINE FOR DRINKING ALONGSIDE THE FINEST FOODS
The volcanic soils of Cà del Vento area in Soave Classico give a profound foundation to Canoso to make worldclass wines. The winery’s white wines are some of the best I’ve ever tasted from the region, with their layered complexity and tension that would make anyone at the dinner table very happy. The Canoso family winery is run with the respect to traditions but meeting the requirements of modern-day wine production, making their style of wines recognizably classic but also topical without any dustiness.
Mid-lemon hue. An extraordinarily well-balanced wine that marries rich oaking with sufficient fruit and focused acidity to produce a seamless tasting experience. Complex and elegant, this reveals flavours of juicy pear, lemon zest and toasted hazelnuts, followed by a stony mineral quality on the long finish. Without exaggeration, a world-class wine for drinking alongside the finest foods. 2026-2032–nh
Welcome to Cellar 331, an offering that invites you to celebrate the rich diversity of a vibrant palette. This Cellar is a tribute to both the ancient winemaking traditions of Italy and the dynamic, innovative spirit of South Africa.
We are honored to feature on our cover the distinguished Canoso, a winemaker whose artistry is rooted in the heart of Veneto. Their wines perfectly capture the elegant and aromatic character of the region, embodying a deep respect for both heritage and quality. Canoso represents the very best of Italian winemaking, and we are delighted to share their latest creations with you.
Our exploration continues with a deep dive into the soul of Italy. We travel through the rolling hills of Tuscany, where the noble Sangiovese grape reigns supreme, giving us wines of
complexity, structure, and incredible longevity. Our journey through Italy would not be complete without a stop in the stunning island of Sicily, where unique native grape varieties thrive under the Mediterranean sun, producing wines with bold character and authentic charm.
This Cellar also celebrates a significant new partnership. We are immensely proud to announce that the coveted 'Collector's Corner' has been awarded to our new partners, Molino di Sant’Antimo. Their spectacular Brunellos from Tuscany have captured our attention and will undoubtedly captivate your cellars. These wines represent the pinnacle of regional expression and are a must-have for any serious collector.
Finally, we venture to the southern tip of the African continent to explore the vibrant and exciting wines of South Africa. With its ancient soils and a new generation of winemakers pushing boundaries, South Africa offers a thrilling blend of Old World elegance and New World energy.
Cellar 331 is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sourcing exceptional wines and spirits from across the globe. We invite you to explore this collection and discover the unique stories and flavors within each bottle.
Cheers,
The Opimian Team
Let yourself be inspired by Opimian’s Masters of Wine. Our custom chart features a list of symbols to help guide your selection. Still unsure which wines to order? Contact us!
There are three ways to order. The last day to order for each Cellar Offering can be found listed on the cover. No orders will be processed after this time.
The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.
Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.
Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, you will receive a Pick-up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick-up location. Let us handle the rest.
British Columbia and Ontario members, your wine will be delivered to your door.
Heidi Mäkinen MW is Portfolio Manager and Partner at Viinitie, a Finnish wine importer. Named Best Sommelier of Finland in 2015 and one of WSET & IWSC’s Future 50 in 2019, she has competed at the highest international levels and served as President of the Finnish Sommelier Association. Today, she teaches WSET courses worldwide, judges major competitions, and inspires the next generation of sommeliers through masterclasses and consulting.
Natasha Hughes MW became a Master of Wine in 2014, winning four of the seven prizes awarded that year, including the Outstanding Achievement Award. A former Decanter deputy editor turned freelance journalist, she has written for leading publications worldwide and published The Wines of Beaujolais (2025). Natasha judges international competitions, consults for producers and restaurants, and teaches MW students. She also serves on the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, chairing its Trips Committee and sitting on its Education Committee.
1.What attracted you to the world of wine?
I became very passionate about hospitality and wanted to provide the best possible service to my guests by being able to answer all their potential questions about the wines I was serving. Delving deeper into wine, I understood it is connected to all my interests in life, whether different cultures and origins, history, languages, nature or people.
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
I love the fact that the pendulum has swung from what happens in the cellar to what happens in the vineyards. I am very keen on regenerative agriculture and its potential impact on not just viticulture but all farming. Spanish wines have a special place in my heart as they tend to offer impeccable value and present autochthonous varieties, but I also love many chardonnays, pinot noirs and grenaches grown around the world.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
As my background is being a sommelier, I try to be very open-minded and drink diversely. I think the whole of Spain is very exciting, I love to drink dry Sherry, and visiting Burgundy is never a chore.
4. What's your most memorable bottle?
It is impossible for me to name just one bottle as many of my great memories are linked to sharing something special with good people. The best moments are indeed those where great bottles are shared with others, as for me, wine is a social beverage.
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
That it would be impossible to make a great wine in a difficult vintage. In the right hands, great wines can also be made when nature gives you challenges. You just need to adjust to the situation. Also, it would be very boring
if every vintage was excellent and thus, I’m an advocate for “off-vintages” as they often give great drinking pleasure early on!
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
I love to keep things simple: Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and Palo Cortado, or olives, anchovies and Manzanilla.
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
When feeling lazy, I sometimes skip cooking dinner and just have a sandwich topped with a can of sardines or terrine I’ve brought home from my travels.
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
Ulysse Collin's Les Enfers Extra Brut. He is my favourite champagne producer whose prices have sadly gone through the roof lately.
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
I’ve not watched TV for approximately a decade now, but I can easily find an excuse to watch a documentary on adventures in nature such as mountaineering or climbing.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love spending time outdoors and despite all the fancy dinners and restaurants I attend as part of my work in the wine industry, I also love to cook simple things on an open fire or gas cooker out in nature before spending a night in my tent.
CHECK OUT HEIDI'S COUPS DE COEUR FOR THIS CELLAR
FONTE, SOAVE CLASSICO DOC, 2024, LOT 5843, P20
ADAMA RED, WESTERN CAPE, 2023, LOT 5820, P10
ROGGIANO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG, 2024, LOT 5856,
1. What attracted you to the world of wine?
To be completely honest, I never thought I would end up in the wine business. My original passion was for food, and I ran a catering business part-time while at university. Now that I’m working in wine, though, I still get to explore the world of flavour and texture, albeit from a different perspective.
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
What excites me right now about the wine world is what has always excited me about wine. Although spending big is an easy hit, there are always new discoveries to be made, always up-and-coming young producers who are trying hard to make wines that deliver incredible bang for the buck and under-rated wine regions that over-deliver.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
I’ve just written a book about the wine of Beaujolais, so I’m going to have to say Beaujolais and the Gamay grape, aren’t I?
OTTOVENTI
CATARRATTO, SICILIA DOC, 2024, LOT 5837, P16
4. What's your most memorable bottle?
I think the search for the ‘most memorable bottle’ is one of the wine world’s big myths, and the cause of huge disappointment in many cases. The most memorable bottles don’t have to be trophy wines. Instead, they are usually good wines whose enjoyability is enhanced by the fact that they’re drunk in great company, and accompanied by interesting conversation and delicious food.
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
I think I’d love people to realise that the most expensive wine in a producer’s range isn’t always the best wine.
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
If I’m in the mood for white it’s got to be crab linguine with a generous white Burgundy (or a New World take on the style). Otherwise roast duck and Côte Rôtie, preferably one from Domaine Jamet, does it for me every time.
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
Great sushi, every time…
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
I’ve just cleared out a whole load of special occasion wines from my cellar. I’d been saving several magnums of great Beaujolais for my book launch, and they were all opened – and hugely enjoyed – in October.
BOSMAN UPPER
HEMEL-EN-AARDE
QUINTET, LIMITED EDITION, 2023, LOT 5824, P11
MOLINO DI
SANT'ANTIMO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA DOCG, 2020, LOT 5871, P34
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
Can I go back a few years, to 2010-2013, and Tremé? This was a great series about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and focused on the lives of a cross-section of the city’s inhabitants (beautifully written and acted), as well as New Orleans’ astoundingly diverse food and music culture (great soundtrack too). An absolute feast for the senses.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Those who don’t know me well are surprised to learn that I lived in Australia for the best part of seven years. Those who know me well know that I have no real secrets.
South Africa has gone from being a dull but reliable source of cheap wine to being one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world in a remarkably short space of time. Ancient soils, the interplay of mountains and valleys that allow producers to experiment with altitude and exposure, and the bracing oceanic winds that sweep across the vineyards—lending freshness and aromatic vibrancy to the palate— are all contributing factors to excellence, as is the vitality of the prevailing wine culture.
Bosman Family Vineyards are, in many ways, typical of South Africa’s viticultural torch bearers, having made wine on their Wellington estate for eight generations, but having learned how to adapt and move with the times. The end result is a winery renowned not only for its ethical and environmentally sustainable approach to its work, but also for the quality and the diversity of wines produced in many of South Africa’s most sought-after regions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS
5815 GENERATION 8 CHENIN BLANC, COASTAL REGION, 2025
Pale lemon hue. Approachable, easydrinking take on South Africa's hallmark white grape variety. This wine has some mid-palate roundness and weight, along with zesty notes of pineapple, apple, and angelica, plus a suggestion of smokiness. Starts off care-free then pulls off a few party tricks along the way. 2026-2028 – nh
5816 GENERATION 8 CHARDONNAY, COASTAL REGION, 2025
Pale lemon hue. An ebulliently fruity wine that sees sometimes-restrained Chardonnay don its glad rags and take on a party persona. The nose holds back a bit, but the palate certainly doesn’t, delivering a fruit bowl of juicy peaches, pineapple, and ripe grapefruit. Sunshine in a glass! 2026-2028 – nh
Chenin Blanc 13%
5817
GENERATION 8 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, COASTAL REGION, 2025
Cabernet Sauvignon
Opaque purple hue. The open, giving nose, is resplendent with ripe cassis, dark plums, woodsmoke and blackcurrant leaves. On the palate, firm tannins add structure, enriched by a woody herbaceousness which is layered with ripe plum and blackberry notes. A rich style that punches above its weight. 2026-2032– hm
5818
GENERATION 8 MERLOT, COASTAL REGION, 2025
5819
GENERATION 8 SHIRAZ, COASTAL REGION, 2025
Shiraz
Deep purple hue. A rounded, plump wine with generous amounts of red plum and cherry fruit, seasoned with a little dash of smoked paprika to add bite and intrigue. True to initial impressions, this reveals a lavish oak character, with the acidity holding on by the seat of its pants. 2026-2028 – nh
Medium ruby hue. Attractive, vibrant notes of violets, bilberries and damsons. The rich, full body captures pure notes of sweet cherries, together with ripe, plummy and herbal character. The supple tannins make the wine very approachable overall. 2026-2030 – hm
OPTENHORST IS THE THIRD OLDEST CHENIN BLANC VINEYARD IN SA, PLANTED IN 1952. ONLY 10 CASES ARE AVAILABLE!
40 $ 240
Bright and obvious fruit with black cherry, blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. The palate is fleshy and ripe with black pepper, strawberry jam, cooked plum and perfect balance between the soft acidity and tannins and ripe, jammy fruit. This is an 'enjoy it now' wine with oodles of fruit, a lovely textural palate showing baking spice, cooked cherry, and cooked plum, and a heart-warming story behind it to match its user-friendly nature. 2026-2028 – mp
OPTENHORST SINGLE VINEYARD BUSHVINE CHENIN
5821
BLANC, W.O. WELLINGTON (VINOTÈQUE WINES), 2021
Chenin Blanc
Medium gold hue. Exciting nose showing development but no signs of tiredness, with aromas of toasted hazelnuts, caramelized apple, honey and wax. The moderately rich palate has a good fruity weight to it (yellow plums and baked apple), and the acidity will keep this going for the next five years or so. Nice saline finish. 2026-2032– hm
5822 BOSMAN UPPER HEMEL-ENAARDE SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2025
Sauvignon Blanc
Light straw hue. Classic South African coastal Sauvignon Blanc, with a punchy nose of freshly cut apple and spring greens. There is no let-up on the palate, which combines intensity of fruit with focus, its flavours of fresh lemon, grass, green beans and pink grapefruit on display in an ebullient fashion. Great length, too. 2026-2030 – nh
5823 BOSMAN UPPER HEMEL-ENAARDE PINOT NOIR, 2024
Pinot Noir
Pale ruby, moderate intensity on the nose with a lick of cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, rose and pencil shavings. The palate shows a winning balance of soft tannins and juicy acidity melded with notes of red and black cherry, black plum, and raspberry compote. This is a crowd-pleasing example of Pinot with bags of fruit and decent length and some complexity from oriental spice. 2026–2028 – mp
cranberry, pomegranate, rose
Red and black cherry, black plum, and raspberry com
5824
trout with wasabi crème fraîche and daikon slaw
BOSMAN UPPER HEMEL-EN-AARDE QUINTET, LIMITED EDITION, 2023
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Medium ruby hue. A gorgeously ripe, hedonistic take on a classic Bordeaux blend. There are layers of red and black fruits on the nose and palate, some generous spice, a hint of pencil lead and a twang of something a bit herbaceous to give lift. The tannins, a real high point, are velvety and fine but still exert satisfying grip on the mid-palate. 2026-2030–nh
Duck confit bao buns with hoisin glaze and pickled radish
Smoked venison loin with rosemary-garlic butter and cassis jus
LOVED SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT? STEP UP TO BOSMAN QUINTET, LIMITED EDITION — A MASTERFUL BORDEAUX BLEND CRAFTED FOR TRUE COLLECTORS.
5825
DISCOVER THE CAPE’S FRESHNESS IN EVERY GROOTE POST WINE
SEASALTER SAUVIGNON BLANC/ SEMILLON, DARLING HILLS, CRAFTED BY GROOTE POST, 2025
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
35
South Africa’s coastal regions are becoming increasingly renowned as a source of zesty, punchy, world-class Sauvignon Blanc. This particular example shows all the grape’s vivid fruit on the palate – there’s loads of peaches and apricots, with a hint of riper tropical notes as well as a bracing dash of grassiness – but there’s more to it than fruitiness. It derives an additional wow factor from the inclusion of 10% Semillon in the blend, combined with partial ageing in oak, lending extra weight and richness on the mid-palate, leading out a fulsome finish. 2026-2028 –nh
5829
PINCH OF SALT CHARDONNAY, DARLING HILLS, CRAFTED BY GROOTE POST, 2024
Pale lemon hue. Fresh nose of ripe grapefruit and yellow apples, with supporting herbaceousness. The medium body and dry nature are ripe in its fruit with cantaloupe, melon and peach broadening the palate. The Pinch has undergone fermentation in a combination of stainless steel, French oak and Terracotta clay pots. The smooth and creamy finish make the wine a nice crowdpleaser for drinking within the next three to five years. 2026-2030 –hm
5827 GROOTE POST SAUVIGNON BLANC, DARLING HILLS, 2025
Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw hue. Intensely aromatic nose showing varietal typicity and purity, with a mix of gooseberries, nettle, currant leaves and fresh grapefruit. The dry, moderately intense palate has a lingering acidity that supports sunny yellow plum and apricot flavours, that last long in the mouth. 2026-2028 –hm
nettle, currant leaves, fresh grapefruit
Yellow plums, apricot, ripe grapefruit, herbaceousness, [2.10]
Goat cheese and asparagus tart with lemon zest
5828 GROOTE POST RIESLING, DARLING HILLS, 2025 Riesling
30 $ 180 $ 30 $ 180
Pale straw hue. Ripe, intense nose of lemon, grapefruit and fruit salad, suggesting fruity youthfulness. Enhanced by just a touch of residual sugar, the palate does, indeed, have plenty of energy, showing vibrant notes of apricot, apple and yellow flowers. With excellent balancing acidity, this is hugely enjoyable and would work well with spicy dishes. 2026-2028 – hm
Ripe apricot, yellow apple, yellow flowers, [3.90]
Spicy Thai green curry with prawns
5826
GROOTE POST PINOT NOIR ROSÉ, LIMITED RELEASE, DARLING HILLS, 2025
Pinot Noir
Medium onion skin hue. Open, seductive nose showing a potpourri of fresh berries like raspberry and strawberry, in combination with ripe orchard fruits such as peach and red apple. The touch of sweetness on the palate enhances the fruity nature of the wine, making for delectable summer drinking. 2026-2028 – hm
Seared tuna tataki with sesame crust and watermelon radish
GROOTE POST CAP CLASSIQUE
- 3 BOTTLES EACH: BRUT AND BRUT ROSÉ
$ 40 $ 240
Cap Classique sparkling wines, made according to the traditional method, are an often-forgotten category that offers a lot of pleasure, and great value for money, for those looking beyond the more familiar sparkling wine regions. Their rich and sunny fruitiness is supported by toastiness from long lees ageing, ensuring these wines will positively surprise anyone encountering them.
GROOTE POST BRUT ROSÉ, CAP CLASSIQUE, DARLING HILLS
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Quite deep in colour, with an orange tinge to the pink. There's abundant red berry and red apple fruit on the nose and palate, along with an intense biscuity character derived from the long ageing on lees. Generous and rich, with plenty of hedonistic appeal. 2026-2029 – nh
GROOTE POST BRUT, CAP CLASSIQUE, DARLING HILLS
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Pale onion skin hue. Slowly opening, subtle aromas of yellow apples, straw and toasted almonds, that blossom. The taut, dry palate has a rounded mousse and juicy notes of ripe apple and zesty grapefruit, enriched by classic lees toastiness. With its high acidity, this is balanced and refined. 2026-2030 – hm
Ottoventi is a fourthgeneration familyowned winery whose vineyards are perched on the western edge of Sicily, an island whose location and history puts it at the crossroads between Europe and Africa. The combination of southern latitudes and Mediterranean breezes, along with a patchwork of individual vineyards, each with their own
distinctive personality, allows Ottoventi to craft wines with poise and freshness, while human inspiration and ingenuity allow the family to blend tradition with innovation in the winery. The result is a range of wines that are distinctive in character and yet firmly rooted in the very best Sicily has to offer.
5836
Medium lemon hue. A crisp, clean wine that blends floral notes with flavours of pink grapefruit, grapes and honeysuckle. Zesty, refreshing acidity helps provide focus and shape to the palate, while a little twist of Campari bitters on the finish creates a pleasing counterpoint to all that fruit. 2026-2028 – nh
Medium lemon hue. A great example of why Sicilian whites are turning heads! This is a rounded wine that marries midpalate texture with attractive flavours of cantaloupe melons, mandarins and lemons; there's a dash of gravelly minerality in there, too. Tangy and fresh, but far more than a simple quaffing wine. 2026-2029– nh
calamari with lemon, capers, and olive oil
5838
Nero d'Avola
5839
Charcoal-grilled pork ribs with fig glaze
Nero d'Avola
Medium ruby hue. Appassimento (the use of dried grapes in winemaking) is usually associated with wines from the Veneto, but it's been put to good use to create this rich Nero d'Avola. Dried fruits are the order of the day, with cola and sugared raisins, and enough fresh acidity to make this a winner. 2026-2027– nh
Medium ruby hue. Typical Nero d'Avola, with lashings of dark damsons and black cherries on the palate, along with tarry smoke and a suggestion of violets. The tannins are slightly chunky, but that's consistent with the style. A hearty homespun kind of wine. 2026-2028 – nh
Slow-braised beef cheeks with balsamic and dark cherries
5840
Nerello Mascalese
Classically light garnet in colour. The nose is typical for the variety, showing notes of red apples, rose petals, dry earth and dry leaves. The dry, moderately rich palate has high tannins and mouthwatering acidity, with savoury flavours of tobacco, sage and tar, leading to a finish full of juicy red cherry tones. 2026-2030 – hm
apple, rose petals, dry earth, dry leaves
Tobacco, sage, tar, red cherry
Wild mushroom and truffle arancini with pecorino fonduta
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc
Pale lemon hue. Youthful nose of freshly cut green grass, green apple and lemon. Ripe yellow fruitiness on the palate, a combination of peach, ripe grapefruit and sultanas, which works together with the high acidity to make this a very pleasant and balanced drink. 2026-2028 –hm 5831
Freshly cut green grass, green apple, lemon
Peach, ripe grapefruit, sultanas, [3.60]
lemon chicken with herbed rice
Opaque ruby hue. Intense, ripe nose showcasing blackberry and black plum together with sweet spice and smoky notes. The palate doesn’t hold back, with ripe fruit dialled up to the max, and a supporting cast of high alcohol and major league tannins. There is bombast, but it holds it together well and would please those looking for a big red to go on the dinner table. 2026-2030 –hm
and parmesan
Catarratto, Grecanico, Chardonnay
peach, florals, grapefruit pith, [1.00]
Medium lemon hue. Punchy, vivid aromas and flavours make this wine a delightful summer white. Drink fresh out of the fridge, by itself or with a platter of freshly grilled seafood. There is papaya, orange blossom and grape juice, while the refreshing bitterness of grapefruit pith on the finish lends a bit of gravitas. 2026-2028 – nh
WINES TO SAVOUR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
5835 KUBÌLA, IGT TERRE SICILIANE ROSSO, 2024
The deep purple colour goes hand in hand with the concentrated nose of ripe bramble, cassis and menthol. The dry palate shows attractive violet and dark cherry notes, supported by ripe dark plums and quite high tannins. Mouth-filling and mellow – drink with food. 2026-2028 – hm
PRODUCER FOR THIS
Straw yellow hue. Attractive and well-defined initial aromas of pear, nectarine and yellow plums are accompanied by layers of toasted hazelnuts and creaminess. The dry palate is equally complex, continuing to show both creamy and fruity notes, which, together with the very smooth texture, make this wine a real gem for its price. 2026-2030 –hm
Medium lemon hue. Somewhat aromatic nose, with a lovely combination of toastiness, honeydew melon and freshly ripened pear. The palate is tightly woven, prioritising structure over fruit, but have no fear, the creamy, toasty notes give this its own assured signature. 2026-2030 – mp
Garganega
Pale lemon hue. Attractive, fruit-driven sparkling wine for early drinking pleasure. Zesty lime and lemon on the palate, supported by brisk acidity that has the necessary bite. Garganega may be better known as the grape behind Soave, but this number will give any Prosecco a run for its money. 2026-2028 –nh
Pale garnet hue. A classic from the Veneto! Dried red cherries and raspberries are further enlivened by tangy acidity, while floral notes add perfume to the palate. The tannins are chunky, although not out of proportion to the dense fruit and good length on the finish. 2026-2030 – nh
Sour cherry, raspberries, florals, rosemary
Porcini-crusted veal medallions with polenta and red wine reduction
CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, SPECIAL EDITION, 40 VENDEMMIE TUSCANY, 2023
Deep ruby hue. Aromatic, lifted nose, with punchy cherry and dried bramble aromas. The relatively full-bodied palate has ripe and grippy tannins, its high acidity balancing out the flavours of cooked blackberries and sour cherry, with ripe plummy notes on the finish. 2026-2028 – hm 5849
Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo
$ 50
$ 300
Tuscany has myriads of wine styles to offer. The reds, based on Sangiovese combined with a touch of other local varieties, offer fruit intensity to combat and mellow their firm tannic structure, making them extremely enjoyable alongside local classics such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina and roasted lamb with vegetables.
blackberries,
plums,
Pappardelle with Tuscan wild boar ragu
The wines from Cinciano represent the richer and riper end of the spectrum. Traditional long ageing in oak barrels add further spiciness and roundness, making them ready to enjoy now, although these wines will happily sit for a few more years in the cellar.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CINCIANO AND STAY IN A LUXURIOUS TUSCAN VILLA
Medium garnet hue. Developed aromas of cooked dark cherries are enriched by oak spices such as cloves and cinnamon. The palate, a whisper away from full-bodied, is for oak lovers, with its vanilla, smoke, leather and baked fruit. As one would hope, the tannins are rich and supple, with underlying dark plums and baked cherries peeking out on the finish. 2026-2032– hm
5853 VIN SANTO DI SORBAIANO, MONTESCUDAIO DOC, 2020
Located in the glamorous Northern Maremma, in the company of Super Tuscan royalty, Fattoria Sorbaiano has been in the Picciolini family’s hands since the 1950s. Fabio Picciolini is the winemaker, and he keeps a low profile, preferring to let the liquid do the talking. It has to be good, of course, such is the local appetite for excellence; he has even gone to the trouble of obtaining organic certification, which means complying with exacting vineyard standards (and enduring a certain amount of nervous toil in the process). Naturally, he is at ease with international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, but try his DOC Montescudaio for a touch of Sangioveseled charm. Cooling breezes from the not-too-distant Tyrrhenian coastline reach this handy hilltop spot, overlooking the beautiful Cecina Valley.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
Trebbiano
375ml
Vin Santo is one of the sweet jewels of the wine world, with its intense tropical fruitiness, oxidative nuttiness, and spiciness derived from long oak ageing. The layered nature of the wine makes it an ideal meditative drink, to be enjoyed on its own after a long day, or with sweet fruit tarts, chocolate, or cheese. The natural concentration of sugars that occurs when the grapes are air-dried over a period of four to five months is the source of the sweetness. This is a pain-staking process, as there is always the risk of spoilage, but the result is a turbocharging of sweetness and intensity. After fermentation, the wine spends four years in oak barrels before it is released. Medium orange hue. Intensely deep and complex nose showing typical oxidative character, with caramelized wood, dried papaya and hay. The sweet palate is very well balanced by the fresh acidity, its flavours of caramelized apricot, oak and spices coming together with mouthwatering appeal. 2026-2036 – hm
14.5%
$ 75 $ 450
Tuscany is well known for its Sangiovese-based wines, however, over the years it has also created a welcoming home for international red varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Under the Tuscan sun, these varieties, of French origin, showcase a riper fruit profile, with softer yet still noticeable tannins. They may not be true natives, but they are popular choices that have become part of the fabric, contributing to Tuscany’s global appeal. 5854
CABERNET FRANC AND MERLOT THRIVE IN TUSCANY, REVEALING RIPE DEPTH WITH A DISTINCTLY TUSCAN FLAIR
OPIMIAN'S SUPER TUSCAN
Merlot, Syrah
Opaque ruby-coloured red wine, showing intense dark cherry, dark plum and bramble character, supported by earthy layers and cloves. The full-bodied, dark fruit palate is further enriched by wild sage and thyme, with grippy tannins suggesting that a few years of bottle ageing won’t go amiss. 2028-2032 – hm
OPIMIAN'S SUPER TUSCAN
Grilled portobello mushrooms with
Cabernet Franc
Medium ruby hue. Despite high level of ripeness, this is a wine that retains Cabernet Franc's typical crunchiness. It is big and burly, sporting flavours of tea leaf, violets and dark cherry. The tannins and oak will need cellar time to integrate thoroughly, although when they do, this will be a peach. 2027-2035 – nh
Ripe bramble, padron peppers, leather
Tea leaf, violets, dark cherry
Porchetta sandwich with salsa
and arugula
Sangiovese, Alicante
$ 30 $ 180
The light ruby colour suggests the wine is delicate to drink, which is proven by the vibrant red cherry, raspberry and strawberry profile. A touch of sage and dried flowers adds some depth to the medium-bodied nature of the wine, and, together with its balanced structural elements, make it a great value find. 2026-2030 – hm 5856
Raspberry, red apple, ripe strawberry, redcurrant
Red cherry, smoke, sage, dried red flowers
Sausage and fennel pizza with tomato confit
From its base in the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma, the Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano has been crafting elegant, characterful wines since 1972, when a small group of local producers took the decision to work together. Today the group now has around 170 members, who farm around 700 hectares of vineyards planted with a mix of indigenous and
international grape varieties. At a time when many of the region’s cooperatives were focused on the production of large volumes of wine, the Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano took the more challenging path of seeking quality rather than quantity. Their efforts have rewarded wine lovers around the world with a range of delicious but affordable wines, while the members of the cooperative have been recognized with many awards, not least of which was the title of ‘Best cooperative in Italy’ in 2025.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIGNAIOLI DEL MORELLINO DI SCANSANO
ROGGIANO HAS ONCE AGAIN BEEN SELECTED AS A COUP DE CŒUR BY OPIMIAN’S MASTERS OF WINE — THREE YEARS RUNNING!
TREBBIANO SCANTIANUM IGT TOSCANA, 2024
Trebbiano
Pale lemon hue. A subtle but elegant wine whose appeal lies as much in its generous, fleshy mid-palate texture as it does in its notes of restrained pear and peach fruit. Like many Italian whites, this shows a hint of florality and a suggestion of almonds on the finish. Well balanced and long; deserves to be paired with food. 2026-2029– nh
Two sides of Trebbiano, showing, above all, its versatility. Trebbiano Toscano (Ugni Blanc with a Tuscan twist) is the driving force of the local whites, wonderfully restrained here in Scantianum, which exhibits subtle
white fruit and classical almond flavour. Bianco di Pitigliano DOC is the same area of production as better-known Morelino de Scansano, covering the white wines, and has been a DOC since 1966, which is probably the best pub quiz trivia you are likely to come across in these pages. It is hilly with free-draining volcanic soils and coastal breezes, making it a peach of a wine region. The Superiore designation requires higher alcohol levels than the standard, with an eye to more body and ripeness. Difficult to say no to that, really.
RASENNO, BIANCO DI PITIGLIANO SUPERIORE, DOC, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2024
Trebbiano, Chardonnay
Soft lemon hue. A rounded, generous midpalate with some creamy texture and a lot of fruit, delivering plenty of bang for very little buck. Pears, peaches and bananas jostle for attention, while there's enough acidity to hold it all together and prolong the finish. Lots of fun straight off the bat, proving that affordable can also be mighty. 2026-2028 – nh
Ripe apricot, guava, honeydew melon
Peach, William’s pear, banana, [2.70]
Thai mango sticky rice with coconut cream
Medium ruby hue. A vibrant, perfumed wine, with a distinctly floral character (violets) adding interest to the rich fruit on the palate; there's oak, but it's subtle. Forward, fresh, finishing confidently, and best enjoyed in the short to medium term for its primary fruit character. 2026-2029 – nh 5858
Sangiovese, Merlot, Alicante, Ciliegiolo
Pale lemon hue. An absolutely stone-cold classic Italian Vermentino, showing the grape's typical apricot and herb aromas, along with tangy acidity that creates a suggestion that you're sucking on the skin of a juicy but just-ripe apricot. Pair this with a fennelscented porchetta for a delicious Italian-themed meal. 2026-2029 – nh
Opaque ruby hue. The complex nose shows varied layers of ripe cassis and herbaceous character, with the colouring suggesting the wine will hold well for a few years. Soft, mellow, moderate tannins on the palate balance the ripe dark fruit profile well, with intrigue from thyme and coffee. Already drinking well, but will last the next five years. 2026-2030 – hm
5861
SCANTIANUM VIOGNIER & ROSATO CASE3 BOTTLES EACH:
Sometimes it pays to seek out the unexpected! This mixed case combines two styles of wine with which Italy is not normally associated,
but which have been selected because they offer great value and plenty of easy-drinking enjoyment. The Viognier, a grape more typically grown further north, benefits from the coastal breezes of the Maremma, resulting in a perfumed, vibrant wine that retains more freshness than usual. The rosato is similar in colour to a Provence rosé, but with more depth of fruit than you might expect. Together these wines are the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer’s evening.
VIOGNIER SCANTIANUM, TOSCANA IGT, 2024
Medium lemon hue. Although surprisingly restrained on the nose for a Viognier, the palate hits you with a wallop of the grape's characteristic stone fruit, ginger and spice. There's a bracing - and welcome - twist of bitterness on the finish that serves to supplement the balance created by the moderate levels of acidity. Slightly syrupy texture, which again is typical of the grape. 2026-2028 – nh
Peach, chamomile, yellow flowers
Stone fruit, ginger, spice, [2.30]
Chicken tagine with apricots and toasted almonds
ROSATO SCANTIANUM, TOSCANA IGT, 2024
Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo
Light rosé wine with pale onion skin colour and a fruity nose of red cherries and red grapefruit. The taut palate is delightfully refreshing, easy going in nature and flowing with cherry and peach notes. highlighting the pleasantly fruity overall nature of the wine. 2026-2028 – hm
Caramelized apple, red grapefruit, griottes, nectarine
Red cherry, peach, citrus, redcurrant, [3.30]
Niçoise-style salad with seared tuna and lemon vinaigrette
5862
VIN DEL FATTORE, GOVERNO ALL'USO TOSCANO, SANGIOVESE, MAREMMA TOSCANA DOC, 2024
Sangiovese
Medium inky hue. A deeply coloured wine, with a dark, dense dried cherry fruit character. There's a layered richness here, with notes of smoke and spice and a bit of dark chocolate. Governo is an unfamiliar style for most, but if you like Ripasso wines, give this a try! 2026-2029– nh
NEW
Inky, purple hue. Dried Sangiovese grapes have been put to good – if slightly unusual –use in this sweet wine, which combines rich dried cherry and blackcurrant fruits with dark chocolate, plus liquorice and spice. An obvious candidate for ‘Guess this wine’, and outrageously hedonistic! 2026-2036 – nh
dried cherry,
Chocolate-hazelnut tart with orange zest
UNCOVER AWARD-WINNING TUSCAN WINES
BORN FROM 170 GROWERS UNITED IN QUALITY
5864
ROGGIANO RISERVA AND SICOMORO RISERVA CASE3 BOTTLES EACH:
$ 55 $ 330
Sangiovese is, without a doubt, Tuscany’s most iconic variety, and in this pair of wines it shows why it’s such a popular – and versatile – grape. The Roggiano, in which Sangiovese is blended with a small amount of Alicante to deepen the colour and give the wine some raspy grip, is the simpler and brighter wine of the two, showing Sangiovese’s floral vibrancy to perfection. The Sicomoro, made from 100% Sangiovese, is altogether sterner and more serious, a wine to cellar or to decant and serve with rich winter stews and game.
Sangiovese
Medium garnet hue. A truly elegant, layered, complex wine that melds slightly sharp red plums and cherries with earthiness, leather and smoked bacon. Long and resonant on the finish, with silky, integrated tannins. Pair with game or red meats for an additional wow factor. 2026-2031– nh
Sangiovese
Medium garnet hue with some developed notes showing aromas of both cooked strawberries and cinnamon. The relatively rich palate has well integrated oak notes supported by ripe and dense fruitiness, ensuring the wine will age beautifully for several years to come. 2026-2034 – hm
brown
Braised short ribs with
The family estate of Molino di Sant’Antimo is based in the southeast of the famed Montalcino area. Many moons ago the area was a seabed, which has left the soil rich in various marine-derived components, providing a remarkable ground for viticulture.
Montalcino’s microclimates and different geological compositions allow the family to produce numerous styles, each made with diligent craftmanship. The rosato, for example, will be a serious contender at any lunch table, while the Romito Terre Vittori is a truly brilliant BordeauxTuscan blend, full of refinement and oozing long-lasting complexity.
Sangiovese Grosso
Pale salmon-coloured rosé with a delightful array of aromas such as red berries, maraschino cherries and red apples. The dry palate is refreshing, with ripe strawberry and cherry notes supported by a little tannic grip, making this an ideal accompaniment to various types of food. 2026-2028 – hm
Watermelon and feta salad with mint and
Sangiovese Grosso
Showing a nicely balanced mix of tertiary characters (undergrowth and a bit of tobacco leaf), along with some vibrant primary red cherry fruit, this has a lot of life left in the tank. There is typicity in the satisfying flavour profile, which blends dried herbs and wet leaves with a further helping of generous fruit. Bright acidity and wellmanaged tannins help anchor the finish. 2026-2030 – nh
Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
Dark ruby hue. Somewhat developed dark-fruited nose combining varietally typical ripe cassis (Cabernet) and bramble notes (Merlot). The oak-derived cedar and vanilla spiciness adds complexity to the full-bodied, tannic palate, which is layered with a combination of ripe cassis and cedarwood. 2026-2032– hm
Grilled ribeye with mushroom cream and
MOLINO DI SANT'ANTIMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG, 2020
Sangiovese Grosso
Medium ruby hue. What a hedonistic wine this is! Fleshy, generous tannins are already beginning to integrate nicely into the body of the wine, lending a framework to opulent red cherry and plum fruit tinged with cigar smoke. Should age well. Needs food! 2027-2035 – nh
MOLINO DI SANT'ANTIMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG, 2021
Sangiovese Grosso
Deep ruby hue. Appealingly aromatic nose full of vibrant red cherries and orange peel, accompanied by underlying earthy tones and dried herbs. The maturing palate has character, displaying brown earth, dried cranberry, and dried flower bouquet. Concentrated and, therefore, well-equipped to support the high tannin and acidity levels, making this a definite keeper for the next ten years. 2028-2036 – hm
EXPERIENCE BRUNELLO’S RICHNESS ACROSS TWO STELLAR VINTAGES: 2020 & 2021
Bitter orange, dried herbs, vanilla, sweet spice
Red cherry, plum, cigar smoke, dry rose petals
Dry-aged ribeye with porcini butter and grilled rosemary focaccia
Dusty earthiness, aromatic red cherries, bitter herbs, orange peel
Brown earth, dried cranberry, dried flower bouquet, dry leaves
Pigeon breast with redcurrant glaze and Tuscan farro
5870
MOLINO DI SANT'ANTIMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO CASE - 3 BOTTLES EACH: 2020 AND 2021
$ 100 $ 600
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most famed wineproducing regions, renowned for the quality and richness of its Sangiovese-based wines. The climate in this small region is slightly warmer than it is in Chianti, resulting in the creation of wines with riper fruit and broader, firmer tannins than would be typical in the Chianti region, which lies slightly to the north. This pair of wines demonstrate both Brunello’s typicity as well as the generosity of fruit and structure associated with the warm 2020 and 2021 vintages. They will repay cellaring in order to allow them to open up and reveal their rich complexity to the full.
In the midst of olive groves on the undulating hills of Tuscany lies an area of Montalcino, a strong contender for the most romantic wine region on earth. Its crown jewel is Brunello di Montalcino made from carefully picked Sangiovese bunches grown in the best vineyards. After several years of maturation in large oak barrels, these wines will age gracefully in bottle, let alone in Magnums. The 2017 has remarkably fresh acidity to balance the layered concentration, whereas the 2019 shows seductive smoothness already at its young age. The density of the Riserva 2020 will slowly unfold and reveal all its complexity with the many years to come.
5872
MOLINO DI SANT'ANTIMO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG, 2017 (MAGNUM WOOD CASE)
Sangiovese Grosso
Garnet-coloured red wine with a seductive nose showing a layered character, combining age-derived leather and dried flower notes with sweet spices and cranberries. The full-bodied palate has high tannins, and the acidity required for long-term cellaring; dried olive and tobacco notes add a pleasing savoury element. Great refinement, and lots of future promise. 2028-2040– hm
5873
MOLINO DI SANT'ANTIMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG, 2019 (MAGNUM WOOD CASE)
Sangiovese Grosso
The extended oak ageing shown in the garnet hue is reflected in the savoury nature of the nose, with sage and balsamic characters supplementing the ripe and developed strawberry notes. Smooth tannins are surrounded by vibrant and ripe fruit, making the mouth feel rich, with focused flavours of cooked strawberries, tapenade and thyme. Overall, this has the concentration and verve to age beautifully for the next 10 years. 2028-2038 – hm
Braised short rib agnolotti with sage brown butter and crispy pancetta
Deep ruby hue. Youthful nose of black plum, red plum, tobacco leaf and liquorice. The big, firm tannins are still rather chewy but are nicely handled, and, along with the dense red fruit on the palate, suggest a long life ahead. Needs a bit of time in bottle before it hits its straps, but the potential is epic. 2028-2035– nh
Cooked strawberries, tapenade, herbaceousness, thyme
Porchetta roulade with fennel pollen and caramelized shallots
WINES TO ENHANCE YOUR CELLAR
If Brunello di Montalcino has a reputation as a collector’s wine, the region’s Riservas are at the apex of its quality pyramid. This cuvée comes from a vintage in which an exceptionally hot, dry summer resulted in the creation of wines of outstanding concentration and richness. When you factor in the attention to detail exercised in its creation – the selection of berries from the producer’s best parcels, the careful extraction of tannins, the four years spent ageing in barrels – it’s little wonder that the complex, powerful wine that resulted was deemed worthy of being awarded Riserva status.
NEW
Sangiovese Grosso
Medium garnet hue. A magnum of this wine is something to celebrate. Polished and plush, there's plenty of bright primary cherry fruit after a decade in bottle, complemented by beguiling florals, tobacco and all spice. The mid-palate is skilfully layered, showing both depth of fruit and elegance, leading out a gamey note that resonates on the long finish. 2026-2038– nh
14.5%
Two exciting new wines Festive Magnums & Double Magnums A rare spirit to complete the lineup
Limited quantities
Extraordinary bottles
In 2015, three of his wines from the 2013 vintage received a rating of 100 points from The Wine Advocate; thus his nickname, “Mr. 300 points” (Herr 300 Punkte in German). We are pleased to announce that Opimian has secured a small allocation of these outstanding wines from this brilliant winemaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hands on these top-scoring wines, as they usually sell out in record time!
Only at Opimian.ca beginning February 27.
Only available online from December 26 to January 5 2026.
