2023 Donna Laura Toscana Rosso 'Ali'

90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all sustainably farmed around Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern part of Chianti Classico. The name Ali means “wings” in Italian and is also the name of winery owner Lia Tolaini-Banville’s “little angel”: her daughter.  The Sangiovese is aged in stainless steel while the Cab is done in neutral oak. 13% alcohol. The artwork from the label is a detail of Cupid from the original artwork for the Bramosia Chianti Classico label by Rik Olsen.

Medium bodied, fresh, fruity and easy going. Cranberries, raspberries and hibiscus on the nose of this wine contrast with savory notes of dried herbs, soil and pencil shavings. The palate is all juicy red fruit, with more cranberries along with cherries and strawberries. Delicious with pasta dishes and perfect for pizza night!

Founded in 2004 by Lia Tolaini-Banville, Donna Laura Wines are named in honor of Lia’s Aunt Laura and represent a lifelong bond with Tuscany. Born in Canada, Lia spent her childhood summers near Lucca in Tuscany, where she formed a close bond with her Aunt Laura, who introduced her to Italian culture, food, music, and art. Those annual visits shaped Lia’s idea of home and hospitality. After studying art and economics and starting a family of her own, she continued to bring her children back to Tuscany, reinforcing the connection across generations. In 2004, Lia created Donna Laura Wines as a tribute to her aunt and to the values she passed on. The grapes used to make Donna Laura Wines are grown in and around Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern part of Chianti Classico, where warm days, cooler nights, and well-drained soils give Sangiovese ripe fruit, firm structure, and fresh acidity. Farming is sustainable and focused on long-term vineyard health. Harmful chemicals are avoided, cover crops are used to enrich the soil and support biodiversity, and green harvesting is employed when necessary to keep yields in balance.