1. 1PublishedSassicaia 1998Tenuta San GuidoA wine cited by Kido as an example of high-quality Italian Super Tuscan.The essence of Italian Super TuscanSassicaia is a renowned red wine from the Tuscan region of Italy. Made by Tenuta San Guido, it's highly esteemed among the Super Tuscans. It's primarily a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, incorporating Bordeaux techniques while maintaining its unique identity. This wine has been a benchmark for others in the category. In 'Drops of God,' Volume 19, Kido mentions Sassicaia to highlight the excellence of Italian Super Tuscans. He uses it as an example to explain its quality and depth, embodying the pride of the Italian landscape and the Tuscan sun. When you pour it, you'll notice a brick-red hue indicative of its age. The aroma is rich with blackberries and cassis, with subtle hints of violets and cedar. There's also a touch of tobacco and tea, thanks to its aging. On the palate, it's smooth with well-integrated tannins that glide elegantly. The acidity is rounded, offering a balanced taste. The finish is long, revealing different layers with each sip. It's a wine that constantly surprises you.Read review→
2. 2PublishedLuce 1997Luce della ViteA wine cited by Kido as an example of high-quality Italian Super Tuscan.The brilliance of Tuscany in a bottle.Luce, crafted by Luce della Vite, hails from the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Known as a quintessential Super Tuscan, it masterfully blends international varieties like Sangiovese and Merlot. The 1997 vintage is particularly celebrated for its rich fruit flavors and the complexity that comes with aging. This wine makes its appearance in volume 19 of 'Drops of God'. In the story, Kido presents it as a prime example of high-quality Super Tuscans from Italy, describing its profound flavors and elegance as if Tuscany's light were pouring into the glass. Pouring into the glass, Luce reveals a deep garnet color with a slightly orange hue at the rim, indicating its maturity. The aroma is open and inviting, filled with ripe black cherry and dried plum notes, alongside complex scents of underbrush and tobacco. On the palate, it boasts a solid structure yet offers silky tannins, balancing power with elegance. The acidity is smooth, maintaining harmony throughout. The finish is long and leaves lingering flavors of fruit and spice on the palate. Even after sipping, you're enveloped in its aroma and taste. For the best experience, take your time and savor this wine slowly.Read review→
3. 3PublishedRosso di Toscana NVTenuta di TrinoroA wine cited by Kido as an example of high-quality Italian Super Tuscan.An exquisite Tuscan red that captivates the heartRosso di Toscana from Tenuta di Trinoro blends Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting a Super Tuscan that's both a nod to the region and an embrace of Bordeaux varietals. This wine hails from Tuscany, a region famed for its rich soil and tradition, and it skillfully marries local terroir with the elegance of Bordeaux grapes. As noted in the manga, it's a prime example of Italy's high-quality Super Tuscans.Read review→
4. 4PublishedAmarone 1999BertaniA wine recommended by Yutaka Kanzaki to pair with Peking duck, changing Lin's father's fate, with sweet acacia honey aroma, suitable for music and fried rice.A lush sip that anticipates the nightThe Amarone by Bertani is a classic from the rich terroir of Veneto. This 1999 vintage, in particular, has aged gracefully, enhancing its charm over the years. You see, Amarone is typically made from grapes that are dried to concentrate their flavors, resulting in a powerful taste and a complex bouquet. This vintage holds true to those characteristics. In volume 19 of 'Drops of God', this wine makes its appearance. A Chinese chef's father, advised by Toyotaka to pair it with Peking duck, finds his destiny changed by this glass. It's described as having a "honey-like sweetness of acacia", harmonizing beautifully with the canzone playing in the background. And imagine, it even pairs well with fried rice, showcasing its versatility. In the glass, it's a deep garnet with a hint of brick red, a sign of its matured state. The aroma is open, with ripe dried plums and black cherries, mingling with a touch of cinnamon spice. The standout feature of this vintage is its smooth acidity and velvety tannins that coat the palate. The rich fruitiness envelops your mouth, revealing a robust structure. The finish is long, with complex aromas lingering on. Let it breathe a bit after opening, and you'll find even more depth in its flavors. This Amarone is a perfect companion for making special moments even more memorable.Read review→
5. 5PublishedVigna di Gabri Donnafugata 2006DonnafugataA white wine paired with shrimp and vegetable stir-fry at a food show, with Miyabi's wife commenting on its pairing, suitable for shark fin or abalone stew.A Sicilian sunshine in a bottleDonnafugata is a renowned winery in Sicily, celebrated for its commitment to quality and regional expression. The Vigna di Gabri is a white wine that captures the essence of Sicily, crafted from grapes nurtured by the rich soils and warm climate of the island. The 2006 vintage, in particular, benefited from excellent weather conditions, leading to a remarkable harvest. This wine makes an appearance in Volume 19 during a food show, paired with stir-fried shrimp and vegetables. Madam Mishima comments on the harmonious pairing, noting the wine's aroma reminiscent of fine oolong tea. It seems like it would also complement dishes like steamed shark fin and abalone, showcasing its versatility with food. When poured, it gleams with a golden hue that catches the eye. The aroma is open and inviting, with notes of pear and white peach, complemented by hints of almond and herbs. On the palate, it offers a round and lush sweetness, balanced by a refreshing acidity. This balance is what makes the wine stand out. The finish is moderately long, enhancing the dining experience with its lingering presence.Read review→
6. 6PublishedVin Santo La Chimera 1993Castello di MonsantoA sweet white wine paired with century egg at a food show, transforming its unique odor into a rich foie gras-like flavor, akin to a circus act.A drop of sweet magicVin Santo La Chimera 1993 from Castello di Monsanto is quite a gem from Tuscany, you know. It's not your typical Sangiovese; this is a dessert wine with a remarkable presence. The aging process brings out a unique flavor profile that feels like a taste of history brought into the present. In Volume 19, this wine made a memorable appearance at a food show paired with century eggs. The distinct aroma of the century egg was enveloped in the wine's gentle sweetness, creating an almost acrobatic transformation of flavors, like watching a circus act. Pour it into a glass and you'll see it glows with a deep golden hue, almost amber. The aroma is open with notes of ripe apricot, hazelnuts, and a hint of beeswax sweetness. On the palate, the wine reveals its rich sweetness first, backed by delicate acidity. The sweetness is never cloying, striking a perfect balance with the acidity. The finish is long, leaving nuances of almonds and caramel lingering. This wine is perfect for those special moments.Read review→
7. 7PublishedLe Défi de Fontenil NVChâteau FontenilA wine presented by Otaguro at a food show to attract customers, crafted at a chateau owned by Michel Rolland.A glass full of Bordeaux passionLe Défi de Fontenil, crafted by Château Fontenil, is a testament to the rich soil and fervor of the Bordeaux region. With Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as its primary grapes, this red wine offers a perfect blend of power and elegance. The inclusion of Merlot enhances its fruitiness and delivers a smooth texture that sets it apart. In Volume 19, this wine was showcased at a food show by Odaguro as a crowd-puller. Its presence was commanding, and being a creation from Michel Rolland's own château, it naturally attracted attention. As the aroma wafted through the air, everyone found themselves reaching for their glasses, drawn to its allure. Through the glass, you can appreciate its deep ruby color that glistens captivatingly, hinting at its robust body. On the nose, you are greeted with rich aromas of ripe cassis and black cherry, underscored by nuanced vanilla and spices—capturing the essence of a Bordeaux red. On the palate, you first encounter its lush fruitiness supported by dense tannins. The acidity is lively, providing a refreshing backbone that keeps everything in balance. The finish is long, leaving a lingering sense of aroma and flavor. It's a wine that benefits from decanting, allowing you to savor its depth over time.Read review→
8. 8PublishedCasale Vecchio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006FarneseA wine paired by Shizuku with braised pork belly at a food show, perfectly matching the star anise spice, with orchid aromas and an elegant ambiance like Raffles Hotel.A blend of ripe fruit and spicy allureCasale Vecchio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo by Farnese is a gem from Italy's Abruzzo region. This 2006 vintage captures the essence of the land and showcases the blend of traditional winemaking with modern flair. It's a great example of what Montepulciano grapes can achieve when nurtured with care. In volume 19, this wine made a memorable appearance at a food show where Shizuku paired it with tonkotsu. The star anise in the dish meshed perfectly with the wine's rich aromas. Described as having the passionate, fleshy scent of orchids, it’s like being enveloped in the elegance of the Raffles Hotel. Pour yourself a glass, and you'll see a deep ruby hue with a subtle garnet rim. The nose offers ripe blackberries and dried plums, intertwined with spicy black pepper and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is rich in fruit with lively yet gentle acidity. The tannins are velvety, noticeable but never harsh, creating a smooth texture. The finish is long, leaving a pleasant blackberry aftertaste. This wine strikes a perfect balance between complexity and strength, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Pair it with hearty dishes, and you'll really see its full potential shine. Give it a try!Read review→
9. 9PublishedLes Plantiers du Haut-Brion 2003Château Haut-BrionA wine given to Shizuku blindfolded by Sara as a condition for taking a job, evoking a field of cosmos flowers swaying in the gentle autumn sun.Elegance swaying like cosmos in the autumn breezeLes Plantiers du Haut-Brion 2003 is a sublime expression from the prestigious Château Haut-Brion. This white wine, exclusively crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, hails from the renowned Bordeaux region. The 2003 vintage, known for its heat, has contributed to the wine's enduring strength and richness, even as it matures. In volume 19, this wine makes its appearance when Sarah presents it to Shizuku in a blind tasting. The scene captures a serene landscape of cosmos flowers gently swaying under the soft autumn sunlight, embodying the wine's graceful and gentle character. Pour a glass, and you'll notice its beautiful golden hue, a testament to its age and maturity. The aroma opens with ripe pear and hints of tropical pineapple, layered with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey. On the palate, the wine is rich in fruit flavors, with a round and mellow acidity. The finish is moderately long, leaving a delicate floral note that lingers pleasantly. This wine is perfect for a cool autumn evening. Serve it around 8–10°C to fully appreciate its charm.Read review→
10. 10PublishedDomaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2006Domaine William FèvreA wine seen by Honoka Toomine on a list during a flight, part of the Issei Toomine selection.Elegant acidity with rich mineralityDomaine William Fèvre is renowned for producing high-quality Chardonnay in the Chablis region of Burgundy. Their Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume is particularly noted for its elegant acidity and rich minerality. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the 2006 vintage stands out for its aging potential. Fourchaume, historically recognized as one of the top crus in Chablis, really shows its pedigree here. In the manga 'The Drops of God', this wine appears in volume 19 when Honoka Tomine is on a flight, browsing the wine list. She recognizes it as part of Issei Tomine's selection, and you can sense her appreciation and curiosity as she considers the bottle. Pour a glass of this Fourchaume, and you'll be greeted by a golden hue, signaling its maturity. The aroma, initially subtle, opens up to reveal notes of white peach, pear, and a hint of toast. On the palate, the sharp acidity is pleasantly refreshing, supported by a firm minerality. The finish is moderately long, leaving an elegant impression. It's a wine that perfectly balances minerality and elegance.Read review→
11. 11PublishedFrédéric Magnien Morey-Saint-Denis Larrey 2006Frédéric MagnienA wine seen by Honoka Toomine on a list during a flight, part of the Issei Toomine selection.The magic of aged BurgundyFrédéric Magnien is a name that echoes among Burgundy wine enthusiasts, and his Morey-Saint-Denis Larrey 2006 vintage is a testament to his craft. This wine, made entirely from Pinot Noir, captures the cool essence of Burgundy's climate beautifully as a white wine. In Volume 19 of 'Drops of God,' this wine caught the discerning eye of Honoka Tomine while she perused the wine list on a flight. It's a moment that really stands out, especially knowing it was part of Shizuku Kanzaki's selection. There's a special significance there. Pour a glass, and you'll see a golden liquid with an aged allure. The first whiff brings a complex aroma of dried herbs and sous-bois, offering depth. On the palate, the lively acidity typical of Pinot Noir bursts forth, accompanied by rich flavors of white peach and pear. The finish is moderately long with a lingering minerality. With its aged character, serving it slightly chilled around 12°C will bring out its best. You really shouldn't miss out on trying this one.Read review→
12. 12PublishedFlaccianello 2004FontodiA wine blind-tasted by Issei, aged in French oak barrels, offering luxurious relaxation akin to an afternoon at a Dubai resort.Embrace the bounty of TuscanyFlaccianello by Fontodi is an exquisite expression of Tuscany's winemaking prowess, showcasing the very best of Sangiovese. The 2004 vintage, in particular, benefits from a year of favorable weather, resulting in a wine with abundant fruitiness and robust structure. It has the potential for long aging, so it's delightful to drink now, but you could also let it rest a little longer if you prefer a more mature profile.Read review→
13. 13PublishedBarolo Monfortino Riserva 1995Giacomo ConternoA wine brought by Honma as a candidate for the Sixth Apostle, containing the universe within, evoking a night festival under a starry sky.Feel the universe in a bottleGiacomo Conterno's "Barolo Monfortino Riserva" is a remarkable red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes. The 1995 vintage, in particular, stands out for its exceptional aging and depth of character. As a Riserva, this Barolo is among the finest, known for its profound flavors and complexity. In the 19th volume of "The Drops of God," this wine appears as a candidate for the sixth apostle, brought by Honma. It's said to contain the universe within, likened to a festival night under a starry sky that stirs the soul profoundly. The wine presents a deep garnet color with hints of orange at the rim, showing its age gracefully. The nose is an intricate dance of dried fruits, tea, and subtle sous-bois aromas, unfolding layers of complexity in the glass. On the palate, it offers rich fruitiness and velvety tannins that spread smoothly. The acidity is firm, maintaining a beautiful balance throughout. The finish is long, leaving a deep sense of satisfaction. To fully appreciate this wine, consider decanting it to allow its full potential to unfold. Letting it breathe will only enhance the experience, revealing even more of its refined character.Read review→