1. 1PublishedTenuta di Valgiano 2001Tenuta di ValgianoTo Shizuku pondering the apostle duel, Honma recommended a wine that starts cloudy but clears up after decanting, offering a sense of liberation.From cloudy skies to a clear horizonTenuta di Valgiano is nestled in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, renowned for its passionate winemaking. This 2001 vintage red is a testament to their dedication and the power of the land. Although often led by Sangiovese, the exact blend remains a bit of a mystery, adding to its intriguing allure. In Volume 29 of 'Drops of God', when Shizuku contemplates his apostle duel, Honma recommends this wine. Initially, it feels like a cloudy sky, but with decanting, it opens up to a sense of liberation, just like the scene suggests. This transformation shows the wine's true potential. Pour a glass, and you'll see a garnet hue with a touch of brick at the rim. The aroma is a delightful mix of mature dark cherries and plums, intertwined with dried herbs and a hint of tobacco, offering complexity. On the palate, the tannins are soft, enveloping the tongue, while the acidity is subtle yet provides a sturdy backbone. Decanting enhances its fruity depth and smooth finish. This wine truly shines when decanted, and I'd suggest enjoying it at around 18°C in a large glass to fully appreciate its depth.Read review→
2. 2PublishedMachiavelli Solatio del Tani Chianti Classico 2006MachiavelliThe first of three wines Honma brought for Shizuku evokes the image of children in casual clothes picking wild strawberries on a sunny holiday.A Tuscan embrace in every sipMachiavelli's Solatio del Tani Chianti Classico is a beautiful expression of Tuscan terroir. The 2006 vintage showcases the potential of Sangiovese, with its vibrant fruit and balanced acidity. It's one of those wines that makes you appreciate the uniqueness of Chianti Classico—definitely worth opening. This wine appears in volume 29, where Honma presents it to Shizuku among a selection of three bottles. It evokes the image of children in casual clothes, picking wild strawberries on a sunny day. It's a scene that resonates warmth and nostalgia, much like the wine itself. Pouring it into a glass, you notice the deep garnet hue—absolutely stunning. The aroma opens up with rich scents of black cherry and dried plums, with subtle spices and dried herbs, capturing the essence of Tuscan nature. On the palate, it starts with a generous fruitiness, followed by lively acidity. The tannins are velvety, making for a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long, leaving a satisfying, pleasant impression. This Chianti Classico is all about the harmonious blend of rich fruit and silky tannins, offering something new with each sip. Its refreshing acidity keeps it lively, making it perfect for a gathering with friends or a special dinner. You won't tire of enjoying this bottle.Read review→
3. 3Published50&50 2004Avignonesi & CapannelleThe second wine Honma brought for Shizuku is like enjoying a Major League game, with cheerleaders, kids eating ice cream, and a packed stadium, offering grand scale and complexity.A grand Tuscan entertainmentYou know, 50&50 is this unique collaboration between Avignonesi and Capannelle. It's a Tuscan red wine from the 2004 vintage. Avignonesi is well-known for their Montepulciano, while Capannelle is famous for their Chianti. They each contributed half of the grapes for this special blend, perfectly embodying the name "50&50." It's like the best of both worlds in a single bottle. In 'The Drops of God' Volume 29, there's a scene where this wine appears. It's the second bottle brought by Honma for Shizuku. The description is vivid, like watching a major league baseball game with all the cheerleaders, kids with ice creams, and a packed stadium. They say it captures a sense of grandeur and a complex blend of cultures—just like a true Tuscan wine. When you pour it into a glass, the deep garnet color catches your eye. The aromas are open, with mature dried plums and black cherry. There's also this roasted coffee bean aroma, with a hint of spice underneath. On the palate, it has a soft entry, with lively acidity that keeps everything balanced. The tannins are velvety, providing just the right amount of strength. The finish is long, leaving complex flavors lingering in your mouth. If you're going to enjoy this wine, try using a larger glass and take your time with it. Explore the deep complexity it offers, you know?Read review→
4. 4PublishedCastello Tricerchi Brunello di Montalcino 2005Castello TricerchiThe third wine Honma brought for Shizuku is like a marble sculpture of a Roman warrior, embodying both dynamism and tranquility, a fascinating and ambivalent wine.A glass where strength meets serenity.Castello Tricerchi's Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most remarkable expressions of Sangiovese. The 2005 vintage, in particular, is celebrated for its strength and elegance. The warm climate of Tuscany imparts ripe fruit flavors, and the extended barrel aging brings out a remarkable complexity. This is a bottle to savor during special moments, you know?Read review→
5. 5PublishedPoggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004Castello BanfiAt the first winery Shizuku visited in Montalcino, he drank a wine reminiscent of Heian court ladies gracefully dancing among petals in the wind.A toast to elegant timelessnessCastello Banfi's Poggio alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning showcase of Sangiovese at its finest. The 2004 vintage, in particular, is a tribute to the harmonious blend of power and elegance that the Tuscan climate imparts. Crafted in the hilly terrains of Montalcino, this wine stands out among Italy's red wines. In 'Drops of God,' Vol. 29, this wine appears when Shizuku first visits a winery in Montalcino. The scene is set amidst a backdrop of fluttering petals, where the wine's rich aroma is compared to the graceful dance of Heian court ladies. Just imagining sipping it in such a setting is enchanting. The color is a garnet with a hint of a brick-like rim, indicating its maturity. The nose opens with aromas of ripe black cherries, dried plums, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, it is smooth and silky, with tannins that caress your tongue. The acidity is lively, making the wine well-balanced overall. The finish is long, leaving a complex aftertaste that beckons you for another sip. It's best enjoyed in a large glass to truly savor its depth.Read review→
6. 6PublishedSanta Giulia Brunello di Montalcino 2005Santa GiuliaThe wine Shizuku and Honma drank at a restaurant is carefree, like a smiling woman on a swing, with hair flowing in the bright sun and wind, and is scarcely available in Japan.A sip of Tuscany's breezeHey, let's open this Santa Giulia Brunello di Montalcino. It's a 2005 vintage, made from Sangiovese grapes. This wine is born from the rich soils of Tuscany, boasting a robust structure yet showcasing an elegant side. In Volume 29 of 'Drops of God', Shizuku and Honma enjoyed this at a restaurant. They described it as a wine with the carefree spirit of a woman swinging joyfully, captured in the bright sunlight and gentle breeze. It's said to be rare in Japan, so if you've got it, you're in for a special experience. Pouring it into the glass, you’ll see a slightly orange-bricked hue, showing its age. The aroma is deep, with notes of tea, dried herbs, and a touch of tobacco wafting from the glass. When tasted, it greets you with lively Sangiovese acidity, followed by smooth tannins that elegantly meld in the mouth. The finish is moderately long, with complex flavors lingering on. It has a strong structure yet maintains a softness that balances it well. Serving it around 18°C will help bring out its full potential.Read review→
7. 7PublishedPoggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1999Col d'OrciaThe wine Fujieda served to Chris and Miyabi is like a serious samurai recklessly acting out of youthful folly.The elegance of Sangiovese transcending timePoggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a gem from Cordolcino, set in the heart of Tuscany. This riserva takes advantage of the finest Sangiovese grapes, and the 1999 vintage is a beautiful expression of its aging potential. In the manga 'Drops of God,' Volume 29, Fujieda serves this wine to Chris and Miyabi. It gives the impression of a serious samurai, daring at a young age. It's a wine that combines strength with delicacy, a complex blend indeed. When you pour it, the deep garnet color with a brick-like rim shows its age. The aroma is open and inviting, with dried figs, violets, and hints of tobacco. As it breathes, notes of tea and underbrush emerge, adding layers of depth. On the palate, it reveals a lush fruitiness with robust yet smooth acidity. The tannins are velvety, showing how they've softened with time. It leaves a long-lasting finish, full of complexity and a firm structure. For serving, try decanting it at around 16–18°C to let it breathe a bit.Read review→
8. 8PublishedBrunello di Montalcino 2004Col d'OrciaThe wine Shizuku and Honma drank in Montalcino is like a diligent marathon runner training daily.A glass where power meets eleganceBrunello di Montalcino by Col d'Orcia, vintage 2004, is a truly elegant red wine from the Tuscany region of Italy. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello showcases the refined qualities that are synonymous with its name. The grapes, basked in the Tuscan sun, offer a rich fruitiness and a firm acidity, capturing the very essence of the region. In volume 29 of 'Drops of God', Shizuku and Honma enjoy this wine during their visit to Montalcino. They liken it to a dedicated marathon runner who undergoes rigorous training every day. It's a wine that has been meticulously crafted over time, boasting depth and strength that leave a lasting impression. When poured, it reveals a brick-red color with slight orange at the rim, hinting at its age. The aroma is captivating, with layers of tea, sous bois, and dried herbs that draw you in from the first whiff. On the palate, it bursts with substantial fruit flavors, followed by a rich acidity, and envelops the tongue with silky tannins. The balance is impeccable with a long-lasting finish that makes it hard to put the glass down. If you decide to open this bottle, give it some time to breathe and enjoy it slowly. Using a large glass will help you fully appreciate the complex aromas it has to offer.Read review→
9. 9PublishedCastelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2005CastelgiocondoThe wine Shizuku and Honma drank at dinner evokes the image of the Colosseum, soaked with the sweat of victory and tears of defeat from runners, now standing quietly.A sip of Tuscan passionCastelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino is a standout among Tuscany's red wines, made from Sangiovese. The 2005 vintage is renowned for its power and elegance, embodying the quintessential appeal of aged Italian wines. It's a bottle that encapsulates the rich terroir and skilled craftsmanship of Italy, offering something new every time you open it. In volume 29 of 'Drops of God', Shizuku and Honma enjoyed this wine over dinner. The scene portrayed a mix of emotions, likening the experience to runners who have given their all, with the wine standing as a quiet colosseum bathed in the sweat of victory and tears of defeat. This imagery perfectly captures the wine's depth and complexity. The color is brick-like, with a calm hue that speaks to its maturity. The aroma is open, dominated by bold notes of black cherry and dried plum, with tobacco and sous bois adding layers of depth. On the palate, it starts soft with a rich fruitiness that unfolds. The robust acidity and velvety tannins provide a firm structure, making the wine feel balanced and well-constructed. The finish is long, lingering with spicy nuances and a complex aftertaste. It's a wine best enjoyed with some air, letting the aromas fully develop. Drinking it truly immerses you in the passion and history of Tuscany.Read review→
10. 10PublishedBrunello di Montalcino Canalicchio 2005CanalicchioThe wine served by Antonio's friend Franco to Shizuku and Honma is young and astringent, yet holds a hidden longing and passion, symbolizing Italian men who never seal the past or give up on the future.A red that breathes passion and traditionThe Brunello di Montalcino from Canalicchio is a standout representation of Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy. This 2005 vintage particularly showcases the depth and complexity brought out by the use of traditional large oak barrels. It beautifully balances the power and elegance inherent to Sangiovese. In Volume 29 of 'Drops of God', this wine is memorably served by Antonio's friend Franco to Shizuku and Honma. It's described as youthful and a bit austere at first, yet there's an underlying yearning and passion, embodying the spirit of Italian men who never seal the past nor give up on the future. It was a moment of revelation in the manga. Pour this wine into a glass, and you'll notice its deep garnet color. The aroma opens up with ripe dark cherries and blackberries intertwined with notes of dried herbs and spices. On the palate, a rich and soft fruitiness unfolds, supported by a robust acidity that provides a solid backbone. The tannins are dense and the finish is long. For the best experience, decant it and let it breathe a bit; serve around 18°C.Read review→
11. 11PublishedZardetto Prosecco Extra Dry NVZardettoThe wine Chris served to Miyabi is an Extra Dry made from Prosecco grapes in Veneto, carefully crafted to preserve tropical fruit aromas like pineapple.A breeze of tropical delightThe Zardetto Prosecco Extra Dry is a delightful sparkler from the picturesque region of Veneto, Italy. Crafted primarily from the Prosecco grape, with a touch of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it offers a crisp and refreshing profile. This wine is perfect for elevating everyday meals into something special, and it’s a great introduction to the vibrant world of Italian bubbly. In the manga, this wine appears in Volume 29, where Chris introduces it to Miyabi. The scene highlights its tropical fruit aromas, with notes reminiscent of pineapple. It’s described as a wine that transports you to a tropical paradise, filling the air with its sweet and enticing fragrance. Pouring into the glass, you’ll notice its pale yellow hue with sparkling beads. The aroma is open and inviting, dominated by tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. On the palate, it starts with a gentle attack, where the acidity is perfectly balanced, lively, and harmonizes well with the fruit sweetness. The fine bubbles dance across your tongue, adding to the experience. The finish is moderately long, leaving a lingering taste of tropical fruits on your palate. Among Proseccos, it stands out for its fruit-forward character, making it an ideal choice for those moments when you need a refreshing lift. Serve it chilled in a small glass for the best experience.Read review→