By Tina Jones

Who is Donna Laura? In the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, nestled between Siena and Florence, are the wines of Donna Laura by mastermind winemaker Lia Tolaini-Banville. Lia spent many summers in Tuscany, where Aunt Laura was the matriarch. When Lia moved to Tuscany to attend University, Laura took her young Canadian niece under her wing, enveloping her into the family fold and teaching her about Italian traditions. Laura had such an impact on Lia’ s life that she named her Italian venture Donna Laura(“ Lady Laura”) in her honour.

Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, Lia’ s latest venture, is one of the leading wine importers in the United States. After working for many years in the wine industry, Lia noticed a gap in the North American wine market. She knew that producing an affordable range of high quality wines from Tuscany would fill a niche. She did much more than simply fill a niche, however: after just three vintages, Donna Laura is receiving international accolades rarely bestowed upon small,“ unknown” wineries.

The Ali Sangiovese di Toscana is Lia’ s first wine. Ali is named after her daughter Alicia. Ali also means wings in Italian, which inspired the sketch of the cupid on the label( by artist Rik Olsen). Wine Spectator recently named Ali in the top 200 value wines under $ 15 in

Europe, where only six other Tuscan reds were given the same honour.

Donna Laura also produces two DOCG red wines that are a modern expression of the traditional Sangiovese grape from the heart of Tuscany. Alteo features Bacchus, god of wine, madness and ecstasy on its label. A renowned troublemaker, Bacchus was the perfect choice for the Chianti named for Lia’ s two sons, Alessandro and Matteo. Donna Laura’ s top wine is the elegant Bramosia Chianti Classico. Bramosia, which means“ desire,” is the most sensual wine in Lia’ s portfolio. This Chianti Classico is a stunning reminder that the best parcels of land produce the very best wines.

Donna Laura’ s only white wine, Tre Zie, is a Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the original white wine of Tuscany. Lia created Tre Zie, or“ Three Aunts,” for the next generation of matriarchs; as the“ Aunts,” Lia and her two cousins take centre stage when the family gathers in Tuscany in the summers, mending skinned knees, providing advice, and carrying on the family traditions that Donna Laura cultivated.

Lia’ s great love and respect for Italy, family, and the tradition of quality winemaking infuse each of her wines. A Banville & Jones favourite, Lia’ s wines are quickly cultivating local and international reputations that would make Aunt Laura very proud indeed. �

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