Bellus Wines is a new line of high-quality wines meant to empower those who are curious about wine to learn more about their own palate preferences. Special thanks to The Tory Burch Foundation for an inaugural partnership.

The Inspiration

Sommelier Jordan Salcito became motivated to create Bellus after countless conversations with restaurant guests and non-industry friends who expressed confusion and intimidation when ordering wine. Perceiving a void in the marketplace for a line of quality wines that represented a distinct sense of place and enabled people to learn about and afford quality wines as opposed to feeling intimidated by them, she decided to start Bellus. The wines are rooted in terroir, craftsmanship, empowerment and enjoyment.

The Inaugural Wine The inaugural release, 2007 Girasole, is a Super-Tuscan red made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. It reflects the brand's philosophy of producing wines that embody a strong sense of place, are a versatile food pairing and are delicious on their own. Made from grapes grown entirely within Italy's storied Montalcino region, Girasole expresses the area's rustic elegance. Breezy hillsides, sunny climate and famous "gallestro soil" mixed with clay, are ideal for the three vines. Cabernet and Merlot provide notes of dark cherry fruit and a firm structure, Sangiovese contributes great acidity and flavors of tart cherry and roasted herbs. Minerality from the gallestro imparts a beautiful sense of place.

The Name Bellus means "beautiful" in Latin, the root language for all of the world's classic wine growing regions. "Girasole," Bellus' first release, means "sunflowers," in Italian and references those that blanket the Tuscan hills in summer. A sunflower is also the logo for the Tory Burch Foundation, which empowers female entrepreneurs domestically through micro-finance.

The Tory Burch Foundation

Tory Burch and the Tory Burch Foundation were strongly inspirational to Salcito when she first dreamed of founding Bellus Wines, and Burch has served as a mentor through Bellus' infancy. As a result a percentage of proceeds from every bottle of Girasole sold will be donated to the Tory Burch Foundation.

The Wines

Bellus prospers from deep relationships Salcito has developed with well-respected wineries, allowing her to deliver exceptional quality wine at surprisingly accessible price levels. Salcito partnered with Casanuova delle Cerbaie because she knows the land intimately. The estate is in the process of converting the vineyards to employ only biodynamic growing practices and the use of herbicides and pesticides are never permitted.