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The Mesta was a powerful alliance of shepherds in medieval Castile, who controlled the “cañadas”: traditional rights-of-way for migrating sheep. to this day, the “cañadas” are protected from being blocked or built upon. Our vineyards are nestled deep in the land of The Mesta, and are still passed over by flocks on their annual migration – a reminder of ancient rights, and a cultural cue for continued co-existence with nature. Produced from organically farmed vineyards in Uclés (Castile, Spain). Managed as an integrated ecosystem and studded with centenary oak trees. The continental climate with sunny days and cool nights allow us to achieve intense fruit and excellent varietal definition, while retaining remarkable freshness Mesta Tempranillo is a vibrant and juicy, unoaked red wine, showing great purity and the typicity of high-altitude Tempranillo, with expressive and well-defined aromas of red berries, rosemary and a touch of liquorice. Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and with an excellent persistence on the palate, with round texture and a satisfyingly dry finish. Very versatile, medium-bodied food wine, excellent with tapas, grilled meat and pasta. -
Menina d’Uva is a small winery located in Uva, a remote village in the quiet and desolate countryside of the Northeast of Portugal. Female winemaker Aline Domingues moved from Paris to this area from which her parents had emigrated to Paris to give their children better opportunities. A controversial move within the family but one that I wholeheartedly support. Aline clearly is a talented winemaker crafting beautifully pure wines. Made from 70% red grapes (including Bastardo, known in the Jura as Trousseau) and 30% white grapes including Malvasia and white Bastardo. It’s still a hearthy red that’s crispy and refreshing; cherries, pomegranate with a beautiful smell of the forest. Highly recommended. -
Meerlust Rubicon had a great impact on the history of South African wine. First made in 1980, it essentially set the pattern for Bordeaux blends in the country. There was of course a few pioners at this front that only used Cabernet Sauvignon varietal such as Kanonkop (Paul Sauer) in 1973 but as a blend as per Bordeaux style Meerlust changed the scene. According to Hannes Myburgh, his father was inspired by Julious Cesar words “Alea iacta est. The die is cast,” leading his troops towards Rome in 49BC. As this was a irreversable moment in history as there was no turning back after crossing the Rubicon river as this profoundly shifted Roman politics. Nico Myburgh from the 7th generation of the Meerlust estate and father of the current custodian, was holidaying in Bordeaux when he discovered that the terroir in this area of France was similar to that of the Eerste River Valley. Both have a distinctive climate, characterised by a cooling sea breeze. And both have a soil structure made up of decomposed granite and clay. The red wines produced by the two regions, however, were very different. Unlike the Western Cape’s specified cultivars, Bordeaux thrived on producing blends. Nico returned to Meerlust, filled with inspiration and the desire to create a blend of his own that would match those of the French. In 1980, after several years of experimentation together with winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, he announced the birth of the new blend. With proportions of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, a new style of wine had been created in South Africa. Like Caesar, there could be no turning back. Nico and Giorgio had already considered a number of names for the new blend when Professor Dirk Opperman from the University of Stellenbosch, a friend of Nico’s suggested that “Rubicon” might be appropriate. The pair had, after all, crossed a new frontier – and changed the way South Africans thought about red wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vineyards are hand harvested from February through to March and each individual vineyard block is kept separate throughout the fermentation process and monitored until the moment of blending.In wintertime, after malolactic fermentation has allowed the personality of each vineyard to assert itself in barrel, the wines are carefully assessed to produce the most expressive, harmonious and complex wine. The blend is assembled and then allowed another year in barrel for the components to harmonise. The wine is finally bottled and left for a further 2 years before release. Rubicon is always released at four years of age and will immediately offer the distinctive character and quality of the Estate. However, further bottle maturation is advised for the intriguing complexity of this classic wine to unfold and reveal itself.The first vintage, the 1980, remains vivacious and very much alive, even 30+ years after vintage. Subsequent vintages all express the personality and characteristics of their specific year. All vintages of Rubicon, however, share the hallmarks of wines grown at this special place: intensity, harmony, vibrancy, complexity and individuality.I suppose we could use here ''Veni, vidi, vici'' -
Quinta do Vale Meao Meandro Tinto is a Douro red wine made by one of the most famous wine estates of the Douro, if not the world. The estate was Bought and established by that legendary lady of Port, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, in the early 19th Century, it has been the stage for many pioneering feats of winemaking and viticulture in the Douro. Currently Quinta do Vale Meao is still in family hands, with descendant Francisco Xavier Olazabal (Vito), his winemaker son Francisco (Xito) and daughter Luísa all devoted to the cause. This humorous and relaxed team has, since they started making wine at the quinta in 1999, pushed the boundaries of excellence in Douro reds beyond what was imaginable. The vineyards are perched on the Douro River’s most dramatic meander (hence “Meandro”) and consist of some 70 hectares of vines planted on schist, granite and alluvial soils. The vines planted are the usual suspects for the Douro, Touriga Naçional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Barroca, Tinto Câo however they are block planted which ultimately allows more control over the blend (it is common practice in the Douro for the different grape varieties to be planted mixed up). The vineyards are adjacent to a fantastic granite mansion and winery. Quinta do Vale Meao Meandro is the “second” wine but shares a lot of the characteristics of its big brother, the Quinta do Vale Meao, but manages to reveal a character of its own. It is not an ordinary second wine by any means. Quinta do Vale Meao Meandro Tinto 2015 is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 16% Tinta Roriz, 5% Tinta Barroca, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 2% Tinta Amarela. The grapes are harvested by hand, cooled down and then trodden in granite lagares, then transferred to stainless steel for vinification, by individual variety, before ageing in 2nd and 3rd year 225L French Allier oak barriques. It is a fruity and spicy wine with real Douro character. -
Mazzei is the name of one of the most famous and richest families in the history of Tuscan winemaking, the truth is that their desire to discover and experience other things led them to look for other areas where they could continue their winemaking adventure. So, in 2003, they became aware of the great potential hidden within the Val di Noto region in southeastern Sicily (Italy). A total of 21 hectares of vineyards where Tuscan passion meets Sicilian tradition. Zisola is made only from traditional "Alberello" (bushy) vines grown near Noto, an unique area to make wine. The proximity of the sea and the soil rich in limestone allow to best balance the natural Nero d'Avola exuberance, with a great freshness and elegance. Spicy fish soups, savoury pasta and rice dishes, grilled red meats and vegetables. -
In January 2008, Charlotte and Thomas embarked on a marvelous winemaking adventure with the acquisition of the Clos de l’Élu domain, on the schist-rich lands of the Anjou Noir. With many years’ experience as a wine consultant (Thomas), in the fields of communication and management (Charlotte), they are both deeply passionate about the life of this domain which lies on the finest terroirs of the Layon valley. The 20 hectares are farmed organically and the domain offers a structured range of different wines. If it was the Chenin that attracted Thomas to Anjou, the red grape varieties (Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis, gamay) continue to inspire him with deep, rich vintages that are expressive and full of finesse. The team is driven by strong convictions, from the work in the vineyard to the cellar, in order to produce wines that truly reflect the terroir. In the vineyards: the whole domain was converted to organic farming in April 2010 (first certified organic vintage in 2013), severe disbudding, appropriate pruning modes depending on the grape variety and plot, soil work, manual harvest in 20 kg boxes, draconian sorting while harvesting. In the cellar: use of gravity as much as possible, natural fermentations, winemaking choice favoring the least manipulation of the grapes possible, winemaking of the reds in whole bunches, maceration and aging in tanks, weathered (or aged) barrels or clay amphorae.Technical Sheet
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The name Matua, in New Zealand's native Maori language, means "head of the family," an appropriate title given this winery's instrumental role in developing Sauvignon Blanc into what is now New Zealand's most acknowledged wine varietal. You see there’s a couple of regions around the globe that planted Pinot Noir, that have really mastered it and New Zealands' Marlborough is indisputably one of those. It’s funny what a little perseverance does, and from their ragged tin shed in 1974, Bill and Ross Spence began to change the very foundation of wine in not just Marlborough, but New Zealand. They realized that Pinot Noir adapted exceptionally well to the well-drained alluvial soils of Marlborough and it’s unique climate. With the perfect amount of sunshine each day balanced out by cool evenings they struck Pinot Noir gold and have been developing a killer selection ever since. Matua have mastered the perfect balance of fruit-forward freshness with a touch of dry spice, a staple trait of the Marlborough Pinot Noir. You can expect generous aromas of freshly picked strawberries and red with a little ripe plum thrown into the mix. When taking a sip it’s the soft redcurrants, strawberries and cherries that jump out, brought together by a subtle spice, light tobacco and soothing dry earth. A touch of oak gives just enough complexity to enhance the flavors of this incredible wine. Highly Recommended -
This wine represents the legend of Kupe tangling with a giant octopus who kept stealing all his fish off the hook. During the ensuing fight the beast's tentacles gouged out the Marlborough Sounds and Kupe cut out its eyes which he placed on two rocks known today as Nga Whatu ' The Eyes'. It’s hard to separate New Zealand and Sauvignon Blanc these days, but Matua were the first to put them together, over 40 years ago. You could say They've changed the way the world enjoys white wine. As the Head of the Family (the Maori translation of Matua) They have a tradition of telling stories as a way of passing on knowledge to the next generation. Their most famous winegrowing regions set the scene for some great legendary historical folklore. Wines match dishes from cooked salmon, lettuce, chicken and mushrooms. -
Matsu, the Japanese word for 'wait', pays homage to the generations of devoted wine makers. The images of the real-life wine-producers decorate the bottle and represent the essence of each of the wines. Picaro means 'rogue' or 'rascal', and this rapscallion of a wine is a youthful interpretation of the Toro region's style. El Recio translates as 'the tough guy', and is a more serious, mature wine, made from the product of some of Toro's oldest vines. 'The Old One' of the Matsu range, made from the fruit of selected Tinta de Toro vines, averaging 110 years of age - presented in an original gift box. -
The varieties Jeff grows are all from the south of France, and on his estate located in Puimuisson (a few kilometers from Beziers), the vines coexist with thousands of fruit trees to promote biodiversity. From this base, each vintage offers a range of unique cuvées. Wines he invents at any time following his intuition and that only go onto the market when he considers them representative of the character of the place. Specifically, Mas Coutelou L'Oublié Version is a wine made from Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault vines. -
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Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine made from 100% Pinot Noir vines in the Penedès denominación de origen of the Spanish region of Catalonia. The Torres family has been making wine in the ancient Catalán town of Vilafranca del Penedès, south-west of Barcelona, since the 17th Century. It is this tradition combined with innovation, dynamism and commitment to quality that has put Torres firmly on the world map. They remain one of the largest family owned and run wine companies in the world and, under the stewardship of fourth generation Miguel Torres they are committed to sustainable viticulture and green practices. The Torres Mas Borras vineyard is located at 520 metres above sea level in the coolest part of the Upper Penedes area at Santa María de Miralles. At this altitude, the relatively cold summer nights allow a long and balanced ripening, which is desirable for producing elegant and noble Pinot Noir. Deep calcareous clay soils with interspersed layers of gypsum, moderately well drained with a high water holding capacity. Developed over sedimentary material from the Eocene. Thanks to the cool soils and the continental tendency of the climate, these vineyards provide the best conditions for Pinot Noir in the Penedès region. This is why Jacques Bergeret, a Burgundian expert in cultivating Pinot Noir, chose these soils in 1985–1986. The Pinot Noir grapes for this single vineyard wine are usually harvested in late September and are macerated in the skins for 2 weeks after harvest. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with an additional malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. After vinification Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir is aged in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new, for 9 months. Oak ageing ensure that silky tannins are in harmony with the fresh acidity and cherry fruit typical of Pinot Noir. -
Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta was founded in 1895 in Haro by Félix Martínez Lacuesta. A winemaker, lawyer, politician and publicist, he was the first president of the National Association of Winegrowers and Wine Industries, as well as of the Rioja Wine Union. He was also one of the creators of the Regulating Board of D.O. Rioja, where he represented his fellow winemakers. The philosophy of this century-old winery is to produce the best wines from the best grapes. To do so, they have plots distributed throughout Rioja Alta, searching for the best vineyards and buying, up until this day, new plots to plant new vines. Martínez Lacuesta Reserva is a wine made from Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, from vineyards located at 450-600 metres of altitude. Their vines, of an average of 25 years old, are planted on clayey-calcareous soils. Suitable to accompany white or red meats, fishes with sauce, grilled meat or vegetables -
Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest Rioja wineries. Founded in Elciego (Álava) in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga. Since the beginning they have always had a clear vocation for creating the quintessential Spanish wines from Rioja. Marqués de Riscal Reserva is a red wine made with Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo from vineyards that are over 40 years old, located on clayey-calcareous soils. After the harvest, the grapes ferment at a controlled temperature with a maceration of 12 days. Once the harvest has finished, the wine goes through a minimum ageing of 2 years in American oak barrels. It is left to stand in the bottle for a minimum of one year before it is launched on to the market. A wine that falls within the canons of Riojan classicism, fresh, fine, elegant and with great ageing potential. -
Fantastic New Zealand Sauvignon that will tick all the boxes. The extraordinary label of this wine and the bright recognizable taste have created a direct connection between the Marlborough Sun brand and consumers all over the world. With the growing popularity of Marlborough Valley wines, Saint Clair conceived the idea of creating an affordable, non-pompous wine aimed at attracting new consumers who are not fans of the drink. The progressive technologies of winemaking of the New World, the peculiarities of the terroir of the valley, the varieties that have proven themselves most successfully in the local microclimate and the human factor, have found their reflection in the wines of Marlborough Sun. The inspiration for the labels came from a newspaper article about an unusual phenomenon that has swept the region. It is recommended to serve chilled to a temperature of 8-10 degrees, as a supplement to vegetarian dishes, as well as salmon and tuna. -
Michel Chapoutier created these wines to honor his great grandfather, Marius Chapoutier. Marius once said, “A good wine is one that beckons us to take another sip” and that is what Michel has accomplished with these wines. Marius Red is a wine that combines power, complexity and elegance. The Syrah endows it with warmth, robustness and a lovely bluish red hue. The Grenache brings a natural sweetness, balancing the whole structure of the wine. The harvest is done during the day: the natural summer heat by the beginning of the autumn is a great benefit for the maturity of the wine. The complexity, the elegance and the gourmet touch of Marius rouge are then revealed by their wine blending know-how. Serve it as an aperitif or with chicken liver on toast, beef carpaccio, roasted vegetables, lamb kebabs, veal, swordfish steak or goat cheese and dark chocolate at the end of the meal. Salut Marius! -
Rocim is the owner of Herdade do Rocim and Vale da Mata. Today, this brand is renowned for the quality of its wine and Cellar. Speaking of its history is speaking of a dream and therefore, it means speaking of the present and future. Because dreams are endless. The “Mariana” Rose is a young and cheerful wine, with generous fruit, freshness and aromatic richness, which reflect the region´s charm. Produced from Touriga Nacional and Aragonez varieties. -
The Bodega or Cava Maria Casanovas is located in the heart of the Penedès, in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the centre of Cava production. It is owned by the Casanovas family and managed by three children of Maria Casanovas. Jordi and Jacint are responsible for the vineyards and the cellar, Rosa for administration and marketing. Maria Casanovas' parents were already grape growers and sold their produce to the large cava wineries. Cava has been produced under their own name since 1984. 13 hectares are owned and planted with the local grape varieties Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo (Viura) as well as the international varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Maria Casanovas was one of the pioneers who introduced Pinot Noir to Penedès. Fossils can be found occasionally in the calcareous, gravelly clay soils. Food pairing suggestion: Apéro pastries, Tagliatelle al tartufo, Vegetable pie, Salad with vegetables, pulses, pasta -
This is a fantastic blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo sourced from younger vineyards within the area of production of the villages of Barbaresco and Barolo given the Langhe Appellation. Fragrant, lifted fruits of the forest overlaid by notes of dried herbs, some leather and aniseed. This is a medium bodied wine, very well balanced with plush fruit character, sandy tannins and a lovely fresh clip of acidity delivering excellent Italian drinkability. Very approachable wine that will match brilliantly with food as well being great on its own. I can only think of Pasta, pasta and Pasta. Pizza would work perfectly too! . -
Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon is a natural red wine made by Domaine Marcel Lapierre with the Gamay variety in the AOC Morgon (Burgundy). Domaine Marcel Lapierre is one of the pioneer wineries that has been making natural wines since Marcel Lapierre, a true pacesetter among Beaujolais producers, took over the Villié-Morgon estate in 1973. With his work philosophy, he was committed to combining traditional best practices with new technologies so that his wines would be a true reflection of the landscape. In 1981, under the strong influence of natural wine master Jules Chavet, Marcel was among the first to produce wines of minimal intervention, without adding SO2 or any other substance. Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2018 is a fruity red wine with aromas of cherry, violet and liquorice, covered with a forest freshness and refreshing balsamic tones. On the palate it is structured, fresh and sweet. It begins with a sharp acidity that blends with the touches of fruit and liquorice and the intense minerality. This is a refreshing red, perfect for spring and summer; recommended to drink with charcuterie, paté, cheese, roast ham, roast lamb, roast chicken and turkey and with spicy Thai and Chinese dishes. Serve at the lower end of the suggested temperature range if you like your light red wines served cooler like the French -
Magoutes winery, run by Dimitris Diamantis, is located in the old but forgotten region of Siatista in the mountains of northern Greece. Here vineyards have been abandoned and then revived centuries ago. The city of Siatista is nestled on the slopes of Mount Siniatsiko. The soils of the vineyards are limestone-based which adds elegance and acidity to this ruby-hued red wine. Moshomavro means 'black muscat' but is no relation in parentage or flavour! Lovers of of Beaujolais or Italian reds like pelaverga, rossesse or schiava will find a lot to appreciate in moschómavro, a variety historically interplanted with xinómavro and others in the western Macedonian mountains. Make sure to open this well in advance to get the full show, as a couple of hours of air will bring out its best qualities. It’s the ideal wine to pair with a cheese and meat board or fish. It’s also lovely with a slight chill on a warm day. -
Founded in 1955, this co-operative is comprised of 200 members with 550 hectares of vineyards around Nizza Monferrato. This is an excellent area for Barbera, which constitutes over 60% of the grapes that are harvested and crushed by this co-op. In Alba, the best sites are given to Nebbiolo, but in Asti this privilege is afforded to Barbera. Director and winemaker Giovanni Chiarle oversees all aspects of production and is determined to make wines that fully express the quality of the grapes that he harvests. This wine is made from grapes from the oldest vines grown on the co-op’s best sites. After fermentation, the wine is aged for a period of around six months in large Slavonian oak and then blended to make a wine that is vibrant and, at the same time, structured and long, a worthy example of a Barbera Superiore from Nizza. Delicious with pizza, grilled lamb cutlets or pasta with meaty sauces. Also perfect with strong hard cheeses. -
This Macon Lugny Les Genièvres has beautiful aromas of white fruit, muscat, as well as some peppery notes. This is a delicious wine with a round and full mouth(unoaked), it shows distinctive aromas of white fruit, laced with floral notes. Ideal with grilled fish, seafood and Comté cheese. The village of Lugny is located high up in the South of the Mâcon region. It has a great reputation for its white wines which has made Mâcon famous. It is well known that the village of Lugny, with its limestone soils and warm climate, produces the most coveted white wines of the region. The vineyard of « Les Genièvres » is one of the best. Maison Louis Latour selects the best grapes of this village, which thanks to its terroir, was the only village planted with Chardonnay 30 years ago.
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