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Most of us know Roald Dahl's novels, I for one have read them countless times. Firstly to my eldest and now, once in while I try with the middle one, even though he is still a bit young for those books. He is only 4 my wife says! They are just fun to read. To my surprise, after deciding to bring Château Méaume Bordeaux Supérieur to our Pinto Wines portfolio I came across that it was Roald Dahl's favourite wine and per his own words ''simply delicious''. Well I could not put it better myself. It is a fantastic wine, with superb quality at this price point and what some would call a ''Big little wine.'' Unpretentious especially being French and carries a lot with it. It has a warm, expressive black fruits with a serious, rustic, spicy structure. A hint of exotic perfume on the nose, with a luscious, very ripe blackberry and damson palate.80% merlot, with cabernets franc and sauvignon adding a rich, chewy texture. Very more-ish, with freshness, and great balance.Château Méaume, owned by English couple Alan and Sue Johnson-Hill since 1980, is an historic property just 10 miles from the famous vineyards of St-Emilion and Pomerol. The 2016 Vintage is one of the best produced after the 2000's and critics were fast to praise the 2018. Cheers Roald! -
Easy to drink and Portuguese through and through. Great companion to any celebration and can easily keep up. People pleaser is the word that comes to mind. Would suggest this one for weddings or any events, as it will deliver. Well priced and won't empty your pockets. Get it, enjoy it....responsibly obviously! Easy meals, canapes and cured meats with soft cheeses will go down well with this wine. Keep it confidential and do NOT tell anyone about this wine. It's our secret. -
Gruner Veltliner is Austria’s most important indigenous grape and up until the 1990s it was relatively unheard of. Gruner Veltliner has many charms, one of them being the consistency of the quality and the flavour profile; it always delivers what it says on the tin. Ferdinand Mayr is a musician turned winemaker and his organic wines are singing with flavour and intensity. Whoever says Grüner Veltliner says Austria and vice versa. This version of Ferdinand Mayr is accessible and it charms you right away. Exuberant, lively nose of citrus, apple and white pepper. On the palate, the ripe fruit and spiciness create a pleasant tension with the acidity. Crispy and ripe, as if you were biting into a juicy apple. Flavor and spiciness characterize this wine. Fantastic with Japanese or Thai cuisine. -
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Craig and Carla Hawkins launched Testalonga in the north of Swartland, South Africa in 2008. They are part of a revolutionary ground swell taking place in South African wine, where traditions are being challenged and brave new territory is being explored. The painfully small amount of wine that this duo produces gets snapped up in short order the world over. Known for their striking intensity and nervy energy, Craig and Carla's wines are on the cutting edge of the natural wine movement in their country.This is the lightest, daintiest version of Carignan one could imagine. It's got more in common with, say a Jura rouge or something Cab-Franc-like out of the Loire Valley than a classic Rhone red.It's fresh, racy, filled with character and seasoned with a little wildness. Great with on summer afternoon, first courses, seasoned vegetables. Enjoy -
The Champagne grower-producer Gaston Chiquet has made a name for itself as one of the best. In a region with thousands of small producers, it is a credit to owners Antoine and Nicolas Chiquet. Based in the evocatively named Dizy, the family first planted vines in 1746 but did not produce Champagne until 1935, when brothers Ferdinand and Gaston Chiquet took the bold step of setting up their own label, rather than merely selling grapes to the larger houses. Today they produce 15,000 cases a year. This is a classic aperitif Champagne. Deliciously light, crisp citrus and apple orchard flavours mingle with sundry red-berried fruit. It is beautifully plumped out in the middle, courtesy of Premier Cru Pinot Noir fruit from the evocatively named village of Dizy, ending with delicate toasty notes. -
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Keep On Punching is Swartland Chenin, but not in the conventional sense. No buttery oak, this is all 100% stainless steel tank to keep that citrus twang just as clean as a whistle. Stylistically this wine fits more closely with the Chenins of the Loire valley - the fruit is apple and pear with some nice zippy white peach. The grapes come from old bush vines that yield small clusters of grapes with great concentration and acidity year on year. Craig's wines have a keen following, and for good reason.After travelling extensively in Portugal and Austria learning his craft, Craig Hawkins returned to South Africa and became the winemaker at top Swartland estate Lammershoek. Craig now makes his own wines from various small, organic vineyard sites in Swartland and makes his wine naturally, with as little intervention as possible.If you like a bit of skin contact (& don't we all), try this! -
Anyone that has been to Greece or has interest in wines have come by the grape Assyrtiko . In the last few years, wines from Greece, in particularly this indigenous grape, have gotten the status as a world-class wine and prices have begun to rise especially from the Santorini region. This Vegan Assyrtiko from the Lyrarakis estate is one of them and it is still in the affordable range and fortunately, your everyday Assyrtiko needs can still be catered for. Being from east Crete rather than Santorini means prices are still competitive. Think down the lines of getting a wine from the Touraine region rather than the heart of the Loire Valley. Lyrarakis on Crete are a brilliant winery with a focus on indigenous Greek varieties. Their rendition of Assyrtiko is broader and more approachable than some of the tightly-wound examples on Santorini, but it's no less drinkable for that. It is in fact an ideal place to grow the white grape Assyrtiko. Both the Mediterranean breezes and the altitude of the Lyrarakis vineyards allows the grapes to have a much longer ripening period, preserving the grapes aromatics and acidity resulting in a wine with wonderful floral freshness, crisp citrus notes and a delicate mineral finish. Yamas! -
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! . -
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! -
Picaro means 'rogue' or 'rascal'. I have always called it the young lad, as they also have 'El Recio' (the middle aged man) which is Matsu's idea for a reserva wine and the Gran Reserva, 'El Viejo' (old man just in case you didn't know). Bodegas Matsu is situated in the Toro region, right beside the Rueda region (known for the famous Verdejos). Toro wines are predominantly made of Tinta de Toro (tempranillo in this area of Spain) and are well known to be a mouthful of strength and personality due to its poor soil and hot summers. These vines in particular are 90 years old and are cultivated using the biodynamic techniques. Although the more conventional wines of this region are quite sharp, Matsu's wine range has achieved smoothness and elegance. Additionally, the clever thinking behind the labels means that they cater to a wide audience. I would recommend this red any day of the week. -
Mesta is a range of organically and sustainably grown single varietal wines, which stylishly showcase the Spanish wine revolution under the symbol of the Mesta. Mesta was a powerful alliance of sheep ranchers in medieval Castile, who controlled the cañadas: the traditional rights of way for migrating sheep. To this day the cañadas are protected from being blocked or built upon, a reminder of ancient rights and a model of coexistence with nature. This modern range, from the fashionable DO Uclés in central Castile, offers wines of great purity and varietal typicity.A versatile wine which accompanies spicy dishes perfectly, Asian curries, seafood risotto or a light salad with grilled prawns. Rosé wines are in fashion not just in the summer but also throughout the year, and this beautiful Mesta Rosé is a serious contender in the Rosé world. Especially at this price!!! -
Palacio del Camino Real winery is located in the Najerilla Valley in Rioja. Isolated by the absence of railways and therefore the big wineries, the Najerilla Valley has maintained a tradition of small vineyards, consistently producing fruit of extraordinary freshness and quality. Palacio del Camino Real Crianza is a return to the essence of Rioja wines from the beginning of the 20th century in which Garnacha was the protagonist and a small percentage of white grapes could also be found. They are fresh, elegant, round and friendly wines. Palacio del Camino Real Crianza, is a red wine with an attractive ruby red color that impresses with its complex nose in which the nuances of its aging are perfectly integrated with the freshness and intensity of its chosen grapes. In the mouth it is a wine, it is a fresh, friendly, balanced wine with a long aftertaste. -
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. -
Producing quality wines since 1920, Pegos Claros Estate Farm was responsible in the 90s for the production of wines which became national and international references of the best wines produced as DOC Palmela. Harvesting done manually followed by fermentation with traditional foot treading in open “lagar”, oak ageing and exclusively from old vines. Produced from autochthonous red grapes of Castelão from Palmela Region, Pegos Claros Reserva is a red wine that reveals itself with defined maturity, with well-marked black fruits aromas in its aromatic bouquet, balsamic notes, and spices. It is a complex red wine with good acidity and a very elegant structure. Pairs well with grilled meat and roasted fish and meat. -
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The Region of Rias Baixas is located in Galicia, Spain. All of their coast is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean giving huge impact on it's climatic characteristics, being very humid and fresh comparing to other parts of Spain. These conditions are perfect for a native grape of this northern area of the Iberian Peninsula(in Portugal is known as Alvarinho, mainly used for Vinho Verde), to thrive and deliver a fantastic wine. The Viña Almirante winery it's one of the most influential Bodegas in the region, whom had the foresight to start producing this grape over 70 years ago in the area of Val do Salnés. It's name(Pionero), comes from this vision ahead of their time producing this energetic and intense wine. With Jose Estevez at its helm, he drove sales up by focusing on the international market. The story of Viña Almirante begins with Jose’s grandfather, who owned a farm in Cuba which was taken by Crasto after the revolution. The grandfather and his son fled to Spain in the 1960s. Jose grew up in Rias Baixas and though working as a labor lawyer, always loved the farm and was a very talented home winemaker for years. So talented that people kept telling him to make it his full-time vocation. In 2002, when a beautiful hillside vineyard, owned by 2 spinster sisters, came up for sale, he found a partner and bought it. This was the realization of his dream, to go back to the land stolen from his family. He said it was a scary moment to dive into this new venture but he felt propelled by his family history, his dream and his love of the land; call it fate. He now owns 35 ha of vines, all on the slopes. Jose is totally hands on, producing about 7500 cases per annum. -
There's a lovely off the beaten track mountain wilderness (salvaje means wild) to this old-vine Garnacha (aka Grenache), one of six under the the creative Vintae's Proyecto Garnachas banner that showcase the grape variety from old vineyards in different areas of the Ebro Valley in northeast Spain. Like Gamay and Zinfandel, the old vines of Grenache are a timeless wonder. They are the Clint Eastwood of vitis vinifera: gnarled by age with a tough-as-nails exterior and no sign of retirement on the horizon. What they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality: grape clusters from old-vine Grenache (think 60-100 years old) can create wines of supple fruit, spicy character and rocket-fueled energy. This one is no exception, the Salvaje vineyards lie on rocky soils at 820m above sea level, on the north face of the Moncayo massif mountain chain, where Navarra and Aragón meet and the Atlantic influence brings mouthwatering freshness and clarity to the generous raspberry, wild herb and pepper flavours this wine induces. It doesn't need food, but it's very accommodating: spot on with roast peppers, aubergine, tomatoes and onions and with spicy sausages such as chorizo. It would be equally good with roast root vegetables, slow-roast lamb or pork, baked spiced duck legs or a ham joint and would make a good barbecue all-rounder. -
Some of you may have been lucky enough to visit Italy and have seen the amazing art and the cities and villages steeped in history. Italy is, and will always be that kind of destination where everything is out of this world. The art, the cities, the food (OMG, the food) and last but by all means not least, the wine!!! Yes of course we all have had a few Italian wines that weren't up to scratch, but generally they are hard to find unless you don't read the labels or you are really at a loss with them. As per anything Italians do, their culture and often their wine are connected to their history and the Italians take great pride in this (rightfully so). Torre dei beati is a pure example of that, as it translates as “Tower of the Blessed”, and takes its lead from a section of the large 14th century fresco adorning the church of Santa Maria in Piano at the base of the town’s hillside. The fresco features an interpretation of the Judgement Day, where a tower is the final goal for souls who have reached the after-life. And so it came to pass that the team at Torre dei Beati imagined this mythical tower to symbolise all that they aim to achieve in their efforts to create a wine typical of its locale and honestly made: though the journey may be tough and at first seemingly impossible, the end more than justified the means. The winery is owned and run by husband-and-wife team Adrianna Galasso and Fausto Albanesi. Fausto’s father-in-law, Rocco, planted the first Torre dei Beati vineyard in 1972 and handed over control in 1999 to the young couple who quickly converted the estate to organic farming in 2000, long before it became the hip thing to do. Although you can find in every Irish Restaurant Montepulciano(Grape) d'Abruzzo(The Region), most of these wines are somewhat of inferior quality due to the majority of the local winemakers focusing on quantity rather than quality. Here is quite opposite, with only the best bunches are hand-picked from the Loreto Aprutino vineyard to make this elegant Montepulciano. The wine is aged for 12 months, half in 3000l Slovenian oak casks, half in second-use French oak barriques. Showing complex fruit, lightly touched by spicy oak. Full bodied yet smooth; the finely balanced tannins work well with natural minerality and measured acidity for a lingering finish. -
Imported from nearby Dalmatia, Susumaniello is one of the most important indigenous grape varieties of Brindisi. Its name (there are several theories) is due to the fact that, at a young age, in not recent times, the Susumaniello plant was particularly productive, so much so that it was overloaded with bunches as if it were a donkey. The name Verso Sud indicates the position of the vineyards, located in the southernmost area of the Ítria Valley, arriving in the province of Brindisi. Verso Sud Susumaniello has an intense ruby red color, with violet reflections when young that tend to garnet with aging, with a persistent aroma with hints of blackberry and cherry and sweet toasted notes. The flavor is soft, harmonious, long finish. Red 'Clássico', ideal to accompany red meats, roasts, game. Excellent with aged cheeses, cured meats, sauces and parmesan. A very decent and great value alternative to the more northerly Amarone style of wine. -
This lovely organic red is made from 100% Malbec (called Auxerrois in Cahors), ferments with indigenous yeasts, and ages in cement. This is a fruit-forward, easy-drinking style made for immediate consumption. And as soon as you pop a bottle, you'll see why "immediate" is the term they use. It's too tasty to wait, so enjoy it! -
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"I love you but I am thirsty" Great name that sticks to my mind with new grape varieties as a link between maritime freshness and southern exoticism. An explosive blend that gives an immediate and charming cuvée. The nose captivates with its aromas of white fruits and spices. The palate is round, full-bodied, generous. She lovingly embraces our taste buds for a tender moment of happiness and conviviality. Lovingly white, Lovingly good !! -
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The Chatelain family has worked the vineyards of Pouilly-sur-Loire since the 1630s. Today the family farm is run by Jean-Claude and Geneviève Chatelain, the 11th generation of winemakers from Domaine Chatelain. The grapes for Les Chailloux are grown on the St. Andelain Hill with its clay and siliceous soils strewn with pebbles and flint; the wine is aged ‘sur lie’ prior to bottling in the spring. Light yellow-gold; the wine is vivid, aromatic and minerally on the nose, followed by a spicy flint (silex) character on the palate. -
Five generations of traditional winemaking from the estate of Roger Champault, modern thermoregulation techniques, and carefully chosen soil matching, have produced a Cuvee that is subtle at first, like the rising of a summer breeze, building in its complexity with wispy herbal notes and abundant florals that dance across the taste buds like wind through an apple orchard. Delicate, yet so very alive. This wine drinks with a lovely, masterfully structured liveliness and sweet, concentrated finish.Thanks to its abundant fruitiness, it is suitable not only for seafood and crabs but also for more abundant fish dishes; fried salmon, pike perch etc. Also suitable for light meat, especially poultry dishes.Curious note, Sancerre Les Pierris 2008 wine was served at the wedding dinner of Princess Victoria and Daniel of Sweden. -
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The Carminucci company, with its 90 years of history, is inserted in the wonderful wine landscape of the Marche, a region that gives powerful emotions thanks to its landscapes and a geographical conformation that allows it to have very particular climatic excursions. Kissed by the Adriatic and pampered by the hills, this region, rich in native vines and wine culture, offers a wine obtained from a blend rich in charm such as Rosso Piceno, which we tasted in its "superior" version. Montepulciano, combined with Sangiovese, ages in small and large barrels to bring to the table a product with marked minerality and softness, strength and structure, always sweetened by fresh notes that make it unique in its characteristics. The color is rich in anthocyanins, the light is unable to penetrate the richness of color of this red wine, but the first impact on the nose makes it less austere than you might imagine. Ample in its aromas of red fruit and slightly spicy in sweet notes, Carminucci's Rosso Piceno is a pleasant wine from the first sip for its authenticity and balance. If you leave it in your mouth for a moment, warm Mediterranean flavors emerge combined with a pleasant note of licorice, a balanced alcohol that has a strong but never invasive structure. Its harmony is given by the set of sensations and gustatory touches, a frank and very balanced wine, it combines the sapidity of the area with an acidity that leads it to be a long-lived wine with excellent resistance over time. Excellent with red meats or game. -
Pecorino We will play with the Flowers of Torre dei Beati born in the vineyards located on the hills at the foot of the Gran Sasso, in the heart of the Abruzzo region.It is produced exclusively with Pecorino grapes, recently recovered in Italy as an ancient grape. The Pecorino is a native vine of poor productivity and great enological interest, which is deserving the attention of the fans. Torre dei Beati uses traditional and non-intrusive winemaking techniques. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, the wine ages in steel before being bottled. It is characterized by a straw yellow color with golden reflections. The nose is fine and elegant, with hints of pear and white flowers, rounded by pleasant honeyed notes and hints of medicinal herbs. On the palate it is soft and with an excellent balance between alcohol, acidity and minerality. The wine has a long lasting and stimulating finish. Perfect to accompany aperitifs, appetizers and fish dishes, it is ideal in combination with white meats and first courses. -
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Since 1864, five generations of the Fenocchio family have been producing wine in the heart of Barolo - most of them born in the same yellow house in Monforte d’Alba, at the top of a hillside covered in Nebbiolo grapes. Claudio Fenocchio took upon his father teachings and instead of modernazing the Barolo winemaking techniques, he and with the support of his brothers decided to keep the tradition and build on it. Fenocchio has not taken up organic or biodynamic farming methods but, on the other hand, the estate never took to chemical fertilisers or herbicides, so diverse ground cover and natural predators protect the vines, which grow at their own pace. And in the winery, fermentation is similarly driven by nature and the local microflora. Technically, Claudio has found a way of producing wines which have approachable fruit when young, yet built around a strong tannic structure which does not overwhelm early on, but encourages the development of the wine over years. It is partly due to some green harvesting and careful selection, partly due to enzymatic reaction (ironically) during the long fermentation, which melds the fruit and tannin seamlessly. Barolos are aged for five months in stainless Slovenian oak and a further year in the bottle before release. steel, two years in Slovenian oak and a further year in the bottle before release. More than defining itself as traditional or modern Barolo, Giacomo Fenocchio wine is an expression of terroir. -
Waltraud is made with the best harvests of Riesling, which is one of the most highly prized aromatic varieties - and rightly so given that it is capable of producing such an elegantly sublime and magnificently fruity wine as this. Waltraud Maczassek, of German nationality, put down roots in the Penedès region when she married Miguel A. Torres. That's why he decided to make a wine in her honour, using German varieties but planted in the Upper Penedes. The wine has a luminous gold color. On the nose reminiscent of orange blossom, jasmine, quince and pineapple. Elegant, firm-bodied and silky, with echoes of spice bread on the finish. Pairs beautifully with oysters and shellfish. Sublime in combination with fish, rice dishes, pasta with mariniere sauce, duck in sweet sauce. -
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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. -
Le Naturel lives up to its name, it is a wine in which the Garnacha is expressed with great openness. On the nose aromas of blackberries and violets appear, while in the mouth it has a good attack of fresh fruit, typical of high altitude vineyards.It is a natural wine, without added sulfites, which also has the certificate of organic and vegan wine. With the aim of minimal intervention (in the field and in the winery) we found in Bodegas Aroa - Le Naturel a specimen of pure and enjoyable Grenache. Specially designed for consumption soon it is open and not for storage. Bodegas Aroa (Vintae group) is located in Zurucuáin, in the heart of the Yerri Valley , sheltered by the Urbasa and Andía Sierras. This winery is one of the pioneers in Navarra in its commitment to the recovery of organic farming practices . -
Pazo das Bruxas is a wine that pays homages to the folklore and nature of Galicia, a land of immense forests inhabited by mystic and magical beings like the Galician witches who lived in old country houses (pazos) where they would connect with nature through dances and spells to obtain the best fruits from it. Just like the albariño stock that gives life to Pazo das Bruxas. It is made by the local and most representative variety of Rías Baixas region; Albariño. It is an intensely aromatic wine displaying distinctive fruit notes (green apple and lemon peel) with clean undertones of hay. The perfect choice as an aperitif or to pair with raw, cooked or grilled seafood. -
Lomba dos Ares is a Spanish take on Beaujolais, a blend of native grapes - Mencía, Mouratón, Garnacha Tintorera, Caiño and Bastardo - that captures the essence of Ribeira Sacra with a perfumed nose and plenty of freshness and finesse on the palate. It's not surprising that beautiful places like this produce soulful wines. Red fruits, orange peel, violets and cedar come in layers making this delicious to sip solo but also very versatile with charcuterie, roasted vegetable or pork dishes. -
“El Recio translates as 'tough guy' and it's a clue to the style of this Tempranillo from Spain's Toro region. Made from old vines, cultivated biodynamically, the wine matures in new French oak for 14 months, giving it polish and opulence. Firm, sweet black fruit, almost fruit cake in character, with earthy and coffee notes. The guy in the picture must be a meat-eater – this wine is crying out for a juicy steak -
Bardos Romantica is a red wine from Ribera del Duero, produced by Bodegas Bardos, belonging to the Vintae Group, which are known to produce wines in twelve different Spanish regions, such as the Hacienda López from Haro. Made from 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo). The grapes come from a rigorous selection of low yielding old vines located in the highlands of the central plateau in Onesimus Quintanilla (Valladolid). The grapes, once collected, are transported to the winery in boxes of 15 kilos and small trailers. Here a selection of bunches is made on tables. Subsequent fermentation and maceration is carried out in vats at a temperature of 28ªC for 3 or 4 weeks. Once fermented and macerated, Bardos Romantica undergoes a malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, with a weekly beating and strict control of each barrel. Finally, Bardos Romantica is aged for 14 months in barrels of one and two years in French oak, located in underground cellars where the temperature is maintained throughout the year at around 14ºC. Bardos Romantica is a soft and original wine. After all the technicalities all I can say is a great wine, enjoy it, share it! -
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. -
Delightful and easy to drink , made from a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties. The vineyards are located in the Lisbon area. Due to its location close to the coast, the alcohol percentage is quite low. Fruity and aromatic, a true crowd pleaser and a summer hit. Go well with light dishes -
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. -
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. -
Black Rock is part of the Bronco Wine Company, which was formed in 1973 by Fred, Joseph and John Franzia. Since the start, they have been clear that the goal is to make wines for consumption, rather than for storage. At the same time, the quality must be as high as possible, at the lowest possible price. The name Bronco is a merger of brother and cousin after the brothers Fred and Joseph and their cousin John. Attractive tones of tropical fruit and a slightly spicy vanilla tone. Elegant and medium-bodied, with a nice balance and long aftertaste. Serve around 12 -14 ° C with chicken satay, or other dishes on white meat, a spicy stir-fry with noodles, fish or salad. Enjoy -
Black Rock is part of the Bronco Wine Company, which was formed in 1973 by Fred, Joseph and John Franzia. Since the start, they have been clear that the goal is to make wines for consumption, rather than for storage. At the same time, the quality must be as high as possible, at the lowest possible price. The name Bronco is a merger of brother and cousin after the brothers Fred and Joseph and their cousin John. Great aromas of red berries and fruit, with a touch of herbaceousness. Full-bodied, with healthy fruit tones, well-balanced tannins and a subtle hint of oak. Serve around 16-18 ° C as a perfect complement to grilled lamb chops, or to dishes on game or beef. Also nice for a cheese platter, with not too strong cheeses. -
Broc Cellars is an organic urban winery located in Berkeley, California. The owner/winemaker is Chris Brockway, a minimalist who produces the most natural wines he can. Grapes are sourced only from sustainably, organically, or biodynamically-farmed old vine vineyards. Fruit all comes from Green valley in Solano County right on the eastern edge of Napa Valley. Grapes are pitchforked whole-cluster into the fermenters, and fermentation is allowed to happen spontaneously in a blend of old wood barrels, steel tanks, and concrete. All wines are basket pressed with little/no sulphur used until bottling.. An extremely pretty and approachable red that has a fruity, floral nose, a fresh, light palate with a serious finish. Interesting Cabernet Franc approach, so easy to drink that is almost gulpable. Unusual but a must try, definitely one of our favourites -
The Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2021 shows intense purple hues with lively aromas of fresh plums, mulberries and allspice, followed by a meaty undertone. The palate displays an inherent earthy touch, with flavours of crimson beetroot and maraschino cherries. Wonderful coherent balance between the fruit and the fresh acidity, with muscular support from the tightly woven tannin structure. -
Blaufränkisch equals Austria. It is one of those typical, local, emerging grapes that have put Austria on the international wine market in recent years. Spicy nose with notes of ripe fruit such as currants and blackberries. The tannins are soft but present enough to structure the wine.All combines in a high-quality example of typical Blaufränkisch. -
The El Bandito The Dark Side 2017 by Testalonga comes from Shiraz vineyards from the early 2000s - the vines are still in full bloom, but thanks to the low yield, they are already delivering phenolic grapes. The vineyards are cultivated by Craig with no herbicites, pesticides or fungicites. He also does without artificial irrigation. These measures alone have a positive effect on the quality of the grapes and keep the yield low. After hand-picking, the grapes are fermented spontaneously with the vineyard's own yeast and matured in 3000l wooden barrels. After expansion, it is neither fined nor filtered and filled with minimal sulfur. The Testalonga El Bandito The Dark Side has a deep dark color with a black core. It smells of red berries and dark stone fruits, of cloves, mocha and cocoa beans as well as tart spiciness. On the palate it has a present tannin and a fine interplay of acids. In terms of alcohol, the Shiraz is quite slim and straight, but still brings a weighty body into play. The finish is long and dominated by the heavier aromas. The El Bandito The Dark Side Shiraz demands air, so give it a few hours in the carafe before serving it slightly chilled from large glasses with roasted game, braised lamb or an oven-baked bean stew with roasted butter crumbs and thyme. -
Miguel Torres Cordillera Carignan is a 100% Carignan, sourced from old, dry vineyard in the Maule Valley. Miguel Torres acquired a small winery in Curicó, in the Chilean central valley, in 1979. It was the first foreign company to back Chilean vineyard production. The excellent climate conditions for cultivating grapevines, with great temperature differences between night and day and lands are free of the grape phylloxera, have contributed to the fact that sublime wines are being made in lands from where one can view the greatness of the Andes, crowned by snow and a noble beauty. As of 2010 Miguel Torres Chile is directed by Miguel Torres Maczassek, a fifth generation Torres winemaker who moved to Chile with his family in order to maintain the tradition and passion for winemaking that the Torres family has demonstrated for over a hundred years. Some of the Carignan vines in the Maule Valley from which this wine is made are up to 80 years old and are some of the world’s oldest. Opaque, intense ruby red color. Floral and fruit aromas with toasty oak imparted undertones. The palate is big and unfolds beautifully. Here the notes perceived on the nose are complemented by hints of bay leaf and mint. Ideal with patés, duck confit, rice with meat or vegetables, roast or barbecued beef, ragouts and beef stews. -
Founded in 1919, Domaine Papagiannakos is located in the Attica region of Central Greece, just 18 miles from Athens. Today, the winery is run by the 3rd generation, Vassilis Papagiannakos, who has issued a new era of modern winemaking while still maintaining the family’s dedication to cultivating and preserving the region’s most famous indigenous grape, Savatiano( We have this one in stock too!). The winery produces a small amount of red wine, showcasing both the indigenous Agioritiko as well as international varietals such Cabernet Sauvignon in this case. Agiorgitiko is a historical variety with a great genetic variation. The vineyards used for the Papagiannakos Erythros are located in southeastern Attica at an altitude of 360 feet. The vineyard is relatively young, with an average of 20-years-old, and has a north-facing exposure. The vineyard is farmed without irrigation, resulting in low-yielding vines that produce grapes with rich, concentrated fruit flavours. The structure of this red wine makes it an ideal pairing for a variety of red meat dishes, as well as hard cheeses. -
Seven years in the making, Chateau Musar Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault from vineyards near the Bekaa Valley villages of Aana and Kefraya on gravelly soils over limestone. Planted from the 1930s onwards, yields are low from these mature bushvines (average age: 40 years):. The varietal components are brought together two years after the harvest; the resulting blend is then placed back in cement tanks before being bottled 12 months later. After 4 years’ bottle maturation in the deep stone cellars of Chateau Musar, the finished wines are released a full seven years after the harvest. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, Chateau Musar Reds are suitable for vegans; they’re also richly-textured and likely to ‘throw a crust’. This is a common feature of most fine wines and is especially true of Musar Red vintages over a decade old. Ideally, bottles should be standing up the night before opening to allow the sediment to settle. After careful decanting (and discarding of sediment, usually in the last centimetre of the bottle) the wine should be allowed to breathe for an hour and served at 18°C with roasts, grills (especially lamb), casseroles, game, and mature cheeses. One of my favourite wines and at somewhate affordable price. -
Aromatically very complex, it presents strong sensations of red fruits, jam and vanilla. Equally complex in the tasting, it evolutes to smooth velvety notes of red and ripe fruits, chocolate and oak ageing. Persistent and well-balanced aftertaste with tannins that evidence the structure of the wine and its longevity. Enjoy the Palha-Canas Tinto with hearty dishes from pork and beef, lamb and game. In addition, the wine goes perfectly with soft and hard cheese. You would have to stand on the terrace of the estate to understand why it is called Boavista (“fine view”). Your gaze would naturally wander over the vineyards which slope down into the valley in front of the house and then meet two hills on the opposite side where the lines of vines form an exciting geometrical pattern. It is a fine view indeed, this sight of the vineyards of Boavista. The Quinta de Boavista is situated right in the middle of the hills of the Estremadura wine-growing region, about fifty kilometres north of Lisbon. The close proximity of the nearby ocean provides for humidity and wind. The soil composition is a sandy clay. It is full of fossilized ocean deposits and right in front of the estate big petrified bones of a saurian were found which now adorn the terrace. The land has been owned for generations by the family of José Luis Oliveira da Silva. He is a banker by profession. For some years now he has focussed on wine-growing. He modernised the wine cellar, bought new barrels and recruited an able oenologist. He was among the first in Portugal who produced varietal wines from autochthonous grapes. The results are very exciting. The white Fernao Pires is a wine with attractive fruit aromas and with a distinct mineral note, the red Castelao and the red Tinta Roriz are wines that have concentration and a complex personality. This new generation of Portuguese wines gives you offhand inspiration. -
Combel La Serre has been certified organic since 2013, though farmed without chemicals for several decades up to that point. 100% Malbec (known in Cahors as Auxerrois). The vines are 40 years old, grown on clay and limestone soils at an elevation of 320m. Fermentation and aging take place in small tanks."The Splendid Antidote to the Heat of the Causse" is the amusing and appropriate name of this refreshing rosé. (The Causse is the high limestone plateau around Cahors, which gets brutally hot in the summer.) The wine shows a pretty pink/orange color and aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and cassis with citrus and spice. There are creamy cassis, raspberry and citrus flavors on the palate which shows lovely ripeness and density, with hints of orange peel, earth, smoke and brown spice that continue in the long finish. This is quite delicious and a great value - as are all the wines from Jean-Pierre and Julien Ilbert at Combel-la-Serre. Great Value
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