‘Hecula’ Monastrell, Castano, Yecla
Based in Yecla, Familia Castaño is known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties: Monastrell. Castaño embodies the best of what southern Spain has to offer, producing rich, warm-climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which overdeliver in terms of value year after year. Castaño began bottling characterful, single-varietal Monastrell in the 1980s, when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 80% of the family’s 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay among others.
This is a big, rich, full-bodied wine made from the Monastrell grape in the Yecla region of south west Spain. Really over-delivers for the price; so tasty! Has always been one of our favourites, and now it's certified organic! Win Win
A great steak wine, but also just one of the best all-round wines on the market. Seriously good.
The Liberator Syrah
Over the past 25 years, Richard Kelley MW (aka The Liberator!) has become one of the most respected authorities on South African wine in the UK and beyond. Between 1995 and 2002, he lived and worked in the Cape, witnessing the renaissance of the post-apartheid wine industry. Throughout this fruitful period, he established a healthy rapport with the great and the good of the local wine scene, affording him access to their distinguished cellars. These wines are often some of the most interesting, and best value, wines to come out of South Africa.
Ask Richard which wine The Francophile Syrah most resembles and he’d probably compare it to a young Crozes-Hermitage. Full of vibrant red-black fruit and with an aromatic nose reminiscent of Saint-Joseph lilies, the result is a thrilling young red that is free of the constraints and manipulated flavour profile that come with barrel-ageing. This is a very pure and naked example of the Syrah grape.
Great value and a good wine to go with most meaty dishes.
Niepoort Ruby Dum 1/2 bottle
Named after the Alice in Wonderland characters Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dee, these wines offer a great introduction to Dirk Niepoort's wines
The Ruby Dee is dark red in colour with a fresh vibrant aroma of dark fruits which follows through on the palate along with an almost mineral character, a youthful wine with good extract and great balance, offering superb "drinkability".
Ready to drink now after a meal on its own or with a selection of cheeses.
Cotes de Gascogne, Duffour Pere & Fils,
This family producer based in central Gascony (South-West France), is considered one of the best in the area. Their wines have a depth of flavour which is often lacking here; their philosophy is firmly quality over quantity! This is a blend of Colombard, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc (quite a mouthful!); It’s clean, fresh and modern in style, aromatic with a long, dry finish. Very quaffable and great value.
Monbazillac ‘Jour de Fruit’ 37.5cl, Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure
Monbazillac has a long history (known as early as the 14th century) and is one of the world’s great sweet wines; similar in style to Sauternes but usually offering better value for money. Here, Christian Roche is one of the best winemakers and his attention to detail and organic practices shine through in the wines.
Light and juicy, with the sweetness balanced by good acidity, this is a great introduction to dessert wines; perfect as an all-rounder with a cheese board or with fruit desserts.
Ortonese Sangiovese/Merlot, Caldora
This is one of my favourite sub £10 wines out there; it's such a great wine for the price.
From Puglia in the hot south of Italy, this blend really punches above its weight. The perfume and freshness of the Sangiovese meld beautifully with the soft, rich, plummy fruit of the Merlot.
Easy drinking and versatile, this is perfect as an every day red to accompany pasta and tomato dishes, pizza, as well as cured meats and hard cheeses (English Pecorino!). Smooth enough to work brilliantly at parties and functions (a step up from most wedding wines...)
Roqueterre Carignan ‘Vieilles Vignes’
Deya Steady Rollin’ Man Pale Ale 5.2%
Deya from Cheltenham are making beers that are really creating waves in the beer world...the new coolest brewery??
Anyway, this is fantastic, a really fresh and tasty Pale Ale but with a subtle savoury side that makes it that little bit more interesting than most.
Give it a go, you won't be disappointed.
