Three Lions Pinot Noir, Plantagenet
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Cataldi Madonna – Organic
One of Abruzzo’s top producers, Cataldi Madonna makes wines with great balance; the grapes and vineyards are allowed to express themselves without layers of oak. This Montepulciano is refreshingly medium-bodied, deliciously palatable and very moreish. It will complement your meal rather than dominate it – a quality I always look for in great wine.
Great with charcuterie, herby lamb, meaty pasta dishes and hard sheep cheeses such as Spenwood.
Opposites Attract, The Liberator
Beaujolais Villages, Dominique Morel
Dominique Morel of Domaine Gry-Sablon makes deliciously juicy wines from vineyards in and around Fleurie. This is light and fresh but with loads of delicious red fruit flavours and just a hint of savouriness to help it along with food. The perfect wine for a cheese and charcuterie selection; it doesn’t take itself too seriously but has that all-important deliciousness with makes you want to go back for another mouthful (again and again…).
Vinha Grande Tinto, Casa Ferreirinha
Founded in 1952, with the production of the first ever vintage of Barca-Velha, Casa Ferreirinha pioneered the quality revolution in Douro still wines and was the first producer in the region dedicated entirely to producing still table wine, rather than Port.Vinha Grande is the second oldest wine of the Douro Valley (after Barca Velha) and its heritage is noticeable in every sip. An elegant, complex wine with the structure of a fine Bordeaux exhibiting flavours of blackcurrant, leather and subtle oak spice.
Papa Figos, Ferreirinha
35% Tinta Roriz , 30% Tinta Barroca, 20% Touriga Franca, 15% Touriga Nacional
This historic producer, founded 1952, was the first in the Douro dedicated to producing light wines rather than Fortified wines. They make some great examples of the Douro at prices that are truly great value.
A modern example of Douro light wine showcasing the fresh, vibrant fruit and fine, balanced structure that can be achieved with careful grape selection from some of the finest vineyards in the region. A great wine to have in the house; everyone will love it and great to open any time you just fancy a 'nice glass of red'.
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.
Chateau Bellecroix
Château Bellecroix has a long and rich history dating back to the late 1800's. It was purchased in the 1970’s by owner of Château Haut Calens, Albert Yung. Albert has since embarked upon a programme of modernising the entire estate, replanting the vineyards and rebuilding the winery and cellars. Located on the right bank of the Garonne, the clay and gravel soils are ideal for growing Merlot and Cabernet. The 35 acres of vines average 25 years of age and yield healthy, richly flavoured grapes. This wine from the superb 2015 vintage is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a silky-textured, medium bodied Bordeaux with blackcurrants, black cherry, violets and a hint of Cedar box. Finely balanced by lively acidity and smooth tannins.Great value Claret! Goes with roast beef and lamb of course...