Collezione di Paolo Chianti
Baía de Tróia Castelão
From vineyards planted 2,000 years ago, this rich, dark, velvety black red is only made in the best years. One sip and will take you back in time to the first century AD where vineyards were planted to serve the ruling elite at the thriving Roman port of Troia. Here, on Portugal’s windswept Atlantic coast, the only grape that thrives in the dry, sandy soils and under 300 hours of super-hot sun a month, is local star Castelão. This small, dark-skinned grape boasts fathomless depths of flavour – if you know how to unlock it. Enter Gold-medal maestro at Portugal’s most awarded winery, Leonor Freitas – nicknamed the “Dame of Castelão”. Baía di Tróia delivers an immensely concentrated, black red – rippling with ripe plums, red berries and black fruit, laced with chocolate, spice and toasty oak. At 15.5% smooth power, it's not for the faint-hearted! A rich casserole ideal.
Dinastía Manzanos Reserva
Lobo e Falcão
Wine Spectator calls Portugal “the most exciting wine place on the planet”, with its terrific range of native grape varieties and wines that always offer standout value. The rich, mouthfilling Lobo e Falcão fits firmly in that category. It’s made at a 17th century estate owned by the Lobo de Vasconcellos family, once the location of the king’s falconry. Special barrels of wine were kept for the king when he visited. Today, talented winemaker Joana Lopes makes this red specially for us, blending Syrah with Portugal’s exciting native grapes. Previously awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Award, the 2018 has lovely intensity of flavour due to another low yield year. Generous wild berry fruit and spice with a velvet texture – a very moreish red.
La Cantera Reserva
Ognissole Organic Primitivo
Porta Rossa Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
Cascina Ca'Rossa Funsu Langhe Nebbiolo
So, what is Funsu? There’s a funny family story. Grandfather Alfonso of the Ferrio family was affectionately known as Funsu - and this wine is dedicated to his legacy. Made entirely from nebbiolo, and blended from two vineyards, the intention is to balance an elegant soft nebbiolo, with a vineyard offering more tannin structure. But, the trick is, this wine is made entirely in tank - so you can drink it young and pretty. The characters here are all about pleasure you want this weekend, not in the next century. Roses, violets and sour cherry pucker with subtle tea leaves and a slight earthiness. Bust out the truffles, the mushrooms, the hard cheese, the risotto... heck, even the rabbit ragu. The food will only get better with this delightful red.
Elderton Shiraz
Elderton is one of Australia's great Shiraz producers, year in and year out. Brimming with ripe juicy blood-plum and chocolate flavours, this is almost like Black Forest cake in a bottle!
Mitolo GAM Shiraz
Mitolo Wines is a family owned business, borne of and led by the founder and owner Frank Mitolo's vision; to create a range of wines of individuality, integrity and utmost quality. The G.A.M. is deep purple, the nose is an intense combination of smoked herbs, liquorice and blackcurrants leading to a full bodied palate with notes of cassis and cracked pepper. Premium McLaren Vale at its best.