PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Riserva Paje, Barbaresco DOCG

As famed Spanish wine expert John Radford wrote in Decanter, the tiny enclave of Campo de Borja is “the source of some of the best value wines from Spain, if not the world”. It’s true. Where else could you find such a mellow, complex, oak aged red at this price? It’s made by our old friend Pamela Geddes (who also makes our bestselling Monasterio de Santa Cruz) at the 500 year old Bodegas Ruberte. 60% of the wine is Garnacha from vines planted in 1958. They’re not as prolific these days but the intensity of flavour in the grapes is impressive. The balance is Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds classic cassis character and structure to the spicy raspberry Garnacha. A rich and fragrant Spanish red best enjoyed with rustic lamb dishes.

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.

Pasquale Pelissero is a small, family-run winery that originated in a garage under the guidance of "Papa" Pasquale, a trailblazing figure in Neive known for being among the first to independently bottle and market his wines. Despite being a traditionalist, Pasquale remained receptive to new winemaking and cellar management methods. The vineyards are highly esteemed, often attracting visits from fellow producers in the region. Nestled near the summit of Bricco San Giuliano hill, the cellar is entirely enveloped by Pelissero vineyards. Following Pasquale's passing in 2007, his daughter Ornella has admirably upheld the family's legacy, managing all aspects of the vineyards and cellar, with her only innovation being the acquisition of a temperature-controlled fermentation tank. Their Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco originates from an 8-hectare plot situated approximately 400 meters above sea level and undergoes exclusive aging in large casks, while the Dolcetto, characterized by its plum notes and intriguing hints of flint and smoke, matures in stainless steel. Situated in the historically significant and picturesque Neive, the winery's annual output totals around 15,000 bottles. The estate is a proud member of "Biotipicità," a recently established consortium of Langhe producers committed to sustainable farming practices in accordance with the Italian "lotta integrata" regulation. The Pasquale Pelissero Barbera D'Alba 2021 is a pure expression of 100% Barbera grapes, cultivated in vineyards with a south-west exposure and boasting a vine age of 30 years. This wine presents a deep ruby colour with garnet hues, setting the stage for an enticing sensory experience. The aroma is characterized by ripe red fruits, cherry, blackberry, prune and a touch of black pepper, creating a captivating olfactory journey. On the palate, it reveals a medium-bodied profile with the naturally high acidity inherent to Barbera grapes, making it a versatile and food-friendly option. Additionally, the wine offers a delightful hint of sweet spicy notes, adding depth and complexity to its overall character.

The colour is light ruby red with garnet reflections, it smells fine with scent of cherries, wild berry fruits, violet and spicy hints, dry and fresh, with good body and agreeable tannins and spicy hints in flavour. When young it is excellent with rich flavoured dishes, especially the traditional specialities of Tuscan cuisine.

Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. Complex bouquet with lots of red fruits. Full bodied, soft, quite tannic and harmonious. Ready to drink. Excellent with rich first courses, red meat, game and medium seasoned cheeses.

Ruby red colour with violet dark hints. Intense, complex, fruity aroma, with notes of small red fruits, cherries and blackberries. Velvety and soft texture, warm and quite tannic. with long persistence. Excellent with savory pasta dishes, lamb, game with rich sauces, seasoned cheeses.

Garnet red. Intense and persistent, fruity with a winy note and wood flavour. A medium bodied wine, goodmtannins, balanced and ready to drink. Excellent with all the typical courses of Italian traditional cooking, with meat and baked fish.

Nero Davola is one of Italy’s most important indigenous red varieties. Named after its historic birthplace around the town of Avola in southeastern Sicily, it is most widely planted in Sicily and accounts for the largest share of red wines produced on the island. Today Nero Davola is the primary grape used in the majority of Sicily’s best red wines. Colour - Deep red colour. Bouquet - Multiple aromas on the nose, especially notes of black cherry, spice and liquorice. Flavour - A lively personality with soft, long lasting tannins. Food Pairing - The high acidity that characterizes Nero. Davola means it will work well with any of your favourite tomato based recipes. For the lighter styles think grilled fish and light meats in Mediterranean style dishes.