SPRLEA01
£15.75
From the desk of the boss himself:-
Trawling round wine trade tastings can, on occasion, be a somewhat dispiriting experience. Kissing frog after frog in search of the odd princess does start to wear you down after a while so catching up with Gabriel and Alberto Sanchis Mestre was a welcome relief last week after I’d had my fill of very average Rioja., transforming their family wine business to one focused on bottling their own wines from the local, traditional varieties. Situated near Ontinyent – a town mid-way between Valencia and Murcia, and 50km from the coast - they craft authentic wines with a modern profile from old Monastrell, Merseguera and Bonicaire vineyards that they have rejuvenated. 100% Monastrell (Mourvedre), this is packed with dark plum and blueberry fruit flavours together with well-integrated oak. I’m thinking properly hearty casseroles or game…
£30.00
The name of this unusual Bourgogne Pinot Noir refers to the latitude of Burgundy, and it is a blend of out best Bourgogne Rouge, Cote de Nuits Village, Marsannay and Vosne-Romanee.
Maison Marchand-Tawse£33.50
The name of this unusual Bourgogne Pinot Noir refers to the latitude of Burgundy, and it is a blend of out best Bourgogne Rouge, Cote de Nuits Village, Marsannay and Vosne-Romanee.
Maison Marchand-Tawse£27.30
Modest and passionate about his vineyards, Abel and his wife Maite have been making understated wines in San Vicente since 1988.
Lying in the shadow of the Sierra Cantabria, Abel has vineyards in the finest parts of the Alavesa. His knowledge and understanding of the soils is enthralling and to taste in his cellar can be an education on the effects different soils have in different years. He wants only to express the fruit and the soil and unlike many Riojans, he leaves it more or less at that. He does not want to stamp the wines with any particular style or mark of his own other than his respect for the very natural quality of the grapes and for the magical places that they were grown.
Cherry red, purple and traces of violet. Subtle notes of cocoa, liquorice, and balsamic. It enters the mouth dry and structured.
£43.80
Modest and passionate about his vineyards, Abel and his wife Maite have been making understated wines in San Vicente since 1988.
Lying in the shadow of the Sierra Cantabria, Abel has vineyards in the finest parts of the Alavesa. His knowledge and understanding of the soils is enthralling and to taste in his cellar can be an education on the effects different soils have in different years. He wants only to express the fruit and the soil and unlike many Riojans, he leaves it more or less at that. He does not want to stamp the wines with any particular style or mark of his own other than his respect for the very natural quality of the grapes and for the magical places that they were grown.
A very classy and compelling wine. Deeply coloured with a pure, intense bouquet of crushed fruits, spice and oak. Elegant oak aging enhances the wine’s complexity and class.