Red Wine Agricola Punica Montessu 2019. Decanting time: 1 hour. A surprisingly good wine, considering its origins in Sardinia, making this vineyard one of the pioneers in changing many wine critics’ perception of the potential for cultivating renowned wine from Southern Italy. This wine carries an enticing international flair, with its use of the classic grapes from Bolgheri and Bordeaux. A rich, ruby red in color. Strong, aromatic nose filled with raspberry, cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, gently delivering succulent hints of spice and leather. The flavor is consistent with the intense, fruity aromas, delivering an elegant wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel. Well-structured frame with a core of syrupy blackcurrant and black cherry. There is a lingering licorice finish with echoes of sandalwood and mocha. The Spanish Carignano is the blend’s leading grape, building the wine with tannins that are soft and elegant along with ensuring a high pH. The winery has utilized its sandy, brown soil comprised of clay and limestone to plant a variety of international grapes (Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) to be expertly balanced into the final blend each harvest. Presenting good acidity, this is a well-balanced, suave wine with fine, soft tannins that develop to become truly succulent and complex. Enjoyably long finish. The evolution of this serious wine, when decanted, is remarkable. Aged 15 months in French oak barriques. Pairs well with beef, lamb, Italian dishes, hard cheeses and winter stews.
2019
Red Wine Agricola Punica Montessu 2019
Red Wine Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2019. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before service. At the origin of the extraordinary wines of Achaval Ferrer are the legendary vineyards, planted even more than a hundred years ago at the foot of the Andes, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. Here the vines have very deep roots and a unique story to tell: they are assets to be preserved as a sort of natural monument. This is why six friends, partly from Argentina and partly from Italy, united by the same passion, have created the Bodega Achaval Ferrer. They work with low yields, minimal interventions in the cellar, and extreme respect for the environment. The resulting wines show rare elegance and complexity, and have obtained various awards. The grapes come from the best areas of the central-western region of Cuyo. Fermentation takes place in cement tanks at a controlled temperature with extensive pumping over, for better extraction. The wine ages for nine months in French oak barrels, to add body and softness. This young, powerful, and velvety wine is the perfect expression of Mendoza Malbec wine. The wine is ruby red in color. On the nose, there are fruity notes, accompanied by mineral hints. On the palate, it is soft and fresh, with fruity aromas on the finish. It is the ideal red wine to serve with tapas, cold cuts and aged cheeses, and grilled meats.
2019
Red Wine Catena Zapata Alamos Bonarda 2019. The Catena family are virtually considered royalty on Argentina’s winemaking scene thanks to Nicolas Catena Zapata and his daughter Laura who have helped put the country on the map for top quality Malbec. The family have been making wine in Mendoza since 1902, with the estate now run by Laura Catena who represents the fourth generation. As well as their visionary work with the Malbec grape, the family have also worked extensively with Bonarda. This grape is still little-known outside of Argentina but offers huge potential thanks to its easy-going nature and luscious fruit flavours. Catena Zapata sources fruit for their Alamos wines from high altitude sites in Mendoza where the cool nights and hot, sunny days produce grapes with ripe flavours and plenty of freshness and aromatics. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal typicity and the young wine is aged in French and American oak barrels for 9 months. The nose is bursting with ripe red cherry, plum and raspberry notes while the first sip reveals plenty of rich fruit, firm tannins and a well-rounded texture. The freshness and juicy fruit make this a great match for tomato-based dishes like pasta and pizza, as well as roasted duck, charcuterie and barbecued meats.
2019