Red Wine Luciano Arduini Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2018. It is recommended to open it one hour before service. Luciano Arduini is a family-run winery with a decades-long tradition. Priority is given to the wines of the Valpolicella appellation present in all its versions: Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, and Valpolicella Classico Fontana del Fongo. The house also produces a white wine, a Passito wine (sweet wine made from dried grapes), and a Grappa (marc brandy). This delicious Recioto della Valpolicella Classico, produced in very limited quantities (2000 bottles), comes from a blend of the classic Veronese grapes Corvina (60%), Corvinone (20%), Rondinella (15%) and Molinara (5%). The harvest takes place in the first twenty days of September. The most beautiful and healthy bunches are placed on trays paying great attention to the integrity of the berries. They are then transferred to special dry and ventilated attics, where they will rest until the winter period, losing 45% of their weight. The wine is aged in barrels for 10 months. The wine has a splendid intense ruby red color. On the nose, there are hints of black cherry jam, pomegranate, dried violet, rhubarb, walnut husk, resin. In the mouth, it shows a delicate sweetness, soft tannins, and a fruity freshness that lingers the finish. Enjoy it with red fruit tarts or chocolate cakes.
2018
Red Wine Luciano Arduini Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2018
Red Wine Man O’ War Dreadnought Syrah 2018. Set in a remote corner of Waiheke Island with a tasting room right by the beach, Man O’ War is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque wineries. The first vines were planted in 1993 and today the estate has some 150 acres spread across 76 unique sites, giving them access to a wide range of terroirs. The grapes for this wine are sourced from four prime Syrah vineyards planted on steep hillsides which are hand harvested late in the season when the fruit reaches optimum ripeness. Once in the winery the fruit is allowed to ferment naturally with wild yeasts and left to macerate on the skins for 35 days. After 18 months of ageing in oak barrels the young wine is aged for another 3 months in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling. The lengthy maturation and minimal intervention approach to winemaking craft a characterful and enigmatic Syrah that’s bursting with luscious dark fruit aromas and hints of dried herbs, leather and spice. The firm tannins, full body and long finish make this a great cuvee to keep in the cellar or enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
2018
Red Wine Man O’ War Ironclad 2018. One of New Zealand’s most beautiful wineries, Man O’ War is set in a remote corner of Waiheke Island with a tasting room just metres away from the beach. In total the estate has 150 acres of vines spread across 76 plots, many of which overlook the ocean and are cooled by regular sea breezes. Ironclad is a punchy Bordeaux-style blend crafted predominantly from Cabernet Franc and Merlot along with some Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit is sourced from steep hillside vineyards which are harvested by hand and carefully sorted once in the winery. After destemming the fruit is left to begin fermenting naturally with wild yeasts followed by 18 months of maturation in oak barrels. The result is a rich, full-bodied red that’s bursting with luscious dark fruit like cassis, black plums and blackberries as well as dried figs and raisins. The first sip reveals a generous full body supported by firm tannins, ripe dark fruit flavours and a long finish with lingering notes of woodsmoke, spice and leather. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or serve now alongside hearty pasta dishes, a ribeye steak, or earthy game dishes like venison.
2018