Red Wine Tasca D’Almerita Sicilia Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero D’Avola 2018. Set in the rolling hills of the lower Madonie mountains in the heart of Sicily , the Regaleali estate has helped put the island on the map for quality terroir-driven wines. The property was purchased in 1830 by brothers Lucio and Carmelo Mastrogiovanni Tasca, two pioneering innovators who modernised and reinvigorated the farm by bringing advanced agricultural technology and new ideas to the isolated Sicilian countryside. Many generations later the Tasca family is still closely involved with the winery and continues that forward-thinking philosophy by focusing on sustainable viticultural practices and use of indigenous grape varieties like this stunning Nero D’Avola. Made in a fruit-forward style, this delicious red takes its name from the Sicilian word for love” which is behind all of the hard work that goes into making this bottle. On the nose there are enchanting notes of ripe plums, cherries and cassis as well as hints of cigar box from the 12 months of ageing in French oak. The first sip reveals a full body and well-defined tannins which will respond gracefully to another few years of bottle ageing. Alternatively it’s a great wine to enjoy now with a hearty tomato-based pasta dish or even with pizza.
2018
Red Wine Tasca D’Almerita Sicilia Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero D’Avola 2018
Red Wine Catena Zapata DV Catena Tinto Historico 2018. The Catenas are easily Argentina’s most respected winemaking family. Today the estate is in the hands of the fourth generation represented by Laura Catena who has spent decades studying the potential of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards with her father, Nicholas Catena Zapata. This special red has particular significance for the family since it honours Laura’s grandfather, Don Domingo, who became famous in Buenos Aires in the 1930s for his full bodied red wines which were sold in the chic city’s French-style bistros. This big and bold red blend is composed of elegant Malbec from the high altitude Uco Valley, Bonarda which adds red fruit character, and spicy Petit Verdot which adds complexity and structure. Fruit is sourced from two of the Catenas’ famous vineyards, the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary and El Cepillo, as well as the Angelica Vineyard and La Vendimia. The young wine is aged for 12-14 months in French oak before bottling. Luscious cassis, black plums and ripe cherries define the nose while the first sip reveals a well-built structure, intense dark fruit flavours and a spicy finish with hints of black pepper and coffee. This is a fantastic red to enjoy now with steak or to cellar for a few more years.
2018
Red Wine Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018. Named after the vigorous wild bushes found all over the Tenuta Sette Ponti estate, this classic Super Tuscan-style red is a careful composition of the noble Sangiovese grape along with a dash of famous international varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate’s vines are grown on Tuscany’s unique galestro limestone as well as well-draining sand and clay soils which help to give a distinctive finesse and grace to the wine. After careful hand-harvesting, the grape must is macerated and fermented for 20 days to extract the elegant flavours and aromas of this signature Italian variety. Following the temperature-controlled vinification process the wine is matured in French oak barrels for 14 months before it is ready for release. The result is a very approachable Sangiovese which exudes evocative aromas of rich red cherries, wild berries and dried Mediterranean herbs. On the palate the medium body and smooth tannins combine harmoniously with the luscious cherry liqueur, vanilla spice and underlying earthy character. Like many Italian bottles this is a highly gastronomic wine which makes a fine match for dishes like slow-cooked rabbit, pork chops or hearty winter stews thanks to the bright acidity and ripe fruity flavours.
2018