Red Wine Ca dei Frati Ronchedone 2019. The house and cellar of Ca Dei Frati was first mentioned as early as 1782, but the modern winery dates back to 1939 when Felice Dal Cero spotted the winemaking potential of the charming Lugana region on the shores of Lake Garda. Today the estate is still in the hands of the Dal Cero family who have transformed Ca Dei Frati into Lugana’s top winery with 200 hectares of prime vineyards. Ca dei Frati specialise in crafting complex whites and unusual reds from a blend of indigenous and international grape varieties. Ronchedone is composed of Marzemino and Sangiovese along with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Ronchedone and La Tür vineyards on the south bank of Lake Garda. The wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels for 14 months. The result is a deep, richly-flavoured red with attractive crushed berry notes and hints of dried herbs on the nose. The first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins and well-rounded texture with plenty of freshness and blackberry character on the long finish. The elegant and refined flavour profile makes this a great match for classic Italian dishes such as lasagne or a hearty ragu served with fresh pasta.
2019
Red Wine Ca dei Frati Ronchedone 2019
Red Wine Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2019. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of the most famous names in France’s Southern Rhone Valley, Chateau de Beaucastel was acquired by the Perrin family in the early 1900s. The family are passionate about working in harmony with nature and passing the estate down to future generations, and they’ve been farming according to biodynamic principles since the 1970s. This magnificent cuvee is crafted from all 13 of the authorised grape varieties which are allowed under the rules of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. The fruit comes from a single plot in the northern part of the region where there’s a high percentage of Mourvedre old vines. This helps to give extra structure and power to the wine, making this an excellent choice to add to the cellar for another decade or so. Seductive dark fruit immediately bursts out of the glass, including cassis, black plum, and blackberries, along with subtle undertones of oregano, wild thyme, and cedar wood. On the palate there’s a punchy full body, robust tannins, and a solid structure which will help this wine to age beautifully into the coming years.
2019
Red Wine COS Nero Di Lupo 2019. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most widely planted grape variety and Azienda Agricola COS is one of the island’s most prestigious producers. This intense single varietal red is a delightful expression of the local terroir and the COS estate’s commitment to producing exquisite wines from organically-grown grapes and traditional winemaking techniques. After the harvest the wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts and then matured in concrete tanks to preserve the pure character of the Nero d’Avola grape. On the nose there are enchanting notes of redcurrants, plums and even hints of volcanic ash and minerality from the distinctive soils around Vittoria in south-eastern Sicily. The first sip reveals a vibrant acidity which provides balance to the ripe red berry, clove and balsamic flavours. Smooth and well-rounded in the mouth with soft tannins and a long finish, this characterful wine is an ideal partner for Italian dishes like a stone-baked pizza topped with mozzarella and tomatoes or fresh pasta served with a rich tomato sauce. It would also pair well with traditional Sicilian dishes like aubergine caponata, Pasta alla Norma made with salted ricotta or the classic baked parmigiana di melanzane.
2019