Red Wine Casarena Naoki’s Vineyard Malbec 2019. Decant for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Casarena winery lies under the shadow of the Andes, in the scenic sub-region of Perdriel. The winery specialises in single-vineyard wines, crafting a refined and incredibly high-quality range from just four vineyards. Some of the oldest vineyards in Mendoza can be found in Perdriel. Casarena also owns vineyards in Agrelo, a famous sub-region to the south – this is where Naoki’s Vineyard is located. Due to its calcium-rich soil, which in some parts has cemented together, the land underneath this vineyard was previously considered an implausible area to grow grapes. However, thanks to the attention and toil of Casarena’s soil expert Pablo Ceverino and lead wine-maker Martina Galeano, Naoki’s Vineyard now yields this delicious, dry Malbec. Completely crafted from Argentina’s trademark grape, this Malbec is a hypnotising deep burgundy. It shows characteristic notes of red fruit and plum on the nose along with a mineral edge that comes from the calcium-rich soil of Naoki Vineyard. The grapes were harvested by hand and aged in French oak barrels for a year. In the mouth, a harmonious bundle of black fruits mixes with spice, vanilla, and elegant tannins. It has a persistent, savoury finish. This wine will pair perfectly with a steak, in classic Argentinian style.
2019
Red Wine Casarena Naoki’s Vineyard Malbec 2019
Red Wine Manincor Cassiano 2019. Decanting time: will benefit from decanting. With a dedication to biodiversity and quality, this Northern Italian Red will please both environmental philosophers and wine enthusiasts alike. The rich soils of the region where the Manincor estate is located make for an ideal foundation and the method of crushing each batch separately is an indication of the level of attention mirrored in every stages of the process. The assorted blend of grapes result in a full, cherry red brightly catches one’s eye and carries through to the nose where the scent of ripened cherries is harmoniously intermixed with wild herbs and licorice. With a dry palate, the tannins are ripe, yet pleasingly smooth as a result of the malolactic fermentation, a secondary process in the fermentation that leads to a reduced acidity. The initial aromatic and flavourful experience carries with consistent energy to a well-balanced mouthfeel as well as a light and scentful finish with refreshing notes of fresh herbs. This delightful Italian Red is best paired with piquant hard cheeses, a variety of well-seasoned meats as well as game or venison. For the loyal devotee, it is best served in a medium-large Bordeaux glass in order to fully experience the elegance and finesse this wine has to offer.
2019
Red Wine Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico Riserva 2019. Decant 1 hour. Rich ruby in colour, the aromas of cherry, strawberry, citrus and hints of liquorice and tobacco are prominent with a hint of vanilla. The flavours of ripe black fruit, cherry and leather mingle with great acidity, silky tannins all perfectly balanced in this full bodied wine. The finish is long and lingering with a touch of spice at the end. Will match fantastically with rich beef stew, pasta with meat or sausage sauce, ham, salami or roast beef. The hand harvested grapes from a single vineyard are vinified in steel vats for between 18 and 25 days prior to being aged in new oak for 12 months. There is a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. No herbicides, pesticides or chemicals of any nature are used in Castellarre’s wines which makes them even more desirable. The yields from this vineyard are well below the maximum yields allowed for its DOCG status, which further drives up the quality of the resulting wines. Castellare di Castellina is situated in Castellina in Chianti. It comprises of 33 hectares that are growing in an amphitheatre that is south east facing. The altitude of 1000 feet above sea level has a cooling effect on the grapes and helps drive the quality up. The vines are relatively young (between 5 and 30 years old) and constant research is being carried out to further improve the wine. A notable point of interest – each year a different endangered bird is put on the label to reflect the company’s environmental stance.
2019