Red Wine Anselmo Mendes Pardusco Private Vinho Verde Tinto 2017. Anselmo Mendes grew up in Monção in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region which is known for its stunning Alvarinho grapes. Over the years Anselmo has gained a reputation for being one of Portugal’s top winemakers and currently consults for many of the country’s leading wineries. He also crafts his own wines with the help of his wife, brother and son in Minho close to the border with Spain. As well as creating a diverse range of Alvarinho white wines, Anselmo works with black grape varieties to craft tiny quantity of small batch red wines. This exceptional red is composed of Alvarelhão, Pedral, Alvarinho grapes sourced from the Vinho Verde region which are carefully harvested by hand and transported to the winery as quickly as possible to maintain quality. Once in the winery the grapes are destemmed and pressed before being fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The use of neutral tanks helps to preserve the freshness and aromatics of the grapes. The young wine is then aged in used French oak barrels for 24 months followed by another 12 months of ageing in the bottle. The result is a perfectly-balanced red which combines rich dark fruit and floral hints with mineral notes, refined tannins and a medium body.
2017
Red Wine Anselmo Mendes Pardusco Private Vinho Verde Tinto 2017
Red Wine San Lorenzo Antares Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017. The historic San Lorenzo winery was founded in 1890 and over the past three generations of the Crognaletti family it has flourished and grown to become the largest family-run winery in Teramo province in the central Italian region of Abruzzo. The family’s 150 hectares are situated just 20km from the striking 3000 metre tall Grand Sasso mountain and 20km from the sea. This setting on gently rolling hills ensures that the grapes achieve optimal ripeness while retaining freshness and aromatics. The Antares is a prime example of the potential of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grape variety. Current owner and winemaker Natalino Crognaletti insists on farming the land organically and biodynamically to get the very best from his vineyards. Following the harvest the grapes destined for this wine are fermented and macerated for up to 20 days. The young wine is then transferred to large French oak barrels for 12 months of maturation. On the nose this charming wine opens with hints of mulberry, dark plum, and sweet spice, while the first sip reveals bold berry notes, a full body, smooth tannins, and a long finish. The subtle oaky touches and ripe fruit flavours make this a good match for aged cheeses, barbecued meats, and seasonal game.
2017
Red Wine Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2017. No need to decant, may benefit from airing in the glass for 30 minutes. Argiano is one of the Montalcino region’s most prestigious estates, producing wine for over four centuries. Naturally, it has passed through many owners in that time, before finding itself in the capable hands of Bernardino Sani, who has signed off on the wines since 2015. This level of prestige does not come without responsibility. Argiano maintains a strong respect for nature, allowing the land to express itself through the fruit. The estate practices fully organic methods and became the first Montalcino company to go entirely plastic-free, in 2019. Argiano have racked up countless awards, most notably, in recent years, for its Brunellos. Broad and flavourful yet focused, complex yet still elegant, this Brunello di Montalcino is born from the best tracts of Sangiovese in Argiano, some of which are up to 55 years old. Woodland berries and rich red fruit come to the front, with hints of oak, leather, and the subtle zip of menthol. Tannins are well-rounded, yet provide a backbone of acidity. This dry vintage has received multiple 90+ ratings from top critics and is excellent for aging. Best enjoyed with some heavy gamey meat or a potent cheese.
2017