Red Wine Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso Brunello di Montalcino 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate is set in the southeastern corner of Montalcino close to the Orcia river which helps to moderate temperatures during the hot summers. The palazzo on the property was built by the Bishop of Montalcino in the 17th century. The modern story of the estate begins in 1985 when Countess Elda Ciacci gave it to her estate manager. Today the property is looked after by his two children and two grandchildren who are creating their own family legacy here. This single vineyard Brunello comes from a 11.7 hectare plot which sits at up to 360 metres of altitude and features top quality marl soils. The terroir here helps to craft elegant yet structured wines with plenty of balancing acidity and aromatics. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and glass-lined vats before being aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks. As soon as you pour out a glass of this charming Brunello you’ll notice the enticing notes of ripe cherries, leather, cedar and cinnamon from the lengthy time in oak. On the palate there is plenty of power and firm tannins balanced by acidity which gives this wine great ageing potential in the cellar. Open alongside seasonal game like venison or wild boar or keep for a decade or more in the cellar.
2017
Red Wine Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Red Wine Clos de Gat Har’el Merlot 2017. Set in Israel’s ancient Ayalon Valley where the biblical figure Joshua defeated the Five Kings, wine has been made on the Clos de Gat for at least three thousand years when the historic winepress or gat” on the property was built. The modern winery was founded by winemaker Eyal Rotem in 1998 in collaboration with Maison Sichel, a negociant based in Bordeaux. Rotem carefully studied the land on the property before starting to plant his first vineyards here, taking care to match the varieties to the soil and geological conditions. The region is widely regarded as one of Israel’s top areas for producing wine thanks to the exceptional microclimate and limestone bedrock. To preserve the natural character of the terroir and the grape variety Rotem insists on using wild yeasts for fermentation and does not fine or filter his wines. Rotem heavily prunes his Merlot vines which are used to make this wine to ensure low yields and excellent quality fruit. The young wine is fermented in specially imported French oak barrels for 14 months, creating a rich, full-flavoured red wine with smooth tannins and intense cassis, dark berry and chocolate notes.
2017
Red Wine Clos de Gat Har’el Syrah 2017. Set in the foothills of Israel’s Judean Mountains on the edge of the Ayalon Valley, Clos de Gat takes its name from the 3000 year old gat” or winepress which sits in the middle of the walled vineyard. The estate’s modern history dates back to 1998 when local winemaker Eyal Rotem teamed up with Maison Sichel, a wine merchant based in Bordeaux. The estate is blessed with thin soils over a bed of limestone and an excellent microclimate that is well suited to making quality wines. In the winery Eyal uses wild yeasts found naturally in the air and on the grape skins to produce an authentic expression of the local terroir and grape varieties. Eyal imports top quality barrels direct from France for ageing his red wines. This majestic and powerful Syrah is a product of the balmy Mediterranean climate which ensures the grapes reach optimum ripeness. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling. On the nose there are seductive cassis, black cherry and sweet spice notes while on the palate crushed dark berries, leather and cigar box flavours linger long on the tongue. A great wine to pair with roasted meats, rich stews and hard cheeses.
2017