Red Wine Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenere 2019. Errazuriz has been one of Chile’s top wineries ever since it was founded by Don Maximiano Errázuriz back in 1870. The estate has always been a big believer in the importance of terroir, with the founder himself proclaiming From the best land, the best wine.” Don Maximiano supposedly rode for two days on horseback from Santiago before arriving in the Aconcagua valley close to the lofty Andres Mountains where he founded the original winery. Today the estate is run by Maximiano’s descendant Eduardo Chadwick who produces a range of wines from easy-going reds to more serious bottlings which can easily rival the world’s finest wines. This approachable and delicious Carmenere is crafted from select parcels of vines in the interior of the valley which are planted on well-draining silty soils. This helps to control the vines, generating small berries that are packed with flavour. To maintain quality the fruit is all harvested by hand and sorted twice to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with 14 months of ageing in French oak barrels. The result is an elegant yet balanced red that’s bursting with black cherries, warming spices, vanilla and hints of roasted red peppers.
2019
Red Wine Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenere 2019
Red Wine Graci Etna Rosso 2019. Sicily’s Mount Etna makes some of Italy’s most distinctive wines thanks to the rich volcanic soils and elegant local grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Cappuccio. Alberto Graci began his winemaking career here in 2004 after returning to his family’s estate following a stint training as a banker in Milan. Graci took over the running of his family’s 2 hectares of vineyards and today he serves as Vice President of the Consorzio covering the Etna DOC region. Graci’s Etna Rosso is crafted from his organically-grown Nerello Mascalese grapes from younger vines planted on Etna’s north-eastern slopes. The volcanic soils help to create a light and elegant red wine with plenty of freshness and finesse. The nose opens with charming notes of bright strawberries, raspberries, and cherries complemented by dried Mediterranean herbs and subtle smoky hints. On the palate there is a refreshing acidity, medium body, and smooth tannins which make this delicious red very easy to drink. This is an ideal wine to enjoy on its own, even slightly chilled during the summer in traditional Italian style, or to accompany charcuterie, hard cheeses, and tomato-based pasta dishes.
2019
Red Wine Famille Perrin Domaine du Clos des Tourelles Gigondas 2019. No need to decant it, but best to open it half an hour before serving it. The Famille Perrin winery is the largest producer in the Rhone Valley, led by Jean-Pierre, his younger brother François, and their respective sons, who represent the fifth generation. The family has long winemaking traditions and has been producing wine since the early 1900s. Today they manage 200 hectares, including their own vines and grapes purchased from others, all dedicated to organic viticulture. The Domaine du Clos des Tourelles is located below the village of Gigondas and includes 10 hectares of vineyards planted for 80% with Grenache, small percentages of Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. The vineyard is oriented north-west and enjoys a cool micro-climate allowing late harvests. The soils are calcareous with a very particular marl-sandy matrix. This elegant Gigondas comes with deep shades of red and purple reflections, before revealing a very refined nose with subtle notes of red and black fruits, violet, licorice, and pepper. On the palate, it shows great finesse. It is powerful and silky, deep and complex, with superb flavors of blackcurrant and licorice, and a long and very elegant finish. Its power harmonizes perfectly with its fine tannins. Try it with French Cassoulet, or barbecued beef.
2019