Red Wine Fontodi Chianti Classico 2019. The Fontodi estate is widely recognised as one of Chianti’s finest thanks to a combination of well-placed vineyards and incredible care and attention to detail in the vineyard and winery. The estate has been owned by the Fontodi family since 1968 with present owner Giovanni Manetti at the helm since 1980. The estate’s 90 hectares of vines are located in the so-called conca d’oro” or golden shell” close to the charming town of Panzano, a natural amphitheatre which is famed for producing powerful yet elegant wines. Fontodi’s Chianti Classico is produced according to minimal interventionist principles in both the vineyard and winery. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks using wild yeasts which occur naturally in the winery and on the skins. The young wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for 18 months of maturation before bottling. Plums, tart cherries, leather and tobacco characterise the nose while the first sip reveals ample juicy fruit flavours, fine tannins and a bright streak of acidity. The structure is well-defined with a smooth texture and generous, lightly spiced finish. A great Chianti to add to the cellar or enjoy now with game, roasted red meats or fresh pasta served with a tomato-based sauce.
2019
Red Wine Fontodi Chianti Classico 2019
Red Wine Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Decanting is optional, up to an hour before serving. While he is best known as the director of countless classic films, including the Godfather trilogy, Francis Ford Coppola also holds a significant stake in the world of wine. In 2006, he purchased the Chateau Souverain property in Sonoma County and founded the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which has been producing hits ever since. Francis Ford Coppola is something of a wine connoisseur, having collected wine for the last 30 years.
2019
Red Wine Fraser Gallop Estate Cabernet Merlot 2019. Fraser Gallop’s 50 acres of vines enjoy a stunning setting on gentle slopes just 6km from the coast in Margaret River’s northerly Wilyabrup sub-region. Thanks to the moderate maritime climate and well-draining gravel and clay soils, conditions here are ideal for producing powerful Medoc-style reds which are reminiscent of those found in Bordeaux. This punchy Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend is crafted from vines planted on north-facing slopes which helps to ensure all of the grapes achieve optimal maturity. The winery also adds a small quantity of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec to the cuvee to add extra character. Following the harvest the grapes are carefully sorted with each variety fermented separately. The young wine is then aged in used French oak barrels for 9 months, adding a subtle hint of spice as well as softening the firm tannins. This creates an easy-drinking red with succulent cassis, plum and wild berry notes seasoned with hints of toasty oak, spice and tobacco leaf on the long finish. The powerful flavour profile makes it a great match for charcuterie, mature cheeses, roast beef and lamb, and rich meaty ragu sauces served with fresh pasta.
2019