Red Wine Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2016. Decant for 2 hours. The deep ruby colour promises a classic wine of superb quality. The nose backs up that promise with intense aromas of cherry, ripe black fruits, herbs and a slight earthiness. The palate provides intense flavours of black and red fruits, spices, herbs and wildflowers. The wine is well structured, has great acidity which marries perfectly with the ripe tannins. The lingering finish provides a closing offer of rich chocolate at the end. Match this with rich beef dishes, venison, game, roasted meats and strong cheese. The winery’s attention to detail when making its wines are what makes this wine so good. The hand harvested grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats for four weeks. It is then aged in new and old oak barriques for 12 months followed by a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. The Gaja family acquired the Pieve Santa Restituta estate in 1994. It is situated in the south west of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, and comprises of 40 acres of vineyards. The name comes from the church of Santa Restituta which is located on the estate. It has been beautifully restored by the family and it now forms the subject of the wine labels. The family has now also obtained a further 25 acres in the north east of the appellation and has developed a state of the art winemaking facility and below ground cellar which reduces the impact on the environment – a subject very close to the family’s heart.
2016
Red Wine Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2016
Red Wine Galardi Terra di Lavoro 2016. It can benefit from decanting. The Galardi company, founded in 1991 and certified organic for some years, is located in the San Carlo di Sessa Aurunca hamlet, in the province of Caserta, close to the Roccamonfina Regional Park. The vineyards, which alternate with olive groves and chestnut woods, are at an altitude of about 400/500 meters and look towards the Gulf of Gaeta, about twenty kilometers by road. Terra di Lavoro is a prestigious red wine obtained from a skillful blend that combines 80% of Aglianico with 20% of the native Piedirosso grape. The wine takes its name from the province of the kingdom of the two Sicilies which included today’s territory of Caserta. The vineyards of both Aglianico and Piedirosso are located 400 meters above sea level among chestnut and olive groves sloping towards the Gulf of Gaeta.The wine is aged for a period of twelve months in new barrels. The color of the Terra di Lavoro is dark and intense. Its aromatic profile ranges from red berried fruits to the balsamic notes of the resin, with spicy and vegetal hints. There is an important mineral note, which has always been the backbone of this wine. The tannins are firm and still young. There is a very long persistence. This powerful and well-structured red can be left to age in the cellar for over ten years, a period in which it will develop all its more complex aromas. It goes perfectly with red meat, game, and aged cheeses.
2016
Red Wine Jordan The Prospector Syrah 2016. Recognised as one of the most important winemaking families working in Stellenbosch today, the Jordan family have been making wine on their three-hundred year old farm since 1982 when Ted and Sheelagh Jordan purchased the property. Their visionary approach and commitment to working in harmony with nature has reaped rich rewards, along with their dedication to discovering which varietals best suit the local terroir. Today the 164 hectare estate is managed by the second generation, represented by Gary and Kathy Jordan. The property is close to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans which ensures the vineyards enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate cooled by ocean breezes. This helps the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining aromas and freshness. The Prospector Syrah is an intense, powerful red wine which opens with notes of dark chocolate, plum jam, and crushed dark berries. The wine spends 16 months ageing in both French and American oak barrels which helps to soften the tannins and add extra complexity. This is a rich style of red wine which pairs perfectly with red meat dishes and also makes a great option for extended cellar ageing.
2016