Red Wine Inama Bradisismo 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Inama story began in the 1960s when Giuseppe Inama began buying modest plots of land in the Soave region to make his own wine. Over the years the project has evolved into a fully-fledged family business and today it is in the capable hands of the third generation of Inamas, Matteo, Alessio and Luca. The family’s philosophy has always been to do things a little differently and showcase the huge potential of the Soave region for making stunning wines. In 1997 the family began an innovative new venture in the Colli Berici where their gorgeous Bradisismo bottling was born. They realised that conditions here are ideal for producing red wines since temperatures are higher on average than in the Soave Classico region and decided to plant Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vines which are farmed organically. The Bradisismo is a composition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere which is aged in a mixture of new and used oak barrels for 15 months. The result is a bold red wine which exudes intense aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, freshly-cracked black pepper and sweet spice. The first sip reveals a generous full body and powerful dark berry flavours which linger long on the tongue. This outstanding red is an ideal alternative to Italy’s more famous Super Tuscans or even a red Bordeaux for those who are looking to expand their palate.
2017
Red Wine Inama Bradisismo 2017
Red Wine Rocca di Frassinello Maremma Toscana 2017. Decant 1 hour before serving. This gorgeous Tuscan red is the fruit of a highly successful collaboration between the world famous Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) brand and the renowned Castellare di Castellina winery in Tuscany. Recognising the immense winemaking potential of the coastal Maremma region of Tuscany, the two producers set out on a joint venture to cultivate both classic Bordeaux varietals and the popular local Sangiovese grape. This handsome bottling is Rocca di Frassinello’s flagship wine and represents the pinnacle of this French-Italian alliance with its blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Just as with great Bordeaux reds, the Cabernet gives a firm structure and longevity, while the Merlot adds a soft and supple character. The dominant grape in the trio is the Sangiovese which brings elegance and a certain freshness on the palate, making this a very versatile gastronomic wine for red meat dishes and hard cheeses. The Rocca di Frassinello opens with ripe cherry and dark berry aromas and subtle sweet spice hints from the 14 months of ageing in oak barrels. The first sip reveals a dark and intense character with powerful dark fruit flavours nuanced with undertones of mocha, sage leaves and lavender flowers. Fresh acidity from the Sangiovese perfectly balances the full body and firm tannins, ensuring that this stunning wine is ideal to drink now or to hold for at least another decade.
2017
Red Wine Krauthaker MERCS 2017. Situated in eastern Croatia’s renowned Kutjevo wine region, the Krauthaker estate sits on the southern slopes of Krndija. Climatic and soil conditions here are ideal for both indigenous and international grape varieties thanks to the sunny summer days and well-draining sandy soils. These combine to ensure that the grapes reach optimal ripeness while also retaining sufficient acidity to balance the rich fruit flavours in the finished wines. Heady hints of crushed blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries entice the nose, while the first sip offers up a generous full body, firm tannins, and a bright streak of freshness. The Cabernet Sauvignon helps to bring structure and power to the blend, while the Merlot offers a touch of softness and a silky smooth texture on the palate. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 16 months before bottling and release which helps to add an attractive sweet spice character as well as extra complexity. The rich flavours and well-developed tannins make this a good partner for red meats, including steak, beef stews, or even fresh pasta served with a rich meat ragu. This wine will also continue to develop and evolve if kept in cellar conditions over the next five or so years.
2017