Red Wine Krutzler Merlot 2017. Known as one of Austria’s best kept secrets for red wine lovers, the Eisenberg region is famed locally for its spicy red wines with robust flavour profiles and plenty of complexity. This rich and opulent Merlot is bursting with ripe cassis, blackberry and plum aromas and a well-defined structure and tannins that will respond well to further ageing. The grapes are sourced from prime vineyards in the Eisenberg hills that have been owned by the Krutzler family for generations and are well-suited to the Merlot variety. The steep hillsides ensure the vines get maximum exposure to the long hours of sunshine during the summer, while the cooler nights help to preserve freshness and aromas in the grapes. Krutzler is best known for their pioneering work with the Blaufränkisch grape variety which thrives in this southeastern corner of Austria close to the border with Hungary. Some forty years ago Hermann Krutzler started making his famous Perwolff” red which quickly became a cult wine in Austria. Today the estate is in the capable hands of his son, Reinhold Krutzler, who has also planted international varieties like Merlot to complement their benchmark Blaufränkisch red wines.
2017
Red Wine Krutzler Merlot 2017
Red Wine Stark Conde Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. The family-run Stark Conde winery has 85 acres of vines in the dramatic Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch where the unique terroir helps craft some of South Africa’s most exciting wines. The steep, rugged nature of the land means that elevation varies drastically across the estate’s vineyard, hitting a high of 600 metres and a low of 150 metres. The family also farms their estate organically to ensure that they produce the very best quality fruit possible. Their Three Pines Cabernet is crafted from fruit from its namesake single vineyard. The grapes are carefully hand harvested and sorted manually to ensure only the best quality fruit goes into this bottling. The young wine is then fermented in open tanks in the traditional style and aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. Following vinification the Cabernet is blended with small quantities of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec to add extra complexity and polish. Bright blackberry, cassis and plum notes define the nose while the palate offers a generous full body, firm tannins and well-built structure which will respond gracefully to extended cellaring. The bold flavour profile makes this a great partner for barbecued meats, steak or even hearty game dishes like venison.
2017
Red Wine Tapiz Black Tears Malbec 2017. This handsome Malbec is rich and smooth with ample cassis, dark plum and blackberry notes as well as hints of vanilla, coconut and bitter chocolate. On the palate there’s a generous full body, ripe tannins and long finish with notes of dried fruit and baking spice. The well-rounded and juicy flavour profile makes this a great match for roast beef, barbecued meats, or a prime steak. Tapiz is one of Argentina’s leading wineries thanks to their deep commitment to research and development in partnership with local bodies like the University of Cuyo. This work helps them to produce truly exceptional wines which capture the typicity of each variety and terroir. Their Black Tears Malbec is crafted at Finca San Pablo in Mendoza’s Uco Valley which has dramatic views of the magnificent Andes Mountains. The vines here sit at an altitude of 1400 metres, helping to preserve freshness in the grapes as well as delicate aromatic complexity. In the winery the young wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months to add extra polish and harmony, followed by another 12 months of ageing in the bottle before release.
2017