Red Wine La Posta Fazzio Malbec 2019. Laura Catena is one of Argentina’s most dynamic and talented winemakers with a string of successful wine labels under her belt. Her family has been making wine in Mendoza for four generations, and her father helped put the country on the map for world-class Malbec. So it’s no surprise that her new project is pioneering a new path by celebrating some of Mendoza’s top small grape growers. The label is named after the tavern where growers traditionally gathered after a hard day’s work in the vineyard, with the wines named after the individual growers. Fazzio is a single vineyard wine from Tupungato in the Uco Valley. Conditions here are ideal for making dynamic and easy-going reds thanks to the sunny summer days, high altitude and calcareous, loamy soils. Luscious cassis, dark plum and wild berries burst out of the glass, followed by deeper undertones of spice, forest floor, and woodsmoke. On the palate there’s a rich, well-rounded texture, solid core of dark fruit, and robust tannins that make this a great match for red meat dishes. It’s a great wine to enjoy now alongside a casual family dinner, although it can also be cellared for a few more years if desired.
2019
Red Wine La Posta Fazzio Malbec 2019
Red Wine La Posta Pizella Malbec 2019. La Posta is a new project by pioneering winemaker Laura Catena whose family have been making wine in Mendoza for four generations. The label is named after the typical local tavern where grape growers would gather after the harvest to celebrate and rest over a glass or two of wine. Along with winemaker Estela Perinetti, Laura carefully sources grapes from some of Mendoza’s top small growers which all use sustainable agricultural practices. Pizella is a single vineyard wine which is named after the family who own and farm the plot in Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. The vineyard is particularly prized for its high altitude and sandy loam and limestone soils. These conditions help to produce perfectly-ripe grapes with plenty of aromatics and rich ripe fruit flavours. After vinification the wine spends 10 months ageing in 50% oak barrels and 50% stainless steel tanks. This balanced approach to winemaking allows the vigour and brilliance of the fruit to shine through, with succulent dark berry and plum notes dominating on the nose. The first sip reveals well-rounded tannins, a smooth texture, and a medium body with a concentrated and clean finish. Try pairing with classic Argentinian dishes like barbecued meats, choripan hotdogs, or a prime steak with fries.
2019
Red Wine Les Vins de Vienne Saint-Joseph Le Biez 2019. It is recommended to decant it half an hour before serving. Thanks to the complementary skills of three passionate winemakers (Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard, and François Villard), the Vins de Vienne winery quickly established itself as an innovative house in the Northern Rhone. Without seeking medals and other awards, the declared goal is above all to offer authentic wines capable of transmitting maximum pleasure. The three winemakers are advocates of sustainable viticulture and produce expressive, very distinctive, and wonderfully balanced wines at affordable prices. The Saint-Joseph Le Biez is a small production from the granitic soils of the Le Biez plot, located in the St Pierre de Boeuf village. The vinification is traditional for a period of two to three weeks at low temperature with indigenous yeasts. This 100% Syrah was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. It is a highly expressive wine, with brilliant and deep color. It is fragrant and rich with elegant fruity, peppery, and spicy notes. In the mouth, it is powerful, silky, and elegant with firm but perfectly integrated tannins. It shows remarkable freshness and a long smooth aftertaste. The Biez will go well with a filet of beef with pepper, a tasty leg of lamb, or a grilled duck breast!
2019