Red Wine Lapis Luna Red Blend 2018. The striking labels of Lapis Luna are inspired by 400-year old copperplate engravings which explore humanity’s relationship with the moon and our insatiable desire to reach for something beyond our familiar world. The winery itself is named after the Latin words for stone” and moon”, expressing their philosophy of making ambitious wines which deliver both delicious flavours and incredible value for money. Lapis Luna source their fruit from the Lodi and North Coast AVAs, working with partner growers to select perfectly ripe grapes which match their exacting standards. This easy-drinking red blend is composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel fruit which is vinified separately before winemaker Drew Stap decides on the final composition of the cuvee. Succulent cassis, black cherry and plum are the first flavours that spring out of the glass, followed by undertones of dried herbs, licorice and subtle spice and toast notes from the barrel ageing. On the palate there’s plenty of smooth tannins, a firm structure and a long finish seasoned with notes of coffee beans, tobacco leaf and woodsmoke. A great wine to drink with family or friends alongside a casual platter of charcuterie or fresh pasta served with a tomato-based ragu sauce.
2018
Red Wine Lapis Luna Red Blend 2018
Red Wine La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva 2018. La Rioja Alta is one of Spain’s most venerable producers with a reputation for producing exceptional traditional-style Rioja reds. The estate was founded in 1890 by five local families including the Aranas, Ardanzas and the Alberdis who wanted to seek a wider market for their quality-driven wines. The winery was headquartered right by the Haro train station, enabling La Rioja Alta to export wines to neighbouring France and beyond. Their Vina Alberdi Reserva celebrates one of the original founding families, using 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from 40 year old vines planted on chalky clay soils at 500-600 metres above sea level. The terroir helps to create an elegant yet youthful red which is crafted according to traditional winemaking techniques followed by two years of ageing in American oak barrels which are made by La Rioja Alta itself. Prior to bottling the wine is manually racked four times using candlelight to allow the removal of sediment without compromising the flavour of the wine. Rich plum and cherry notes are the first to spring out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of baked earth, leather and spice from the ageing process. A fantastic partner for charcuterie and mature cheeses, although it can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years.
2018
Red Wine La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Ca di Pian 2018. Giuseppe Rivetti founded La Spinetta in 1977, recognising the potential of the local terroir which at the time was best known for its cheap and cheerful Moscato d’Asti dessert wines. Over the decades Giuseppe and his son Giorgio have helped put the region on the map for quality Italian wines and they have also expanded into new terroirs in Barolo and Tuscany. The family’s Barbera d’Asti Ca di Pian was La Spinetta’s very first red wine which was first made by Giorgio in 1985. The fruit for this light and refreshing red is sourced from 25-30 year old vines which are planted on prime calcareous soils. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Maraschino cherry, dried violets and ripe plum notes characterise the nose while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth, well-rounded tannins and a pure finish packed with dark berry and subtle spice hints. Perfectly balanced and very easy to drink, this is a great red to serve with game, veal or even a generous platter of charcuterie and mature hard cheeses.
2018