Red Wine Saints Hills Black 2016. Founded in 2014, Saints Hills is very much a family-run winery with relatives involved in everything from guiding tours to cooking up delicious French pastries and dishes for guests at the winery. The estate is headquartered in an ancient stone house which used to be a winery until it fell into disuse some 80 years ago. Today the new owners have breathed new life into this stunning corner of the Peljesac peninsula with a focus on traditional winemaking methods which express the true beauty of Croatia’s native varieties. This vibrant and powerful red is crafted from Croatia’s most famous black grape variety, Plavac Mali. The grapes are sourced from Dingac on the Peljesac peninsula which in 1961 became the first place in Croatia to be awarded its own winemaking appellation. Conditions here are ideal for crafting robust yet balanced reds thanks to the steep hillsides which must be worked by hand and the nearby sea which helps cool the vines in the hot summers. The fruit is carefully picked by hand at optimum ripeness and then transferred to the winery where only the best berries are selected for this wine. Following vinification in traditional large wooden vats, the young wine then ages in a combination of concrete vats, wooden tanks and small oak barrels. Blueberries, blackberries, plums and evocative Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme define the nose, while the first sip offers a velvety texture and tannins. An ideal match for grilled red meats, pecorino or other aged sheep cheeses, and typical Italian charcuterie like prosciutto or salami.
2016
Red Wine Saints Hills Black 2016
Red Wine Saints Hills St. Roko 2016. Saints Hills winery was only founded in 2014, but already has vines planted on Croatia’s Peljesac peninsula, on the Dalmatian mainland, and in Istria to the north. The estate is headquartered in a historic white stone house that used to be a working winery before its owners emigrated in search of a better life some 80 years ago. Today this family-run winery specialises in crafting limited quantities of artisanal wines made from classic local grape varieties like Istrian Malvasia and Plavac Mali. This bottling is crafted from Plavac Mali grapes grown in Komarna in South Dalmatia around 70km northwest of Dubrovnik. The stony soils, Mediterranean climate and cooling sea breezes present ideal growing conditions for the grape, producing perfectly ripe fruit with well-rounded tannins and plenty of luscious fruit flavours. The grapes are vinified in a combination of traditional-style large wooden vats and more modern concrete tanks to allow the character of the variety to take centre stage. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 12-14 months before bottling. Intense and concentrated on the nose, this robust red is bursting with ripe black cherries, plums and cassis along with hints of toasted oak, spice and baked earth. Cellar for a few more years or enjoy now paired with hearty red meat dishes.
2016
Red Wine San Lorenzo Oinos Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016. Now in the hands of the third generation, San Lorenzo is a charming family-owned winery set in Italy’s central Marche region. The estate was originally founded by Enrico Crognaletti, a master cooper, and was then inherited by his son Gino who dedicated himself to planting the vineyards with the best Verdicchio clones he could find in the local area. Today the estate specialises in producing top quality Verdicchios as well as aromatic red wines from the classic indigenous grape varieties. In charge these days is Gino’s son, Natalino who is passionate about sustainable viticulture and has converted the estate to organic and biodynamic agriculture. The family’s Oinos Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is crafted from estate-grown fruit which are destemmed and crushed before being macerated for 25 days. The young wine is then transferred to French oak barrels where it ages for 18 months before bottling. Rich plum, blackcurrant and cherry notes define the nose while the first sip reveals a generous medium body, firm tannins and a bright streak of acidity which makes this a great gastronomic wine. Try pairing with tomato-based pasta dishes, barbecued meats or a platter of hard cheeses for an informal dinner or casual gathering.
2016