An early start this year, with the first Limited Release arriving in October. Try to pre-order as stock numbers will be tight this year. More details soon.....
October
Nebbiolo (Italy)
November
Zinfandel Cabernet (Italy)
December
Blanc de Noir (France)
January
Macabeo (Spain)
February
Monastrell (Spain)
March
Pinot Gris Verdhelo (Australia)
Carménère Malbec (Chile)
October Nebbiolo - Italy
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
Nebbiolo is almost exclusively grown in Italy and more specifically in the mountainous northern regions of Piedmont. As a varietal Nebbiolo is not well known, but is wines, Barolo and Barbaresco are justifiably famous. Piedmont offers the classic conditions for the production of excellent grapes; dry limestone slopes result in fewer and more flavourful grapes, whilst warm summer sun and cool mountain air bring the temperature swings that result in ripe complex grapes.
The Wine
Nebbiolo, like Pinot Noir, is a translucent wine with delicate aroma. However, tasting immediately dismisses any idea that these are 'thin' wines. Robust tannins and acidity greet the taster. Expect fruit flavours to lead with cherry
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Alcohol: 14.0%
November Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon - Italy
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
Zinfandel - Primitivo. What is in a name? In this case it turns out to be a great deal. Zinfandel found its home in California, but where did it come from? Only genetic analysis proved that the answer was Italian Primitivo, although originally the grape was from Croatia. Puglia is the home to Zinfandel/Primitivo. The hot dry region in the heal of Italy, it is famous for its big red wines, such as Negroamaro, Primitivo and Nero. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is hardly a classic Italian grape, it is much popular with younger Vintners as a source of structure and complexity. Hence, the quality and popular of the Cabernet blend Super Tuscan over the traditional Chianti.
The Wine
Bold is the word. Zinfandel is a fruit-forward grape known for its jammy blackberry flavours backed by complex profile of spice, cinnamon and dried fruits. Cabernet Sauvignon is 'the' bold, balanced red. Blackcurrants, cedar and spice, and most of all body are the hallmarks of Cabernet Sauvignon. Togther the combination is irresistible for lovers of big, but balanced, wines.
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Alcohol: 14.5%
December Blanc de Noir - France
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
The Languedoc is the region of southwestern France centred on Toulouse and Montepellier often associated with the Cathars. Modern industry and a rich history meld here. A complex terrain, a complex climate and a complex web of vineyards and varietals. The Languedoc produces everything from sweet Muscats to sparking Crémant de Limoux to bold red blends based on Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. And thanks to the low fertility of the soils, the hot summer sun and cool Mediterranean breeze, it does it all well.
The Wine
If you are interested in wine, this is something you must try. One of the rare white wines made from typically red wine grapes. Here the black Grenache grape is pressed for the skin with minimal contact. Literally, Blanc de Noir means ‘white from black’. The technique is used in champagnes and can turn routine red into a white masterpiece. And so it is here. Expect white peach and pink grapefruit flavours with subtle spice. There are herbaceous notes, soft echoes of red apple and strawberry reflecting its red grape origins. However, there is also the crisp acidic finish that rounds often a truly fabulous wine.
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Alcohol: 12.5%
JANUARY
Macabeo - Spain
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
This one can almost be written from memory. We have seen Macabeo from the Manchuela region of Spain before in various blends. And they have always been good. Let's tick the boxes; poor limestone soils that produce fewer more flavorful grapes, an upland plateau the receives endless summer sun, the combination of altitude and sea air that gives cool nights, and a long growing season. Manchuela has it all and is increasing recognised as a premier Denominación de Origen Protegida.
The Wine
If you were looking for two words to describe Macabeo, they would be vibrant and citrus. This is a wine that is rewarding, even when young and perhaps at its best when young. Citrus and pear gain depth fromfloral notes, hints of grapefruit and a touch of stone fruit. Vibrant citrus and lively acidity. Not every wine needs gravitas to be captivating. The Holly Golightly of wines.
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Light
Oak: None
Alcohol: 12.5%
Februry Monastrell - Spain
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
Monast-what? Monastell-Mataro-Mourvèdre are the same varietal by a different name. Famous in France as part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in Australia in the quintessential GSM, its real home is Spain. Probably bought to Spain by the Phoenicians 2,500 years ago, itis at its best in the southeastern regions of Spain around Murcia. Marginal soil, sun, Mediterranran cooling air and long growing seasons work their magic.
The Wine
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a varietal that is to often blended. Monastrell is a bold tannic wine, but here display a fruit-forward side. Deep, smokey with a predominance of blackberry fruit flavour backed by ripe strawberries, Monastrell shows notes of black pepper, cocoa and tobacco. Tannins will age beautifully to a wine with depth and soul.
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium French
Alcohol: 14.5%
March Pinot Gris, Verdelho - Australia
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
Riverland enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate with poor clay soils. Without irrigation from the Murray river its vineyards would fail. Although summer are warm and winters mild, the South Australia location also produces cool nights. Verdelho is a varietal associated with Portugal and the island of Madeira, but has been grown in Australia for more than 200 years. Pinot Gris is essentially a Pinot Grigio which originates north of the Alps and is cultivated to produce a richer wine with hints of spice.
The Wine
Pinot Gris and Verdelho both thrive in the Riverland terroir and achieve full expression of their respective characters. Pinot Gris brings ripe pear, green apple and a hint of spice along with a trademark acidity. Verdelho offers tropical fruits; pineapple, guava and citrus. The combination of a lively, fresh wine with tropical aromas, marked citrus and crisp acidity.
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Alcohol: 13.0%
March Carménère, Malbec - Chile
Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home
The Region
As a country run north-south for over 4,000 kilometres, Chile encompasses almost every conceivable climate. It is a central Chile, particularly Colchagua Valley that vineyards flourish. The explanation must become repetitive; once the region enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights. Granite, volcanic and clay soils provide varied growing conditions to suit different varietals, but none display too much fertility. Although both Carménère and Malbec were once widely planted in Bordeaux the region was not ideal for either and both varietals are rare today. In contrast, the warmer, drier Chilean summers produce high quality yields of both grapes.
The Wine
Carménère is a deep crimson wine which, at its best, brings out notes of cherry, red fruits, spice, and leather with moderate structured tannins. Cherries, raspberries, plum or blackberries? The character of Malbec is heavily influenced by heat. Chilean Malbec typically leads with plum, backed by roasted red pepper, classic Malbec phenolics and robust tannins. Carménère-Malbec blends are recognised to showcase the best of both varietals, and so it is here in this big robust wine.
