Antonio Federici is a small, 3rd-generation cellar in Lazio, just south of Rome. As you'll taste here, its wines are both authentic and delicious. Normally, they only supply their meagre output to top restaurants in Rome.
But with most shut in 2020, we managed to gain a small allocation of this superb, cherry-scented red. And again, the following year. On fine limestone soils (the rocks of which were used to build some of Rome's most famous buildings) they grow some of Italy's most characterful native grapes.
From these they make a small range of award-winning wines. No doubt the skill of top Italian consultant Franco and Matteo Bernabei comes into play, as well as the commitment and passion of the family.
A silky, smooth, easy red.
From a fourth-generation-owned Pauillac cellar, B de Fonbadet may fall under the humble Bordeaux label, but it’s intensity and complexity leave no doubt about its high-end quality. This 2019 has even won the Decanter’s esteemed Platinum medal.
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Chai winemaker Mark Hoddy reserves the Belle Roche label for a red wine made from the best parcel of grapes of the vintage. In 2022 he found just the ticket in a few rows of dark, thick-skinned Cabernet, grown in high-up Languedoc vineyards close to Carcassonne. There the climate benefits both from Mediterranean and Atlantic influences, hence a wine that echoes both of the warm ripeness of the Med with the structure of Bordeaux.
It's a densely flavoured red, its colour almost black – the reason he calls it his precious ‘black diamond’ of the vintage. Meticulously crafted by Mark at the cellar, Belle Roche is best decanted an hour before serving, just like a claret. It’s ideal with a juicy steak, a rich lasagne or a hearty casserole. Decant.
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Cala Rey is the result of blending two popular white grapes – Sauvignon and Verdejo. It’s the creation of a new winery, founded in 2017, in Castilla La Mancha. Tomasso Ciampoli fell in love with the Alpera region and a particular 25-hectare plot of ancient vines. It was this passion that rekindled the family’s long-held tradition of making wine.
From the age of four, he’d help his grandfather craft wines that were enjoyed at every celebration. Now, he’s harnessed his knowledge, joining forces with winemaker Diego Lopez. The vineyard boasts vines that are up to 100 years old, their roots reaching deep to find nourishment. The result? A wine bursting with delicious, vibrant flavours. A zesty white – great for solo sipping or with tapas.
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The Rapeneau family has been producing Champagne for over a century and oversee the production of the Louis Dumont label.
Now 4th generation, they are committed to high quality through understanding the nuances of the various subregions.
With five main grape growing areas in Champagne, careful selection of the grapes is a major influence on the style of the fizz.
Louis Dumont is a delicious, fruit-forward bubbly, ready to be enjoyed. It’s crafted from grapes from Vallée de la Marne – known for its fruity Pinot Meunier and peachy Chardonnay – and Côtes des Bars, with its reputation for full-flavoured, ripe Pinot Noir.
It’s a Pinot-dominated blend, brimming with red fruit flavour, refreshing citrus, and classic brioche notes. Chill and enjoy.
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