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.
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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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Cabalié's popularity is down to a rare combination of imposing richness and easy drinking smoothness. Recreating that in white was no easy task. But Cabalié maestro Hervé Sabardeil has done it – years of searching, blending and hard work come to fruition in this, his ultimate expression of a southern French white. The magical grape mix is old-vine Viognier for intense honeysuckle aroma and soft texture, Muscat for dazzling grapey notes, and Colombard to keep it all zesty. And of course the other key ingredients are bright southern French sunshine, which ripens the grapes to perfection, sea breezes to keep them healthy and night harvesting to ensure maximum freshness. Bursting with tropical fruit, Cabalié is perfect with seafood or chicken.
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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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