This irresistible black beauty is made from fabulously intense Shiraz and Grenache grapes grown on the craggy hillsides of France’s deep south – the Languedoc-Roussillon. Look up from the vines and you will see ruins of castles perching precariously on rocky peaks. This inhospitable landscape and these ancient strongholds were home to medieval Cathars who lived in awe of the evil god Rex Mundi (‘King of the World’).
He corrupted the faithful with promises of earthly pleasures and the forbidden delights of mortal flesh. But behind the wine is a very kind soul - Hervé Sabardeil, our ‘King of the Black Reds’. Don’t even try to resist the temptation of this red, just sip and enjoy its marriage of liquorice-scented Shiraz and luscious Grenache.
Hervé Sabardeil has turned his sumptuous, seductive red into a sparkling wine. The style's been a hit in Australia for years but rarely seen in France. Still sinfully delicious, this new release is heightened by the added fizz.
If you’re looking for a smart Chenin Blanc with amazing depth, this 2022 is bang on target. Established in 1928, Stellenrust is one of South Africa’s most successful family wineries. But this is much more than just an old school estate. This is a crazy passionate team of young winemakers. Together they work spectacular vineyards, in the heart of the renowned Stellenbosch Golden Triangle, where they produce modern, limit-pushing wines. And Chenin is something of a speciality. Hence two Chenin Trophies.
88% of the old-vine fruit is fermented in stainless steel, while the remainder is put into oak to give a greater degree of complexity. Then five months on lees produces a creamy texture that makes the wine ideal to serve solo, or with chicken.
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Scattered on the high-altitude slopes of the Cévennes foothills, lie the vineyards of Terrasses de Larzac. The top wine from there fetches £100 a bottle. Nearby are the other Languedoc crus - Montpeyroux, Pézenas and Pic Saint Loup. Tucked away among them and in the shadow of the great Mont Baudile lies a forgotten IGP, named after this towering mountain.
Cave Fonjoya boasts 90% production of this tiny area and the very finest grapes are reserved for this wine. A classic blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre, it's a sumptuous, smooth red, with polished tannins and deep black fruit with herbal nuances. Pure charm and a great partner to grilled meats, ideal at a barbecue, or with a rich, garlicky, herby casserole, veggie or not!
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