A lavish, full-bodied Rioja Reserva from top winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua’s boutique winery. "A fresh and bright red with blueberry, blackberry and stone aromas and flavors. Medium body. Tight" - James Suckling 92 points
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Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.
The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.
Black Saint Peter comes to you from California’s premium Lodi district, the self-proclaimed ‘Zinfandel Capital of the World’. This grape thrives in the very warm temperatures of this inland region, particularly when grown on gnarly, old, low-yielding vines, some dating back to the 1880s. Zinfandel was brought to California in the 1850s by incomers from the East Coast attracted by the Gold Rush. Some of the first vines were called ‘Black Saint Peters’ until, 20 years later, they were identified as the same grape as Zinfandel.
This weighty, velvety red uses grapes from vines over 50 years old, making for deep and complex flavour in the glass. At a generous 15.5%, it’s a splendid food companion. Serve with barbecued spare-ribs or spicy tagine.
Renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes his £40+ a bottle Corbières in craggy Boutenac. Just across a small country road is the village of Fabrezan and its equally amazing vineyards. It's where, in fact, Tony Laithwaite bought his first Corbières shipment back in 1971. Today young couple Amelie and Jean-Baptiste work tirelessly, in evenings and weekends (after their day jobs as consultant winemakers), tending their ancient vines and making their cru quality Corbières.
The vines were planted by J-B's great grandfather, a cellar built by his son, but more recently the grapes were all sold to the local coop. J-B and Amelie took over in 2007 and decided they could make something much better. This fabulous Grand Cru style is the result.
Just across a small country road from Boutenac, where renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes his £40+ a bottle Corbières, is the village of Fabrezan. It boasts equally impressive, stony vineyards. It's where, in fact, Tony Laithwaite bought his first Corbières shipment back in 1971. Today young couple Amelie and Jean Baptiste work tirelessly, in evenings and weekends (after their day jobs as consultant winemakers), tending their ancient vines and making their cru quality Corbières.
The vines were planted by J-B's great grandfather, but until this young couple took over, all the grapes were sold to the local coop and blended anonymously. J-B and Amelie took over in 2007 and decided to craft their own. This fabulous red's the result.
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Barbera is often thought as the second grape of premium Piedmont. This is a fabulous, dark, cherry and plum-scented red from a legendary vintage and a third-generation estate. Immense power and length.