Catarratto, Palazzo Del Mare, IGT Sicily
Sicily’s geography and climate are perfectly suited for the production of healthy, ripe grapes and quality wines. Palazzo del Mare’s vineyard sites are situated at an altitude of 200-300m, ensuring cooler night-time temperatures which preserve crucial acidity in the grapes. Yields are naturally limited by the winds and the wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently are bright and fresh. The Catarratto particularly displays that signature crisp, citrus laced fruit filled style. The Palazzo wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently they are bright and fresh with no baked flavours.
Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, Mabis, Biscardo Uvam, IGT, Veneto
The Biscardo Family have been making wine from their base in Soave for over 150 years and are currently led by brothers Maurizio and Martino. During the course of Maurizio’s long and illustrious career, he has consulted for well-known wineries around Italy and in doing so he came across the vineyards for their Puglian wines. Both the Pugliese and Veneto wines are characterised by an almost dangerous drinkability, aromatic purity and exceptional value for money.
Muscadet sur Lie, Domaine des Herbauges, Cotes de Grandlieu, Loire valley, France
This family estate has been in production since 1864 and is now the largest single estate in the region.
The vineyards benefit from an exceptional microclimate; the warmth of the Atlantic brings spring early, while the huge Lac de Grandlieu acts like a giant storage heater through growing season. Fourth generation winemaker, Jérôme is committed to the sustainability of the vineyards as well as to the health of the vineyard workers he has even grassed over 100% of the vineyards to reduce the vigour of the vines and to soak up rain at harvest. Each terroir of Domaine des Herbauges expresses its own subtle nuances, and reveals specific particularities and characteristics of the AOC Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu Sur Lie appellation.
Macon Peronne, Domaine du Mont Epin, Burgundy, France
Richard and Stéphane Martin, the brothers behind Domaine de la Croix-Senaillet produce this wine. After freak weather patterns disrupted their harvest in 2015, they decided to take on two new vineyard sites in nearby Clessé. This allowed them to experiment with a different terroir, as well as expand their range with the incorporation of a number of new wines.
Campo Flores Blanco, La Mancha, Spain
Master of Wine Giles Cooke, has led a winemaking team to craft a range that illustrates the brilliant potential of Rioja, Navarra and La Mancha as well as the quality of fruit that these regions can deliver when respectful, sustainable techniques are maintained. Drawing on the revered, in-depth knowledge of Paul Shinnie and the technical skills of Marta Juega Rivera, these wines offer a tantalising taste of contemporary Spain. Responding to the need for a more sustainable future, our wineries harness the best vineyards to produce wines that are connected by a similar spirit of adventure, experimentation, creativity and commitment to sustainable wine production.
Blankbottle Moment of Silence, Wellington, South Africa
From critically-acclaimed South African winemaker Pieter H. Walser. Pieter explains when he first established the basic premise of the concept. “In 2004, a lady came to my house to buy wine. She asked for anything but Shiraz. “I don’t drink Shiraz”, were her exact words. I poured her a glass of wine. She loved it and bought 3 cases. It was a straight Shiraz. It’s a fact – we do judge the book by its cover.” And so was born the idea of a range of wines that has no limitations when it comes to style, vintage, area or grape varieties
Albarino Lembranzas, Rias Baixas, Spain
The DO of Rías Baixas is renowned for the Albariño grape, a native variety that produces some of the best white wines in Spain if not the world. Situated in the northwestern region of Galicia, the DO was formally established in 1988 and Albariño has always been at the forefront of winemaking grapes for this coastal region. The vines here share the same mineral-rich soils and cool climate as some of the world’s other renowned white wine-producing regions, including France’s Loire Valley, New Zealand, and the Rhine region of Germany.
Chardonnay Fleur de Charlotte, Vin de Pays, France
Along with the help of Floris Lemstra at Chateau Canet, we have successfully developed the ‘Fleur de Charlotte’ selection of wines that we believe offer excellent value for money. Floris and his team are best known for their Minervois production and in this case, they have utilised the same approach, based on attention to detail, in order to produce a range of fresh, clean and easy-drinking wines that offer excellent varietal examples
Chenin Blanc, ‘Releaf’, Western Cape
A self-empowerment project, ‘Releaf’ project symbolises the true meaning of sustainability and harmony within nature. Sustainable agriculture is used in order to cultivate 100% hand harvested, organically grown grapes that are used to produce two separate cuvées. Every effort has been made to ensure this wine is as eco-friendly as possible, down to the fact it is packaged using partially recycled glass and is labelled with recycled paper and sustainable ink.
A portion of the proceeds of the Imbuko Releaf wine goes towards supporting the Imbuko Schools Support Project – through which the estate supports a number of children in education by funding scholarships to local schools.
Gruner Veltliner Funkstille, Austria
We all need a little ‘Funkstille’ (radio silence) in our life now and again.
Kick back and take a moment to enjoy the silence with a glass of Grüner Veltliner. With its subtle exotic hints, ripe pear and fresh citrus flavours, it’s a dry wine with complex flavours. The palate is rich with flavours of melon and grapefruit with a refreshing, zippy finish.
Verdejo Pegaso Vinas Viejas, Bodegas Manzanos, Navarra, Spain
On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him.
Adding in significant amounts of ambition and energy, Victor Manzanos is at the forefront of the new Rioja – championing a modern interpretation of its varieties through his wines. As a grower, Victor is keen to prove that Rioja Baja has its own distinct character and should not be judged as inferior to Rioja Alta or Alavesa – just different.
Pinot Grigio Orsino, Veneto, Italy
Orsino Pinot Grigio is from the volcanic soils of Veneto. Meaning “little bear,” it depicts a constellation of stars that overlook and protect the vineyards by night.
The vineyards are located on the hillsides and planted on clay soil. Cultivated in the espallier system and pruned Guyot style. Grapes are harvested at dawn and late in the day to maintain fresh acidity. Clusters picked during the cooler hours remain intact and there is no risk of skin fermentation during transport.
