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Yourrating: /5AndyB.

rAndrew Baker, Virgin Wines' Head Wine Buyer

Taste indicator:

Marsc Wine Co. Padthaway McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016

Our take... “The long-awaited return of the Marsc from Steve Grimley’s repertoire. Hand selected Shiraz parcels from two top end winemaking regions. With 100 year old vines in the Mclaren Vale, the intensity of flavour reveals dark, bramble fruit and chocolate to the blend, whilst cool climate Padthaway brings a freshness and a little spice. The conjunction feels like the stars have aligned – top drawer.”

Where's it from? Two quality winemaking regions have created the Marsc. The McLaren Vale has warm days and cool evenings, letting the grapes maximize the sunshine and ripen slowly. Padthaway is milder, getting a subtle balance to this Shiraz.

Winemaker’s words... “We started these projects (Marsc, Five O’clock Somewhere and Ess & See) as a group of young minded winemakers and wine lovers seeking a journey of abandoned vinous pleasure. We found it, loved it and indulged suitably.”

Great with... You can’t go wrong with the most delectable cuts like rib-eye from the griddle pan. Also a mushroom medley risotto would be ideal, with tons of parmesan.

At its best: Now – End 2022

ABV: 14.5% Normal price: £16.99Light Full-bodied

Blackcurrant, chocolate,

spice – parcels of

Australian Shiraz at

their best

Shiraz

Full and Fruity Reds

Region: Padthaway/McLaren Vale

Country: Australia

Steve Grimley, Winemaker




Taste indicator:

Raspberry, cherry,

cranberry. Red fruit heaven

from this Californian Pinot

The Intrepid Bear Brown Bear Reserve Pinot Noir 2016

Our take... “The Kautz family are 4th generation wine growers and have winemaker Natale Gagliardo at the helm here in Lodi. This Pinot Noir is all about the purity of red fruits, notably raspberry, red cherry, and mouthwatering cranberry. Natale proves that the Intrepid Bear ‘Brown Bear’ is a worthy rival to its famous Californian cousins and screams quality in abundance.”

Where's it from? Lodi sits between the Frisco Bay and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Innovative winemakers are making grounds with new techniques and their cache of diverse grapes. The temperate Mediterranean climate is perfect for Pinot here.

Great with... Some wines work well alone, like this Pinot Noir, but it will also pair well with dishes like Crispy aromatic duck, hoisin sauce, spring onions and pancakes.


ABV: 13.5% Normal price: £11.99

Pinot Noir

Soft and Juicy Reds

Light Full-bodied

Winemaker’s words... “Getting great value Pinot Noir from anywhere is very difficult – this is a belter. A really great wine is a crowd-pleasing, fruit-forward style you could chill down and partner with all sorts of barbequed foods.”

Natale Gagliardo, Winemaker

Region: Lodi

Country: USA




Taste indicator:

A dead ringer for

a Châteauneuf –

raspberry, spicy dark

fruit, complexity

Laurent Espinasse Galets Roulés Côtes du Rhône 2015

Our take... “In the heart of pudding stone territory are the picturesque vineyards of young winemaker Laurent Espinasse. Here are beautiful old gnarled vines, that yield a smaller output of exceptional quality juice. The blend is 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, and the fruit is more concentrated – raspberry, loganberry, blackcurrant with some pepper and spice. Moreish and delicious – a triumph.”

Where's it from? At the Southern end of the Rhône Valley, the soil is sun-drenched chalk stone, and the old low vines soak up the sun and retain the heat, forcing the roots to work harder, so more concentration of fruit for the Grenache and Syrah.

Winemaker’s words... “The Grenache has great purity of fruit with quite remarkable balance. The Syrah, from some higher altitude vineyards, is full of red berry fruit, richly concentrated and fleshy with plenty of balancing freshness.”

Great with... Flavoursome roasted or stewed meats are succulent and match the meaty element in Côtes du Rhône. Go for roast lamb, minted carrots, parsnip purée and lamb jus.

Region: Rhône

Country: France


ABV: 14% Normal price: £12.99

Grenache,Syrah

Classic Reds

Laurent Espinasse, Wine Producer

Light Full-bodied




Taste indicator:

Three spicy grapes

from three regions

– a trailblazing red

from South Africa!

Bonfire Hill Far From The Crowd Red 2015

Our take... “Not averse to a challenge, Bruce Jack takes on the resources of three ‘Far From The Crowd’ regions here – Swartland, Elgin and Overberg to produce a stunning spicy red blend. Predominantly Shiraz, with Malbec and a little Cinsault, dark bramble fruit, white pepper and damson join bright, juicy red fruits. This wine is destined to match with smoky, charred meats from the barbecue.”

Where's it from? Just east of Cape Town is Elgin, with granite and shale to instil essential nutrients to these parcels. Swartland is key for mineral input and the cool climate of Overberg, with its maritime climate, makes for maximum flavour.

Winemaker’s words... “I have always tried to make wine that complements brilliant cuisine and wine that I can show with confidence. But the real test for my winemaking is a braai* with my friends.” (*braai – the word for open fire barbecue)

Great with... Hangar steak with duck fat chips, barbecued halloumi and meaty fare from the griddle pan, would all be a perfect allies for the Bonfire Hill red grape trio.

Region: Swartland/ Elgin/Overberg

Country: South Africa



Shiraz, Malbec, Cinsault

Full and Fruity Reds

Bruce Jack, Winemaker

Light Full-bodied


AndyB.r

Andrew Baker, Virgin Wines' Head Wine Buyer

Taste indicator:

Yourrating: /5

Falanghina is an old

school Italian grape,

complex and unique,

from Campania

Vigne Sannite Falanghina 2016

Our take... “Not to be confused with the eponymous Italian sculptor, Angelo Pizzi is a winemaker who nurtures traditional values when it comes to Falanghina. This is one of Italy’s sacred white varietals, indigenous to Campania, which has unusual notes of orange blossom and herbs. This example has a wonderful structure, is light enough to cover a diversity of foods but white fish and prawns are perfect.”

Where's it from? From the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, and surrounding volcanic soils (right near Vesuvius) coupled with high altitude, the perfect terroir boasts the growth of 40 grape varieties in Campania. Nourishing nutrients elevate Falanghina.

Winemaker’s words... “Falanghina is a grape that can only ever be a pure expression of its environment. No other grape variety can compare with the unique volcanic soil here and it must be handled with the respect and attention it deserves.”

Great with... Falanghina has an acidity that is wonderful with crisp salads and delicate shellfish dishes. Go retro and try this wine with a prawn cocktail – a perfect match!

Region: Campania

Country: Italy



Falanghina

Fragrant but Dry Whites

Angelo Pizzi, Winemaker

Bone Dry Sweet


AndyB.r


Taste indicator:

Yourrating: /5

Honeysuckle, lemon,

pear, brioche – White

Grenache at its best

from sunny Spain

Far del Sud Terra Alta Garnacha Blanca 2016

Our take... “This is a serious wine from Terra Alta, where vine rows are situated in a picture-perfect backdrop of rugged mountains. Young winemaker, Jaume Clua, takes care with his single varietals and the vineyard focuses on hand-harvesting and concrete tank fermentation. This well rounded Garnacha Blanca has notes of brioche, pear, citrus and a floral edge – complex and really impressive.”

Where's it from? The high altitude in Terra Alta ensures that Garnacha Blanca is not overly ripe and the citrus comes to the fore. Summers are long and winters brisk, assisting the clay and lime soils, contributing to the richness of this wine.

Winemaker’s words... “Terra Alta is a fine place to grow for balance. This is a wine that makes itself. We can’t add anything to it to make it better, and so we don’t try. The fruit expresses itself perfectly and its aromas are amazing.”

Great with... Garnacha Blanca has some body and a rich edge that will marry with herby roast chicken, and is a dream with pork chops, and chunky apple sauce.

Region: Terra Alta

Country: Spain



Grenache Blanc

Clean and Crisp Whites

Jaume Clua, Winemaker

Bone Dry Sweet


AndyB.r


Taste indicator:

Yourrating: /5

Floral bouquet and

a melange of tropical

fruit. Unique blend

from the Cape

Bonfire Hill Far From The Crowd White 2016

Our take... “Pioneer winemaker, Bruce Jack, still surfs where he grew up, near Table Mountain. Daring to be different, he seeks out ideal sites in far-out Paarl and Swartland. The signature white, Chenin Blanc, joins Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, of Rhône prowess. Roussanne exudes honeysuckle aromatics, Grenache Blanc brings lime to the fray and the Chenin, vital stone fruit, acidity, texture and complexity”

Where's it from? Hard to reach Swartland and Paarl join forces here. Rhône varieties love mineral-laden Swartland and Paarl’s deficient soils force the grapes to dig deeper for intense fruit. Lower yields equal better quality.

Winemaker’s words... “I have always tried to make wine that complements brilliant cuisine – wine that I can show with confidence alongside any food in the world, no matter how fine or exotic and no matter which far-flung city I find myself.”

Great with... Bruce Jack is on the money about food and wine – the Bonfire Hill is made for rich fish dishes. Also great alongside roast pork with apricot and almond stuffing.



Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, RoussanneFragrant but Dry Whites

Bone Dry Sweet

Region: Swartland/Paarl

Country: South Africa

Bruce Jack, Winemaker


AndyB.r


Taste indicator:

Yourrating: /5

Racy Riesling from the

cool Margaret River, W.

Australia – think lime,

blossom – divine!

Woolundry Road Margaret River Riesling 2017

Our take... “There is such a natural feel about the Fuse guys’ new Woolundry Road Riesling, from the Margaret River. The maritime conditions here are analogous to those in the Médoc and slow ripening allows for delicacy, and grape expression. There’s a preponderance of lime, green apple and jasmine. Riesling is born to soak up fragrant Thai curries and laps up the local blue manna crabs; it’s to die for.”

Where's it from? In Western Australia, lies the Margaret River with its coastal influence and therefore a climate to die for – a haven for everything, from top-end surfing spots, to prized yabbies (crabs). Clearly the maritime climate is prevalent here, as well as free-draining soil, which contributes to the lean Riesling that you will find in the Woolundry Road.

Winemaker’s words... “We have really focused on finding the best sites for the most noble of grapes. Riesling’s always a tricky grape to balance, so its aromatics are in unison with a natural acidity. This wine is pretty much bang on.”

Great with... For this light and fruity Riesling, start with seared scallops, roast pork and bramley apple sauce for the main, and a creamy blue for the cheese course.

Region: Margaret River

Country: Australia



Riesling

Clean and Crisp Whites

Fuse Winemaking Team, Winemakers

Bone Dry Sweet

e, els of t t - virgin wines · noy a full case of any single wine at your iscovery discount...

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