Italy

Aglianico is an ancient grape, likely introduced to southern Italy by the Greeks around the 6th Century. It has the potential for ageing – sometimes called the Barolo of the South -- however this version is smooth and round, and enjoyable now. Aromas and flavours of dark fruits, plum in
particular, with smoky dark chocolate and mineral notes. Match with pasta dishes and lamb.

From 85% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo nero grapes, grown in the Tuscan hills, near San Gimignano. Deep ruby colour, medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of bright red (cherry) fruits. A great match for pasta dishes, veal and roasted meats.

This wine is 100% Sangiovese, the same grape (Prugnolo Gentile) used to make the famous Vino Nobile Montepulciano DOCG, but with only a few months ageing. Medium-bodied,
with earthy/floral aromas and flavours of dark fruits – dried cherries and plum – and a balanced finish (medium tannins and good acidity). Match with pasta dishes, veal, and grilled meats.

Made from 100% Montepulciano grapes. Deep, ruby colour, with rich aromas and flavours of cherries and blackberries with notes of leather and violets. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Match with steak and other grilled meat dishes.

Traditional Valpolicella is a blend of Rondinella, Corvina, and Molinara grapes. This version has a touch of Sangiovese (the grape of Chianti) in the blend. Medium-bodied with smooth tannins, and earthy aromas and flavours of cherries and bitter chocolate. Match with white meat dishes and pasta.

Nero d’Avola is the main indigenous red wine grape of Sicily. This version was not matured in oak barrels, but is full and rich due to the ripening power of the Sicilian sun. Medium- bodied, with aromas and flavours of fresh plum, cherry, and blackberry fruit with pepper-spice notes. Match with beef and lamb, as well as grilled tuna dishes.

Primitivo is the Italian version of the Zinfandel grape. A rich, medium-bodied wine full of dark ripe aromas and flavours of plum and cherry with hints of smoke and bittersweet chocolate. Medium-bodied, with good length and quality on the finish. Match with beef and lamb dishes.

This wine is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, the same grapes that are used to make Brunello (see Reserve wine list). Medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of dark fruits, cherries, and mocha. Well-integrated tannins – a great match for grilled meat dishes, especially game.

An award-winning wine (short-listed for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award from Italy’s Gambero Rosso magazine) from an emerging wine region, Marches, located to the east of Tuscany. This is a blend of Montepulciano (60%) and Sangiovese (40%) grapes, aged in traditional large Slavonian barrels for 4 months. Deep aromas and flavours of dark plum and
cherry, and bittersweet chocolate notes. Medium-bodied, pair with grilled meats and game.

From 100% Sangiovese grapes, aged in both traditional large Slavonian oak barrels (85%) and newer style French-oak barrique, resulting in a smooth, medium- to full-bodied wine. Earthy aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, and slight leather notes. Match with pasta dishes and veal.

Syrah is the same grape as Australia’s Shiraz, but in Europe they prefer to use the traditional grape name. Medium- to full-bodied, with rich aromas and flavours of smoky blackberry fruit and black-pepper spice. A great match for beef, lamb, and game dishes.

Ripasso (re-passed) means to soak the pressed skins of Amarone (see Reserve wines) in regular Valpolicella, to produce a more full-bodied wine, with rich aromas and flavours of dried plums, cherries, and chocolate, and notes of bitter herbs. A great match with braised meat dishes and game.

Dolcetto at its best – aged for eight months in large Slavonian oak barrels and six months in bottle before release. Deep ruby red in colour, this wine is full and round on the palate, with aromas and flavours of dark cherries and plums, with notes of mocha and almond. Pairs well with pasta and most grilled meat dishes.

Traditionally made Chianti (aged in large Slavonian-oak barrels), medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of cherry, plums, leather, and spices. Smooth tannins and a long finish; a classic match for pasta, veal, and grilled meat dishes.

A more modern-style Chianti (aged in small French-oak barrels), medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of sweet red berries and cherry with herbal/spice notes. Round, soft
tannins; match with pasta, veal, and grilled meat dishes.

This award-winning wine is a blend of Sangiovese (85%) and Merlot, aged in new French-oak barrels for over 12 months. Following the traditions of regions like Montalcino, the wine spent a further year in bottles for refinement resulting in a more elegant wine; each sip full, powerful, and silky. Aromas and flavours of dark, wild berry fruit, cherry, and plum, with earthy notes of herbs, spices, and mocha. The tannins are firm and the finish is long and rich. Match with fuller-style pasta dishes, as well as grilled, roasted, and braised meat dishes.

Single-vineyard Barbera, aged for 12 months in French Allier-oak barrels – 40% new and 60% second passage. Dark ruby red colour with aromas and flavours of plums and dark cherries, and notes of mocha and sultanas on the finish. Full-bodied, round, and elegant. Pairs well with grilled meat dishes, and lamb in particular.

A rare single-vineyard Ripasso, following on the reputation of the Bosan Amarone della Valpolicella offered in the Reserve section. A blend of 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella grapes, the Valpolicella wine was allowed to re-ferment on the Amarone must for about 15 days then aged in French oak casks for 12 months. Following assemblage, the wine was kept for 6 months in larger oak casks with about 8 months bottle refining before release. The result is a complex wine with aromas and flavours of red fruits – dried cherries and dark plums. Medium-bodied, smooth, with balancing acidity. Match with grilled or braised meat dishes.

A unique 50-50 blend of Nebbiolo (the grape of Barolo) and Barbera, aged for just over 12 months in small French-oak barrels. A full-bodied wine with aromas and flavours of wild berries, plums, and black raspberries with mocha, spice, and vanilla notes. Firm tannins make this an excellent wine to pair with grilled meats, particularly game and lamb dishes.

Made from 100% Merlot grapes from a single-vineyard site in the Piave region: an area known for the development of traditional Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes were carefully selected for ripeness and the wine was matured in large Slavonian oak barrels and then smaller French-oak barriques for a total of 36 months. Aromas and flavours of plums, cherries, dark raspberries, cocoa, and oriental spices. Full-bodied, balanced, elegant, and full of flavour. Match with grilled meat dishes, especially lamb.

Spain

Made from 100% old-vine Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), aged for 12 months in seasoned American oak barrels. Medium- to full-bodied with aromas and flavours of dark red fruits, leather, and spicy oak notes. Pair with grilled meats, particularly game and lamb dishes.

Made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, and 5% Graciano (Grenache) grapes, from 30-year old vines grown on a select parcel of land called Pago El Rincón. After a temperature-
controlled fermentation, the wine was aged for 5 months in French oak barrels, and 4 months in Russian oak barrels, then bottled unfiltered. Medium--bodied, with aromas and flavours of
red fruits with mocha and herb notes. Smooth finish and tannins make this an excellent match
for veal, duck, and lamb.

Made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, this wine received 4 stars from Vines magazine. Medium- to full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of dark berry fruits, mocha, and
vanilla. Smooth finish and smooth tannins make this an excellent match for vegetarian, veal, and grilled meat dishes, and a traditional match for lamb.

A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache (Garnacha), and 20% Carignan (Carineña). The wine was fermented in temperature-controlled tanks, and then aged in French oak barrels (Allier) for 14 months. Aromas and flavours of dark cherry, currant, dark chocolate, with vanilla spice and truffle notes. Full-bodied with a rich long finish. Excellent depth and
balance. Match with grilled meats, especially beef and lamb.

France

The Bordeaux Supérieur appellation is quite broad and varied, and the red wines can offer great value. Such is the case with this wine. It is made from organic grapes and offers bright red fruit aromas and flavours – characteristic of red Bordeaux – with appealing complexity and a long finish. Match with grilled meat dishes, lamb, and game.

One of the wines of Jacques Montagné, from about 30 Ha farmed near Maury in southwest France, this wine is a blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. Bright, dense, inky blue/purple colour, with aromas and flavours of blueberry, plums, and crème de mûr, with white pepper and mineral notes. Great mouth feel, medium-bodied, and a lively long finish. Versatile; match with grilled meat dishes and lamb, and a good pairing with spicier-style dishes.

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, from old vines. Medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of black currants, plums, fresh herbs, and vanilla spice notes. Evolving tannins; a great match for grilled meat dishes, lamb and game.

Maison Roche de Bellene is the new négociant business of rising star winemaker Nicolas Potel. He works with small parcels of low-yielding, older vines, to create wines of great character and finesse. Rich aromas and flavours of sweet dark cherry, crème de cassis, and grenadine, with classic barny-tobacco and underbrush notes. Plush and silky with a complex lingering finish. Match with grilled salmon, grilled and braised meat dishes, and lighter game.