Category Archives: Wine of the Month

USA, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Peterson Winery, ‘Mendo Blendo’, Tollini Vineyard, Redwood Valley 2018

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Following a recent buying trip to California, Hallgarten Head of Buying, Steve Daniel, discovered a whole raft of new wines from across this iconic wine producing state. One such producer he discovered was Peterson Winery.  For our January #WineoftheMonth we are focusing on their Tollini Vineyard, ‘Mendo Blendo’ – a blend of Petite Sirah 42%, Carignan 25%, Syrah 25%, Grenache 8%. A perfect way to kick off #TryJanuary!

In a nutshell:

A smooth, balanced, yet robust blend showing ripe blackberry, toasty cocoa and hints of spicy cedar. Richly fruited, with coffee and cigar box on the finish.

The producer:

Owner Fred Peterson is an iconoclast with an old-world winemaking philosophy and a devotion to sustainable farming. He was the Vineyard Manager of Legendary Ridge Vineyards from 1985 to 1990. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard, a philosophy they call ‘Zero Manipulation’, with low tech, yet high touch winemaking techniques to produce artisanal wines of a place: wines with soul. Based in the Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County, Peterson Winery was established in 1987. The evolution of Peterson Wines and winemaking accelerated when Fred’s son Jamie became assistant winemaker in the summer of 2002 and by 2006, Jamie was given the overall responsibility of winemaker. As a winegrowing team, Fred and Jamie meticulously assess the grapes from each vineyard and vintage, evaluating how the weather, soil and site are interacting for the particular vintage. The duo pour their heart and soul into every bottle, producing beautifully balanced wines which truly reflect the time and the place.

The wine:

The gentlest winemaking techniques were employed to maximise flavours, aromas and the original essence of the grapes from the given vineyard and vintage. Spontaneous fermentation took place with natural yeasts and punch-downs and rackings to help the wine develop. The wine was then barrel-aged for 22 months in 18% new American oak, 22% two-year old European oak and 60% neutral barrels

Christmas, France, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Domaine Gardiés, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, ‘Clos Des Vignes’ Rouge 2020

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Our December #Wineofthemonth would not look out of place being poured around a festive table. Hallgarten’s French Wine Buyer, Beverly Tabbron MW, recently described Domaine Gardiés as the ‘zenith of what this region has to offer’, with their range of wines offering ‘incredible freshness, with marked minerality and purity of fruit’.  

The Domaine Gardiés vineyards nestle in the foothills of Corbières. The vines are grown in the old plots on the Génégals,in caly-limestone soil, located on the heights of Vingrau.

In a nutshell:

An opulent and silky blend with rich notes of black cherry, layered with fig, olive and spice, beautifully balanced with ripe tannins underpinned by mineral freshness.

The producer:

Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in the village of Tautavel, Domaine Gardiés has been a family vineyard for eight generations. Jean Gardiés took over the property from his father in the late 1990s, and subsequently crafted his own cuvées from their naturally low-yielding vines. He now works alongside his son, Victor, together they passionately cultivate their 35-hectare estate vineyard, which sits across two terraces based on clay-limestone and black slate soils in Vingrau and Tautavel – two of the finest villages of the Côtes de Roussillon.

In 1990, they purchased Mas Las Cabes, a 15-hectare estate on the Espira de l’Agly terroir. All the vines are certified organic and arecultivated with the utmost respect for the rugged and wild nature of the Roussillonregion. Understanding and nurturing the soils is at the heart of the Gardiés philosophy, and as a result, they produce delicate wines which are expressive of the terroir and are characterised by complexity, depth, structure and elegance.

The wine:

The grapes underwent traditional vinification, with maceration taking place in concrete tanks to gently extract the fruit flavours, colour and fine, elegant tannins. Fermentation took place with wild yeasts, the wine underwent light, daily punching down of the cap to ensure the desired level of extraction. The vinification time lasted for 20 to 25 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in 600 litre French oak barrels.

Italy, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Berlucchi, Franciacorta, ’61 Satèn’, Brut, NV

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Our November Wine of the Month is a new addition to our sparkling wine range from one of the finest and most historic Franciacorta producers, often being described as the producer that invented Franciacorta. The award winning sparkling wine is Berlucchi, Franciacorta, ’61 Satèn’, Brut, NV – 100% Chardonnay from the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.

In a nutshell

An elegant, smooth and refined sparkling wine, with a soft, creamy mousse enveloping notes of peach, apricot and tropical fruit balanced by a lovely tangy freshness.

The producer

The Berlucchi family winery was founded in 1955 by Guido Berlucchi, Franco Ziliani and Giorgio Lanciani. Together, they transformed Franciacorta into one of Italy’s most prestigious regions for the production of sparkling wine. Franciacorta’s renaissance began with Guido Berlucchi’s creation of the very first Classic Method wine in 1961. With a pioneering spirit, Berlucchi introduced and promoted expertise that had not existed in Franciacorta until that point, inspiring many other passionate, forward-thinking producers to follow suit. Together, they transformed this region into the crown jewel of Italian winemaking. From their estate in Borgonato, Berlucchi follows a philosophy of high-quality viticulture that is environmentally sustainable. In 1962 they introduced ‘Max Rosé’, Italy’s very first Classic Method Rosé. After nearly 60 successful years at the helm of the company, Franco Ziliani passed his expertise onto the next generation, his children Cristina, Arturo and Paolo. In 2022, Berlucchi was awarded the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ by Gambero Rosso.

The wine

The grapes were gently pressed and the musts underwent cold static clarification. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts, controlled at 16°C. Once the first fermentation was complete, the wine was racked to remove the coarse lees. The base wines was refined on the fine lees for around six months with variable frequency bâtonnage, before the final blend which included 10% reserve wines aged in French oak barriques and tonneaux. The secondary fermentation to obtain the sparkling wine, took place in bottle; it was refined on the lees for 24 months, followed by a further two after disgorgement.

Italy, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Campo alle Comete, ‘Stupore’, Bolgheri 2019

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New to our portfolio, Campo alle Comete, is located at the foot of the Castagneto Carducci hill in Bolgheri. The oldest vines are planted around the cellar surrounded by the Mediterranean bushland. Our October Wine of the Month is Campo alle Comete, ‘Stupore’, Bolgheri 2019, a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Syrah.

In a nutshell

An intensely aromatic Italian blend with notes of fresh plum layered with sweet roasted cocoa, tobacco and characteristic Bolgheri balsamic notes. Silky and smooth.

The producer

Campo alle Comete is a 26 hectare estate nestled at the foot of Castagneto Carducci on the Etruscan River, just a stone’s throw from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The winery takes its name from historical connections, from the days when the Bolgheri countryside was marked by fields ‘Campi’ and when at night the paths were illuminated by stars -and the occasional comet- ‘Comete’. Evoking the soul of the place, which is rich in history, Campo alle Comete has an imaginative air, but behind the whimsical labels lie some seriously good wines. The visionary is Antonio Capaldo, who was attracted by this new adventure when he acquired the property in 2016. Seeking a new form of expression, he produces wines from international varieties. Renowned Italian illustrator Nicoletta Ceccoli, depicted Campo alle Comete in a painting known as ‘a place suspended between reality and imagination’ and her artwork has inspired the labels.

The wine

The grapes were gently destemmed by a shaking motion, so that the whole berries reached the sorting table for careful selection. The best fruit was transferred to either concrete vats or stainless steel tanks, where fermentation took place with selected yeasts under temperature controlled conditions. The wine underwent malolactic conversion in French oak resulting in a softer texture. The wine was matured for nine months in new French tonneaux and second passage, French oak barriques.

Italy, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: San Marzano ‘Anniversario 62’, Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2018

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Created in honour of its founding year, San Marzano ‘Anniversario 62’ this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the one of Puglia’s most successful cooperatives.

This iconic wine come from the central area of D.O.P. “Primitivo di Manduria”, where they are grown in very old vineyards in San Marzano and Sava, and was this year included in The Wine Merchant Top 100.

In a nutshell

A densely flavoured and fleshy wine with hints of prunes and chocolate covered black cherry combined with fresh herbs, quite delicious.

The producer

In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano whose families had farmed the land for generations, combined their efforts to establish ‘Cantine San Marzano’. Through the decades this cooperative has grown significantly, attracting over 1,200 vine growers. Using modern and technologically advanced vinification techniques they produce elegant wines that pay homage to the ancient Apulian wine traditions. The fusion of time honoured tradition, passion and contemporary techniques, enables this winery to produce wines with distinctive varietal and regional characteristics while reflecting the local terroir. In 2021, San Marzano was awarded the ‘Cooperative Winery of the Year Award’ by Gambero Rosso.

The wine

Only the best fruit, from the best plots was selected to produce this wine. The grapes were hand-harvested once they had reached an advanced state of ripening. Temperature-controlled fermentation took place at 24 to 26°C and lasted for approximately 15 days. The wine went through malolactic conversion in stainless steel vats before being racked into French and American oak barrels, where it matured for 18 months.

 

Greece, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Idaia Winery, ‘Ocean’, Dafnes, Crete, Thrapsathiri 2021

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Our August Wine of the Month – Idaia Winery, ‘Ocean’, Dafnes, Crete, Thrapsathiri 2021 – comes from the largest of Greece’s islands. Idaia Winery is situated in the Dafnes region of Central Crete, using the  indigenous variety of Thrapshathiri (pronounced Thrap-sah-THEE-ree) which is grown in vineyards located at an altitude of 400 to 500 metres above sea level.  The soils, very low yielding vines and the distinctive microclimate, combine to create a unique terroir in which the Thrapshathiri variety thrives.

In a nutshell

A rich and impressive wine with delicate floral aromas followed by a generous and spicy mouthfeel with hints of savoury liquorice and pine and a refreshing saline, mineral finish.

The producer 

Idaia Winery is a boutique family-run winery situated in the Venerato, a charming village in the heart of the vineyards of the Malevizi district. Owned by husband and wife oenologists Vasilis Laderos and Calliope Volitaki, they specialise in producing wines from indigenous varieties and use their extensive knowledge, experience and passion to create these superb wines with strong personalities. Showcasing varietals such as Vidiano and Vilana, these crisp, dry mouth-watering whites are truly expressive of the terroir of Crete.

The wine

The winemaking philosophy is to create wines which showcase the quality of the indigenous varieties. Following a thorough inspection at the winery, the grapes were preserved for 24 hours at very low temperatures. The grapes were destemmed, then cold maceration took place for approximately six hours. The free-run juice was removed without having been pressed. After a cold settling, the wine was fermented with carefully selected yeasts which highlight the aromatic characters of this variety. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 15°C, maintaining the purity of fruit in the resulting wine.
Italy, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Michele Chiarlo ‘Nivole’, Moscato d’Asti 2021 (75cl)

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Our July Wine of the Month is a new take on an old favourite – Michele Chiarlo ‘Nivole’, Moscato d’Asti 2021, in a 750ml bottle! The Moscato grapes for Nivole come from the vineyards in the heart of the historic viticultural area of Monferrato, which have been carefully selected as they are the most suited to the Moscato variety.

In a nutshell

A gently sparkling dessert wine with intense peach and tropical fruit flavours, delightfully silky.

The producer

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont’s most prestigious winemakers, producing outstanding wines from some of the most exceptional sites in Piedmont, including Barolo’s world famous Cannubi and Cerequio vineyards. Founded in 1956 by Michele Chiarlo and now run by his sons Alberto and Stefano, the Chiarlo philosophy “is to capture the terroir” and with judicious use of oak they develop some wines for ageing and some which can be enjoyed earlier. Their stunning collection of Barolo and Barbera wines consistently receive 90+ points from Wine Advocate, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.

The wine

The grapes were gently pressed and the must stored at very low temperatures. The temperature was raised and a slow fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel autoclaves until the alcohol level reached 5%. During this process, part of the carbon dioxide developed during fermentation remained captured, imparting the wine with its mild, natural effervescence. The temperature was then lowered to 0°C to arrest the fermentation and also to retain the natural sweetness and freshness of the Moscato grape. The wine was micro filtered to give the wine its clarity, purity and prevent any further fermentation of the yeasts.
Italy, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Ippolito 1845 ‘Mare Chiaro’, Cirò, Calabria 2021

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Our May Wine of the Month is a new addition to our portfolio, located in the southern tip of Italy – Ippolito 1845 ‘Mare Chiaro’, Cirò, Calabria 2021. The Greco Bianco grapes for this wine come from the ‘Feudo’ and the ‘Difesa Piana’ vineyards, two renowned viticultural areas in the Cirò Marinatwo renowned viticultural areas in the Cirò Marina region.

In a nutshell

This crisp and refreshing Greco delivers intense aromas of tropical fruit, pear, peach and floral notes through to a vibrant palate with a delicious saline note on the finish.

The producer

With over 170 years of history, Ippolito is the oldest winery in Calabria. Located in the historic centre of Cirò Marina, the heart of Calabrian viticulture, the farm comprises a 100-hectare agricultural estate near the Ionian Sea. Winemakers for five generations, the Ippolito family values its heritage and follows a sustainable philosophy to protect the terroir, enhance the native vines and preserve the ecosystem. Balancing a traditional approach with investment in research in the vineyard and the cellar, they strive to create wines of elegance, exclusivity and identity. The Ippolito family are passionate about preserving the extraordinary heritage of the region, they only cultivate native vines such as Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco, and for the past 15 years have been engaged in a research project on native vines.

The wine

The wine is a blend of grapes harvested in two steps; the first enhanced the freshness and aromatics, while the second tranche of harvested grapes imparted structure. The grapes were hand-picked and carefully sorted, crushed, destemmed and cooled to 14°C before being gently pressed. The must was cool settled at 8°C, prior to fermentation with selected yeasts which lasted for three weeks in stainless steel tanks. Post fermentation the two wines were skilfully blended before being aged for four months in stainless steel tanks.

Greece, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Akriotou, ‘Erimitis’ White, Sterea Ellada 2020

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Our April Wine of the Month is a new addition to our Greek portfolio from the team at Akriotou. The grapes for the ‘Erimitis’ White, Sterea Ellada 2020 are sourced from Plataea, a small village at the foot of the Kitheronas Mountain, in Central Greece. This wine is a blend of native varieties: Savatiano, Assyrtiko and Aidani, which are suited to the hot, dry climate as they have good drought resistant properties. 

In a nutshell

A rich and textured wine with delicate notes of peach, bergamot, lemon and pear complemented by buttery overtones through to a refreshing zesty finish.

The Producer

Vasiliki Akriotou is an oenologist with over 20 years’ experience in the wine industry. In 2015, she created her first range of wines from a micro-winery in the heart of Greece, which reflected her philosophy of winemaking. The vineyards are situated among the snow-capped mountains at altitudes of 280 to 380 metres above sea level. The range includes is Ορειβάτης, which translates as the ‘Mountaineer’ made from Savatiano, which recognises the steep, challenging terrain. This sublime, premium range of wines made from old vines of native grapes, is a true expression of this fresh mountainous terroir.

The wine

Vinification took place separately for each variety. The grapes were carefully selected, destemmed and crushed before the free run must underwent cold skin-contact maceration for six hours. Controlled fermentation took place at 14°C, with bâtonnage of the fine lees twice a week. The three wines were deftly blended and matured in stainless steel tanks for a total of 10 months, during which bâtonnage took place twice weekly for three months, reducing to once a fortnight for seven months, imbuing the wine with a lovely texture.

Annual Tasting, Italy, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Badia a Coltibuono ‘Cultus’ Chianti Classico Riserva 2017

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We are taking a closer look at some of the new additions to our portfolio with our Wine of the Month for March; Badia a Coltibuono and its ‘Cultus’ Chianti Classico Riserva. An incredible location and region is the perfect backdrop to the rich history and legacy of such an estate. 

In a nutshell

Ripe red fruits and flora notes follow in the wake of a balsamic quality. Bursting with character with a lifting assortment of chocolate, liquorice and an elegant finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

The producer

In 1051, the abbey called “Badia” was inhabited by a community of Vallombrosan monks who dedicated their time and effort to study, aiding those in need and cultivation of vines and olive trees. The monks excelled in the practical elements of agricultural development and they chose the name ‘Badia a Coltusboni’, Latin for ‘good worship, good agriculture and good harvest’. Over a tumultuous period of history for Italy, the abbey was handed over to many, but in 1846 the 74 hectare estate was purchased and has been passed down through 6 generations of the Stucchi Prinetti family. Today, the family have leant themselves purely to the development of their estate, hospitality and their family’s heritage in terms of winemaking methods and customs.

The wine

The blend of the ‘Cultus’ (‘cultivation’ in Latin) is primarily Sangiovese, but with traditional varieties of Colorino, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo added to bolster the flavour. These varieties were replanted recently to more traditional propagation methods in an effort to maintain the legacy and spirit of the estate’s history. The elevation of the vines at 250 – 330 metres help to keep the vines aerated and ventilated, keeping them healthy in the warmth of the region. Hand harvested fruit are met with wild yeasts in the winery as fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The skins were left to macerate for 20 to 35 days and afterwards the wine was aged in 225l French oak barriques for 14 to 16 months.

Annual Tasting, Emerging Regions, South Africa, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Lomond Wines, ‘Phantom’ Pinot Noir 2018

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February’s Wine of the Month is a new addition to our portfolio; Lomond Wines. Situated as far south in South Africa as vineyards can get, the vines themselves are in view of the sea – only a hop, skip and a boat ride away from Antarctica on the Agulhas Plain.

Please welcome, the ‘Phantom’ Pinot Noir. 

In a nutshell

Medium-bodied, fragrant, with lingering notes of spices, red berry fruits and a grounded earthiness that brings it all together. A charmingly balanced red wine with nuanced oak and bright acidity.

The producer

Lomond Wines, aptly named after the Ben Lomond Mountain where the vineyards are planted, was established in 1999 overlooking the sea where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans greet each other. The cool air that washes over the vineyards from the sea and the 18 different soil types found around the vineyards – along with great drainage – makes for late ripening and intense and complex wines of world-class calibre. Scattered and surrounding the vines are the endangered Elim Fynbos, flora that is indigenous to the region, making the vineyards ever more picturesque. Since 2005, Lomond are proudly part of the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy that strives to protect these beautiful, diverse plants. Not only do Lomond use sustainable practices, but they are pioneers in winemaking.

The wine

The 2018 was heralded by a cool, dry summer that slowed ripening down to concentrate the flavours. Hand-picked and hand-sorted grapes were fermented in open top barrels that underwent manual punch-downs. After this, the wine was transferred to a combination of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak, which it then spent 12 months in to mature.

Australia, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Larry Cherubino ‘Apostrophe Possessive Red’, Great Southern 2019

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Australia Day 2022 is fast approaching, providing us with an ideal opportunity to reflect on one of the jewels in our portfolio: Larry Cherubino. A world-renowned winemaker, based in Western Australia, Larry produces incredible wines that showcase their origin.
Our January Wine of the Month is Larry Cherubino’s  ‘Apostrophe Possessive Red’, Great Southern 2019, hailing from a vineyard located in the Frankland River area of the Great Southern, which is considered to be one of the most distinctive viticulture areas in Australia.

In a nutshell

Medium-bodied, this delicious and fleshy wine has flavours of fresh and juicy cranberry and blackberry with a herbal and smoky bacon tang. Rhône with a silky Australian twist.

The producer

Former ‘Winery of the Year’ by James Halliday and Matt Skinner, Larry Cherubino wants his wines to be distinctive and to speak clearly of their variety and vineyard site. He believes in paying meticulous attention to the vineyard, canopy and water management, picking at the right time and minimal intervention in the winery. Larry also makes wine under the Laissez Faire label, an exquisite range of natural wines which are the ultimate expression of site, made in small batches from hand harvested grapes. From delicate whites to opulent reds, all his wines have pure class and finesse.

The wine

The fruit was hand-picked and sorted, followed by fermentation in small lot fermenters. A moderate extraction was aimed for, thus ensuring vineyard characters were fully expressed. The wine was then aged in new and one year old oak, for six to eight months.