Tag 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: 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.

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.

France, Wine, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Champagne Duval-Leroy, Brut Réserve NV

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A new sparkling addition to our portfolio, Champagne Duval-Leroy, Brut Réserve NV has landed just in time for the festive period. This cuvée is a blend of 15 crus with 40% of reserve wines, resulting in a complex and consistent style.

In a nutshell

Refreshing and elegant, with biscuity flavours layered with dark chocolate, cinnamon and roasted yellow fig, beautifully balanced and refined.

The producer

Champagne Duval-Leroy was founded in 1859, with the alliance of the Duval and Leroy families and has subsequently been passed down for six generations. Today, it is one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Champagne Houses. In 1991, Carol Duval-Leroy took over and today successfully leads the house, together with her three sons, Julien, Charles and Louis. Carol Duval-Leroy is the first and only woman to date to be appointed president of the Association Viticole Champenoise.

Certified HVE3, the family is firmly committed to sustainable development in the vineyards and in the cellars under the watchful eye of chef du cave, Sandrine Logette-Jardin. Based in Vertus, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, they create distinctive Champagnes of finesse and elegance, while capturing the essence of the terroir of their 200 hectare estate, which comprises 40% of Premier and Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs and in the Montagne des Reims.

The wine

The blend is made up of approximately 15 crus, including: Chatillon sur Marne, Venteuil, Fleury la Rivière de la Rive droite de la Vallée de la Marne, Vallée de l’Ardre, Côte des Bars and Coteaux de Sézanne. The vineyards are situated on the renowned, chalky soils of the Champagne region. Champagne Duval-Leroy was one of the first
Champagne houses to be HVE3 certified and a multitude of sustainable practices are employed. Measures are taken to combat the run-off of rain water, to limit the pollution of both underground and superficial water; grass cover crops are grown and processes to combat soil erosion are employed.

Biodiversity is positively encouraged, sustainable fertilisers are used and sexual confusion of predators takes place instead of insecticides. The plots and weather conditions encountered are carefully monitored, with soil testing and cartographic, computerised methods in place for full traceability of products used in the plots. Above all, preventative measures are in place to minimise the use of products, which if necessary, are carefully chosen to have the least impact on the environment.

 

Wine

WOTM: Alpha Estate, Amyndeon, Reserve Vielles Vignes Single Block Barba Yannis, Xinomavro 2017

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Our November Wine of the Month is a multi-award-winning wine from northern Greece, recently scoring 93 points in Decanter magazine – Alpha Estate, Amyndeon, Reserve Vielles Vignes Single Block Barba Yannis, Xinomavro 2017.  Made from 100% Xinomavro, on 01st November we celebrate #XinomavroDay. A day dedicated to this grape variety most commonly found in Greece to symbolise the typical end of harvest in Northern Greece and the start of the production of wines made from Xinomavro.

In a nutshell

This is a savoury red made from 90 year old vines with an enticing aroma of raspberries and sun dried tomatoes combined with liquorice and wild herbs, lovely flavour concentration and a dry finish.

The producer

Alpha Estate is located in Amyndeo, North West Greece. It is the brainchild of two visionaries, second generation vine grower Makis Mavridis and Bordeaux trained wine maker Angelos Iatrides. Angelos is one of the most talented winemakers working in Europe.
This pristine estate in the cool highlands of Western Macedonia comprises 120 hectares of privately owned single block vineyards and employs the most up to date vineyard techniques and winemaking technology to produce world class wines from French and indigenous Greek varietals.

The wine

The Xinomavro (pronounced Ksee no’ ma vro) grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and cold soaked with skin contact. Fermentation took place using an indigenous yeast strain which has been isolated from the specific block. The grapes were vinified at gradually increasing temperatures, before being maintained “sur lie” or on its fine lees, for 18 months with regular stirring. Maturation took place in Allier-Jupille French oak casks of medium grain, for 24 months, with a minimum of a further 12 months ageing in the bottle prior to release. Bottled without fining and filtration.
The Single Block Barba Yannis is named in honour of Mr Yannis, from whom the single block of 3.71 hectares was purchased, in 1994. The estate vineyard is located in P.D.O. Amyndeon, in the region of Macedonia and is situated at an altitude of 620 to 710 metres above sea level.
France, Wine of the Month

WOTM: Champagne Collet Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV

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Our October Wine of the Month – Champagne Collet Brut 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV – is an Art Deco inspired assemblage of six Chardonnay parcels from the best Premiers and Grands Crus of the Champagne region. The three pillars of this Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru come from the three famous Grands Crus of Champagne – Avize, Oger and Chouilly. Avize is a rich Cru which brings power; Oger offers tenderness and Chouilly imparts elegance and finesse to the blend.

In a nutshell

Vivacious and fresh, this 1er Cru delivers bright citrus notes with hints of white pepper, brioche and smoke, complex and elegant with a lovely long finish.

The producer

Champagne Collet with its elegant Art Deco packaging is evocative of the Belle Epoque era from when it was established. It is the oldest cooperative in Champagne, dating back to 1921. Since its inception, Collet has been creating Champagnes of character with authenticity, elegance and great finesse. Located in Aÿ, in the heart of the Champagne region, Collet represents some of the finest growers and mainly sources from vineyards which are based on Premier and Grand Cru sites. Each cuvée reflects the diversity of the region’s terroirs and has been masterfully blended to suit gastronomic cuisine.

The wine

The Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru was aged for a minimum of five years in Collet’s centuries old limestone cellars.