| Producer | Highland Half Case |
| Country | Mixed |
| Region | Mixed |
| Varietal | Mixed |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 210000015777 |
| Size | 750ml |
CASTILLO LA MANCHA, RED BLEND 2020, LA MANCHA, SPAIN $11.99 (MIXED) Windmills and wine, two things the sun-swept plains of central Spain have in abundance, and while you should not go chasing windmills, you should definitely chase down every bottle of this enchanting red down. An unconventional blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Syrah and 25% Tempranillo, it does not have the tradition of a Rioja or the cachet of a Priorat, but it does have that one thing that we all look for in a bottle of wine: be delicious. On the nose there are hints of vanilla bean, hibiscus petals, black tea and raspberry preserves, on the palate it has a soft attack with ripe strawberry, round raspberry and chewy tannins on the finish. Perfect with any meat dish, but it would sing with some pulled pork and coleslaw.
PILEUM, CESANESE DEL PIGLIO 2021, LAZIO, ITALY $17,99 Pronounced (Chae-zah-NAE-say), this grape is indigenous to the Lazio region, i,e, Rome and its environs; and was the preferred grape of the ancient Romans. It definitely has a profile that seems plucked out of history: a distinct wine marked by red fruits like pomegranate and cherry, floral spice, juniper, forest floor and cured meat. The palate is lively with acidity and tannin, balanced with ample acidity and soft, chewy tannins. A hearty, versatile wine, serve with grilled meats, pastas like Bucatini all’Amatriciana, cacio e pepe; as well as medium-aged cheeses and cured meats. Allow to open for 20-30 minutes prior to consuming.
UVA NON GRATA, GAMAY 2020, BURGUNDY, FRANCE $11.99 (MIXED) This wine is all about freedom. It’s name“Uva Non Grata” (meaning unknown grape in Latin) refers to it being outlawed in 1395 by the Duke of Burgundy, in favor of the more “noble” Pinot Noir varietal. Thankfully for us, many rebellious vignerons refused to fully comply, and secretly grew Gamay in defiance of this order. Centuries later Gamay has been released from this medieval restriction, and we are thankful that we get to enjoy this wonderful wine; with a gorgeous nose of white flowers, baking spice and bright citrus that gives way to a palate of ripe black plum, blackberry, and rhubarb. Perfectly balanced between playful fruit and serious nuance, enjoy on a spring day with a slight chill.
SAN FERDINANDO, ‘IL GARGAIOLO’ CHIANTI 2019, TUSCANY, ITALY $16.99 San Ferdinando is located in the Chianti Colli Aretini area southeast of Florence. Besides vines, this area is also known for its famed Chianina breed of cattle, which often end up on the plate in the form of the bistecca fiorentina. ‘Il Gargaiolo’ takes its name from the eponymous stream that runs along the Sangiovese vineyard. This vintage, the blend is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 5% ancient co-planted varietals. Coming from high altitude (350 meters) vines, the wine has vibrant smooth acidity, making it a perfect pairing for the aforementioned bistecca fiorentina.
BONPAS, ‘GRANDE RÉSERVE DES CHALLIÈRES’ 2020, VENTOUX, FRANCE $13.99 (MIXED) With a history stretching back over a millennium, Bonpas began as a fortified monastery, named because it controlled the only safe crossing (bonnus passus) over the dramatic Durrance River. Today it produces typical Southern Rhone wines of tremendous quality and value. Syrah and Grenache show themselves clearly in bright red-berry and plum fruit, fragrant black pepper, and a subtle hint of bacon on the nose and palate, with pepper and intriguing stony minerality on the palate. Extremely food friendly and versatile, it might shine brightest opposite an expertly composed charcuterie platter
JUANVI,’RUBIELOS DE MORA’ 2020, ARAGÓN, SPAIN $15.99 Juanvi is a small-scale, artisan winery established in 2008 in the town of Rubielos de Mora in the Sierra de Gúdar-Javalambre mountains at 1000 meters, surrounded by beautiful peaks and scenic vistas in every direction. Four hectares of Garnacha and Tempranillo are farmed organically, some vines dating back over 90 years. This is a youthful, fruit-driven red wine with good ripeness but also exceptional freshness and acidity, and is both juicy and light at the same time. Ripe dark and red fruits, cherries and cranberries, with notes of earth and smoke. It’s a fresh, tasty, and easy-to-drink new-school Mediterranean wine. We simply couldn’t ask for more.
|
