Restaurants and bars may be open again, yet we are still finding an increased appetite for great value wines to enjoy at home. I have therefore created a mixed drinking case reflecting my own tastes, available for immediate delivery. This selection comprises wines perfect for sipping on a late summer’s evening (or lunchtime – we don’t judge). All are drinking in their prime now, the two reds show elegant fresh fruit, finely balanced without headiness – the sort of reds you could serve cool. The two whites I have chosen display differing characters, one mouth-watering and refreshing with subtle aromatics, the other more rounded, slightly richer yet still fresh. I simply had to include two of our most successful rosés from this year, two contrasting styles that have impressed me equally this summer throughout my extensive testing.
Mixed Summer Drinking Case (6 bottles) - £150 per 6, including duty, VAT and delivery.
***Please note that for orders placed before noon on Thursday 27th August to mainland UK addresses (excluding the Highlands), we can arrange delivery for the bank holiday weekend.
2017 Dolcetto d’Alba, Elio Grasso
In contrast to Piemonte’s most famous grape, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto produces fruity wines with low tannins and a soft texture. Best enjoyed young, whilst the fruit and aromatics are fresh and vibrant, this makes for a fantastic summer drinker from one of Piemonte’s finest producers. Drink now-2023.
2017 Brouilly, Alex Foillard
Son of famed Beaujolais winemaker Jean Foillard (with whom he worked before buying his own vineyards), Alex Foillard is an up and coming name in the region, focused on delivering high quality wines with minimal intervention in the winery. His wines have been described by a US importer as unmistakably Foillard, with “seductive aromatics, a silky texture and a downright deliciousness”. We were all incredibly impressed with the quality when tasting this wine – pure and vibrant, with a bright red fruit core and a gentle spiciness, this was a really impressive Brouilly. Drink now-2028.
2019 Il Rosato, Nervi
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this fine rosato (rosé) from Alto Piemonte is a great wine with real character – Nebbiolo’s floral aromatics, bright red fruit and racy acidity are all on show leading to a long and subtle finish. It takes great skill to produce a rosato from Nebbiolo – to obtain colour and character without extracting too much tannin from the skins is no easy feat. Fortunately, the Nervi estate is in excellent hands, since Roberto Conterno (of Giacomo Conterno) acquired a 90% stake in the estate and oversees the winemaking. Drink now-2022.
2019 Sof Rosato, Tenuta Campo di Sasso
The Sof rosato couldn’t be more different stylistically from the Nervi Rosato. From the warmer climate of Maremma in Tuscany, this blend of Cabernet Franc and Syrah offers up a softer profile, with ripe red fruit. This is a very textural wine, with creamy red berry fruit, a mouth-watering freshness and a touch of spice. Drink now-2021.
2018 Sancerre, Domaine Vacheron
Though there a good examples on many restaurant lists, Sancerre with real character can be hard to come by. However, at Domaine Vacheron (biodynamic since 2004), the focus is on the expression of terroir, and their 2018 Sancerre shows notes of ripe citrus and pear, with flint and chalky mineral notes and a long precise finish. A brilliant crisp and elegant wine to enjoy with or without food. Drink now-2024.
2018 Soave La Rocca, Pieropan
Soave is another wine ubiquitous on restaurant wine lists, but the majority of examples we see are simple wines lacking character and complexity. Pieropan’s single vineyard ‘La Rocca’ can certainly not be accused of simplicity. Allowing some skin contact, the Pieropans have created a complex, aromatic wine showing hints of citrus oil and gentle spice overlaying fruit notes of pear, baked apple and white peach. There is a subtle richness, followed by zesty notes of orange peel and a vein of minerality. Drink now-2028+.
Do let us know of your interest and your preferred delivery date. Please note that stocks are limited.
Best
Laura