Reds

Gorgeous, natural, silky red made from native Portuguese grapes, the nose could be mistaken for Pinot Noir with it's elegant floral perfumed notes with hints of herbs and ripe crushed strawberry.

Country: Portugal

Region: Bairrada

Grapes: Baga

ABV: 12%

Aromas of crushed, black fruit, damson, mint, oak and mocha.

Rich, almost succulent black fruit which has great purity and exuberance. Impressive concentration and elegance.

Country: France

Region: Pomerol. Bordeaux

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5%

This tiny property of 1.3 hectares has seven parcels spread throughout the Pomerol appellation, positioned between Clos René, Château Trotanoy, Château Nénin, and next to Château Le Pin.

Château Feytit-Guillot truly benefits from these wonderful plots on the plateau. The vines have an average age of forty years and are always entirely hand-picked before undergoing traditional fermentation and aging in oak barrels for 14 months. The wine is pure and understated for a Pomerol, with a fresh nose and floral aromas on the palate. It is also one of the best value Pomerols on the market.

Pomerol is a much respected red wine appellation in the Bordeaux region of South ­Western France. Both historically and physically, it stands apart from other Bordeaux appellations. It does not conform to the accepted image of a Bordeaux wine­ district as being a wealthy, Chateau-­laden area with an all ­important classification system. Pomerol is none of these things, yet has managed to earn itself a place among the world's most revered wine region.

The nose has rich plum and blackcurrant pastille characters, with delicate vanilla, spice and cedars. The palate is ripe, smooth and opulent with layers of pure blackcurrant, juicy blackberry, lush spicy plum and cherry fruit, minerality and complex, fine tannins on the finish.

Country: Spain

Region: Jumilla

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Monastrell

A stunning Pinot Noir from Otago in New Zealand. Handmade with care and love.

Beautiful aromatics; cherries and bright berry fruits mixed with some darker fruit notes plus hints of herb and spice. On the palate there is that same purity of fruit expression and a smooth and silky texture with just enough tannin to support the the depth and weight of the flavours

Country: New Zealand

Region: Otago

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes:  Pinot Noir

There are many characters in New Zealand winemaking and one of the largest is Duncan Forsyth. Maverick or genius, planting vines in the cold of Otago takes some nerve. These vineyards are on the edge of what is possible, the climate is so marginal. With a biodynamic approach and the reassuring chaos of a smallholding full of pigs and chickens the wines win awards and praise worldwide proving that we should all try to be little bit different. Mount Edward's winemaking approach is traditional, using natural yeasts and minimal intervention at all stages to produce wines which reflect the vintage from which they came. The Central Otago climate and soils are unique with the parent rock being glacially derived schist. Most of the soils having been cultivated only a few times in the 100 years before the viticulturists arrived, and some not at all. The growing season is warm and dry with cool nights. It is a short season however, with a risk of frost early and late and they actively restrict crop levels managing the vine canopy to achieve balance and uniform ripeness regardless of variety

A classic Barolo offering structure and elegance, with a red fruit base, floral notes, and hints of spice and tobacco. Perfumed and bright, very approachable yet serious and complex. Polished tannins and fresh acidity lead to a long, persistent finish, showing both immediate appeal for drinking now and excellent ageing potential.

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte

15% ABV

Grape: Nebbiolo

A juicy fruit-forward blend of Shiraz & Mourvèdre, with layered aromas of black cherry compote and sun-ripened raspberry. The palate is vibrant and finely poised, weaving rich dark fruit with a delicate floral nuance and a velvety, seamless texture.

Country: South Africa

Region: W.O. coastal region

Grapes: Shiraz / Mourvedre

ABV: 13.5%

Black cherries, earthy tones and hints of tanned leather. Soft, supple in texture with a ripe berries and savoury notes, juicy acidity, silky tannins. Dry, minerally, structured and very long finish . Gorgeous. Drinking window: now - 2035

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese

As seen in the movie 'Letters to Juliet' starring Amanda Seyfried, Gael García Bernal and Vanessa Redgrave. The Carpazo vineyard is the real deal!

Complex bouquet showing typical rose nuances as well as layers of spice and woodland fruits. The palate is full-bodied, with hints of cherry, dark chocolate and prunes with firm sweet tannins on the finish. The sweet ripe berry fruit makes it approachable now or can be cellared for 10 years.

Region: Piemonte

ABV: 14% 

Grape: Nebbiolo

Vegan

Food Match: red meats, fowl and hearty casseroles.

Barbaresco Tenuta Roncaglie is made from Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in Poderi Colla's vineyards in the Roncaglie area. As early as 1880, Roncaglie was already recognised as one of the best and most important areas for Barbaresco production, and mentioned in Lorenzo Fantini's important publication on Viticulture and Oenology in the Province of Cuneo. Several years on Daniel Thomasas, in the January 2005 issue of Wine Spectator, wrote: 'Roncaglie is acknowledged to be one of the best crus in the whole of Barbaresco.' The Poderi Colla vineyards have a southerly exposure and is situated at between 240 and 280 metres above sea level. Some of the vines were planted in 1970, some in 1980 and some in 1995. Vine density is around 4,000 to 5,000 plants per hectare and the average yield is 4,000 litres per hectare. Harvesting is usually done between 5th to 15th October. The Nebbiolo grapes (Lampia and Michet subvarieties) are destalked and pressed and the must is macerated on the skins for around 12 to 15 days at 30 degrees Centigrade. This if followed by a malolactic fermentation which is completed before the winter. The wine is transferred to some Slovinian and some French oak casks (partly new) and left to mature for 12 to 14 months. After maturation with wine is racked to stainless steel vats and clarified with egg whites before bottling.

Majority Grenache, this wine boasts floral, fruity and spicy aromas. In the mouth it's super juicy with red fruits, with a cherry and strawberry mix before revealing pepper notes. The roundness of this wine is supported by a healthy acidity. 

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault

ABV: 14 %

Food Match: It is light enough to match white meats, but with the richness and acidity necessary to accompany a duck confit and gratin Dauphinois.

 Organic

Aromas of crushed, black fruit, damson, mint, oak and mocha. Rich, almost succulent black fruit which has great purity and exuberance. Impressive concentration and elegance.

 Country: France

Region: Pomerol. Bordeaux

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5%

Juicy and concentrated with red and black fruit. Cocoa powder notes and blackberry on the nose, supple tannins, with a fresh finish.

Country: Georgia

Region: Kakheti

Grapes: Saperavi

ABV: 13.5%

Vegan

Food pairing: lamb, veal, deer, venison, mushrooms, mature and hard cheese

Shilda Winery is located in the Alazani River Valley at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, the heartland of Georgian wine producing region, Kakheti. Its unique soil composition and microclimate provides perfect conditions for vine cultivation, especially for indigenous grape varieties like Saperavi, Kisi and Rkatsiteli. 

Read all about Penny's recent trip to the cradle of wine, Georgia in her blog here.

Super, easy drinking, modern everyday Claret. A lovely fruit expression on very soft and delicate tannins.

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13%

Textured and generous, it balances acidity with velvety tannins and a long, warming finish.

Country: Romania

Region: Dealu Mare

Grapes: Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Fetească Neagră (30%)

ABV: 15%

Food pairing: steak, venison, roast lamb, pork chops, or mature cheeses

The vintage is dense in colour, retaining a purplish-blue hint typical of wines that are slow to develop. Chewy and rich, with dried fruits and fresh herbs. Full and chewy.

Country: France

Region: St Emilion, Bordeaux

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Merlot

Style: Full Bodied and Bold Red

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Grapes: 100% Merlot

Other: Organic, Vegan

Aged in barrel for 23 months

ABV: 14,5%

A perfumed, fresh nose with aromas of blackberry, blueberry and vanilla pod. A tight, elegant and structured palate with supple tannins and a long finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Malbec

ABV: 14.5%

Food Match: Great with braaied sirloin steak.

Dornier is a family owned winery that is situated in the Golden Triangle area of the famous Upper Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch - their prestigious neighbours are
De Trafford, Keermont and Waterford, so they are in fine company. The property was home to one of the first wineries in Stellenbosch, having been completed in the late 1600s, as well as an historic Sir Herbert Baker home. 

The winemaking philosophy at Dornier is to produce premium quality wines, with minimal intervention in the winery, that are expressive of the unique terroir of the Golden Triangle and showcase the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varietals planted on the farm..

Super, easy drinking, modern everyday Claret. A lovely fruit expression on very soft and delicate tannins.

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Grapes: Merlot

ABV: 13%

Red berry fruit, full of spice, white pepper and floral notes. Supple, intense palate with fine tannin matched by plenty of fruit.

Country: South Africa

Region: Elgin

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Syrah

Food match

Braised lamb and blue cheese, pecorino with rosemary and sundried tomato gremolada!

At 420m above sea-level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley Andrew Gunn founded Iona. It is here overlooking the Atlantic ocean that he has secured some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape.

Full of finesse and elegance, this Cannonau offers intense aromas of ripe, red fruit with
subtle balsamic notes. Fresh and savoury, with fine tannins and a long, silky finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Sardegna

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Cannonau (Garnacha/ Grenache Noir)

Elegance is our raison d'etre at QPA, which is embodied in our Vintage Port. Showing complex aromas of red, blue and black fruits, with chocolate, spice notes and lifted aromatics. This is a rich, restrained, elegant style of Vintage Port with a complex, seamless palate. 

Drink now to accompany Stilton or Gorgonzola, or cellar as it will gain further complexity over the next 20 years.

Country: Portugal

Region: Douro Valley

Grapes: Touriga Nacional (49%), Touriga Franca (27.5%), Tinta Roriz (13%), Sousão (9%), Tinta Barroca (1.5%)

ABV: 19.5%

Ruby red in colour and beautifully fresh and fruity on the nose and palate. Velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. The Dão region of Portugal is known as their Burgundy - when you taste this lovely wine you will understand why.

Country: Portugal

Region: Dão

Grapes: Jaen, Alfrocheiro and others (field blend)

ABV: 13%

Food Match: Lamb tagine

With its refined plum colour, a blast of forest fruit aromas on the nose and clove notes on the back palate, this wine’s tannins are balanced with a lively acidity, medium body and a long finish. The Kalecik Karası grape feels right at home in the terroir of Çal and has adapted to it with ease. Described as “Turkey’s answer to Burgundy Reds” by wine critics, its fragrant elegance perfectly complements Mediterranean and Anatolian cuisines.

Country: Turkey

Region:   Çal, Aegean, Denizli

Vegan/Vegetarian

Grapes: Kalecik Karasi

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: Lamb Kofta with roast Mediterranean vegetables

A heady mix of Barbera and Bonarda grapes combine to produce a delicious and aromatic wine full of ripe plums and cherries that is really brought to life by a hint of anise and bright juicy acidity.

Country: Italy

Region: Emilia Romagna

Grapes: Barbera and Bonarda

ABV: 14%

A classic style of Chianti, with a fruity intensity. Ruby-red in colour with delicate floral notes of violet and iris, fresh ripe cherries and cranberries with a hint of spice. Well balanced acidity, soft tannins and a long finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese: 95%, Colorino: 5%

Quinta da Pedra Alta 'Alto' Tinto is a perfumed, hedonistic Douro red, made from parcels from our highest (Alto) elevations on the Quinta.

Aromas of red and blue fruits, with lifted bergamot and exotic spice notes. This is a rich, hedonistic wine, with an Indian ink mid-palate, and an Earl Grey finish.

Country: Portugal

Region: Douro Valley

Grapes: Touriga Nacional (92%), Sousão (7%), Fernão Pires (1%)

ABV: 15%