Wines for Lamb

Succulent black cherry aroma, bright but delicate and hints of forest floor, with underlying floral and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is powerful, with silk-textured length.

Country: South Africa

Region: Elgin

ABV: 13%

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Food match:

Beef bourguignon with mushroom or braised lamb shanks.

In early 1997, Andrew Gunn, an engineer by training was contemplating his next career move. Having always loved the outdoors, the prospect of farming appealed to him and feeling young and energetic enough to start a new career, left the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg to begin the search for the ‘perfect’ farm.

After months of searching and 40 farm visits later, Andrew and a very tired estate agent stumbled upon a solitary run down apple farm on a mountain top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The prospect of a suitable farm in Elgin intrigued Andrew and on driving through the valley, he became excited by the beauty of the area. Surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere and Forestry the property had no agricultural neighbours. The rolling hills and the drive up the mountain to where the farm was situated, 420 meters above sea level, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was love at first sight.

As he drove in and stopped in front of a rather run down Herbert Baker homestead, he felt, “this is where I would like to live”, and the view from the front of the house overlooking the Elgin Valley below, made up his mind.

Dark, concentrated black fruit. Cocoa and chocolate notes on the nose, supple tannins, long black berry finish.

Country: Georgia

Region: Kakheti

Grapes: Saperavi

ABV: 13.5%

Vegan

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

From 35 year old vineyards in Kakehti, this wine is fermented on it's skins for  2 to 3 weeks in Qvevri. Rustavelli was Georgia’s darling poet- famous for poem 'The man in the Panther Skin'.

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

The ‘Château’ is the most traditional – and the oldest – of their wines. It’s blended in the traditional way, with a short maceration period – these wines are designed to be drunk fairly soon. Dependable, elegant and bursting with fruit. The ideal way to get to know the vineyard and taste the terroir. Delicate and elegant floral aromas with lively minerality on the palate, clean attack and delicious strawberry notes.

Country: France

Region: AOP Côteaux Varois en Provence

Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault , Shiraz

ABV: 12.5%

Chateau de L’Escarelle of one of the most prestigious wine estates in the heart of Provence, with 100 hectares of organically certified vineyards set in 1,000 hectares of beautiful woodland.

Food Match: Perfect as an aperitif or an accompaniment to southern French dishes

Made from 100% Agiorgitiko, a native variety to the Peloponnese. The colour is a bright, deep crimson, and the nose full of aromas of blackberries and ripe strawberries with just a touch of anise and black pepper. The smooth texture is accompanied by ripe, soft tannin and fresh acidity to give structure and elegance. Over a year spent in oak leaves you with notes of sweet vanilla and spices such as clove and cinnamon to accompany the long-lasting and powerful red fruits.

Country: Greece

Region: Peloponnese

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Agiorgitiko

Food match: Pairs well with a range of grilled meats such as chicken souvlaki or fine cuts of lamb.

The Lantides Estate is situated in the Ancient site of Nemea, in the heart of the
Peloponnese, north of Argos and just west of Corinth on the coast of the Aegean. Panikos and his son Simon run 25 hectares of vineyards which are situated around the mountainous valley of Skoteini in altitude between 500 - 650 meters above sea level. This family business was started in 1993 by Panikos Landidis, who had previously studied in Montpellier and Bordeaux in oenology. Today this knowledge is used to make quality wines using local varieties that are native to Greece.

The Peloponnese Peninsula is a large landform on the southern edge of
continental Greece. Covered in mountains, rugged plateaus and valleys, the
area has an abundance of mesoclimates and terroirs suitable for premium
viticulture. Native grape varieties such as Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero and
Mavrodaphne are planted throughout the peninsula. The modern Peloponnese
wine industry began to grow following the end of World War II, and today the
region is one of the most viticulturally productive in Greece.

This has a medium deep red colour with flecks of violet and ripe cherry flavours and blueberries on the nose. Smooth well integrated oaky, toasty aromas. Medium bodied, fruit driven, fine ripe sweetness with good acidity which is perfectly balanced with the round ripe tannins culminating in a long ripe fruit driven finish.

Food Match: Lamb, entrecote, game, pizza, pasta, stews, casseroles

Temperature controlled fermentation (26-29º). All varieties were vinified separately in stainless steel tanks. Maceration for 8-16 days. Ageing for 9 months in old oak then 6 months in tank before bottling.

Country: Spain

Region: Montsant, Catalunya

Grapes: Garnacha 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Cariñena 30%

ABV: 14.5%

Nestled in the rugged hills of the Catalan countryside, in the tiny village bearing its name, is the well-respected Celler de Capçanes. It was this wild Montsant landscape which first captivated Jürgen Wagner back in the early 90s, but the huge potential he recognised in this unique village co-operative that determined what followed. Pouring all his efforts into working with the growers to nurture the best from their vineyards and the most honest expressions of their terroir, Celler de Capçanes has established itself as one of the most engaging wineries in the area.

Made from very small quantities of selected grapes from a specific block on the Andreas estate. Intense, concentrated dark red colour with aromas of black ripe fruit and sweet spice. The palate is richly raisined with hints of charcoal and earthy minerality, softened with a hint of white pepper.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

ABV: 13.5%

Grape: Shiraz

Andreas Wine

Single vineyard 'Dardi le Rose' is on the hill of Bussia, one of the great Barolo crus. The vines are grown at 300-350 metres above sea level, with a south westerly exposure. A small percentage of the wine is aged in Slovenian and French oak. Tino Colla describes the 2016 as the most perfect vintage of his 50 year experience. This wine is just superb. Don't miss out on getting hold of some and drinking it this festive season.

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Vegan.  It undergoes malolactic fermentation. In the spring the wine matures in casks of Slavonian and French oak, part new, for a period of 24 to 28 months.

Deep purple/red colour with an opaque core. On the nose it is rich with sweet red and black berry notes, some vanilla and sweet spice. On the palate it is much weightier than the nose suggests.  Very opulent, but elegant and balanced at the same time.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14%

Grape: Shiraz

Red fruit aromas: red currants and raspberries. Full and fruity on the palate, with great length and minerality. The tannins are silky and ripe.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

ABV: 13%

Ruby red in colour with flecks of garnet. Aromas of sweet spice: cinnamon, black pepper and cloves, supported by a ripe red fruit, black cherry and plum fruit. Complex, concentrated, yet elegant tannins, with a fresh minerality.  

Country: Bulgaria

Region: Struma Valley

Grapes: Early Melnik

ABV: 14%

Food Match: Roasts, game, saddle of venison, intense mature cheeses. 

By far our most popular pair of Italian reds in the shop - this is a great deal!

3 x Zensa Nero D' Avola

3 x Zensa Primitivo

This is a big and powerful red wine, dark red in colour. The nose has plenty of dark fruit aromas, plums, black cherries, chocolate, dried fruit and slight herbaceous notes. The palate is full, dense and rich with intense and sweet, ripe fruit. There are more plum and spice flavours on the palate. The finish is has a touch of residual sugar, giving some natural sweetness, and is full, rich and lingering. 

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 14 %

Grape: 90% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot

3 x Zensa Nero d'Avola Appassimento

The wine has a deep purple-red colour & intense aromas of blackberries & blueberries. The palate is soft & silky, bursting with spicy flavours of black pepper, dark chocolate, wild berries & vanilla.  The tannins are elegant yet persistent.  The finish is long & lingering and offers a burst of wild cherries at the end.

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

ABV: 13.5 %

Grape: Nero D'Avola

Fun Fact: Zensa in Italian means “without” referring to the absence of any chemicals or pesticides in the winemaking process. 

Inky, dark purple in colour. The nose is pure and concentrated with aromas ripe dark fruit, violets and blackberry. Very well balanced palate with fresh acidity, ripe and supple tannin,  dark stone fruits, juicy yet concentrated with a very long finish. This wine will age well for 5-10 years if you can keep it that long!

Country: Argentina

Region: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 

Vegan/Vegetarian

Grapes:   Malbec

ABV: 13.5% 

Patricio Pereyra Pato is the owner and visionary of Bodegas Don Rosendo, Lujan de Cuyo A small estate with organic vineyards in some of the best sub-regions of Mendoza (including La Consulta and Agrelo) and with the superb Gabriela Zavala leading the winemaking, the quality is astonishingly high.

A Spanish organic red wine that seduces with its deep purple colour and aromas of red fruits and baking spices.

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon

Country: Spain

Organic

ABV: 15%

From the true masters of Cape Cabernet - the benchmark Stellenbosch Cab. 

Red rocks and warm sand. The palate is initially firm but relents to a wine of great purity and subtlety with notes of tomato, cocoa powder, hazelnut chocolate and star anise. Overall, a heady concoction somehow assembled into a seamless red of phenomenal quality.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vegan. 72% New French Oak is used and after a year in barrel, the individual batches are blended to form the final wine and returned to barrel for another year. 72% New French Oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Matured in bottle for one year before release.

Le Riche Wine

The 2019 vintage is dark, brooding and spicy and blood red in colour. The aromas are blueberry, cranberry and blackcurrant with black olives and a touch of cloves, these follow through to the palate with added cherries, plum and spice. There is also a note of black pepper and it finishes with a good level of acidity and fine integrated tannins. It is a well-balanced wine, mature and ready for drinking upon its release at 7 years of age and has excellent ageing potential.

Country: Lebanon

Region: Bekaa Valley

Grapes: An equal blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan

ABV: 13.5%

Dark, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit. Cocoa and chocolate notes on the nose, supple tannins, long black berry finish.

Country: Georgia

Region: Kakheti

Grapes: Saperavi

ABV: 13,5%

Vegan

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

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

Super Tuscan in name..super in taste...the wine Superman would drink (if he was real..!) 

Aromas and flavours of berries, plums, liquorice and warm spice. A velvety mouthfeel and generous finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

The winemaker from Baron Rothschild-Lafite, Christian Le Somme, visits once a month and, by working closely with Alessandro Cellai (from Castellare di Castellina) they are able to maintain the essential Italian character of Tuscany, through the plantings of Sangiovese combined with the power and mid-palate weight of Cabernet and Merlot.

Situated between Gavorrano and Ribolla in the rossetto province in Maremma, the soils have similar characteristics to those of Chianti and Montalcino, but with slightly higher temperatures, so are able to reach maturation earlier compared to those territories further north. The winery was designed by the Shard's architect, Renzo Piano, one of the most admired architects in the world, and named in Time Magazine’s Top 10 most influential people working in the Arts.

It has the biggest barrel room in the world, with only 20% of the winery above ground. The winery runs completely on environmental principles: electricity powered by solar panels and gravity-led production, and the underground barrel cellar allows natural air conditioning and saves energy.

Garnet red in colour. Perfumed notes of sweet spices, undergrowth, game, dried fruit and leather.
Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

13.5% ABV

Grape: Nebbiolo

Food match: game, red meats, cheeses and cured meats

Service temperature: 18 ° 

This wine has the ability to evolve over 15 + years

A deliciously rich yet supple red that's perfect to enjoy along side some hearty, rustic Italian cuisine.

Intense ruby-red colour with a complex bouquet reminiscent of prunes, cherries and redcurrants.  The oak ageing adds a pleasant roasted and spicy aroma. On the palate it is full-bodied, supple and well-balanced with a long finish

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

ABV: 13%

Grapes:  70% Corvina, 20% Rhondinella, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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.

Perfumed nose of fynbos flowers and raspberry. The palate is juicy and appealing with notes of rooibos tea and blueberries with smooth velvety tannins and a lingering, elegant aftertaste.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 14%

Food matches: great with rich meaty stews - potjie kos especially

Pretty strawberry nose with elegance! Silky and smooth, perfectly balanced Pinot. Very Burgundian in style.

Country: Australia

Region: South Australia

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13.5%

Rich, and robust with plenty of grip and some nicely mature, savoury, spicy notes on the long finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmonte

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Perfect with any dish that contains even a hint of truffle, great with braised red meat and porcini. Perfect with Spring Lamb too.

Country: Spain

Region: Ribera del Duero

Grapes: Tempranillo

ABV: 14%

Food Match: Perfect with barbecued  lamb.