Curious Case - February 2022 - Private

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0222
expires 01/04/2022

With spring yet to show its head February is a month where generous and big-hearted wines are still the sort of thing to settle down with in front of the fire (or more likely the TV). Also for those of us who’ve been a bit abstemious through January permitting ourselves a little bit more indulgence surely can’t be too bad...

So, for this month our Curious Case selections are looking at some of our fuller-bodied wines. That’s not to say we’ve picked a bunch of big bruisers, but rather ones that have plenty of layers of flavour and texture making them pleasingly warming and comforting. Ones that make good pairings with heartier winter recipes and also hit the spot nicely for (hopefully) the last month of winter evenings.

Lirac, Moulin des Chenes 2016

In a nutshell: A velvety and silky southern Rhône blend from just across the river to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The lowdown: While certainly not as well known as its neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which it faces on the opposite side of the River Rhône, the wines that come from here have a lot in common, but at much more accessible prices. Moulin des Chênes is actually made under the auspices of Laurent and Julien Bréchet of Château de Vaudieu after they acquired some Lirac vineyards. The 2016 blend comprises 37% Cinsault, 36% Syrah with the balance being made up of Grenache and Mourvèdre and after fermentation, the wine was aged in concrete vats for 10 months prior to bottling. On the nose, it's got aromas of strawberries and blackberries which is followed by rich black fruits, subtle oak spice, pepper, clove, cedar, liquorice, and fresh herbs on the palate. Well supported by smooth tannins, it's velvety and silky and with fresh acidity, it leads to a nicely mouthwatering finish.

When to drink: Everything you'd hope for from a good Southern Rhône red, pair it with things like beef, duck and other rich feathered game.

Domaine Bessa Valley Enira 2016

In a nutshell: A big and opulent Bordeaux inspired Bulgarian red from an estate with a French pedigree.

The lowdown: Bessa Valley's owner, Count Stephan von Neipperg, also numbers a clutch of well regarded Bordeaux Châteaux to his name and his wines from his Bulgarian estate are certainly influenced by this. This is a blend of around 50% Merlot, 25% Syrah and smaller proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon which, after fermentation, is aged of around 12 months in French oak barrels. The nose is full of vanilla and menthol aromas with plenty of berry fruits also in evidence. On the palate dark fruits dominate with flavours of raisins, liquorice and sweet spice along with rustic, gamey and meaty notes. It has a well-rounded structure with quite prominent, but well-integrated tannins.

When to drink: Quite a robust and beefy wine that's made to drink with food. Beef, naturally, game dishes and strong hard cheese are what's called for here.

Verso Rosso 2019

In a nutshell: A juicy, full-flavoured southern Italian red blend from Puglia

The lowdown: The Puglian heel of Italy is prime country for making rich, powerful reds from two of their signature grape varieties, Negroamaro and Primitivo. And Verso Rosso, which comes from grapes grown in the Salento region which is the real 'heel' of the country is a brilliant example. Nearly two-thirds of the blend is Negroamaro, a portion of which was dried before pressing to give extra concentration, and it creates a rich, smooth wine packed with juicy dark fruits, plums and raisins, dark chocolate, pepper and sweet spice. It's full-bodied, but very well balanced and really approachable making it very enjoyable drinking.

When to drink: Big, but easy drinking, beef, venison and barbecues are the sort of things for this.

Chateau Mourgues du Gres 'Galets Dores' Blanc 2020

In a nutshell: A fruity, fresh and mineral organic French white blend from the southern Rhône Valley near Nîmes.

The lowdown: Galets Dorés are the golden coloured, heat-retaining large pebbles that are found near the lower reaches of the Rhône where Château Mourges du Grès have their vineyards. It's great terroir and well suited to making this nice fresh and floral white which is a blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Vermentino. Organically produced with minimal use of sulphites it's fermented in stainless steel to retain maximum freshness and primary fruit expressiveness and then aged on its lees for 3 months to give a generous body and feel to complement the bold flavours. It's brilliantly fresh and floral with a crisp lively finish that has a touch of salinity.

When to drink: Lively and vivacious it's perfect just by itself and with food, it goes well with shellfish or a goat's cheese tart.

Bodega Tajinaste Listan Blanco, Tenerife 2020

In a nutshell: An easy-going, crisp and tropical Canary Island white from Tenerife.

The lowdown: The Canary Islands, with its subtropical climate and volcanic soils, is a place that can produce wines of a quite distinctive character, especially when using grape varieties that have been grown there for centuries. This delicious white made by Agustin Garcia Farrais, who currently runs the bodega started by his grandfather, is composed of Listàn Blanco (aka Palomino Fino in southern Spain) which is well suited to the islands and makes wines of real individuality. Here it's harvested by hand in small boxes to prevent bruising and while most of it is vinified in stainless steel a small proportion is aged for around 3 months in French oak. It has a light, pale straw-yellow colour while, on the nose, there are clear notes of green apple and a hint of pineapple. In the mouth, there's a well-balanced acidity, more green apple, with a touch of fennel and pineapple and a floral aftertaste. The crisp mineral edge at the finish makes it tantalisingly moreish.

When to drink: The tropical flavours and minerality here go well with seafood and also suits spicy south Asian cuisine.

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2021

In a nutshell: A fresh, youthful and flavoursome South African Chenin Blanc.

The lowdown: Made by the man often considered Mr Chenin Blanc himself, Ken Forrester. Hand-harvested and cool-fermented to preserve all the bright flavours. This has a vibrant nose of fresh melon, citrus, peach and apple with a decent weight and a touch of creaminess on the palate. There's plenty of vibrant, youthful fruit here and bold acidity balanced by just a hint of sweetness.

When to drink: Its lightness of touch makes it a great aperitif, or good match to salads, and delicate fish dishes.