Curious Case - December 2020 - Private

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious1220
expires 08/02/2021

For our second Curious Case, we've put together a selection which is a little bit different when it comes to substituting many of your classic winter wines. A well made Californian chardonnay instead of the usual white Burgundy, a hearty Italian red rather than the same old claret and a fantastic English sparkling Wine to replace the celebratory Champagne.

Remember we will be live on Instagram on the 15th December for our Video Reveal of the selected wines.

Enjoy them!

If you missed the video reveal, don't stress, we've got you covered!

Bluebell Vineyard Hindleap Classic Cuvee

In a nutshell: An elegant English sparkling wine is grown and made in the Sussex Weald

The lowdown: When putting his Classic Cuvee together, winemaker Jeremy Cook decided to not to try & imitate Champagne but to let his grapes speak for themselves. The blend is chardonnay dominant and underpinned by the red fruit character of Pinots Noir and Meunier. The result is a very English wine - there are fragrant, floral notes of elderflower, orange blossom and a hint of spice on the nose which leads to zesty notes of mandarin, pink grapefruit and pear on the palate. creating a juicy, lingering finish.

When to drink: The toasty notes and richness make it a good match to things like smoked fish, chicken and game dishes.

Muscadet Serve et Maine Sur Lie Verger, Luneau-Papin

In a nutshell: A benchmark, organic, Muscadet from one of the best producers of the western Loire.

The lowdown: The lower Loire valley south-east of Nantes is home to Muscadet, France's famous seafood friendly wine. This superior example from Luneau-Papin is one that should help you put your prejudices about thin and tart examples of this style to one side. Ather spending time on its lees it's bottled without filtration or fining which helps the flavour profile no end. Dry, crisp and mineral, as it should be, there's a generosity and richness that marks it out as a cut above the norm. It's going down the road to a taut and steely Chablis, but without the price tag.

When to drink: This wonderfully well-made wine might just change your opinion about what Muscadet is capable of. A perfect wine to have on hand for seafood, oysters and the like and it's also great pre-meal nibbles and canapes, or just by itself.

De Loach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay

In a nutshell: Classy and restrained Californian Chardonnay

The lowdown: For their Heritage Reserve collection De Loach choose fruit from cool, fog-influenced vineyards sustainably farmed along the California Coast. Most of the blend is fermented in stainless steel to highlight the fruit character to which is added a small amount of barrel-fermented wine to add extra complexity and richness. Their Heritage Reserve Chardonnay offers aromas of pear, melon and pineapple and is bright and refreshing with good, but not overpowering, weight. Apple and mixed spice mingle in to add interest, and the finish has clean acidity to balance the full body.

When to drink: With an ample but not overbearing body, this is great with meaty fish like halibut or simply prepared poultry.

Boccantino Susamaniello, Salento

In a nutshell: A ripe and robust southern Italian red from Puglia.

The lowdown: Susumaniello is a little known grape native to the area around Brindisi right at the tip of the heel of Italy. Considered a bit of a 'bulk' wines it had, in fact, almost disappeared, but a few enterprising growers who have carefully controlled the yields are now making quite interesting and worthwhile wines from it. It has ripe, black fruit and spicy aromas which follow to the palate with a touch of dark plumminess. The good crisp acidity ensures it's not overly jammy and gives good balance and it finishes with a nice light floral touch.

When to drink: Perfect to match with pasta and meaty sauces, or grilled red meats.

Gallina de Piel 'Mimetic', Calatayud

In a nutshell: A bright, juicy Garnacha from high altitude vineyards in the remote region of Aragon in north east Spain.

The lowdown: Sommelier turned winemaker David Seijas, set up Gallina de Piel in order to showcase some good quality, versatile wines from his patch of northern Spain. This red, Mimetic, is made from old vine Garnacha grown high up in Aragon where the climate is pretty arid with hot days and cool nights being the norm during the growing season. The wine was fermented and aged on its lees for six months in concrete tanks. The result is a ripe and spicy wine with notes of plum, blueberries and a herby hint of mint and thyme in the background. Impressively lively, it's a good Aragonese expression of Garnacha.

When to drink: Ideal to drink just with nibbles, or it pairs well with roast spring lamb.

Niepoort Senior Tawny Port

In a nutshell: A classic and elegant Tawny Port.

The lowdown: This subtle and refined port with an average age of 7 to 8 years is one of Niepoort's quintessential house styles. It has a light colour and a range of flavours and aromas that are based on red fruit tones. A velvety mouth feel with a fine blend of old wines giving richness and younger wines giving freshness and complexity.

When to drink: A good port for drinking by itself and equally well-matched to hard cheeses and fruity desserts.