Curious Case - February 2021 - Private

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The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0221
expires 25/04/2021

We don't know about you, but lately, we daydream more and more about travelling to exotic lands, and of course it is mostly places where wine is made. So this month's Curious Case features destinations just as much as wines.

We chose this case's contents by keeping in mind where they were made and places we would like to visit not just for its wineries but also for their scenery, food, and culture. Because wine is more than just a drink, it is a complex combination of the soil, the people, the history and many more…

Enjoy this case and keep daydreaming, for now!

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

ArmAs Voskehat, Armenia

In a nutshell: A fresh and mineral Armenian white made with one of the country's indigenous varieties.

The lowdown: Armenia, which sits just east of Turkey among the Caucasus mountains is, along with its neighbours, among the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. This delicious white, made in the chief wine-producing region in the shadow of Mount Ararat is made from Voskehat, one of the main native varieties that thrive in this part of the world. It has intense and complex aromas of white melon, green apples, along with hints of fresh rosemary and lime. This all carries through to the palate along with a streak of fresh minerality which balances the full structure really well.

When to drink: Long and elegant, it's great by itself, or as a partner to grilled fish or chicken.

Baglio Antico Bianco Catarratto

In a nutshell: A deliciously drinkable, organic, Sicilian Orange wine with a rich, pithy character.

The lowdown: This Catarratto, made from grapes grown in the Sicilian hills to the west of Palermo, is designed to be bursting with character and flavour. It's left to macerate on its skins after pressing which gives an extra dimension and depth to the flavours. It has ripe peachy and tangy pink-grapefruit aromas which contrast nicely with the almost marmalade and spicy ginger notes on the tongue. Altogether tangy and dry it's quite a bold number, but certainly worth taking the time to appreciate. Because of being bottled unfiltered in can be slightly opaque in hue.

When to drink: Very adaptable and food-friendly, it'll go well with all sorts of pasta dishes and spicy foods.

Domaine Papagiannakos Assyrtiko

In a nutshell: A zesty, crisp and characterful Greek white from just east of Athens on the Attican peninsula.

The lowdown: Assyrtiko is one of the best Greek white wine varieties because it's able to keep a good level of acidity despite the hot climates it grows in. Its origins are on the volcanic island of Santorini, where a lot of good examples still come from, but this one, from the mainland near Athens, is absolutely top-notch and suffused with all the bracing salinity and racy expected of this grape. Grown on unirrigated limestone soils near the Aegean coast harvest normally takes place towards the end of August. There's no oak ageing here; it's fermented and matured in stainless steel with time spent on its fine lees before 12 months maturation in bottle before release. It has fresh floral aromas of citrus, white blossom, wild orange and lime with more citrus flavours on the textured, mineral palate with a refreshing saline acidity.

When to drink: While immediately enjoyable it also has ageing potential if kept. It makes a good partner to fish, white meat dishes and salads.

Kozlovic Teran, Istria

In a nutshell: Crunchy, minerally and fresh Croatian red.

The lowdown: Made with the native Teran grape grown on south-facing vineyards with an altitude of 240 metres above sea level in Istria in the north of Croatia. This is a wonderfully refreshing light to medium-bodied red with bright red fruits, a bit of sour cherry and some earthy notes.

When to drink: A bright and vibrant wine it'll work really well slightly chilled and is perfect for lunchtime barbecue

Luddite 'The Saboteur' Red Blend

In a nutshell: A big, robust, spicy red from South Africa's Cape South Coast.

The lowdown: First made in 2009 this red blend is winemaker Niels Verburg's unashamedly New World version of what is essentially a Rhône style blend. It's sourced from fruit grown in the Bot River and Walker Bay regions with the 2016 blend being 54% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Mourvedre and it spent 12 months in the barrel after fermentation. There was more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than in previous years, nevertheless, it still keeps in the intended style of having bold fruit, good spice and soft tannins. The dark, ripe, rich fruits at first are backed up by black pepper, spice, a touch of earthiness and a smooth, silky texture.

When to drink: A warm and decadent red which is definitely one of those red meat wines.

Pisano 'Rio de los Pajaros' Tannat-Syrah-Viognier

In a nutshell: A fascinating wine from Uruguay.

The lowdown: Rich and smooth with bold sweet and sour fruit, smoke, spice, oak, rubber, blackcurrant, violets - lots going on here. Fine, supple tannins, clean acidity adding freshness. Good length. Layered and vibrant.