Curious Case - July 2021 - Private

Medium

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0721
expires 01/09/2021

Well we might have to wait a bit longer to visit our favourite European holiday destinations this summer so we've brought them to you with our July Curious Case! Be it a Spanish Mediterranean beach holiday, walking in the Dolomites, a gîte in the Dordogne, or a Greek island you'll wish you were there. As always with us hopefully there are one or two new regions, grapes, or styles that you've not tried before!

In a nutshell: A delicately aromatic and fresh white from the Greek Island of Crete.

The lowdown: Vidiano is a variety indigenous to this Agean island and this gorgeous example from Vasilis Laderos' and Calliope Volitaki's small winery really captures what it's all about. There are hints of ripe pear, melon and even a touch of banana coupled with a refreshing acidity which balances it all very well. The texture is firm with a bit of minerality, but the lasting impression is of a very generously flavoured wine with a pleasant herbal fragrance.

When to drink: It's great with classically Mediterranean cuisine, seafood dishes, or goats cheese.

In a nutshell: A delightful and fragrant northern Italian white from the foothills of the Dolomites.

The lowdown: Known as the Südtirol this part of northern Italy has a lot in common culturally with its German speaking neighbours and the grape variety used here - Kerner - is mainly seen in Germany and it's only in this part of Italy where it's really found elsewhere. A single vineyard wine it's a beautiful pale gold in colour while the nose is aromatic and full of aromas of blossom and peaches. With a crisp palate, it's clean and elegant with lots of ripe stone fruit flavours alongside rosewater, pears and bruised apple. Medium bodied with a soft, creamy texture and a refreshing acidity, this wine finishes elegant and long.

When to drink: A wine that effortlessly captures the essence of the Südtirol, it's great on its own, served with canapes, or with with grilled fish.

In a nutshell: A fresh and dry Southern French Rosé, the very essence of Provence in a bottle.

The lowdown: The Luberon is a popular and beautiful part of Provence that produces some great wines. Chateau la Verrerie is located on the border of Luberon National Park with the Côtes du Rhône to the north and the Côtes de Provence to the south. Their organic rosé is classically Provençal in style: pale salmon pink in colour, notes of white stone and red berry fruit, dry and fresh on the palate. Verrerie's rosé has a lovely weight and softness to it with some complexity, all quite refined and the perfect sunny drink.

When to drink: Try pairing with salmon, asparagus or seafood risotto.

In a nutshell: A bright, fruity, yet velvety organic red blend from the Dordogne in South West France.

The lowdown: At Château des Gendres they make some excellent organic wines in styles not too far removed from their neighbours in Bordeaux that are generally a bit easier on the pocket, their Bergerac Rouge 'Cuvée des Conti' being a case in point. It's made from mainly Malbec and Merlot which is farmed strictly according to Organic and Biodynamic principles. Fermentation and lees ageing takes place in stainless steel - there is no oak ageing - to retain a bright primary fruit character. It has a lovely nose of cassis, mint and peppery spice and is soft and rounded on the palate with attractive plum and dark fruit flavours and a dry, savoury finish. Very moreish indeed.

When to drink: Brilliantly versatile and easy drinking it's also good with roast lamb, or rich feathered game dishes.

In a nutshell: A bright, fresh and fruity Tuscan red which is a true expression of Sangiovese.

The lowdown: Being the iconoclast he is Bibi Graetz gives his wines names designed to catch your eye; a fair translation of 'Casamatta' being 'Madhouse'. Despite being in the heart of Chiantishire he makes his wines the way he wants without following convention. This is made entirely from Sangiovese from his youngest vineyards between Florence and Siena and being vinified in stainless steel freshness and mouthfilling, fruity juiciness is what really stands out here. The bright acidity makes it a lively number and real quaffing pleasure.

When to drink: An 'anytime wine' it's upfront, juicy and very drinkable red with a really broad appeal.

In a nutshell: A rich, round and expressive Spanish red blend from the Penedès region of Catalonia

The lowdown: Under the guidance of current owner Gerard Jané this excellent winery near the Catalonian coast between Barcelona and Tarragona has been making some excellent wines and have long been at the forefront of modern winemaking in the region. This, their delicious red blend is made from Syrah and Tempranillo grown on the richer soils of their inland vineyards while the other varieties are grown on sandy, coastal terrain. After fermentation the wine is aged in French oak for 8 months prior to bottling. The resulting wine is full of red berry and bramble aromas along with some spicy and dusty, herby notes. It's rich and intense with flavours of black fruits, cassis, black pepper and vanilla. There's a good layer of grippy tannins, firm structure and a long, fresh finish. A very well made wine.

When to drink: With its character and personality this is just made for the barbecue, or big rich stews.