Curious Case - May 2021 - Private

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0521
expires 07/07/2021

As you know by now, our Curious Cases are always built around a specific theme. As the days are getting longer and longer, the weather is nicely warming up and the lockdown rules are easing (slowly but surely), May’s Curious Case couldn’t be anything but picnic wines.

When you hear the term ‘Picnic Wines’ you might think about cheap and cheerful wines or bag in a box, well think again. In our minds, good wine goes with every occasion and picnics are no exception. Therefore we’ve selected half a dozen exciting wines which will go with various food options but are also great on their own. We’ve made sure that every bit of this selection is easy to drink and easy to open too - yes, it’s happened to us as well, we’ve left corkscrews behind.

So let’s get those picnic rugs and hampers out and meet in the park for a wine picnic this May because this case is ‘Picnic Perfect’!

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

Sokol Blosser Evolution Sparkling Brut NV

In a nutshell: A lively and charming, organic sparkler from near the Oregon coast in north western USA.

The lowdown: Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser are passionate about making their wines in a sustainable way and all of their cuvées amply demonstrate this approach. Their Evolution Sparkling is a blend of several grape varieties led by Muller-Thurgau, Semillon and Riesling which might not be the usual suspects in a sparkling wine but is certainly none the worse for that. It's made in the traditional method from a different vintages and wines with different levels of malolactic fermentation and oak treatments. The result of this is a wine, which while nicely dry and vibrant on the tongue, has a delightful fragrance and citrus aromatics. Zesty citrus, pear, white peach and green apple aromas are followed by a mineral and subtly creamy dry palate.

When to drink: Clean and crisp, it's perfect on its own, as an apertif with canapes and even fruit based desserts.

K-Naia Verdejo, Rueda

In a nutshell: A nose of grapefruit, passion fruit, mandarin oil notes and lightly herbaceous characters.

The lowdown: The palate is rich with minerality, race lime zest acidity and a touch of stone fruit - giving a lovely texture and intensity, and tropical notes on the finish. The grapes come from 98 acres of vineyards, the majority of which are 26 years and some which are older, all located in La Seca.

When to drink: Pairs fantastically with oily fish and seafood.

Zahel Orange T NV

In a nutshell: A deliciously tangy and characterful Austrian white grown in and around Vienna.

The lowdown: Despite the name this isn't an 'orange' wine in the current meaning of the term. It's made from a little known Austrian grape variety called Orangetraube and this is what gives rise to its moniker. Because it's not on the DAC Vienna list of varieties it can't be given a vintage however, we happen to know they're currently on the 2019. Zahel reckon they're one of the very few in Austria (or anywhere else) to produce a single varietal expression of this grape and it's one that's certainly worthy of attention. Fermented in stainless steel, on the nose it's got quite intense peach and apricot aromas while on the palate the tangy fruit is complemented with a touch of honeysuckle sweetness, balanced with a hint of spice, a fresh acidity and cool minerality. Full of character this is a really interesting and worthwhile wine.

When to drink: Delightful by itself, it also makes am excellent accompaniment to white meats and fish.

Ricca Terra 'The Colour of Calmness' Rosé

In a nutshell: A bright, elegant and creamy South Australian rosé.

The lowdown: Ricca Terra's Ashley Ratcliff is a champion of grape varieties suited to a dry mediterranean style climate and that's what goes into this very appealing rosé. 60% Tempranillo along with about 20% each of Nero d'Avola and Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) are femented together which adds to the complexity of the finished wine. It's light cherry in colour and has a refeshing watermelon aromas and a lick of cream soda on the palate together with a hint of campfire smoke. All the flavours build together into a long and refeshing finish.

When to drink: A stylish drop of rosé with a just touch of richess, it'll go beautfully with seafood and shellfish off the barbie, or perfectly well just by itself.

Michele Chiarlo 'Le Orme', Barbera D'Asti

In a nutshell: A great value Barbera from one of the great producers of Piedmont.

The lowdown: Since 1956 Michele Chiarlo has helped pull Piedmont winemaking up in quality so it now produces some of the best wines in the world. Nowhere is this more evident than with Barbera d'Asti. From the mid-1970s onwards Chiarlo has helped revolutionise the wines of this region and with this Barbera d'Asti Superiore 'Le Orme' he has hit a real sweet spot. Oak has been used sparingly and there is great intensity and refinement to the fruits.

When to drink: Pizza, pasta and poultry are good food pairings.

Seresin Leah Pinot Noir

In a nutshell: A bright, fresh, biodynamic New Zealand Pinot Noir from Marlborough.

The lowdown: Named after the owner Michael Seresin's daughter Leah this Kiwi Pinot Noir has an understated elegance. It's a blend from across their vineyards and has fragrant aromas of berry-fruits interlaced with spice and herby notes. Well focussed and concentrated on the palate it has very fine tannins and plenty of clean acidity.

When to drink: A wine with very easy appeal, but with a structure that will enable it to age well also.