Wine Gems Off the Beaten Track
Giles Luckett, a renowned wine expert, has been scouring the globe for unique and lesser-known wines that are worth trying. In his latest column, he shares four of his favorite ‘off the beaten track’ wines that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Wine 1: Grenache-based wines from Priorat**
Giles Luckett’s first wine gem is a Grenache-based wine from Priorat, a region in Catalonia, Spain. Priorat is known for its unique terroir, which is characterized by steep, rocky slopes and a Mediterranean climate.
Established in 1692, Spier has a rich history spanning over three centuries. Note:
However, South Africa’s Spier has been producing Albariño wines for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest producers of this grape variety in the world.
A Brief History of Spier
Spier, one of South Africa’s oldest estates, has a rich history dating back to 1692. The estate was originally established by the Dutch East India Company as a wine farm, with the primary goal of producing wine for the Dutch market. Over the centuries, the estate has undergone numerous transformations, including changes in ownership and the introduction of new grape varieties. Key milestones in Spier’s history include: + 1692: Spier is established as a wine farm by the Dutch East India Company.
Tesco’s own label wine is a great value for money, offering a rich and fruity taste experience.
The Story Behind the Wine
The Trivento Malbec Rosé is a wine produced by the renowned Argentine winery, Trivento. Founded in 1993, Trivento is a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality wines for over 25 years. The winery is located in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina’s premier wine region. Trivento’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them numerous awards and accolades. Their wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavors and exceptional value for money. The Trivento Malbec Rosé is no exception, offering a unique blend of traditional Argentine flavors with a modern twist.
The Wine’s Characteristics
The Trivento Malbec Rosé is a dry rosé wine, made from 100% Malbec grapes. The wine is characterized by its vibrant pink color and intense aroma, with notes of raspberry, damson, and strawberry. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry and cherry that linger on the finish.
Elegant and powerful wines from a family-owned winery in Sicily.
The 2019 vintage was a challenging one, with drought and heatwaves affecting many regions. However, the winemakers at Domaine Bousquet were able to produce a wine that is both elegant and powerful, with a deep, rich flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The Story Behind the Wines
Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Sicily, Italy. The winery has a long history, dating back to the 19th century, and has been producing high-quality wines for generations. The winemakers at Domaine Bousquet are passionate about their craft, and are dedicated to creating wines that are not only delicious, but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The Finca Lalande Cabernet Franc
The Finca Lalande Cabernet Franc is a flagship wine for Domaine Bousquet. This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, which are grown in the Finca Lalande vineyard. The vineyard is located in the heart of Sicily, and is known for its rich, fertile soil and ideal climate for growing Cabernet Franc.
The wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc.
The Wine of the Gods: A Review of the 2018 Vintage
A Blend of the Finest Grapes
The 2018 vintage is renowned for its exceptional quality, and this wine is no exception. Each grape variety brings its unique characteristics to the table, creating a complex and harmonious whole. The bold and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon provides the foundation for the wine, with its dark fruit flavours and firm tannins. The smooth and approachable Merlot adds a touch of elegance and finesse, balancing out the boldness of the Cabernet.