Wine Gang
Wine Gang Mixed Case
We’ve chosen six of their (and ours!) favourites from the forty wines reviewed in their report, and are pleased to offer the ‘Wine Gang Six Pack’ at a great discounted price of £59.99 (was £64.23)
The Millton Vineyards Riverpoint Viognier 2011
Gisborne, New Zealand, Dry White (Screwcap), 13.5% abv
“A biodynamic Viognier from one of New Zealand’s first Viognier vineyards, planted in 1997. Cooling ocean breezes give elegance and intensity to the sweet apricot fruit and partial oak fermentation adds to the creamy, Condrieu-like richness. Yum, as we say when we’re getting a bit technical.
Goes with: Chicken, Aperitif wine.”
Barone Pizzini Pievalta Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2011
Castelli di Jesi (Marche), Italy, Dry White (Screwcap), 12.5% abv (now 2012 vintage and cork closure)
“Benchmark Verdicchio, with depth and precision – a fresh, zesty, delicately peachy nose leading into rounded, nutty flavours lifted by a generous squeeze of juicy lime. Anorak facts: a 16-hectare vineyard with 43-year-old-vines.
Goes with: Fish & Seafood, Aperitif wine.”
Meinklang Grüner Veltliner 2012
Burgenland, Austria, Dry White (Screwcap), 11.5% abv
“Gorgeous, forward, crunchy apple and ripe melon and pear nose, just a hint of the Grüner white pepper. Delightful on the palate, a certain ripeness and fullness of texture, but the sour lemon and pithy, dry acidity is lovely, offsetting and gently extending the finish of this handily lower alcohol wine.
Goes with: Aperitif wine, Fish & Seafood, Salads & Vegetable dishes.”
Viña Ijalba Graciano Rioja 2009
Rioja, Spain, Dry Red (Cork), 13.0% abv
“A rare 100% Graciano from Rioja, this displays seductive, smoky, toffee and fudge notes over sensuous dark fruit. Real chocolaty depth here, and sense of dark concentration does not mask glimpses of something floral and exotic. Just delicious on the palate: racy and clean-fruited, nothing ponderous, but has the creamy depth of fruit driven along by great acidity and its tight tannin structure. Lovely – and a bargain.
Goes with: Red meat & Dark game, Duck & Mild game.”
Domaine de Brau Cuvée Gabriel Merlot
Pays de L’Aude (Languedoc), France, Dry Red (Cork), 12.5% abv
“Juicy, soft, unoaked Merlot that slips down as easily without food as with. Bags of blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, a chocolaty roundness and some graphite to keep it in touch with its savoury side.
Goes with: Chicken, Charcuterie and cold meats, Duck & Mild game.”
Nuevo Mundo Reserva Carmenère 2007
Maipo Valley, Chile, Dry Red (Cork), 13.5% abv
“We tasted this vintage 19 months ago and said “There’s no question this wine is a concentrated and rich,” but concluded it might be “over-the-top oak-wise and extraction-wise.” Coming back with that extra time in bottle and the smoky minerality and cool black fruit on the nose is appealing, the typical edge of herbal character from the Carmenère is lovely, and on the palate it seems more juicy and fruity. There’s great ripeness and a sense of full extraction – lots of dry, grippy flavours – but it has definitely come into its own – and on offer currently at £9.95 we’d say its a good buy.
Goes with: Red meat & Dark game.”
