'Moià' Trentino DOC Riesling, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Crafted among the craggy mountain spires of the Dolomites, this first-rate wine has been aged for eight years – resulting in elevated character and complex minerality. Grapes are harvested by hand and pressed lightly to preserve the fruity, floral notes. While Riesling isn’t that typical of the region, this bottle shows off its serious potential.
'Les Charmes' Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France
Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t get any more classic. From a 12th-generation winemaker in the prestigious Pouilly-Fumé AOC of the Loire Valley, this aromatic and fresh white has elegant flavours of citrus and flint. Around a quarter of the wine is aged briefly in oak, lending enticing toasty notes to the profile too. A very special bottle indeed.
'Le Jardin' Chardonnay, Pays d'Oc, France
What white grape is more traditional or versatile than Chardonnay? This example, however, comes from a somewhat unexpected region – the Languedoc. With a brilliant straw-yellow hue, it’s aromatically intense and complex, featuring bursts of citrus, peach, dried fruit and vanilla. Watch out, Burgundy.
'Patricia' Alto Adige DOC Pinot Noir, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
It may originally hail from France, but Pinot Noir has been planted in Italy’s mountainous Alto Adige for more than 150 years. This example from celebrated cooperative Cantina Girlan is fruity and fresh, with generous aromas of raspberry and sweet and sour cherries. The lively acidity and juicy finish make it a real winner with food.
Cerro Añon' Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain
It doesn’t take more than a sip of this Gran Reserva to understand why Rioja is considered one of the world’s classic wines. Made primarily with traditional Tempranillo – and a hint of Mazuelo (known elsewhere as Carignan) and Graciano – its enticing dark garnet hue unfolds to aromatics of blackberry, strawberry spice and cedarwood. Long ageing lends elegance and complexity; a bottling to savour.
Frederic Reverdy Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France
Syrah at its very best, from the region which made it world-famous. Aromatic with red fruit and blackberry character, this expressive and bold wine has been made by an established Rhône producer nurturing a deep respect for the land. A real showcase of both the grape and the lauded Crozes-Hermitage terroir.
