Push the boat out and make this a week of wines from foreign climes…
La Valentina Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC ‘Spelt’ 2011 $44.50
This is a super-sexy Italian montepulciano grown in La Valentina’s coastal vineyard in Spoltore in the province of Pescara. It’s dense and saturated with dark fruit, cocoa, black guava and dusty, leathery flavours, chewy, yet supple stretchy tannins and a fresh, juiciness on the finish. It’s an exciting, seductive wine.
Drink with: Italian meatloaf in sweet tomato sauce…
Jacqueson Bouzeron “Les Cordères” 2014 $33
Harvested from a parcel of aligote grapes first planted in 1937. This example has a curiously comforting aroma of apple crumble, nougat complexity, oatcakes and lemon combined with peach stone, white pepper and dry, crunchy, green-apple acidity in the mouth. Aligote is not a variety you see much of in New Zealand so get amongst it because this is a definite goodie.
Sip with: white bean soup
Longview The Boat Shed Nebbiolo Rosato 2015 $22
How gorgeous is this wine? Grab a seat, getchaself comfy and let me tell you all about it. Nebbiolo made in a rosé style isn’t something you see here in NZ every day, but this trophy winning little cracker from Adelaide Hills erupts with fresh red berries, ripe tropical and citrus fruit and masses of exotic spice. It’s taut, tangy, deliciously dry and absolutely one of the best rosés out there.
Sip with: old fashioned prawn cocktail
