FIVE TOP “ALTERNATIVE” WINES TO TRY

‘LA CARRÈRE’ CHARDONNAY PETER MICHAEL

£117/₹10,850 (Hedonism)

High above Knights Valley in Eastern Sonoma County, California’s La Carrière is the steepest, rockiest vineyard on Peter Michael’s Knights Valley estate. La Carrière o ers a lean, citrus-like fruit profile with vivid “liquid minerality” that speaks of sea salt and wet stones. It has concentration as well as elegance on the palate with intensity and richness. It drinks well now and will continue to develop for a decade.

BAROLO ‘ROCCHE DEL FALLETTO,’ RISERVA GIACOSA

£385/₹35,705 (Hedonism)

One of the great single vineyards for Barolo. Aromas of blackberries and violets, with a waft of smoke and teasing herbaceousness. Full-bodied, rich and supple, yet tight and refined too. Mouth coating yet ultra fine tannins, starting to mellow. Drink now or cellar.

'LE PERGOLE TORTE' TOSCANA ROSSO MONTEVERTINE

US$115/₹7,517 (Smith and Vine)

A famous Sangiovese–dominated Super Tuscan wine from the heart of Chianti. Fresh fragrant cherry and blackberry aromas, tobacco and dried red fruits, with cedar and vanilla. Intensely flavoured, complex and smooth with fine structure that has fresh acidity and fine tannins. Long, satisfying finish.

CHARLES MELTON NINE POPES CL

£310.20/₹28,750 (Hedonism)

Exemplary Australian producer’s homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In large format: double magnum. Very complex spicy nose. Sweet “cedary” notes from the hint of new oak used, mingled with a hint of liquorice. The mid-palate is plump with rounded tannins and complex layers of flavour. The finish is long and rewarding.

DITS DEL TERRA PRIORAT TERROIR AL LÍMIT

US$85.99/₹5,620 (Chambers Street Wines) Impressive single vineyard wine from the resurgent Priorat zone in Spanish Catalunya. Floral spice, wild herbs and red fruit on the nose, followed by juicy, lively flavours of cherry and liquorice and a solid backbone of well integrated tannins and mineral-accented acidity. Structured and serious, layered and spicy, with a long finish.