FIVE FAB BOTTLES TO EXPLORE
Château Oumsiyat, ‘Cuvée Membliarus’, Bekaa Valley, Assyrtico 2018 (£11.95, 13%) Subtle aromas of white fruits and flinty mineral notes are framed by a delicate floral character – with grape varieties assyrtiko (91%) and a touch of sauvignon blanc and viognier – making this Lebanon wine a cracking summer white.
Akriotou ‘Orivatis’ Old Vine Savatiano, Sterea Ellada 2019 (£12.75, 12%) Made from 100% native savatiano grape, this Greek white wine offers a complex and aromatic bouquet of ripe peach, quince, creamy vanilla and an intriguing hint of Turkish delight. Dry with perfectly balanced freshness, intense notes of grapefruit, pepper, ginger and wild mint lead to a long and spicy finish.
Proprietà Sperino, ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato 2018 (£18.75, 13.5%) For the past 24 months this lovely Italian wine has been a favourite rosé. It’s great that we have a rosé made with the grapes that are traditionally used for Barolo, nebbiolo 90% and vespolina 10%. It shows a bright pink colour with perfumes of wild strawberries and a touch of spicy cherries on the nose. On the palate, it is dry, with a savoury, mineral character, strawberry fruit and a black pepper edge.
Château Oumsiyat, Mount Lebanon Merlot 2018 (£14.50, 15%)
We like unusual grapes so this is less quirky perhaps, but it gets extra points for coming from Lebanon and really stands out at tasting; typical black plum flavours enhanced by chocolate and vanilla, smooth and fruity.
Bodega Garzón Reserve, Marselan 2017 (£19.50, 14.5%) This Uruguayan wine is deep ruby red with powerful aromas of red fruits, minty eucalyptus and mineral notes on the nose. The palate is soft and smooth with ripe red fruits and a long minerally finish. Straight away its aroma suggests it is special.
● Wines from Symposium
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