Great new wine finds from growers around the world
Here are my new finds from growers around the world from Slovenia, Georgia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy, Argentina and the USA.
Sparkling
Bordeaux, France: Julien Barthazac Cremant de Bordeaux NV Union de Guyenne
Outstanding favourite at Virgin Wines’ tasting, this is a new listing of one of France’s eight cremants. This delicious semillon-based fizz is made in the same way as champagne – with softer acidity, elderflower notes, appley fruits and a creamy palate. £14.99, Virgin Wines
White
Mclaren Vale, S Australia: Fiano 2021 Oliver’s Taranga
Fiano is heat and drought tolerant, so a perfect grape to experiment with in Australia’s warming temperatures. Zippy citric juiciness, melony and smooth texture.
£17, Wanderlust Wine
Stajerska, Slovenia: Old Vine Riesling 2017 Dveri Pax
This sleek mature riesling shows how good Slovenian whites can be, particularly from old vines. It has an enticing citric nose, beautifully limey sherbetty palate with a hint of wax, slightly sweet notes finishing dry. £13.50, The Wine Society
Gisborne, New Zealand: Leftfield Albarino 2021
Good value
This Galician grape has found a home in warm humid Gisborne on New Zealand’s east coast. This Kiwi example is broader in texture than Spanish albarino, but with attractive succulent honeyed notes.
£10.79, Waitrose
Kakheti, Georgia: Family Selection Kisi 2019 Dakishvili
Benchmark amber qvevri wine made from old Kisi vines. Orange blossom, caramel, apricot, nutty undertones with a wonderful spicy creamy palate with very good complexity. £20-£22, Drinkmonger; Oddbins
Stellenbosch, South Africa: Circle of Life White 2020 Waterkloof
With whole bunch pressing and a mix of ageing in barrels and concrete eggs, the palate is rich creamy and complex for the price.
£14, Woodwinters; £12.50, Noble Green
Burgundy, France: Chablis Boissonneuse 2020 Julien Brocard
Star buy
Excellent example from superb 2020 with rich fruit concentration, firm acidity, soft smooth palate and intense. Made by the highly reputable Domaine Brocard to create a broad textured style of chablis.
£19, The Wine Society
Rosé
Sicily, Italy: Organic Etna Rosato 2021 Castellore
Good value
Aldi’s Specially Selected rosé is a gentle introduction to the local nerello mascalese grape. Often much higher in price, grippier and tannic – this example has crunchy attractive red fruits, crisp acidity and elegance. £8.99, Aldi
Red
Veneto, Italy: Valpolicella Classico 2020 Viviani Star buy
Son Claudio Viviani took over his family’s bulk wine business and transformed it into a burgeoning artisan winery. He makes a beautifully pale, smooth unctuous cherry-fruited refreshing red. £11.68, Justerini & Brooks
Beaujolais, France: Julienas Beauvernay 2020 Domaine Joseph Burrier
Lovely example of a vibrant Beaujolais from hillside volcanic soils. Rich dense cherry and plum fruits on palate, long length.
£17, The Wine Society
Mendoza, Argentina: Buenas Vides Cab Sauv 2019 Good value
For those who like big reds with plenty of cassis fruit, cedar and spice in their wine, this really is superb value with remarkably good intensity and length for the price.
£5.99, Aldi
California, USA: Paris Valley Road Zinfandel 2017
This sweet juicy zinfandel offers damson richness, racy acidity, balance and superb value. £11.50, The Wine Society
Kakheti, Georgia: Saperavi Qveri 2020 Qvevri Wine Cellar Star buy
Exciting find from Georgian winemaker Ivane Nareklishvili. Delicious cherry fruit, good intensity, quite syrah-like in its fruit intensity. £23, Lea & Sandeman for 2019 vintage
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