White Wine Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2020. Will benefit from decanting. Mer Soleil is located in the Santa Lucia Highlands which is a 12-mile long, narrow strip of an appellation wedged along the eastern hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range. It is a cool-climate wine growing district, ideally placed to benefit from warm morning sun followed by maritime winds and fog in the afternoon. This is where the name comes from – sea (mer) and sun (soleil). This weather pattern prolongs the growing season and means long, gentle ripening of the grapes resulting in rich, full bodied wines. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for 12-15 months prior to bottling. Only a portion of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation, to ensure a bright natural acidity. Hand stirring of the barrels captures more essence and imparts a creamy textural component. A deep golden colour promises much. On the nose ripe stone fruit, yellow apple and citrus are prominent, with hints of vanilla – complex and warm. The palate offers a rich, layered wine with peach, pear, pineapple, coconut and banana. Great acidity is balanced with high alcohol to provide a rich mouth feel that has vanilla and buttery tones. The wine is full bodied and luscious – a really exceptional example of Chardonnay at its best. The finish is long and buttery making you want another glass! Will match fabulously with lobster, fish, veal and chicken.
2020
White Wine Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2020
White Wine Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Serve well chilled. Opening with enticing tropical fruit, pear and lime aromas along with subtle floral hints, this light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal choice for a summertime aperitif. On the palate the wine is crisp and dry with a racy acidity and medium body which complement the ripe peach, mango and grapefruit flavours. Thanks to the balancing freshness in the wine, this zippy white would make an elegant accompaniment to pan-fried fish, fresh seafood or even a selection of creamy cheeses. Honig harvests the Sauvignon Blanc grapes that go into this wine from their sustainably-farmed vineyard in the renowned Rutherford region of Napa Valley. Here the fine gravel, loam and sandy soils are well-draining and help to create intensely flavourful wines like this Sauvignon Blanc which reflect the area’s unique terroir. To express the pure clean varietal character of the Sauvignon Blanc, Honig uses two different winemaking approaches. A portion of the grapes are sent directly to the press as whole clusters, while the remaining grapes are carefully destemmed and the grape skins are left in contact with the must for several hours before the pressing occurs to enhance the citrus flavours and aromas. The next step following vinification is to age the wine on the lees for a short time in stainless steel tanks to add slightly more texture and body to the wine before bottling.
2020
White Wine Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi 2020. Villa Sparina is a family-run winery which is owned by the Moccagattas who serve their delicious wines in their Michelin-starred restaurant La Gallina on the property. In total the estate has 100 hectares of land with 70 hectares given over to viticulture and mainly planted with Cortese and Barbera grapes. One unique feature of their wines is the unusual bottle shape which was inspired by original Roman amphorae used to transport wine and other goods. Their Gavi di Gavi is the Moccagattas’ most iconic wine and expresses the exceptional quality of the estate’s prime vineyards. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks to showcase the purity and freshness of the Cortese grape and allowed to rest for a few months before bottling. Hints of honeysuckle, orchard fruits, and citrus zest define the nose while the first sip displays a mouthwatering acidity, light body and pure, clean finish. On the palate there are notes of ripe peach, apricot and almond blossom and a well-rounded texture. The precision and elegance of the flavour profile make this a great match for seafood, sushi, and fish dishes as well as spicy Asian salads, creamy cheeses and risottos.
2020