Our hosts this month are Martin and Auriol who have chosen other continents for their wine selection ...
All of the selected wines are currently available from Majestic Wines, Stevenage.
1. Western Australia
Vasse Felix “Filius” Margaret River, Chardonnay 2019, 12.5%
Vasse Felix is the founding wine estate of Margaret River, the world-renowned Chardonnay region in Australia’s far south-west.
Only 7% of this region’s wines are exported from Australia.
The taste is of hints of honey, pineapple, lemon sherbet and ginger.
2. South Africa
DMZ Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, 2019, 14%
The DMZ wines are produced by DEMorgenzon winery in magnificent settings. The terraced hillside vineyards and exquisite gardens are complemented by beautiful vistas of rugged mountains and sweeping views of both the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Rich notes of green apple, stone fruits and honey and a lingering aftertaste.
Ideally served at between 5 and 7 °C.
USA – California
Cline Nancy’s Vines Viognier, 2019, 14.5%
Fred Cline broke with tradition by working with traditionally French grape varieties on the West Coast of America. Along with his wife Nancy he created this silky, rich wine from the tricky Viognier grape.
Along with wife Nancy, he creates this silky, rich wine from the tricky Viognier grape. It is full-bodied and powerful, with notes of tropical fruit, apricot and orange. An excellent match for Thai food.
4. New Zealand - Marlborough
The King’s Wrath, Pinot Noir, 2017, 13.5%
Grown in the Marisco vineyards, named after the proprietor Brent Marris. He is also the distant relative of one of King Henry 1st rumoured illegitimate children. His 'King's Wrath' Pinot Noir boasts oak-driven hints of red fruit (cherries and plums) dark chocolate, silk-smooth tannins and a bright, fresh acidity.
It is a worthy tribute to a rightful legacy of royalty.
5. Argentina – Mendoza
Alamos Uco Valley, Malbec, 2019, 13.5%
The vineyards are situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and are among the highest in the world at 5000 metres above sea level. The vines thrive in the intense mountain sunlight and pure snowmelt water of the Andes.
Hints of dark cherry and blackberry with a long and lingering finish.
6. Chile – Colchagua
Medalla Real Gran Reserva, Carménère, 2019, 14%
Grown in one of the world’s finest wine regions, famed for its exceptional red wines especially Carménère, Chile’s flagship red grape.
This is a fantastically structured Gran Reserva, styled like a classic Bordeaux.
Packed with intense flavours of blueberry, plum and cassis.
