Other Red Wines

Aglianico, perhaps like Nebbiolo is a wine of extremes. The nose, with red fruits and rose petals, is reminiscent of a light, perhaps delicate wine but the palate weight and tannins are at the other end of the scale. There’s rose petals, dark fruits and sage in the mix, liquorice, red fruit and a super long tannin finish. Definitely a food wine. Learn More

Herbs, blue fruits and spice on the nose. Mulberries, blueberries, spice, dried herbs and black pepper on the palate. This is drink by itself friendly, food friendly and just generally friendly, but in a serious kinda way. Because there’s no mistaking this wine is both classy and very well put together. Learn More

Expressive and fruit driven, this Barbera from Asti in Piedmont is deep, juicy and intense, stopping just short of being rich, though that will come with age. Fruit comes from estate vines grown in the Piedmont sub region of Asti, perhaps the best place in the world to grow Barbera. Specifically, the vines are on the slopes of the San Marzano hills. This wine is made in tiny quantities and is of exceptional quality. After a quick decant wonderful red fruits, violets, cherries, florals, earth, coffee and other goodies emerge. Wonderful now (though needs decanting, and will age beautifully. Learn More

Produced in Piedmont, specifically in the famed Langhe Hills, this beautifully structured Nebbiolo is aged for 12 months in a combination of large format French oak and stainless steel. This is more approachable than an equivalent Nebb from Barolo, the tannins, whilst noticeable and an important part of the wines structure, being less strident than you'll find in most wines from nearby Barolo or Barbaresco. Lots going on here from violet and red fruit aromatics, fresh straw, vanilla, liquorice and spice through truffles, which will continue to develop as the wine ages, plus tobacco and dark chocolate. A stunner after decanting and will cellar magnificently. Learn More

Ciabot Berton is based in Piedmont in La Morra, one of the finest Barolo producing communes. They also make Barbera, this one being an absolute stunner. Less than 1000 cases of this Barbera is produced annually, and it offers a red fruited nose, a dense and fleshy palate bedecked with black fruits, cherries and blueberries. It’s a big wine, worth having with a quality char grilled steak. Learn More

A incredible and very food friendly Malbec which is reminiscent of the best of high-altitude Argentinian Malbec. Showing fresh raspberry, cherries, cherry pip and plum. Exceptional length and concentration, all whilst being medium bodied. Learn More

Blackfruits and sour red fruits, a dash of tar, an hint of roses and Earl Grey tea finishing with plentiful tannins. There’s a deep red fruit intensity shining through and a savoury edge here. An excellent food wine, different but delicious. Learn More

Typically Cab Franc is relegated to a bit part in Cabernet blends, featuring alongside one or more of the other ‘Cab Family’ varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon holding the mic. in a Nirvana like blend while some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and/or Petit Verdot draw straws for the drums, bass, bagpipes and triangle. That said, when Cab Franc branches out on its own it can be quite magnificent. We noticed on our recent trip to the home of the Cab family, Bordeaux that global warming has seen use of Cab Sauv start to fall away, with Cab Franc on the rise as it is able to retain varietal integrity as the world warms. The Leconfield is exceptional single vineyard Cab Franc from vines planted in 1982. Ageing occurs in French oak (90%) most of which is old. The wine is racked often to soften the tannins. The net result is kinda like a perfumed and expressive, yet gentler version of a top end Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn More