Category Archives: budget friendly

Inama ‘Vin Soave’ Soave Classico DOC 2016

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Estate: Inama Azienda Agricola was founded in the 1950’s by Giuseppe Inama. He purchased small plots of vineyards in the heart of the Soave Classico region with a goal of compiling the best vineyard sites with old vine Garganega and restoring Soave’s reputation. Today, the 3rd generation of the family passionately produces classic Veneto wines from their 30 hectares of vineyards.

Philosophy: “We believe in everyday living and oenological minimalism, respecting the winemaking good practices that have lain the foundations of modern wine.”

Winemaking: The estate is organic, and minimalist intervention is observed in the vineyards and cellar. Grapes were hand harvested from 30 year old vines in basaltic lava soil. Fermented in stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aged for 8 months in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Gold in colour with aromas of lemon, grapefruit and buttery toast. Apple, pineapple and lemon are spread over rich brioche notes. Bright acidity and a mineral core keep everything fresh, whilst lemon and a hint of ginger compliment the nutty finish. Easy drinking and easy to pair, a favourite summer sip.

100% Garganega
Soave Classico DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Inama Azienda Agricola
12% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2018

La Farra ‘Rive di Farra di Soligo Millesimato’ Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

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Estate: The La Farra estate was established in 1997 by brothers Innocente and Guido Nardi, following in the footsteps of their family’s long winemaking history. Located in in Farra di Soligo, in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, the 20 hectares of vineyards also stretch into the municipalities of Pieve di Soligo, Follina and San Pietro di Feletto. [The Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG zone has long been celebrated for the quality of its grapes and its steep, hillside vineyards. For more details about this acclaimed region, click here.]

Winemaking: Hand harvested and crafted from a “Cru” of grapes from vineyards with “limey soils” in the high hills of Farra di Soligo. Charmat method [or tank fermentation].

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with delicate aromas of apple, honey and delicate white flowers. Yellow apple, apricot and a touch of honey fuses with an abundance of dense fine bubbles. The distinctive, vivid almond on the dry finish is the star. Fantastic on its own, or with light dishes.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Excellent aperitif, also an ideal end to the meal [especially with fruit pastries].

100% Glera
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy
Bottled by Azienda Agricola La Farra
11% Alcohol
$17 [average price]
Enjoy now

 

Sample submitted for review purpose.

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos ‘Corona de Aragon’ Garnacha Cariñena DOP 2014

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Estate: Grandes Vinos y Viñedos is located in the heart of Cariñena, the vineyards are spread across 14 towns in the region at the bottom of the Algairén and Pecos mountain ranges. The estate is “committed to combining environmental protection with the best quality possible of wine production”. Environmental preservation methods as rainfall irrigation and solar energy have led them to become a leader in the region for environmental research and innovation.

Philosophy: The “wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each one of them: the land, the climate and the variety”.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from old vine, high elevation vineyards, aged for 4 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Garnet in colour with aromas of wild berries, black cherry, cinnamon, anise and a hint of vanilla. Abounding with all the cherries, plus red currant and cozy baking spices. Wooly tannins and a streak of granite minerality highlight crushed black peppercorn on the dry, fruity finish. Super food friendly, and great on its own.

100% Garnacha
Cariñena DOP
Spain
Produced & Bottled by Grandes Vinos y Viñedos
13.5% Alcohol
$11 [average price]
Enjoy now

 

Sample submitted for review purpose.

Paniza Garnacha Rosé Cariñena 2015

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Estate: Bodegas Paniza is located at the foot of the Sistema Ibérico in northeastern Spain. Paniza has a total of 4760 hectares of land, 2500 of which are vineyards, 76 hectares contain vines that are 50 to over 100 years old. Encompassing a wide variety of microclimates, the vineyards move seamlessly between the bottom of the mountains and the mountainsides.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from vineyards with schist, chalk, loams and red clay soils, located in hilly terrain at the base of the Iberian Mountains.

Tasting Notes: Cherry red in colour with aromas of pomegranate, green tea and white pepper. Bursting with strawberry, raspberry and watermelon, with a subtle hint of violets. Silky smooth tannins compliment the dry, lightly spiced finish. Thirst quenching and vibrant, this drinks more like a light red.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Ideal with seafood, pastas and poultry.

100% Garnacha
Cariñena
Spain
Bottled by Bodegas Paniza
13% Alcohol
$12 [average price]
Enjoy now

Rated 85 points and a ‘Best Buy’ by Wine Enthusiast

 

Sample submitted fro review purpose.

Andrea Occhipinti ‘Alea Viva’ Lazio Rosso IGT 2014

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Estate: Passionate, progressive winemaker Andrea Occhipinti purchased 4 hectares of vineyards planted in the 1990’s, on the north-western shores of Lake Bolsena, in the heart of Gradoli, after falling in love with the area. Located in central Italy, Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe, and provides a unique microclimate in addition to the distinctive terroir. Whilst studying at the Agrarian University of Tuscia, he devoted his master thesis to the vineyards of Gradoli.

Philosophy: To preserve and promote the characteristics of the two native grape varieties of Gradoli: Aleatico and Red Grechetto, to “produce wines with the flavor of tradition and the effervescence of innovation”.

Winemaking: Grapes are farmed organically and hand harvested. Spontaneous fermentation with only native yeasts in small cement bins, without the use of chemical additives and oenological agents, except for a small amount of sulphite added just before bottling. Aged for 18 months in steel and cement barrels and at least 2 months in bottle.

Tasting Notes: Transparent red in colour with floral aromas [rose and violet] underscored by salty minerals and funky earth. Candied cherry, pomegranate, red grapefruit and rose petal are given a drizzle of salty caramel in the light to medium body. A wisp of smoky, earthy minerality compliments the dry, fruity finish. An amazing fusion of fruit/flowers/minerals, expressive and engaging, so light on its feet, each glass will empty quite swiftly.

100% Aleatico
Lazio Rosso IGT
Italy
Estate Bottled by Andrea Occhipinti
12.5% Alcohol
$20 [average price]
Bottle N° 4700