Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay, Riesling, Sangiovese...
Theseare the acknowledged classics when
it comes to grape varieties and of course,
are responsible for some of the greatest
wines in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Germany
and Tuscany. However, let’s not forget
that there are plenty of classic wines from
other regions that show off different grape varieties, such as
most of those I’ve chosen this month from LibertyWines.
Liberty are wholesale distributors to the trade and top
restaurants, so it’s a privilege to be able to access their stock
(and at an exclusive price, too). These wines are excellent
examples of why it pays to be adventurous when it comes to
defining a “classic”, and I implore you to try them for yourself.
B
Wine Editor–The Week Wines
THE WEEK
An exploration of classic wines
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Verdicchio Classico Superiore,
Villa Bucci, Italy 2017, 13.5%
I am extremely grateful to my
friend Rowley Leigh, the
oenophile chef, for introducing
me to this cult-like wine from
central Italy. If you think
Verdicchio is a bland mass
produced product, think again. Bucci is
a relatively small but old estate, whose
organic vines are separated by rows of
wild flowers. Ampelio Bucci makes an
iconic riserva wine that ages for 20
years or more,but this entry level
variety iseffortlessly superior to most
other producers, with a mineral driven
mid-palate and a refreshing citric
ending. One of Italy’s finest wines.
PRICE PERCASE:£159, saving £56.88
Rías Baixas Albariño, Martín
Códax, Spain, 2018, 13%
One of the most fashionable
white wines in Spain and
Portugal, Martin Códax was
one of the key players in the
creation of the Rías Baixas
appellation more than 30 years
ago. This has a winning
combination of floral and fruity
flavours, with a steely backbone. Like
most good wine, it grows in the glass
and is incredibly refreshing – like a
more rounded Sauvignon Blanc.
Drinking perfectly now, but will
improve for a few more years too.
PRICE PERCASE:£141, saving £50.88
`Ciuri` Etna Bianco,Terrazze
dell'Etna, Sicily, Italy 2017, 13%
I am a recent convert to the
wines of Mount Etna in Sicily,
where some vineyards are still
producing grapes after a century
thanks to the unique volcanic
soil. This crisp white is actually
made from a red grape, Nerello
Mascalese. It is spine tinglingly
mineral with hints of rosemary, which
makes it a beautiful summer aperitif or
a delicious pairing with seafood.
PRICE PERCASE:£186, saving £77.88
Brouilly, Château de Pierreux,
France 2017, 14%
When it comes to the best value
reds for summer drinking, it is
almost impossible not to include
a high end Beaujolais from one
of the 10 leading Crus. Further
south than Burgundy, they are
exclusively made from the
Gamay grape, which in time
becomes similar to its northern
neighbour. Château de Pierreux had
made a considerable reputation with its
black cherry overtones and hints of
violet. Of course it will continue to age
for another five years or so, but why
wait when it is so harmonious and
refreshing? Serve with chicken or other
white meats.
PRICE PERCASE:£168, saving £59.88
`Coto de Imaz` Rioja Gran
Reserva, Spain, 2011, 14%
Founded in 1970 by a group of
winemakers, El Coto is one of
the largest producers of quality
Rioja in Spain. There are no
rough edges in this beautifully
mature wine, which is aged in
the winery before release.
Winner of a Gold medal in the
InternationalWine & Spirit
Competition 2017 and served at
numerous Michelin-starred restaurants,
this is fully mature with traces of leather
and spice with some oak and is
extraordinary value for money.
PRICE PERCASE:£210, saving £77.88
`Il Seggio` Bolgheri, Poggio al
Tesoro, Italy, 2016, 14.5%
Bolgheri in westernTuscany is
the home of some of the original
SuperTuscan wines that
revolutionised Italian
winemaking in the seventies.
Using a blend of Bordeaux grape
varieties (Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and
Petit Verdot), this tastes more likea
Napa Cabernet than classic Bordeaux.
This is one of my favourite vintages for
a whole range of Italian wines, and in
this case emphasizes the freshness of the
dark plum-like fruit with some tobacco
overtones. This wine is crying out for
steak or roast lamb and again, offers
superb value for money.
PRICE PERCASE:£246, saving £65.88
£15.99
£11.75
£17. 99
£13.25
£23.99
£17. 50
£18.99
£14
£25.99
£20.50
£21.99
£15.50
MIXEDCASE (2 bottles of each) £185
Try them all! Most popular option
From
£11.75
per bottle
MIXED REDS (4 bottles of each) £208 MIXED WHITES (4 bottles of each) £162
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