A few more unusual wines that you might not usually pick but you should.
Castro Ventosa, El Castro de Valtuille Joven, Mencia, Bierzo x2
Made from hand-harvested Mencía grapes from young vines, which are vinified in stainless steel and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is a very pure and authentic expression of the variety, with focused tart fruit, a touch of smoke, and a very mineral-driven finish. Deliciously drinkable and great value as well.
Domaine des Tourelles, Red, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon x2
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Syrah (40%), Cinsault (15%) and Carignan (5%). Traditional vinification in concrete vats, after 10 days fermentation the wine is blended and then aged in concrete vats for 16 months. Deep ruby red with fantastically expressive aromas of cherries, cedar wood, rosemary and cloves. A rich savoury palate with lots of Morello cherry and blackberry flavours, some earthy spice and fine tannins. A wine packed with flavour!
Fattoria La Rivolta, Vigneti di Bruma Beneventano Aglianico, Campania x2
The Cotroneo family began acquiring vineyards in Campania at the start of the twentieth century, in the districts of Ciurica, Rivolta and Roseto. In 1997 Paolo and Gabriella and their cousin Giancarlo became the third Cotroneo generation to work the land, and they immediately set out to make the estate organic. The following year they began to replant 80% of the vines. Their first organic certified vintage was 2001. The estate’s 31 hectares are planted on hillsides, mainly limestone and clay, at between 250 and 550 m.a.s.l., all south/south-east facing, in the shadow of Mount Taburno.
Great concentration of black fruits, leather, spice with ripe tannins. A lovely, forward drinking style of Aglianico.
