Six of the Best

Manufacturer and Tasting Notes

• Cotes du Rhone Chemin des Papes Appellation Cotes du Rhone Controlee 2005

  Cotes du Rhone Chemin des Papes Appellation Cotes du Rhone Controlee 2005 :

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  This blend of the grape varieties Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan has produced a full and soft wine, with good fruit flavours and a touch of soft french oak. This is a smooth and easy-drinking red ideal with red meats or cheeses.

• Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau de la Blanche Appellation Cote de Duras Controlee 2005

  Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau de la Blanche Appellation Cote de Duras Controlee 2005 :

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  This is a ‘Lutte Raisonnee’ estate. Lutte Raisonnee means ‘the reasoned struggle’ and is a movement which attempts to manage disease and pests with a minimum use of chemicals and uses practices for sustainable viticulture. The soil is of clay-limestone, and traditional vinification practices are carried out in stainless steel vats. The red wine is produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 40%  Merlot , giving a typical Bordeaux wine with aromas of black fruits and a full spicy palate, quite big in the mouth, with a long balanced finish. The wonderful 2005 vintage is an extra bonus – a vintage of memorable quality.

• Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Gran Sasso 2006

  Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Gran Sasso 2006 :

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  This unoaked wine is delicious and vibrant with great depth of taste. It has a deep colour and clean, fresh plummy aromas, and is rich, supple and accessible on the palate.

• Rioja Cosecha Ugarte 2006

  Rioja Cosecha Ugarte 2006 :

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  Since 1870 the Ugarte family has been drawing on a wealth of experience to produce impressive wines in the vineyard region of Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. Made from a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, this wine is aged in American oak barrels prior to bottling. Its fruity aromas explode from the glass and are followed by a smooth and full palate. A very easy wine to drink!

• Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Gran Sasso 2006

  Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Gran Sasso 2006 :

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  Although the trebbiano grape is sometimes unexciting, this wine is a notable exception. Made from grapes selected from cooler vineyards in the foothills of the Appenines and then fermented at very low temperatures, it has a crisp minerally character and a supple texture on the palate that finishes dry and clean.