Winexpert LE 2025
- Limited quantities -
Besito - Manchuela, Spain
Available March 2024
Body: Medium
Sweetness: Off-Dry
Alcohol: 12.5%
BESITO
Besito, Spanish for “little kiss”, is a vibrant blend of Macabeo and Moscatel (Muscat) with a little kiss of sweetness. Enticing citrus and white blossom aromas introduce a peachy palate woven with tropical fruit and citrus flavours. Subtle notes of honeysuckle and lemon zest round out this smooth and succulent wine.
MANCHUELA, SPAIN
Manchuela is an inland region with a continental climate, but vineyards here are 600-1000m above sea level; the altitude has a cooling effect and combines with fresh Mediterranean winds to moderate the hot summer days. This helps slow ripening, resulting in white grapes that produce fresh, fruity wines with good acidity.
SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Chicken enchiladas, Lemon butter grilled shrimp, Szechuan stir-fry
Carmenère Cabernet Syrah - Maipo, Chile
Available December 2024
Body: Med-Full
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 13.5%
CARMENÈRE CABERNET SYRAH
The Carmenère Cabernet blend, a Chilean specialty, shines with the added depth of Syrah. Savour the plum and dark berry aromas. Concentrated plum flavours are woven with cherry, subtle baking spice, and soft tannins, culminating in a chocolaty finish accented by lingering plum and toasty notes.
MAIPO, CHILE
Referred to as the ‘Bordeaux of South America’, Maipo is known for producing prestigious wines. The mild Mediterranean climate sees little rainfall, but controlled drip irrigation and fertile clay-based soils work to produce rich red wines. The region’s Cab Sauv is celebrated for being especially rich and fruity.
SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Grilled steak, Spicy sausage pasta, Aged Gouda
Double Blanc - Riverland, Australia
Available January 2024
Body: Medium
Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 12.5%
DOUBLE BLANC
A fresh, fruit-driven blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Soft citrus aromas with subtle green notes. Fresh citrus and pear flavours are forefront with notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, and hints of lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the zesty acidity and crisp finish.
RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
The Riverland region in South Australia surrounds the long and winding Murray River. The vital water source contributes to fertile soils and allows for irrigation in the intense dry heat. The Continental climate and long sunny days make for vibrant, fully ripened grapes.
SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Smoked salmon crostini, Cashew chicken, Summer salads
Petit Verdot Petit Syrah - Lodi, California
Available February 2025
Body: Full
Oak: Med-Heavy
Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 14%
PETIT VERDOT PETITE SIRAH
Petit in name but big in flavour. Aromas of heady plum and soft vanilla set the tone. Black cherry and blackberry flavours lead the way, while undertones of warm blueberry and plum build with each sip. Lush and velvety with a long finish of dark fruit and spice.
LODI, CALIFORNIA
Sitting in the middle of California’s Central Valley, Lodi sees warm days and cool nights and benefits from the breezes blowing inland from the Bay area. This climate helps lend grapes a refreshing natural acidity, while the rich, sandy soils and dry growing season promote more concentrated flavours.
SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin, Grilled portobello mushrooms, Sharp cheddar
Fourtitude - Riverland, Australia
Available April 2024
Body: Full
Oak: Heavy
Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 14%
FOURTITUDE
An assertive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Mataro, and Merlot that embodies Australia’s renowned bold and fruit-forward style. It opens with rich aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice, while intense flavours of blackcurrant, plum, dark cherry, and spice unfold with hints of vanilla. Smooth tannins carry into a lingering finish.
RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA
Riverland is renowned as a powerhouse of Australian wine. It is home to many varietals, but Cabernet, Shiraz, and Merlot are the region’s most prominent reds; they thrive in the endless sunshine and low humidity, producing lush wines with rich texture and ample berry flavours.
SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Braised leg of lamb, Saucy ribs, Chocolate mousse