(2017) A new wine from Miguel Torres of Spain, coming from the home vineyards in Catalunya and blending white Grenache with Xarel.lo, one of the main grapes of Cava (making still wines from Cava grapes is something of a mini-trend among Catalunyan producers currently). This is also certified organic and made in a very clean, fresh style, the gently tropical fruit notes wrapped with a very gentle creaminess, before a crisp, crunchy apple and citrus palate, again just a glimpse of papaya or Ogen melon adding a dry but exotic, subtle tang.
(2016) A blend with an unusually high 60% proportion Viognier alongside Roussanne and Marsanne. Lovely aromatics, has that lanolin waxiness, but also deep peach and touches of butter from barrel ferment, then a little floral aromatic, but the palate, has a fine creaminess of flavour and texture, and very good acidity. Chewy, but still fresh, not at all over-bearing, with its fragrance and freshness, juicy to the last drop. Note price and stockist quoted at time of review is for the 2013 vintage
(2016) Acero is Spanish for steel, and reflects the fact that this Chardonnay is made in steel tanks and sees no oak. From the organically farmed Don Miguel vineyard, it has an an immediate creaminess and touch of almond and honey to the ripe stone fruit aromas. The palate brims with sweet creamy apple and peach, verging on tropical with its mid-palate sweetness before the fine, white fruit acidity and touch of weight and texture gives the finish savouriness and a bit of gravitas. Delicious.
(2013) 14.0%, Cork. From the 2011 vintage, 60% Grenache is joined by 30% Cinsault, 7% Syrah and 3% Mourvèdre. Medium-deep in colour and showing a little more peachy softness in hue, the vinous nose has a touch of rhubarb, cherry and redcurrant fruit and a dry, vinous appeal. There's something a little briary on the palate, and that higher alcohol adds a little more robust heat, in a rosé that is very much a food wine I think - roast poultry being perhaps a good match.
(2013) 13.5%, Screwcap. Now rosé from a famous Chianti producer is not something we see every day. This is a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, and has a delicate, bright pink colour. Aromas too are very delicate, a touch of watermelon and pomegranate, light cherryish scents. On the palate the sweet ripeness of the fruit comes through convincingly, lots of berry fruited sweet attack, before a big, dry and citrussy finish.