Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Champagne Lucas Carton Brut nv
This Champagne was created by Vranken-Pommery Monopole for Alain Senderens’s remarkable three star Michelin restaurant, Lucas Carton, which was situated on the Place de la Madeleine in Paris. This extraordinary restaurant may have closed its doors in 2006, but the Champagne lives on, as a delicious apéritif style; fl oral, revitalising and a present link with the Parisian worlds of art, fashion and literature, epitomised by Alain Senderens and his cuisine.
Berrys’ Extra Dry Blanquette de Limoux nv, Jean-Louis Denois, France
A marvellous Champagne alternative from Limoux in south-west France, made by native Champenois Jean-Louis Denois, using the same methods of production as its more famous cousin.
White
Viña Delia Chenin/Torrontés 2009, Argentina
With a distant connection to the Malvasia of Europe, Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape variety. It is heady, scented, fragrant and delightfully refreshing. The addition of some Chenin Blanc gives the wine a bit more weight. Its fruitiness makes it a perfect aperitif and
its spiciness makes it a fi ne partner to light and spicy dishes.
Bianco di Custoza 2008, Italy
This is a fascinating wine, simultaneously alluring and typically Italian, from the Bonomo Brothers’ vineyards near Lake Garda, just 15 km from Verona. The wine is created from a wide range of varieties, mostly Garganega, but also incorporates Cortese, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. It is dry, herbal and nutty but equally full and satisfying.
Domaine de Coudoulet Chardonnay 2008, France
The sixth generation of Ournacs, Pierre-André and his brother Jean-Yves, now run this 16 hectare domaine in the south of France. Its chalk and clay soils are ideal for producing Chardonnay. Having no oak infl uence it is clean and pure, with a lemon oil scent and a gentle minerality. It is very Burgundian and intelligently understated.
Red
Working Dog Shiraz/Viognier 2009, Australia
The great Côte Rôtie appellation in France permits the addition of a little white Viognier to its statuesque, Syrah-based red wine, adding a subtle perfume and a more viscous texture.
In Australia Syrah is known as Shiraz, but the same principles apply. This clever blend also carries an important percentage of premium Langhorne Creek fruit.
Sansovino Raboso 2007, Italy
Raboso, a little known grape variety, is native to north-east Italy. It can produce rather rugged wines but not so with this example. Tannin and acidity are well balanced, and a lowish alcohol content enhances the wine’s fresh, cherry-stone character. A pleasant and surprisingly toothsome discovery, to be enjoyed with all Mediterranean flavours.
Château de Brandey Bordeaux 2008, France
The château is situated in the heart of the picturesque Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux. The wine, typically for the region, is predominantly from Merlot, with lesser, equal contributions from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Chevillard family are expert in producing authentic yet accessible wines and are notably successful in 2008.