| Name: | Astobiza Txakoli |
| Type: | White |
| Country: | Spain |
| Region: | Txakolí de Alava DO |
| Grapes: | Ondarrabi Zuri |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Producer: | Finca Astobiza |
| ABV%: | 12.5 |
Gorgeous light refreshing very slightly sparkling Basque white. Apple, peach, grapefruit. £15.80 from Field & Fawcett.
| Name: | Vescovado Guardavalle, Santa Venere 2021 |
| Type: | White |
| Country: | Italy |
| Region: | Calabria |
| Grapes: | Guardavalle |
| Year: | 2021 |
| Producer: | Federico Scala |
| ABV%: | 13 |
This unusual grape from Calabria is like un-oaked Aussie Chardonnay mixed with Viognier. It’s bold yet refreshing. With or without food. From The Wine Society.
| Name: | Roussette de Savoie, Les Flocons |
| Type: | White |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Savoie |
| Grapes: | Altesse (aka Roussette) ?100% |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Producer: | Philippe Viallet |
| ABV%: | 12.5 |
Refreshing, dry, slightly mineral, slightly apple-y, vaguely citrus.
| Name: | Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Italy |
| Region: | Piedmont |
| Grapes: | Grignolino |
| Year: | 2019 |
| Producer: | Pio Cesare |
| ABV%: | 14 |
The grignoline grape is little known in the UK. Very pale in colour and a delicious light cherry flavour, yet 14% alcohol. £17.50 from the Wine Society.
| Name: | Gran Reserva Carménère Appassimento |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Chile |
| Region: | Elqui Valley |
| Grapes: | Carménère |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Producer: | Mayu |
| ABV%: | 14.5 |
Claims to be the first appassimento Carménère in the world. Certainly a success – an excellent example of what vine-concentration can do. Big bold earthiness with blackberry notes ready for any steak. Delightful with Jonny’s stew and dumplings. Gift from Gillian
| Name: | G D Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Italy |
| Region: | Langhe, Piedmont |
| Grapes: | Nebbiolo |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Producer: | GD Vajra |
| ABV%: | 14.5 |
Christmas present from Ingrid. Outstanding Langhe Nebbiolo. Thin in colour (think Gamay) but clean full bodied flavour with cherry and floral notes. Ake & Humphris, but available from TWS.
| Name: | L. A. Cetto Private Reserve Nebbiolo |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Region: | Guadalupe Valley, Baja California |
| Grapes: | Nebbiolo |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Producer: | L. A. Cetto |
| ABV%: | 13.5 |
Extremely delicious deep-ruby nebbiolo from Mexico. Yes it’s £16.50, but worth it. Cherries on the palate.
From Novel Wines.
| Name: | Crasto Douro |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Region: | Douro DOC |
| Grapes: | Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Producer: | Quinta do Crasto |
| ABV%: | 14.5 |
Superb Portuguese drinking red.
| Name: | L. A. Cetto Petite Sirah |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Region: | Baja California |
| Grapes: | Petite Sirah |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Producer: | L. A. Cetto |
| ABV%: | 14 |
Unusual single varietal use of Petite Sirah. Soft tannins and fruit rich. Improved after opening. Very nice with venison burgers and homemade onion and sun-dried tomato relish.
| Name: | Alain Cavaillès Terre Forte Rouge |
| Type: | Red |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Haute Vallée de l'Aude |
| Grapes: | Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Producer: | Alain Cavaillès |
| ABV%: | 14 |
Solid red with plenty of fruit. Organic, so doesn’t keep once opened.