Winexpert
MANCHUELA, SPAIN
The climate in Manchuela is ideal for reds; the inland region has a continental climate with high daytime temperatures and long hours of sunshine but is still close enough to the coast to experience cool nights thanks to Mediterranean winds. This temperature swing creates favorable conditions for red grapes to slowly ripen, perfectly developing tannin, colour, and varietal character. The resulting wines show excellent flavor, color, and mouthfeel.
GRENACHE CARIGNAN – with grape skins
Grenache Carignan – Garnacha Cariñena in Spanish – is at once intense and harmonious. Deep ruby red with alluring aromas of blackberry, spice, and leather nuances. A provocative palate of black fruit, cherry, red berry and plum with well-integrated oak and accents of licorice and spice. Rich velvety tannins, moderate acidity, and a long savory finish.
Signature Food Pairing:
Southwest Strip Loin with Skillet Succotash
Additional Food Pairing Suggestions:
Grilled lamb, sausages, hearty winter stews
Sweetness: Dry | Body: Full | Oak: Heavy | 14% ABV*
MANCHUELA, SPAIN
Manchuela is framed by the Júcar and Cabriel rivers, whose sediments make up the limestone-based clay soils. Two large reservoirs to the north provide irrigation during the very dry growing season. 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.
MACABEO SAUVIGNON BLANC
Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc are perfect partners in this bright and balanced blend. Together they show aromas of citrus and tropical fruit, with soft white blossom. The palate is lush and layered with pronounced flavours of green apple, pear, grapefruit and tropical fruit, with light notes of honeysuckle and grass. Fresh and flavourful with lively acidity, elegant complexity, and medium persistence.
Signature Food Pairing:
Baked Feta With Tomatoes, Capers & Olives
Additional Food Pairing Suggestions:
Rice dishes, seafood, vegetable tempura
Sweetness: Dry | Body:Medium | Oak: None | 13% ABV*
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
This is the true home of Marselan; it was developed here in 1961 and takes its name from Marseillan, a coastal village near where it was first bred and planted. Soils vary across the large region with limestone and clay the most common. The Mediterranean climate, with hot sunny days tempered by cool sea breezes at night, makes the Languedoc a perfect place for growing grapes.
MARSELAN
A cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, this relatively young French varietal displays the best characteristics of both parents. Marselan is deeply coloured with a powerful nose of jammy red and black fruits and spice. The palate delivers rich ripe fruit flavours of blackberry, plum and black currant with spicy notes, balanced acidity, and well-rounded tannins. Supple, smooth, and seductive.
Signature Food Pairing:
Grilled Lam & Fig Skewers
Additional Food Pairing Suggestions:
Charcuterie, grilled meat (bbq, burgers, pork chops), fresh lasagna with pesto, lamb navarin, dark chocolate desserts
Sweetness: Dry | Body: Medium – Full | Oak: Medium | 13% ABV*
MURRAY DARLING, AUSTRALIA
Murray Darling is named for two of Australia’s longest rivers, which run through the vast region and provide vital irrigation. The region is hot and dry, with long sunny days balanced by cool nights. The loamy and sandy soils are unique to the Murray River system and nourish strong vines. Together the heat, rivers and soils produce grapes which create soft and flavorful wines.
PINOT NOIR SHIRAZ
Pinot Noir and Shiraz may seem like an odd couple, but this uniquely Australian blend has a noble history and is currently making a major resurgence. Mixed berry, floral and soft spice aromas open to a vibrant palate of sour cherry and red fruit flavors with undertones of dark plum, blueberry, light licorice and spice. Silky tannins and bright acidity complete this juicy and energetic blend.
Signature Food Pairing:
Pork Tenderloin with Forest Mushroom Sauce
Additional Food Pairing Suggestions:
Herb crusted salmon, sausages, duck dishes, roasted root vegetables, or pan-fried tofu
Sweetness: Dry | Body: Medium | Oak: Medium | 13.5% ABV*
PUGLIA & VENETO, ITALY
North and South come together in this fresh blend. The Trebbiano comes from Puglia in the south, the heel of Italy’s boot. The dry heat, balanced by cooling breezes from the surrounding seas, along with the region’s fertile soils create the perfect conditions for growing mature and fruity grapes. In the north, the long summers of picturesque Veneto bring Riesling to full ripeness and the cool nights help the varietal retain freshness and its natural high acidity.
TREBBIANO RIESLING
Lemon peel, melon, and green apple on the nose with a light chamomile undertone. The palate offers orchard fruit flavors of yellow apple and white peach fused with melon, citrus, and fresh minerality. This inviting blend showcases the high natural acidity of both Trebbiano and Riesling; it’s fun, fresh, and fruity with a touch of sweetness and a lot of pizzazz.
Signature Food Pairing:
Lemon & Rosemary Butter Braised Shrimp
Additional Food Pairing Suggestions:
Pasta, shellfish, mature hard cheeses, risotto, or enjoy as an aperitif
Sweetness: Semi-Dry | Body: Medium | Osk: None | 12.5% ABV*