With a Sake Meter Value (SMV) of +20 (plus being drier; minus being sweeter), this is without question the driest sake I’ve tasted. Brewed from Miyagi rice with a 65 per cent polish, this is a versatile sake that, while showing nice banana, melon, almond and flower blossom and a crisp, fresh palate when chilled, is actually becomes more balanced and complex when heated. Serve chilled with sushi and cold dishes; then try warmed with braised pork belly. Try to find a table wine that’s as adaptable.
Offers lively Sauvignon varietal character with grassy green herb, fresh green fruit, mineral and well-balanced acidity.
Dark brown, a thick coat of foam. Heavy nose of dark caramel and plum. It tastes of almost sweet candied fruit; the low acidity and dense body feel good and filling in the mid-palate. Nourishing.
A lovely nose of lemon, pear, apple, subtle spice and swirling mineral notes. A nicely balanced Chard on the palate with a refreshing citrus core followed by spice and melon notes. Light and fruity with a zesty finish.
Contrada Santo Spirito is a project of Antonio Moretti Cuseri, the owner of iconic properties Tenuta Sette Ponti and Podere Orma in Tuscany and Feudo Maccari in Sicily. Morretti fell in love with the 14 ha estate planted to autochthonous grapes between 500-700 m, located between Passopisciaro and Randazzo, on the slopes of Mount Etna. This Nerello Mascalese is crafted from 60+ year-old ungrafted vines, fermented in wood and stainless, where it rested for 6 months. Anise, red liquorice, red florals, dried strawberry, worn leather, tobacco and walnut shells fill the textural, lighter-bodied palate, scented with raspberry, wild cherry, thorns, and gripped with herbal, fine hewn tannins. Subtle soil salts linger on the finish, brightening the finish. Rabbit, wild mushrooms would make an excellent pair.
This is a ripe and creamy Chardonnay with moderate aromas of peach, pineapple, vanilla, spice, butterscotch and a slight minerality. Leans to the full end of the spectrum and has lovely density as well as persistency.
Clear deep garnet. Medium nose of red berries, rhubarb and smoky oak seasoned with a bit of black pepper and also a hint of barnyard. On the palate the blueberry and cherry fruit are so rich it would taste sweet but for the nicely balancing acidity. A decent everyday Aussie Shiraz at a good price. Ready to drink now.