Wines from Far Off Lands - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

As always, our team are very happy to answer any questions you have on these wines (and about wine in general!), but also do check out the info below and enjoy your case!

Our first wine this month is a fantastic Mexican red wine featuring the famous grape of Barolo, except grown in Mexico's gorgeous Baja California wine region. Here it results in a concentrated, full style of Nebbiolo with rounded red fruits, leathery tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Cooled by the Pacific breeze and with the vines situated 1000m above sea level, the wine is not overripe but offers a complex, unique style different to its Italian sibling. Made by oenologist Camillo Magoni.

Situated in Nashik, India's largest grape-growing region, Sula Vineyards was set up in 1997 by Rajeev Samant & Kerry Damsky. They pioneered the growing of the French grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, which were first released in 2000 to wide acclaim as India's best white wines. Sula now cultivates Shiraz and Zinfandel amongst other international varieties and is broadly recognised as India's premium wine producer.

Aromas of quince and pear combine with tropical fruit flavours and mineral undertones. A notable acidity and hint of sweetness give this wine a balanced structure and refreshing character. Created by winemaker Ajoy Shaw, this is the perfect option to pair beautifully with Indian cuisine.

Next we move to Japan and one of the great range we have from the historic Chateau Mercian in Yamanashi. 

For this wine, Koshu grapes are grown in the Fuefuki district, one of the 13 cities located in Yamanashi Prefecture. Harvest takes place from late September to early October. This wine spends 3 weeks on skins to achieve the vibrant apricot-skin hue. Dual fermented, firstly in a stainless steel tank for about 28 days then in an oak barrel for about two weeks. Its then aged in oak barrels for 8 months. Sweet and ethereal aromas of apricot, candied pear, Darjeeling and old Rose with subtle vanilla notes derived from it's time in oak. The complex palate from the skins and seeds of Koshu lend complexity to the mouthfeel.

The Pizzato family, originally from Italy, came to Brazil in 1880 and, after many years cultivating vines for other wineries, set up their own namesake winery in 1999. Today their 45 hectares of vines are split across Vale dos Vinhedos and Dois Lajeados, the former some 500m above sea level. The Tannat grown here enjoys plenty of sun and ripens fully, allowing it to be enjoyed earlier than its European counterparts. Deep purple-red in colour with prominent but smooth tannin, the wine leads with concentrated aromas of plums, blueberries, coffee and spice, with vanilla, black and red fruits, caramel and leather joining on the palate. A delightful, peppery red to please any 'big reds' fans.

Finally this month we travel to South Africa for a brace of wines from the iconic Babylonstoren Estate in Franschhoek. Firstly, their single variety Shiraz is by far one of our customers' favourite red wines. Aromas of cassis, pencil shavings and violets transform into gorgeous ripe cherry fruit, soft prunes and a tingle of spice. A multi-award winning, full bodied and beautifully-made wine.