The ‘not so novel’ Novel Explorer Case - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club
Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.
Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.
What's in this month's Explorer's Club?
Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take us back to where it all began. Introducing our Not So Novel Explorers Case — a curated collection of classic favourites and beloved bestsellers that have stood the test of time (and plenty of happy toasts).
These are the wines our customers come back for again and again — dependable, delicious, and full of character. From smooth, crowd-pleasing reds to bright, aromatic whites and generous sparkling surprise, this case is a celebration of what we know and love.
Think of it as comfort wine with a twist — tried, tested, and always ready to impress. Whether you're stocking up your wine rack, hosting friends, or just in the mood for something reliably brilliant, the Not So Novel case is your trusty go-to.
No maps needed this time — just open a bottle and enjoy the familiar joy of great wine done right.
Cheers to classics worth revisiting.
Vigneti Romio Sangiovese Superiore Riserva
If you love classic Italian reds with depth, elegance, and a story to tell, this one’s for you. The Vigneti Romio Sangiovese Superiore Riserva is a beautifully crafted expression of Romagna’s signature grape — bold, balanced, and brimming with character.
Aged to perfection, this Riserva brings together ripe cherry and wild berry flavours with layers of sweet spice, leather, and a whisper of vanilla from time spent in oak. It’s smooth and savoury on the palate, with refined tannins, bright acidity, and a long, satisfying finish that lingers with notes of dried herbs and dark chocolate.
This is Sangiovese with soul — ideal for slow dinners, rich pasta dishes, or simply unwinding with a glass and good company. It’s a wine that shows how tradition, when done right, never goes out of style.
Perfect with: ragù, grilled lamb, aged cheeses, or roasted vegetables with herbs
Carminucci 'Naumakos' Rosso Piceno Superiore
Rich, velvety, and full of Italian charm, the ‘Naumakos’ Rosso Piceno Superiore from Carminucci is a standout red from the Marche region — where Montepulciano and Sangiovese come together in perfect harmony.
This deeply coloured, full-bodied wine opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and a touch of violet, followed by subtle notes of baking spice, cocoa, and earthy herbs. On the palate, it’s smooth and generous, with silky tannins, well-integrated oak, and a long, warming finish that invites another sip.
Elegant yet bold, it’s the kind of red that shines with hearty Italian fare, but also drinks beautifully on its own — the perfect fireside bottle or dinner party companion.
Colomba Bianca 'Vitese' Zibibbo 2023, Sicily
Sunshine in a bottle, the Vitese Zibibbo 2023 is a joyful expression of one of Sicily’s most aromatic native grapes. Bursting with personality, this organic white wine is as vibrant and expressive as the island itself.
Expect an inviting nose of orange blossom, jasmine, and tropical fruits, with hints of citrus zest and fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced — fragrant yet crisp, with flavours of juicy mandarin, ripe peach, and a twist of lemon peel, finishing clean and refreshingly dry.
Zibibbo (also known as Muscat of Alexandria) is typically known for its sweet styles, but here it’s made dry — and to delicious effect. It’s a perfect pick for warm evenings, flavourful dishes, or anyone looking to try something a little different yet utterly moreish.
Perfect with: spicy Asian dishes, grilled seafood, fresh salads, or just a sunny afternoon
Beaujolais Villages Blanc Cuvée Chant du Merle
A rare gem from a red wine heartland, the Cuvée Chant du Merle is a beautifully expressive Beaujolais Villages Blanc — proving that Chardonnay can shine just as brightly in this part of France.
Fresh, elegant, and full of finesse, it opens with aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and a touch of almond. On the palate, it’s smooth and gently rounded, with flavours of pear, lemon zest, and a hint of creamy hazelnut, all balanced by a bright, mineral lift.
Fermented and aged with care, this white Beaujolais offers the charm of Burgundy without the price tag, and a lovely alternative for fans of cooler-climate Chardonnay.
Domaine de la Motte Petit Chablis
Bright, clean, and unmistakably Chablis, this Petit Chablis from Domaine de la Motte is a brilliant example of why this northern Burgundy region is so beloved by Chardonnay fans.
Grown on the limestone-rich soils that give Chablis its trademark minerality, this wine is all about freshness and finesse. Expect delicate aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and white flowers, with just a whisper of wet stone. On the palate, it’s crisp and precise, offering notes of lemon, pear, and a hint of salinity that lingers through a refreshing, flinty finish.
Stylish yet approachable, this is a superb go-to white — perfect for those who love their wines clean, unoaked, and full of energy.
Champagne Gremillet Rose Brut NV
Elegant, expressive, and effortlessly celebratory, the Gremillet Rosé Brut NV is a stunning pink Champagne that brings both finesse and fun to any occasion.
Crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir, this rosé delights with a beautiful salmon hue and a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is bursting with red berries — think wild strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of cherry — layered with hints of rose petal and fresh pastry.
On the palate, it’s vibrant and well-balanced, offering crisp acidity, silky texture, and flavours of summer fruits with a subtle citrus lift. Dry, refined, and incredibly moreish, it’s a rosé Champagne that feels both indulgent and refreshingly easy to love.
