Wines from both sides of the pond: introducing English wines and wine of the Americas
In this article, we're going to introduce you to wines on two sides of the pond! Meet our brand-new selection of Mexican wines from L. A. Cetto in Baja California, our Club-exclusive wines from Precision Wine Co. in California, USA, and two fab Brazilian wine producers.
But before we dive into the unique wines of the Americas, we want to guide you through some of our favourite home-grown wines we've been drinking this week.
Enjoy the selection!
Home grown wines
English wines have never been better. You probably know the sparkling wines well, since they’ve risen to a world-class standard and now compete with the likes of Champagne. However, we also want to introduce you to our still white and rose wines; this, according to a recent book by wine critic Oz Clarke, is where the true potential for English wines lies.
Sixteen Ridges Bacchus 2018
100% Bacchus / 12.0% abv
Created by winemaker Simon Day in Worcestershire, this varietal Bacchus is similar to the Sauvignon wines of the Loire Valley. Aromas of basil and fresh lime on the nose lead into a punchy palate of gooseberries, greengages and apples. It's a very elegant incarnation of Bacchus, which is all too enjoyable to drink! Try with roasted artichoke salad.
Oatley Vineyard Jane’s 2018
100% Madeleine Angevine / 11.5% abv
One of the first English wines we stocked at Novel Wines, Oatley is a very small family-run vineyard near Bridgwater in Somerset. Creating exclusively dry white wines for over 30 years, the Jane’s is a beautifully made English white wine with notes of elderflower presse and citrus. Delicious with chicken or white fish.
Dunleavy Vineyard Pinot Noir Rose 2019
Pinot Noir & Seyval Blanc / 11.5% abv
This highly sought-after English rosé is made exclusively at Dunleavy Vineyards in Somerset by Ingrid Bates. Light and fresh with strawberry, red cherry and honeydew melon on the palate. Lovely acidity for food-pairing or kicking back with a glass in the sunshine. The finish is delicate and creamy. Superb with Gouda cheese or Chinese cuisine.
Aldwick Estate Regent 2018
100% Regent / 11.0% abv
The 790 Regent vines on Aldwick Estate, located in the gorgeous Mendips just south of Bristol, are planted on four irregular blocks on the borders of the Woodlands vineyard. The team's will and desire to produce exceptional English red wine meant that the Regent, likely an impromptu decision when Woodlands was planted in 2010, now makes this delicious and rewarding varietal red. The cool climate keeps it light-medium bodied and crisp, while the grape's style adds flavours of juicy plums, cherries and winter spice.
Brazilian wines
We have two producers from Brazil for you in this selection, one is Geisse, formerly the head of Moet’s South American operation, and now producing some of the finest sparkling wines in the world. Joining Geisse is one of our customer’s favourite red wine producers, Don Guerino, which is headed by the young but incredibly talented Bruno Motter.
Geisse Amadeu Rose Brut 2016
100% Pinot Noir / 12.5% abv
Mario Geisse, who trained with Moet & Chandon Brasil in the 1970s, founded Familia Geisse, which is now in the hands of his two sons. The winery only produces quality traditional method sparkling wines with fruit grown at 800m altitude. The "Amadeu" range are Geisse's entry level sparklings but they will still knock your socks off. This wine is chuck-full of strawberry notes, waxy lemon, toasted almonds and brioche. A wine that's easy to love. Try with grilled fish.
Don Guerino Vintage Malbec 2018
100% Malbec / 13.5% abv
Meet winemaker Bruno Motter's exceptional Malbec. Motter had cut his teeth making Malbec in Mendoza in Argentina before turning his craft to his family winery in Brazil. The grapes are harvested from 15 year old vines and pressed into a brightly hued, deep purple juice. After fermentation, the wine is matured in both French and American oak for six months before enjoying a further six months in bottle pre-release. The result is a restrained Malbec body but with a real intensity of fruit. Mulberries, black plums, blackcurrants and sweetish caramel combine on the palate with light aromas of violets and a bite of refreshing acidity.
Our new Mexican selection
We’re excited to introduce you to our all-new range of Mexican wines this month. We were introduced to L. A. Cetto by a wine colleague and blown away by the quality of these wines, grown 1,000m above sea level on the Pacific coast of Baja California
Marques del Valle Sauvignon Blanc 2018
100% Sauvignon Blanc / 12.5% abv
Meet our new, easy-drinking and exceptionally well-valued Mexican Sauvignon, produced under the Marques del Valle label for the UK market. This wine is no-fuss just beautiful winemaking! Soft, juicy and full of citrus, this Sauvignon's complemented by hints of warm exotic stone fruits. Distinct in character but a guaranteed favourite for any fan of Kiwi Sauvignon who wants to try something a little different! Serve with hummus and fresh bread.
L. A. Cetto Private Reserve Nebbiolo 2014
100% Nebbiolo / 13.5% abv
New 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.
A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2016
100% Petite Sirah / 14.0% abv
Not to be confused with Syrah, Petite Sirah is a different grape variety that thrives on the high altitude, arid soils of Baja California along Mexico's Pacific coast. There's less than 10,000 acres of Petite Sirah worldwide and Camillo Magoni's version is an instant winner! A medium-full bodied red wine full of plums, blueberries and redcurrants over an earthy backbone. It's silky-smooth with a warming, long finish and a hint of smoke.
Just for the Club
Join the Explorer's Club here. Here’s an exclusive selection from Precision Wine Co. in California. Precision’s proprietor and vintner Trevor Sheehan started his journey to create a top wine collection when he became a winemaker 10 years ago and today his wines represent the complexity of flavour, diversity of terroir, and distinct characteristics of California’s appellations and wine regions.
Saint Tryphon Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2015
100% Chardonnay / 14.2% abv
From Saint Tryphon, named after the patron saint of winemakers, this is a limited-edition line for Novel Wines. Celebrating their wonderful 2015 vintage, we bought only a few cases of this wine exclusively for Club customers. Laden with fruit like mangoes, peaches, and pineapple over blossom and spice with a creamy and voluptuous finish, this is proper Santa Barbara Chardonnay!
Precision ‘Introvert’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
100% Cabernet Sauvignon / 13.5% abv
An elegant, well-balanced Cabernet from Precision’s special 2016 crop from Mt Howell and bottled under the ‘Introvert’ label. Full of cherry, plum and currants. Mocha and spice intertwine on the finish to create a powerfully characterful Cab that’s never overpowering or too brash.
Precision ‘Navigator’ Lodi Valley Zinfandel 2016
100% Zinfandel / 14.0% abv
Trevor Sheehan’s flagship brand, Navigator, is an iconic style of Zin. This spicy and oaky wine is not quite sweet, but is packed full of strawberry jam, maple syrup and Maraschino cherry flavors that give it an exuberant, fruity personality. It has good fruit acidity and light tannins to add some textural counterpoint to the jamminess. Superb with BBQ ribs or mature cheddar.
