Italy is known as land of vine and wine! They say over 1000 grape varieties can be found growing in diverse micro climates and ancient soils over a landmass where wine growing has existed for thousands of years. Most of us are familiar with Tuscany, famous for Chianti from the Sangiovese grape, but there is so much more just under the radar.  When it comes to Southern Italy there are three cool influences that make it stand out. These influences are unique grape varieties, the wine regions and the active volcanoes.

Monte Cascas Colheita 2019 is a blend of Aragonez *85% & Rufete. It is a full bodied, fruity and smooth red that would make any red wine lover happy.
Tasting Note:
Appearance is deep ruby in the glass. On the nose ripe red fruits with black fruit undertones (red raspberry, red plum, black berry, black currant) with toasted biscuits, warm sweet spice, mineral salts, and dried chives. On the palate the flavours of stewed plums and sweetened black currant compote even cherry pie with pastry complete with sweet vanilla spice and chocolate flakes. There is so much freshness and vibrancy in this wine that I couldn’t resist taking another sip. The finish lingers juicy and fresh to the end. Smooth soft tannins on this wine supports the good balance of fresh acidity moderate alcohol. Available at Marquis Wine Cellars for $29 before tax.

Spain is one of Europe’s (and hence the world’s) three largest wine producing countries and the one which is currently undergoing a very marked stylistic revolution in terms of its vinous output. Spain has a long and rich viticultural history that includes a well-established production and export of some very famous wines (think sherry and Rioja) which has provided Spain with all the necessary tools for success in today’s global wine market. However, it is a rejuvenation of mindset amongst an ever increasing number of the nation’s producers that makes this country one of most exciting to explore for today’s adventurous drinker. Gone are the days of the quantity over quality dynamic that typified the industry for a large part of the 20th century during the Franco dictatorship; likewise what came next - the desire to make wines to purely to satisfy the mass market demands of the high volume importers is thankfully now being reassessed. New Spain is all about the journey to discover authentic wines of place.