A WONDERFUL SPARKLING FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Established in 1685, Boschendal, located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape, is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, and has specialized in the South African traditional method Cap Classique for more than 40 years. The Boschendal Brut is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, made in the same style of Champagne. Pale gold with delicate bubbles, the palate is layered with tart lemon creme and biscuit.

A Juicy Red From Valpolicella

From the province of Verona, Italy, east of Lake Garda Massimago Valpolicella DOC Superiore Profasio is made from 65 percent Corvina, 20 percent Corvinone and 15 percent Rondinella which convey hints of cherries, red berries, violet and a tasty juicy palate. This wine goes well with barbecue, roasted chicken, the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, pasta or lasagna.

Massimago’s idea of Valpolicella Superiore is a wine very much similar to its big brother Amarone, but with a higher drinkability and fresher aromas. Valpolicella Superiore Profasio Vineyards are located in Mezzane di Sotto at about 300 m asl on limestone, clay and marly soil. The winery was established back in 1883 and is one of the oldest wineries in its appellation.

An Orange Wine For Those Willing To Explore

Recognized as the birthplace of wine, Georgia boasts a wide range of producers who have perfected the art of crafting unique, dry amber wines produced from native grape varieties that undergo traditional qvevri winemaking. One such winery is Vazisubani Estate, whose inception dates to the 19th century and traces from one of Georgia’s most storied and cherished family lines, Chavchavadze.

The Estate has been meticulously restored over the last decade, emerging as a premier wine-tourism destination built around the palace, gardens, winery, marani (wine cellar) and 35 hectares of estate vineyards. Vazisubani Estate Kakhuri Mtsvane 2020 is a dry amber wine produced from the indigenous Kakhuri Mtsvane grape. This qveri wine making technique results in a wine exhibiting tropical overtones coupled with dried fig notes. The wine is lean and long with a lingering finish that is complemented by a tannin-rich body. Kakhuri Mtsvane can be enjoyed alone or with a wide assortment of meats and cheeses.

ONE OF ITALY’S GREATEST WHITES

Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2020 is Ornellaia estate’s white second vin, produced for the first time in 1987. Made from Sauvignon, Viognier and Vermentino grown on chalky skeletal soils, the production is limited to only 35-40,000 bottles.

Olga Fusari, the winemaker, describes the 2020 as follows: “With its classic bright straw-yellow color, Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2020 expresses itself on the nose with a beautiful aromatic intensity: aromas of boxwood and white flowers, accompanied by notes of white peach, sage and aromatic herbs are all released once poured. The wine fills the palate with elegance and determination upon tasting, revealing the proper balance of acidic freshness and density. The finish is lively, persistent and with a nice tanginess.”