Alternative Reds Selection
- Mixed
- Various
This lineup is a magical mystery tour of interesting and intriguing alternative varieties, as well as amazing vineyard locations around the world. Where to start? Pique your interest with wines from across the world! Now here’s a nice alternative lineup!
Each case contains ONE bottle of:
Red
-
- Malbec
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- Mendoza
- Malbec
- Mendoza
It’s hard to reach hyperbole when describing the wines of El Enemigo. The project is headed by Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker for Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, an accomplished historian and the daughter of the famous Nicolás Catena. Their wines tell a story, this one of the primary grape of Mendoza with a reference and expression to the harsh conditions encountered in making wine in the foothills of the Andes. It has all the bright fruit and spice expected of malbec, but there’s a touch of cab franc in there to provide structure and herbaceousness, both nods to the slow and steady ripening that occurs in the deep rocky soils at such high altitudes.
Red
-
- Cabernet Blend
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- Victoria
- Cabernet Blend
- Victoria
Hugh Cuthbertson (a.k.a. Mr. Hugh) has worked in the wine industry for nearly 40 years. Done with appealing to the masses, he now crafts exclusive small batches of high quality wine to enjoy with his friends and family, so the fact that we were able to get our hands on some is seriously exciting! Beautifully perfumed, the inviting bouquet is layered with ripe plum, cedar and cloves, and the elegant palate is delicately poised with berries and a touch of mint. From vines originally used for blending, Hugh recognised the quality of the fruit they were producing and gave internationally acclaimed wine critic, Huon Hooke, a glass of his straight cabernet franc. Upon asking whether it was worthy as a standalone wine, Huon’s response was, “Yes. It is very good indeed”. And you know what, Huon? We agree!
Red
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- Cabernet Blend
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- Maipo Valley
- Cabernet Blend
- Maipo Valley
We haven’t had a wine from Chilean producer Indómita since the 2015 vintage. Not sure why, it just kinda happened that way. But there’s nothing like a Gold medal and 96 point score from Decanter to remind you that it’s time to reignite that relationship! This 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and carménère (the unofficial national grape of Chile) is an absolute stunner. Carménère serves in the same role as merlot (some argue they are potentially the same genetically) in making what shapes up to be an exceptional Chilean take on a Bordeaux-style red blend. It’s dark, spicy, full of fruit, framed with structure, and given to an incredibly lengthy finish. Welcome back, Indómita!
Red
-
- Gamay
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- Yarra Valley
- Gamay
- Yarra Valley
This isn't our first wine from Yarra producer Rising, but it is the first time we've ranged the gamay. Sourced from a single vineyard boasting some of the oldest gamay vines in Australia, the wine is everything you’d want in the grape. Red berries and herbs abound with a compelling little note of soy sauce as a buttress. It’s fresh, bright and elegant, hinting at minerality and earthiness throughout. For our lovers of Beauj, this is a nice little sidestep into an Australian interpretation of the style. For those that drink a lot of pinot and have heard the call to check out gamay, let this be your launching point.
Red
-
- Grenache
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- Barossa Valley
- Grenache
- Barossa Valley
Old vines add a certain special something for several key varieties, grenache being one of them. Bethany sources this wine from 50-80 year old vines still on their original rootstock in the Barossa Valley. The result is low yields leading to greater concentration of flavours such as raspberry, strawberry and cola, buoyed by striking minerality that begets a freshness on the palate. We’ve had previous vintages of this wine and loved it, we reckon the pros are beginning to catch on to a good thing. Just look at the scores!
Red
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- Montepulciano
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- Abruzzo
- Montepulciano
- Abruzzo
Abruzzo is an overwhelmingly mountainous region in central Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The primary red grape is montepulciano, not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is made from sangiovese... why do they make it so complicated!!! Anyways, the variety known as montepulciano is distinct for its inky colour, rich palate, evident tannins, subtle acid and age-worthiness. Dark cherry and floral notes are dominant on the nose and there is great intensity to the mouthfeel. Essentially, if you like big Shiraz, you’re gonna love this. And while we’re still awaiting the returns from the awards circuit, previous vintages have all been showered in gold. Leave all the confusing part about understanding Italian wine regions and enjoy a glass in bliss.