Bianco Etna Barone di Villagrande: The Elegance of Sicily
A testament to the tenacity and inventiveness of Sicilian winemaking, the Barone di Villagrande winery is tucked away on the slopes of Mount Etna. This white wine embodies the volcanic essence of its location and is well-known for its Etna Bianco.
Europe’s tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, offers a distinctive setting. The ideal conditions for cultivating Carricante, the main grape of Etna Bianco, include high altitudes, mineral-rich volcanic soils, and considerable diurnal temperature change. The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices and traditional methods ensures each bottle is a pure expression of Etna’s terroir. The wine ages in oak barrels, adding complexity and depth without overshadowing its delicate characteristics.
Chateau La Lagune: A Treasure of the Haut-Médoc
Chateau La Lagune, a historic estate that has been producing superb wines since the 18th century, comes from Bordeaux’s prestigious Haut-Médoc appellation.
Chateau La Lagune, situated on Bordeaux’s renowned Left Bank, enjoys the advantages of mild marine weather and gravelly soils. The estate specialises in a combination of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, three traditional Bordeaux varietals. The estate, which is managed by Caroline Frey, blends cutting-edge organic and biodynamic agricultural methods with classic Bordeaux methods. After being carefully sorted and gently fermented, the hand-harvested grapes are aged in barrels made of French oak.
Chateau Branaire-Ducru: The Elegance of Saint-Julien
Known for its accuracy and elegance, Chateau Branaire-Ducru, a Fourth Growth in the Saint-Julien appellation, is categorised under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
The 60 hectares of vines on the estate grow well on gravel soils, which are perfect for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes’ reflection of their surroundings is guaranteed by sustainable viticulture.
Chateau Branaire-Ducru blends heritage with contemporary technologies. Grapes are handled less in gravity-fed systems, maintaining their integrity. To preserve finesse, the wine is aged in French oak barrels using a careful ratio of new to used barrels.
2022 Etna bianco Barone di Villagrande
Etna Bianco by Barone di Villagrande has a fragrant perfume of citrus, white blossoms, with a touch of flint. Its fresh and lively flavour reflects its volcanic origins, with hints of green apple, lemon zest, and saline minerality.
2000 Chateau La Lagune
The wines of Chateau La Lagune are renowned for their delicacy and harmony. Blackberry, cassis, and cedar scents are to be expected, along with layers of dark fruit, tobacco, and a hint of mocha on the palate. The smooth tannins indicate excellent ageing potential.
2000 Chateau Branaire Ducu
The aroma of red cherries, plums, violets, and faint spices is enticing. It has medium to full-bodied flavours on the palate, including liquorice, blackberry, and a hint of graphite. A lengthy, elegant finish is guaranteed by its lively acidity and well-balanced tannins.
2018 Saint Romain Domaine Mark Haisma
Haisma’s Saint-Romain is a sophisticated and nuanced Chardonnay. A taste of crisp green apple, lemon curd, and a lingering mineral finish follow the scents of white peach, citrus flower, and hazelnut. It is a versatile wine due to its modest wood and well-balanced acidity.
