Off-Piste

A selection of wines that are a little less known from Savoie, Cotes de Gascogne and Manchuela.

Bruno Lupin, Frangy, Savoie

Before moving back to his hometown to establish his own estate, he ran the cellar at La Cave de Genève in Switzerland for many years. The Lupin estate consists of five hectares of vines in Haute-Savoie on a hillside called Les Aricoques. Bruno considers this location the best in the region due to the full southern exposure and the relatively low altitude that protects the vineyards from the cold northern winds. The flavours are reminiscent of pear, gingerbread, spice and honey with a touch of nougat and the mouthfeel is soft, mellow and off dry. 100% Roussette

Plaimont, Manseng Noir, Cotes de Gascogne

This 100% Manseng Noir cuvee first exhibits a nose of violets, then an astonishing balance on the palate and a moderate richness in alcohol underscored by a fantastic acidity. Softly rounded tannins are apparent from the very first months of the period. This varietal wine displays a unique aromatic typicity: spices, elderflower and tapenade. An unusually low 11.9% ABV for a red.

Parajes del Valle, Macabeo Maceration, Manchuela

Grapes are hand-harvested then carefully selected at the winery. Spontaneous fermentation with wild native yeasts. Fermentation on skins in 25000 kg deposits in concrete tank for 15 days. Minimal sulphur added after fermentation. The wine is kept in concrete tanks until bottling.

Candied, orange citrus nose of tangerine, orange melon and something sweeter and more artificial, Lucozade original and Irn-Bru? The palate is nice and grippy, with more white nut, along with some citrus and candied fruit notes. Great fresh acidity, matches the structure with a dry finish.