1. Casa Valduga, Arte Tradicional Brut 2021
Region: Vale dos Vinhedos, Serra Gaúcha, Brazil
Grapes: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (12% ABV)
A superb sparkling wine from Brazil that showcases the winery’s long-standing tradition and passion for winemaking. Made using traditional methods, this Brut effortlessly captures the essence of the region with its vibrant and crisp character. The wine boasts a pale yellow hue with fine bubbles that dance in the glass. On the palate, it delights with fresh citrus and tropical fruit flavours, balanced by a subtle hint of sweetness. The smooth and velvety texture leads to a clean and refreshing finish. Vinum (online) £18
2. Bodega Garzón, Reserve Albariño 2024
Region: Maldonado, Uruguay
Grape: 100% Albariño (13% ABV)
Pale yellow with a green hue, this Albariño is intense on the nose with peach and citrus aromas. The freshness and minerality on the mid-palate are superb, ably supported by a remarkable acidity which frames the juicy fruit on the crisp finish. Symposium £23.75
3. Susana Balbo Signature Limited Edition Paraje Altamira Torrontés de Raíz 2021
Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: 100% Torrontés (13% ABV)
Exquisite, complex Torrontés, with refined Muscat nose with a top note of orange zest essential oils. This has a short 10-day maceration on its skins and is fermented in terracotta amphorae, before completing maturation in low toast oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Susana’s deep knowledge of Torrontés and its production in terracotta amphoras allowed her to show how this variety was made almost four decades ago. Produced with grapes from Paraje Altamira, at 1,150m (3,770 ft.), this Torrontés “from the roots” gets its delicate orange colour from extended contact with the skins. The Wine Society £45
4. Vina Indomita, Nostros Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2023
Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Grape: 100% Chardonnay (14% ABV)
A rich and distinct wine that boasts aromas from Mediterranean fruit (rather than tropical, like tangerine, melon, apple, and sweet pear) to butter and freshly baked bread. That fresh harmony is complemented with the toasted hints from oak and mineral notes. Symposium £13.95
5. Miolo Cuvée Tradition Brut Rosé NV
Region: Vale dos Vinhedos, Serra Gaúcha, Brazil
Grapes: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay (12% ABV)
Miolo Cuvée Tradition Brut Rosé is an exquisite sparkling wine that displays a beautiful pink colour. The wine offers a refreshing and complex aroma of red fruits, such as cherries, strawberries and raspberries, with delicate floral notes. The palate is elegant and well-balanced, with a lively acidity and a persistent, fine bubble. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a delightful taste of fruit and minerality. Vinum (online) £13.10
6. Don Cristóbal 1492, Bonarda 2024
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: 100% Bonarda (14% ABV)
Founded in 1998, the winery began its own wine production with the 2001 harvest. It is a family-run winery led by Argentinian Eduardo Lapania and his son Cristóbal, with the support of the Belgian Vandenbalack family. Located in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, it established itself as a producer of high-quality wines with a strong focus on innovation and tradition. Full, round and very juicy, with sweet damson and pretty, floral blueberry fruit supported by a little rich oak. Generous indeed and a great easy-drinking alternative to Malbec. Butler’s £14.75
7. VIK, ‘A’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Region: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère (14% ABV)
In 2004, Alex and Carrie Vik had the ambition to create some of the world’s best wines. After a two-year study of 4,300 hectares of Andean wilderness, they’re behind some of Chile’s finest Cabernet. This one was picked as the best of a delicious pool of contenders by our store managers. It’s complex and elegant, with an inviting smooth texture and notes of ripe red fruit and coffee. Enjoy with slow-cooked beef. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère. Characteristics of Green Bell Pepper, Black Cherry, Black Plum, Blackcurrant, Cedar. Majestic £19 (single bottle)
8. Pisano Family Selection, Grand Reserve Tannat 2023
Region: Progreso, Uruguay
Grape 100% Tannat (14% ABV)
Classic Uruguayan Tannat matured in barrel for about a year. Dark, brambly fruit, robust, structured palate and firm but not dry tannins. In 1870 Don Francesco Pisano emigrated from Liguria, Italy to Uruguay. His son Don Cesare Secundino Pisano arrived in 1914, planted the original vineyards and produced the first wine in 1924. The 30ha of vineyards are situated 25 kilometres north of Montevideo , benefiting from a sunny and cool Atlantic climate. The soils are a mix of clay and limestone. Wine Society £17.50
9. Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Late Harvest’ Viognier/Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Grapes: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc (12.5% ABV)
Luis Felipe Edwards is one of Chile’s most awarded producers. This is a great-value dessert wine from grapes picked at the very end of the ripening season. It’s complex and sweet with notes of peach, citrus, honey and oak. Characteristics of Citrus Fruit, Honey, Stone Fruit. Pair this with blue cheese of custard. Majestic, £7 for half bottle
Served with 24-month aged Cheddar, a goats cheese, Comte, Brighton Blue and a selection of biscuits/crackers
The group’s favourite white was the Uruguayan Albarino
The favourite red was the Vik Cabernet, slightly ahead of the Bonarda.