Wines for a cosy night in
Much as we like to consider ourselves sociable creatures, never happier than when in a salubrious drinking establishment and good company, we do enjoy the occasional night with the feet up. A change of pace is rarely a bad thing. Unless you're batting against Sam Curran.
Such evenings are made all the more cosy when there's a decent bottle open and, if at all possible, a fire lit. Or one of those pretend fires on the telly.
And while all wines comfort in their own way, certain bottles do lend themselves to these moments - wines with smoke and spice and a big bear hug on the finish.
We've picked a few favourites that we think will improve your Netflix night immeasurably.
Available now in all of our bottle shops across London or via the app for delivery within an hour (Central London) or next day around the UK
WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon - Snowden, 'Los Ricos' -Napa, California - 2017
PRODUCER: This 160-acre homestead has a history of grape-growing that goes back to 1878. As a winemaking operation proper, Snowdens have been making the good juice for four generations.
WHERE: We're on the eastern slopes of the Napa Valley. It's worth noting that of the farm's 160 acres, only 23 are used for growing grapes - the remaining land is woodland and forest. Keeping that carbon under control.
WHY: If you've enjoyed a Napa Cabernet before you'll know where you're at here - this is forthright, assertive, and rich. Like Elon Musk but not as weird.
WHAT: Cabernet Franc - Terres Chaudes, Dom. des Roches Neuves - Saumur-Champigny, Loire - 2018
PRODUCER: Thierry Germain is the owner and winenaker - he moved here from Bordeaux when he was 23. He's since grown roots here (sorry).
WHERE: The wine is from (and he is based) in Saumur Champigny, a Cabernet Franc dominated appellation in the Western Loire Valley. It's a quiet town- not much to do except make wine which is ideal for us- fewer distractions. It's on our list for its richness despite its lightness- there's a cool, strange contradiction in there, and we like it.
WHY: It's on our list for its richness despite its lightness- there's a cool, strange contradiction in there, and we like it.
WHAT: Malbec - 'K-Or', Clos Troteligotte - Cahors, France - 2019
PRODUCER: Emmanuel Rybinski is the owner and winemaker of this 10 hectare estate that he created in 1987. Emmanuel and his family have spent time developing their estate in a completely sustainable way. They grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as grinding their own grains on old press, raising their own cattle and producing their own electricity. This attitude translates also into the winemaking, which was certified Organic in 2014.
WHERE: Cahors, the dark heart of South West France- North of Toulouse, East of Bordeaux. It has a pretty imposing Cathedral also, if you're into that sort of thing.
WHY: It's not all about Argentina when it comes to Malbec. Cahors is where it started and they like to call the grape Cot. This is Cahors on great form though- organic and made by someone proud and passionate about the area, very keen to show off how good it can be. Dark fruits, rich and spicy with plenty tannin and structure to go with it.
WHAT: Chardonnay - Liquid Farm, 'Golden Slope Chardonnay' - California, USA - 2017
PRODUCER: The delightfully named Liquid Farm was founded as something of a riposte to the bruising, high-alcohol wines of California. The focus here is on more old world, refreshing styles of wine.
WHERE: The Santa Ynez Valley in the Santa Rita Hills. There's a magnificently nerdy section on their website all about soil types. Worth a shufti.
WHY: This dances somewhere between the classic Burgundian style and the modern Cali profile - think Meursault on steroids. Not half bad.
WHAT: Syrah - Cornas 'Granit 30', Vincent Paris - Rhone, France - 2019
PRODUCER: Vincent Paris was in the enviable position of being able to purchase land in Cornas and St. Joseph straight off the back of his oenology studies. Lucky sausage.
WHERE: These are some of the most desirable pockets of the Northern Rhone. We're particularly fond of Cornas, whose wines somehow manage to be both rustic and silkily elegant at the same time.
WHY: As you might expect, there's a lot going on here. That violet lift you expect in a Rhone Syrah is present and more than correct, though there's also a smoky, gamey quality underpinning the intense black plum notes.
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