Robust Bulgarian Red Blend from Sredna Gora Hills
Angel’s Estate Young Stallion – Robust Bulgarian Red Blend from Sredna Gora Hills
Situated near the village of Chervenakovo in Bulgaria’s Sredna Gora hills, Angel’s Estate cultivates about 100 hectares of vineyards predominantly planted with red grape varieties. The vines average around 15 years old, and much of the vineyard and cellar work is done manually, adhering to traditional winemaking methods.
The flagship wine, Young Stallion, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Grapes are hand-picked from vineyards with sandy-clayey soils, ideal for crafting structured red wines.
After fermentation, the wine matures for 8 months in second-use French oak barrels, which adds complexity without overpowering the fruit.
This wine displays a clear, brilliant dark red color. Its aromatic profile is rich and intricate, showcasing intense red and dark fruit notes such as blueberry, cherry, and currants, alongside subtle spicy accents.
On the palate, it is round and full-bodied, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity. The structure is solid, finishing warm and lingering. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and peppered filet steak.
Anselmo Mendes Muros de Melgaco Alvarinho – Aromatic Portuguese White from Minho
Anselmo Mendes is renowned in Portugal for his expertise with the Alvarinho grape, having worked extensively since 1988. Based near the Minho River bordering Spain, his winery employs traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques.
The Muros de Melgaco Alvarinho is produced from grapes grown on granitic soils. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, including a small proportion of new oak, and the wine ages on the lees for six months to develop a richer, more intense character than typical fresh, crisp Alvarinhos.
The wine exhibits vibrant aromas of grapefruit, orange, and ginger spice. The palate is creamy with medium body and lively acidity, making it an excellent match for creamy fish dishes, poultry, seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, and cheeses.
It is best served chilled to highlight its fresh and spicy character.
Anselmo Mendes Premium Alvarinho – Rich, Oak-Aged White from Portugal’s Vinho Verde
Hailing from Monção in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, Anselmo Mendes has crafted exceptional Alvarinho wines since 1988. This premium expression comes from a single vineyard known for pure, aromatic grapes.
Grapes are gently destemmed and pressed, then fermented in new 400-liter French oak barrels. The wine is aged for nine months with regular stirring of the lees, adding complexity and texture.
The nose offers tropical fruits, citrus zest, toasted almonds, and woodsmoke, while the palate reveals medium body, a smooth creamy texture, and gentle tannins.
This well-structured wine is suitable for aging or can be enjoyed now, particularly paired with creamy fish or poultry dishes and a variety of cheeses.
Serve chilled to appreciate its balanced richness.
Antech Limoux Tradition – Classic French Sparkling Wine from Limoux
Limoux, the birthplace of traditional method sparkling wines since 1544, is home to the esteemed Antech estate, which has produced sparkling wines for six generations. The winery is currently led by brothers Georges and Roger Antech, along with Georges’ daughter Francoise, a highly regarded female winemaker.
This Limoux Tradition is a blend of 90% Mauzac, 5% Chardonnay, and 5% Chenin Blanc. After harvest, the wine undergoes primary fermentation and a second fermentation in the bottle, following the méthode traditionnelle.
It spends 15 months aging on the lees before release, resulting in a fresh, lively sparkling wine with the distinctive richness of the Mauzac grape.
Aromas of green apple and ripe white peaches fill the nose and carry through to the palate. The wine is crisp and vibrant with ample acidity and a subtle sweetness from a modest dosage of 10 grams per liter.
Serve chilled to enjoy its bright, refreshing character.