19 Jul 2023
In this edition of Wine Times, Penny Edwards, manager of Cellar Door Wines on London Road and Hatfield House has helped me embark on a friendly exploration of Italian red wines, as we pit Central Italy against Southern Italy in a battle between Marche and Puglia.
Central Italy, renowned for its association with the Sangiovese grape variety, takes centre stage.
Let’s start with the Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo FortErcole Rosso Marche IGT 2019, £18.95.
Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo is an ancient 18th century village beautifully restored by owner Marainna Brucoli. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Marche region, it stands as a testament to the careful conservation and love for nature. This restoration not only revives the historic territory but also enhances the surrounding landscape.
While Marche is traditionally known for its white wines, this organic gem found on the eastern side of the Apennines surprises us with its pure elegance. The blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes offers sophistication and a well-balanced character. With a backbone of acidity from Sangiovese and the boldness of Montepulciano, this wine avoids any hint of imbalance. It pairs exceptionally well with tomato-based red meat or bean stews, as well as grilled lamb.
Now, let’s move south to Puglia and indulge in the Caiaffa Negroamaro IGT Organic 2021, £15.95.
Puglia, a vast agricultural area, is dominated by the black grape varieties Negroamaro and Primitivo.
The Caiaffa family’s vineyards are located in Cerignola, surrounded by the legendary Tavoliere. This third-largest agricultural area in Italy, with its picturesque yellow wheat fields contrasting against the blue sky, showcases the deep connection to agricultural traditions. The proximity of the grapes to the sea, only 4km
away, adds a unique touch to the terroir.
Caiaffa diligently cultivates their land organically, respecting the natural balance that exists between the vineyard and its surroundings. This wine ages for three months in oak barrels, resulting in a ruby-red colour and a flavour profile that pairs perfectly with pasta sauces, grilled meat, and aged cheeses.
The wine offers wonderful ripeness and has lovely warmth and spice with green pepper notes. It’s very soft and rounded with a silky-smooth texture.
Both of these wines offer a journey through Central and Southern Italy, allowing us to savour the unique characteristics of each region. Whether you choose the organic elegance of the Marche or the sun-kissed vibrancy of Puglia, you’re sure to find joy in these delightful Italian reds.
And as these wines are from Cellar Door Wines, I wanted to highlight the benefits of joining their wine club.
At Cellar Door Wines, they believe in providing a personalised experience for their members. Unlike others, they take the time to understand your preferences, ensuring that your wine case is tailored to your tastes. Whether you prefer monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly shipments, they offer the flexibility to suit your needs.
And if you ever need to pause your membership, simply let them know.
As a small independent business, Cellar Door Wines prides themselves on building relationships with their customers. Once you join, they’ll reach out to you to gain insight into the wines you enjoy.
While they always aim to push your comfort zone and introduce you to new discoveries, they also take your preferences into account. If you’re interested in starting a cellar or wine collection, they can curate a case that includes wines suitable for laying down.
But that’s not all. By joining their wine club, you gain access to exclusive benefits. Members enjoy advance notification and priority booking for their paid tastings and masterclasses, along with a 10% discount on any number of bottles purchased. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to reserve limited, small parcels of rare wines that they receive.
To further enhance your experience, Cellar Door Wines offers a complimentary telephone or in-person consultation to understand your taste profile and preferences. And with every order, they include a free foodie gift as a delightful surprise. It could be anything from chocolate, olive oil, cheese, or a savoury snack. As a welcoming gesture, they also include a free Cellar Door Wines corkscrew with your first order.
With four levels of membership (Quaffing, Club, Premium, and Superstar) and the choice of selecting either six or 12 bottles in each shipment, they cater to your individual needs. Their commitment to quality over quantity means they focus on exceptional vineyards and small batches, ensuring that each wine in their portfolio has its own unique character.
So, join Cellar Door Wines’ wine club today and embark on a personalised wine journey that will delight your palate and introduce you to exciting new flavours. Cheers to a week filled with delightful discoveries!
If you are a wine retailer or an events company who would like me to feature your of range wines,
then please contact me via mccabetwe@gmail.com or @mccabe_thewineenthusiast
