{"title":"Swig drinks with Brunello Cupano's winemaker!","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"moreto-chao-dos-eremitas-antonio-macanita-2021","title":"Moreto Chao dos Eremitas Antonio Macanita 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eA blend of Tinta Carvalha, Castelão, Moreto, Alfrocheiro and Trincadeira from the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard planted on granitic soils in the southern foothills of the Serra d'Ossa. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lightish cherry red. Aroma of fresh raspberries with a light sprinkling of crushed stones. A little more savoury on the palate, as well as the zesty red fruits. Full of youthful zest for life. Chewy but fine-grained. Alcohol shows a little on the finish but would not be noticeable if you drank this very slightly cool. Tannins are fine-grained yet chewy.\" \u003cstrong\u003e17\/20pts, Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland in that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines). Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FITAPRETA VINHOS","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":43286739484857,"sku":"PFIT07R7521","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-24143913.png?v=1774363316"},{"product_id":"tinta-carvalha-chao-dos-eremitas-antonio-macanita-2021","title":"Tinta Carvalha Chao dos Eremitas Antonio Macanita 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 100% Tinta Carvalha, the only one monovarietal in Portugal. Tinta Carvalha is a varietal from the ancient varieties of the Alentejo vineyard,half-sister of Castelão and Moreto, daughter of the crossing between Sarigo and Alfrocheiro Preto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"My favorite of the three varietal reds from the Chão dos Eremitas is the 2021 Tinta Carvalha Chão dos Eremitas, which is also the palest, most perfumed and elegant of the three, and that's coming from a variety that does not have great a reputation for elegance. It fermented with 30% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in neutral barrels for 16 months. Apparently, it's the only wine produced with the grape in Portugal. It's lighter than it's siblings, fine-boned and subtle and comes in at a moderate 12.9% alcohol, keeping a pH of 3.54 and 5.4 grams of acidity. It comes through as very balanced and harmonious. 94pts, Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland in that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines). Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FITAPRETA VINHOS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43286739550393,"sku":"PFIT08R7521","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-24143511_79fa15c8-a828-44f3-bfa4-ca4f269839e0.png?v=1774433168"},{"product_id":"alicante-branco-chao-dos-eremitas-antonio-macanita-2021","title":"Alicante Branco Chao dos Eremitas Antonio Macanita 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlicante Branco, also known as Boal de Alicante or Boal Cachudo, was a very important varietal in Alentejo pre-Phylloxera. As far as we know, this is the only 100% Alicante Branco produced! 12 months lees and the grapes style gives you Yellow-citrus colour, intense nose, notes of orange, peach and gunpowder. Full-bodied attack, excellent texture and persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FITAPRETA VINHOS","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":43286739681465,"sku":"PFIT10W7521","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-24140240_b2e63dae-1e3d-47ed-8367-dd203ffb20da.png?v=1774363901"},{"product_id":"blank-bottle-master-of-none-2023","title":"Master of None Blank Bottle 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eA madcap blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, with 16% white grape varieties blended in too. Very juicy, very drinkable! Suited to serving chilled down - lots of strawberry juice, cherry and herbaceous and earthy notes too, blackcurrant leaf and pomegranate. It's a fun little wine to not be taken too seriously. Like Pieter's answer to a Beaujolais-villages and ultimate 'vin de soif.' This 2023 is clean, pure and brilliant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery one of Pieter’s wines is a story, rather than a grape variety, and it’s the juice inside the bottle which reveals that story. He doesn’t own any vines, but instead scours South Africa’s winelands for top-quality fruit that has somehow slipped under the radar, now sourcing from nearly 70 sites. Some years he’ll make 20 wines, other years 35. With the benefit of anonymity, variety and regional identity take a back seat while parcel expression does the driving. These are some of South Africa’s most original wines, made by one of South Africa’s most original winemakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BLANK BOTTLE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54940190704002,"sku":"A5046123","price":24.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Blank-Bottle-Master-of-None-23.jpg?v=1775722992"},{"product_id":"langhe-nebbiolo-gian-luca-colombo-2023","title":"Langhe Nebbiolo Gian Luca Colombo 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeologically this is a Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno\/Monvigliero, but politically, it's a Langhe Nebbiolo! Produced from a single vineyard with fossil rich soils and a mix of 50 year old and young vines, we love this glorious expression. It was produced with the submerged cap technique which imbues the wine with fabulous aromatics and a softer, more approachable style that balances fruit and herbaceous elements perfectly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eIn Piedmont, Gian Luca Colombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone talks about. The architect of the neo-classical style of Barolo focusing on wines with real finesse: silky, elegant, perfumed, fine fruit, with gentler tannins, less wood and extraction, \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eColombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone wants advice from. He won the Gambelli award for best young winemaker in Italy, and he works alongside a winemaker who is a consultant in Barbaresco, who makes the wine at esteemed Bruno Giacosa. They taste together, and talk together. The point is here is, that anything exciting happening in Barolo and Barbaresco, Gian Luca is probably aware of, and likely to be involved with. Gian Luca has a very small production of his own, and we are thrilled to have our hands on these wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COLOMBO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55169776222594,"sku":"A3576123","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/langhenebbiolo.png?v=1746098729"},{"product_id":"a-portela-blanco-alberto-orte-2023","title":"A Portela Blanco Godello Alberto Orte 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A Portela \u0026amp; pulpo Gallego (Gallaecian Octopus) was a perfect match. Another Swig gem!!!\" M.G\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Portela Blanco is a stunning Godello produced from a single vineyard in the picturesque, mountain town of Larouco, in Valdeorras. It reflects the perfect balance between purity, freshness and age-worthiness. Refreshing acidity, crisp green appley fruit, and a hint of peaches ripening in a warm orchard. The clean finish is marked by lingering mineral notes and a balancing touch of salinity. This is delicious now but will also evolve into something even more beautiful with a few years in bottle. A Portela Blanco comes from DO Valdeorras, known as the “gateway to Galicia,”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA titan of the Spanish wine industry - introducing Alberto Orte! Oh, where to begin. He’s the guy, at the tender age of 24, who co-founded renowned US based Spanish specialist wine importer, Olé \u0026amp; Obrigado. A farmer, producer and historian all in one, he’s dedicated a huge portion of his life to exploring, identifying and preserving old varieties and clones, and has successfully identified a whopping 200+ old clones of Palomino Fino and Palomino Jerez and revived and re-planted over 20 grape varieties on the brink of extinction. As well as his projects in Jerez, Alberto also makes wine from extraordinary sites in Yecla, Rioja and as we have here, Valdeorras. \u003c\/span\u003e Valdeorras enjoys a unique climate—warmer than its western neighbors, protected by mountains from Atlantic winds, yet cooler than Bierzo to the east, shielded from hot Continental air. Winemaker Alberto Orte crafts A Portela Blanco from a single vineyard at high elevation, planted in slate and granite soils. This combination of altitude, soil, and moderate climate results in an elegant, mineral-driven Godello.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ALBERTO ORTE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55239130022274,"sku":"A6390123","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_6e44493f-31a2-404a-bdc0-13bb17111ad5.jpg?v=1748611686"},{"product_id":"dolcetto-elia-gian-luca-colombo-2023","title":"Dolcetto Elia Gian Luca Colombo 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Can a Dolcetto be traditional, meaning it is a drinkable daily wine but also have complexity at the same time?' Gian Luca Colombo spent more than ten years trying to resolve this dilemma. The Dolcetto Elia wants to be drunk as an every day wine, but it is also a clear expression of a great forgotten varietal and a unique terroir with a great capacity to age. For this reason Dolcetto has found a place in Gian Luca's parcel selections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eIn Piedmont, Gian Luca Colombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone talks about. The architect of the neo-classical style of Barolo focusing on wines with real finesse: silky, elegant, perfumed, fine fruit, with gentler tannins, less wood and extraction, \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eColombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone wants advice from. He won the Gambelli award for best young winemaker in Italy, and he works alongside a winemaker who is a consultant in Barbaresco, who makes the wine at esteemed Bruno Giacosa. They taste together, and talk together. The point is here is, that anything exciting happening in Barolo and Barbaresco, Gian Luca is probably aware of, and likely to be involved with. Gian Luca has a very small production of his own, and we are thrilled to have our hands on these wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COLOMBO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55363726049666,"sku":"A5746123","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_4757efa5-227d-421e-910c-76b4f24ecefc.png?v=1751644698"},{"product_id":"chardonnay-tesselaarsdal-2024","title":"Chardonnay Tesselaarsdal 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom unirrigated vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and this is just her fourth release! Crisp acidity and lean minerality underpin notes of melon and tangerine fruit and accents of lime blossom. A triumphant expression of terroir, this medium-bodied, cool climate wine is both silky and fresh and boasts a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerene Sauls has probably the most unique story of all of our winemakers.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing up in a small village in the Overberg, Berene admits that she came from a beer-drinking community, and wine was never really on her radar. Her first exposure was at the age of 19, when she began working for the trailblazing Hamilton Russell family as an au pair. Lasting only a month, her talents at childcare aside, Anthony Hamilton Russell recognised her drive and thought a job working in the winery office would better suit her. Thrown in at the deep end knowing really nothing about wine, she was soon exposed to every side of the business - assisting with exports, bottling and labelling, driving forklifts and picking during harvest too, as well as on the side, \u003cem\u003e\"growing and developing a palate that wasn't there!\"\u003c\/em\u003e Her curiosity kept her rising through the ranks, and fifteen years after starting her career, Anthony offered her the opportunity to make her first wine, aided by proficient head winemaker Emul Ross. She leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history. She named her business Tesselaarsdal for the small village that she grew up in, and if you look closely at the label, you can make out two people walking across the mountain. This is Berene and her grandmother.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TESSELAARSDAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55657423012226,"sku":"A3116124","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Tessel24_Chard.jpg?v=1760519861"},{"product_id":"pinot-noir-tesselaarsdal-2024","title":"Pinot Noir Tesselaarsdal 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"The 10th vintage Pinot Noir classically displays the pristine fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with lifted notes of cranberries, sour cherries and hints of clove spices. This is an elegant age-worthy wine.\" Tim Atkin MW\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBerene Sauls has probably the most unique story of all of our winemakers.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing up in a small village in the Overberg, Berene admits that she came from a beer-drinking community, and wine was never really on her radar. Her first exposure was at the age of 19, when she began working for the trailblazing Hamilton Russell family as an au pair. Anthony Hamilton Russell recognised her drive and thought a job working in the winery office would better suit her. Thrown in at the deep end knowing really nothing about wine, she was soon exposed to every side of the business - assisting with exports, bottling and labelling, driving forklifts and picking during harvest too, as well as on the side, \u003cem\u003e\"growing and developing a palate that wasn't there!\"\u003c\/em\u003e Her curiosity kept her rising through the ranks, and fifteen years after starting her career, Anthony offered her the opportunity to make her first wine, aided by proficient head winemaker Emul Ross. She leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history. She named her business Tesselaarsdal for the small village that she grew up in, and if you look closely at the label, you can make out two people walking across the mountain. This is Berene's mother and her grandmother who went each week to trade with the nearest town, Stanford.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TESSELAARSDAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55657440379266,"sku":"A3106124","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Tessel24pinot.jpg?v=1760519716"},{"product_id":"mencia-a-portela-alberto-orte-2021","title":"Mencia A Portela Alberto Orte 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eNicely mature Mencia, from a single high elevation site on slate and granite soils in Valdeorras, 'the gateway to Galicia'. So Pinot-esque yet distinctly Spanish too, with dried rose petals, cherry fruit and clove. Gently sappy, with orange oil, pencil shavings and wonderful buoyant acidity. It floats across the mouth- so graceful, and such poise. This may be more famous white wine country, but here's a beautiful red inspired by the great reds produced here historically. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA titan of the Spanish wine industry - introducing Alberto Orte! Oh, where to begin. He’s the guy, at the tender age of 24, who co-founded renowned US based Spanish specialist wine importer, Olé \u0026amp; Obrigado. A farmer, producer and historian all in one, he’s dedicated a huge portion of his life to exploring, identifying and preserving old varieties and clones, and has successfully identified a whopping 200+ old clones of Palomino Fino and Palomino Jerez and revived and re-planted over 20 grape varieties on the brink of extinction. As well as his projects in Jerez, Alberto also makes wine from extraordinary sites in Yecla, Rioja and as we have here, Valdeorras.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ALBERTO ORTE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55991106634114,"sku":"A1160121","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_4df31fe2-f744-4008-9a3f-df9e05e55e3b.jpg?v=1763656908"},{"product_id":"rondavel-hills-syrah-tembela-wines-2024","title":"Rondavel Hills Syrah 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"We had the Rondavel Hills yesterday with our roast- absolutely brilliant.\" - E.B.D\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom the winner of South Africa's New Generation Winemaker of the Year, Banele Vakele of Tembela wines! Rondavel Hills Syrah is delicious. It's both easy to drink, while being serious.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom Syrah vines grown in the Swartland. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBanele grew up in Cape Town's largest township, Khayelitsha. He still lives there, looking after four younger siblings, after his mum died. He earned a scholarship to a Constantia high school and his classroom looked out over a vineyard, he sat there daydreaming about what life in wine would be like. He got a degree at Elsenberg Agricultural College and enrolled on the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé programme, where he did stints in Burgundy, Oregon and Yarra Valley. The final stage was with Savage wines. Such was Duncan's fondness and respect for Banele as a person and winemaker, he was there for 7 year. Banele's wine, Tembela, is named after his mother, which means faith, hope and belief. \u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBanele has chosen the name Rondavel Hills for his other wines, as it reminds him of the huts dotted around the rolling hills in the Eastern Cape where he was born.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rondavel Hills","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56275875103106,"sku":"A6906124","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/RondavelHillsSyrah2024_jpeg_b7445a3d-f6a9-457b-a5f2-540daa672a6e.jpg?v=1769520692"},{"product_id":"vino-rosso-di-cupano-rooster-2024","title":"Vino Rosso di Cupano 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful new wine from Cupano's special hillside with the hallmarks of the Brunello wine we love. Vino Rosso di Cupano is a game changer, as it delivers the unique aromas and flavours of Cupano, but in a lighter wine than the Brunello, so you can drink it young, and for a much lower price. It's a joy to drink now. And I think it will age well, too. It's most definitely a reflection of the amazing terroir from which it comes, and is evocative of the aged Brunello di Montalcino, when it's lost the oak and youthful richness, and you are left with the quintessence of the Sangiovese from this special hillside. You get those magical Cupano perfumes, with notes on the palate of cherry and plum, and a delicious, long, fine, violet-flavoured finish, with soft, powdery tannins. It's quite Burgundian in weight and feel, and a bit like the best wines of Sierra de Gredos, with their stony minerality, with a bit more oomph. It comes from the same hill as their Brunello di Montalcino, and Ombrone, but on the other side of the house, from a small vineyard of just 1.5 hectares that was planted in 2013. It could be registered as Brunello di Montalcino, but only by parting with an exorbitant sum of money to the Brunello consorzio. Along with that would come stipulations such as how long the wine must be aged in wood and how many years it must be kept before release. Free of these strictures, Andrea Polidoro has been able to make this fabulous wine for an extremely good price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s the almost obsessive attention to detail that sets Cupano apart. Before planting his land, Lionel carried up rocks from the Ombrone river bank to improve grounding and drainage. Each vine in the 7 hectares of vineyards was planted by his own hand, and his meticulous attention extends to pruning individual bunches with nail-scissors! It is also completely organic and some biodynamic practices. Although we have said it before, it’s worth a reminder: Lionel learned winemaking under the tutelage of the late Henri Jayer (of Vosne-Romanée), arguably the greatest and most influential winemaker of the 20th Century. They became close friends until Jayer died in 2006, and Lionel is committed to maintaining his friend's principles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CUPANO","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56305829446018,"sku":"A4876124","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_36cd70fe-20b0-433d-9bff-ea15091240d4.png?v=1770122406"},{"product_id":"brunello-di-montalcino-cupano-2023","title":"Brunello di Montalcino Cupano 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Brunello from Cupano - one of the best producers in Montalcino. The 2021 could turn out to be one of the greats. \u003cbr\u003e\"The pleasure this gives is only matched by its complexity. Beautifully done. The 2021 is another fantastic, age worthy wine from Cupano. 95+\" - Vinous.com \u003cbr\u003e “Vivid wild berry fruits, a hint of crushed violets and incense. It's wonderful and exciting to nose, taste and drink.  It's long and it's got a nice lingering fresh finish. I have no doubt that it will go down as a real classic from Cupano. It's delicious, exciting and special. I would love to have a stash of this tucked away.” – Robin, Founder of Swig\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s the almost obsessive attention to detail that sets Cupano apart. Before planting his land, Lionel carried up rocks from the Ombrone river bank to improve grounding and drainage. Each vine in the 7 hectares of vineyards was planted by his own hand, and his meticulous attention extends to pruning individual bunches with nail-scissors! It is also completely organic and some biodynamic practices. Although we have said it before, it’s worth a reminder: Lionel learned winemaking under the tutelage of the late Henri Jayer (of Vosne-Romanée), arguably the greatest and most influential winemaker of the 20th Century. They became close friends until Jayer died in 2006, and Lionel is committed to maintaining his friend's principles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CUPANO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305880105346,"sku":"A2186121","price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_c736dfde-97b4-403c-bda3-8e51d9c2da3d.jpg?v=1770123291"},{"product_id":"rondavel-hills-chenin-blanc-tembela-wines-2025","title":"Rondavel Hills Chenin Blanc 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-teams=\"true\"\u003eFrom the winner of South Africa's New Generation Winemaker of the Year, Banele Vakele of Tembela wines! Rondavel Hills Chenin Blanc is delicious. T\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehe nose has melon and peach, with a hint of chalkiness and minerality that comes across on the palate as a nice streak of citrus. It's full but not too full, showing tension and restraint. It drinks so easily. We had it with chicken and courgettes and it could not have been a better match. In fact, it slipped down so easily that we reached for a second bottle.  This will be excellent with so many dishes. But it's gorgeous to sip and have with nibbles. And it's only 12.5% alc!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOld vine Chenin grown in the Swartland, produces this rich, texture and joyous wine that is bright and so nicely balanced too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eBanele grew up in Cape Town's largest township, Khayelitsha. He still lives there, looking after four younger siblings, after his mum died. He earned a scholarship to a Constantia high school and his classroom looked out over a vineyard, he sat there daydreaming about what life in wine would be like. He got a degree at Elsenberg Agricultural College and enrolled on the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé programme, where he did stints in Burgundy, Oregon and Yarra Valley. The final stage was with Savage wines. Such was Duncan's fondness and respect for Banele as a person and winemaker, he was there for 7 year. Banele's wine, Tembela, is named after his mother, which means faith, hope and belief. \u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBanele has chosen the name Rondavel Hills for his other wines, as it reminds him of the huts dotted around the rolling hills in the Eastern Cape where he was born.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rondavel Hills","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56318735024514,"sku":"A7016125","price":16.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/img.png?v=1772806723"},{"product_id":"palpite-branco-reserva-fitapreta-2024","title":"Palpite Branco Reserva Fitapreta 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA premier cru Beaune feel here. This is all ripeness, tingly texture and oxidative spiciness. Produced from a blend of indigenous varieties, including the wonderfully fleshy Arinto that always provides a whiff of thick-cut marmalade. The nose is just stunning - nutty lift, a camomile herbal dash and tangy pear. The palate is packed with fleshy citrus: lots of tingly saline lime, honeydew melon and delicate tropical overtones. It's rich, round but still carried with such bright acidity and grace. So multifaceted and revitalising. Gorgeous wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinemaker of the Year' 2018, 'Singularity Award' 2018, 'Revelation Producer' 2017, Wine Project of the Year 2016 - it's safe to say that Antonio Macanita's mantlepiece is under some strain. But despite the high achievements and fancy awards, there's a devil-may-care adventurousness to António Maçanita which really puts us in mind of the likes of Pieter Walser or Swartland revolutionaries Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie in South Africa (funnily enough, Alentejo, where Antonio makes his Fitapreta wines, has been compared to Swartland - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein that it was traditionally dominated by co-operatives but recently we’ve seen an influx of small growers with old plots making really interesting and exciting wines).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Like the Saffers, Antonio has sought to challenge wine lovers' expectations and make great new wines from often largely forgotten territories. He also surfs. He learned his trade at some of the world's top wineries - Rudd in Napa, D’Arenberg in Australia and Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux - before blazing a trail all over Portugal - from Douro to Alentejo to the Azores Islands. In addition to his own multi-region company, he also consults for 13 other wineries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FITAPRETA VINHOS","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56348411429250,"sku":"A4976124","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-24135134.png?v=1774360335"},{"product_id":"ombrone-cupano-2022-org","title":"Ombrone Cupano 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eNotes of wine soaked oak in the cellar, with cedar, sandalwood, some crushed punnet fruits, verging to blackberry, with enough herbaceous notes, to keep it savoury. The grip that comes from the tannin is excellent, and keeps the wine interesting, and gives it this slightly more classical character. It still has a hint of Tuscany about it, that Montalcino note, and the elegant fruit of Cupano. This is serious wine. I love it. Drinking now, absolutely. It's fabulous. But a gem that will drink even better in 3 to 6 years. It will surely go longer, but there's a lot to enjoy now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded by the late vigneron, Lionel Cousin and his wife Ornella Tondini. A disciple of the Henri Jayer school, Cupano has been organic since the beginning, with only just a few hectares of vineyards. Now with Andrea Polidoro at the helm, they are one of Brunello di Montalcino's top producers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CUPANO","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56484459184514,"sku":"A4496122","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/ombrone1_1024x1024_1_b24791d9-8d5f-4910-ac5e-dd7b2e235ef1.jpg?v=1762786912"},{"product_id":"digby-rose-brut-mvb","title":"Digby Rose Brut MV","description":"\u003cp\u003e42% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 19% Meunier, 2018 base vintage and 6 years of lees aging behind it. The palate here is just beautiful, all muddled berries folded into whipped cream and crushed meringues, with dried rose notes and blood orange. Fab to pair with lobster rolls, smoked trout pate smeared on crispbreads or a berry laden pavlova.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of England's most awarded wineries, as made by the brilliant Dermot Sugrue. Named after Sir Kenelm Digby, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe polymath and inventor of the first strong glass that made it possible to bottle sparkling wine, Digby \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewas established by founders \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJason Humphries and Trevor Clough after they took a life-affirming trip to the Napa Valley to escape the grind of London corporate life. After talking to top producers around the world, they opted to buy grapes from the best vineyards rather than settle on one vineyard site, establishing contracts and relationships with quality-obsessed growers across a diverse range soil types across the southeast: chalk, greensand and clay soil sites. It's given them the flexibility ever since to make blends that represent the very best vineyards in England.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DIGBY","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56489691382146,"sku":"A71761NV","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_78ea8892-01ad-456f-99d6-3651388303c3.png?v=1773931064"},{"product_id":"digby-blanc-de-blancs-brut-mvb","title":"Digby Blanc de Blancs Brut MV","description":"\u003cp\u003eA marvellous MV blend from 2018, 2019 and 2020. 100% Chardonnay as you'd expect and 100% superb, made with guidance from the UK's most awarded winemaker, Dermot Sugrue. Super fine and very Blanc De Blanc, giving you youth and age all at once. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of England's most awarded wineries, as made by the brilliant Dermot Sugrue. Named after Sir Kenelm Digby, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe polymath and inventor of the first strong glass that made it possible to bottle sparkling wine, Digby \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewas established by founders \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJason Humphries and Trevor Clough after they took a life-affirming trip to the Napa Valley to escape the grind of London corporate life. After talking to top producers around the world, they opted to buy grapes from the best vineyards rather than settle on one vineyard site, establishing contracts and relationships with quality-obsessed growers across a diverse range soil types across the southeast: chalk, greensand and clay soil sites. It's given them the flexibility ever since to make blends that represent the very best vineyards in England.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DIGBY","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56489736438146,"sku":"A71661NV","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/digbyBdBMV.png?v=1774008196"},{"product_id":"lesprit-de-provence-rose-le-grand-cros-2025","title":"L'Esprit de Provence Rose Le Grand Cros 2025","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"\u003eThis is perfect, fresh, crisp, pale Provencal rose. From the upper stonier slopes of the Domaine, well exposed to the sun, but with fresh nights, that makes this wine more mineral and dry than some rose. Taut raspberry and lavender notes on the nose and palate. Beautifully elegant, but with a delicious creamy texture and feel. It will keep fresh for a quite number of days, so there's no need to tank through it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e#Tasting#\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocated in the foothills of the Massif des Maures, the stunning Grand Cros estate is like something out of a feelgood Romcom, with the old manor house and vineyards surrounded by pine trees, olive groves and dry stone terraces. Owned by the Faulkner family since 1989, they're a traditional family run outfit who bowled us over with their integrity and humble genius, foregoing the marketing bumph of some of their neighbours to produce honest and delicious wines. And we're not the only ones who think so, in 2015, Decanter magazine selected their 2014 rosé as best rosé in the world, as well as the range catching the attention of none other than the queen of vino herself, Jancis Robinson, who has included their wines in no less than 3 of her top 10 lists for the year. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LE GRAND CROS","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56494852047234,"sku":"A3756125","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/products\/L_espritlegrandcros_8dc56292-9db5-4bda-9ba0-0920f0fdeaf2.jpg?v=1779954943"},{"product_id":"contrada-tomassucci-contrada-contro-2023-org","title":"Contrada Tomassucci, Contrada Contro 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare style of white wine, bringing back some of the traditions from the past. Grapes are Malvasia, Trebbiano, Maceratino and Verdicchio. This extremely unique and ancient style of winemaking makes for supremely characterful white wine, extremely gastronomic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Coppery straw yellow. A bit like the straight Contrada Contro, but cooler and more contained. Quince and cut pear. Fantastic lively acidity that melts in the white fruit on the finish. Long lemon and pear finish with a superfine texture.\" \u003cstrong\u003e17++, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContrada Contro is Andrea Polidoro's own project, separate from his work with the great Cupano in Brunello. From a field blend old vines in the Monte Sibbilini of Marche where his grandfather came from. This pays hommage to the ancient tradition of winemaking here.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CONTRADA CONTRO","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56506835403138,"sku":"A3436123","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_b0457710-beba-4749-bb8b-36abf6a1eb49.png?v=1774358004"},{"product_id":"barbera-dalba-gian-luca-colombo-2023","title":"Barbera d'Alba Gian Luca Colombo 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOld vines in the area of Barolo. 86 years old in one plot of Magliano Alfieri, località San Bernardo, 290m, and 45 - 80 year old vines in Roddi 200-250m. Super gorgeous. It's just so beautiful to drink now. Fuller in aroma and fruit, but so together. Not richly wooded as some are. This is probably the best Barbera I've ever had. Drink this now!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eMagliano Alfieri, località San Bernardo, 290 mt. a.s.l., Roddi 200-250 mt a.s.l. \u003cbr\u003eAge of the vines: Magliano Alfieri 86 years old; Roddi: 45-80 years old.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHarvest time: Last 10 days of September - First 10 days of October\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWinemaking:  Maceration for 22 to 40 days with controlled temperatures.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAging: 100% in big Austrian barrels sometimes aged in terracotta. Bottling after approximately 12-14 months.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e#Tasting#\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eIn Piedmont, Gian Luca Colombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone talks about. The architect of the neo-classical style of Barolo focusing on wines with real finesse: silky, elegant, perfumed, fine fruit, with gentler tannins, less wood and extraction, \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eColombo\u003c\/span\u003e is the guy that everyone wants advice from. He won the Gambelli award for best young winemaker in Italy, and he works alongside a winemaker who is a consultant in Barbaresco, who makes the wine at esteemed Bruno Giacosa. They taste together, and talk together. The point is here is, that anything exciting happening in Barolo and Barbaresco, Gian Luca is probably aware of, and likely to be involved with. Gian Luca has a very small production of his own, and we are thrilled to have our hands on these wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"COLOMBO","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID","offer_id":56506890584450,"sku":"A3586123","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2466\/1541\/files\/BC_Upload_2bfc25b7-330a-4071-b5db-4d7b9764ea7f.jpg?v=1774359847"}],"url":"https:\/\/swig.co.uk\/collections\/swig-drinks-with-brunello-cupanos-winemaker\/country-spain.oembed","provider":"Swig Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}