The May issue of Decanter landed on our doorstep this morning, and we were delighted to see some really high praise for lots of wines in the L&S portfolio.
Christelle Guibert, Tastings Director, Decanter Magazine
The ‘Weekday Wines’ section is put together each month by Tastings Director Christelle Guibert. It features 25 wines for less than £25, all of them a little different or adventurous in their own way. These pages towards the back of the magazine highlight some of the best value wines available in the UK, and we highly recommend taking a look at the monthly suggestions. This month, no less than 4 of the wines picked are from Lea & Sandeman so we thought we would share with you Christelle’s suggestions – four fabulous wines that aren’t going to break the bank!
2015 BROUILLY Vieilles Vignes Domaine Laurent Martray
Laurent Martray is the fourth generation to run this 19ha estate which has some of the oldest vines in the region. It has inviting violet and red cherry fruit, fine tannins, depth and precision. A touch of farmyard funk adds complexity. 91. Christelle Guibert, Decanter Magazine
75cl Bottles: £15.95 Case Price*: £14.75
FRANCIACORTA Brut Corteaura
Franciacorta deserves more recognition for its sophisticated sparklings, especially when they cost less than £20 a bottle, like this. Made from Chardonnay with two years’ aging on its lees, it’s soft and expressive with green apple and lemon fruit. The palate is light and fresh with an attractive zesty finish. 90. Christelle Guibert, Decanter Magazine
75cl Bottles: £17.95 Case Price*: £16.95
2012 CABURNIO Tenuta Monteti
A Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that has 15% of high-acid Alicante Bouschet which adds freshness. Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are also part of the blend. It’s very expressive with concentrated red cherry and plum fruit but also precision and finesse. 91. Christelle Guibert, Decanter Magazine
75cl Bottles: £14.95 Case Price*: £13.75
2012 CALLAS Monte delle Vigne
In 1983 Andrea Ferrari aquired 7ha of vines. Two decades later he joined forces with a neighbour and expanded to 60ha. This 100% Malvasia opens up to floral notes and summer fruits. Bone-dry with a creamy texture and weight from batonnage, and grilled almonds on the finish. A perfect food wine. 92. Christelle Guibert, Decanter Magazine
75cl Bottles: £24.95 Case Price*: 22.75