{"title":"Winter warmers","description":"It's cold outside! Here are some of our favourite comforting wines for enjoying at this time of year","products":[{"product_id":"carigno-del-maule-carignan-2020","title":"Carigno del Maule Carignan 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you want to taste the real Chile, try a Carignan like this.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOld vine Carignan is Chile’s forgotten treasure. It was planted en masse in the Maule Valley in the 1940s after the devastating earthquake of 1939 - in an effort to rejuvenate the region, and bulk up the local reds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut it was only as recently as 2010 that winemakers started rediscovering the incredible potential of these precious old vines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you ever visit the Maule Valley, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. Wild, empty landscapes, a patchwork of ancient vineyards, and winding roads dotted with small cottages and shacks. It’s like going back in time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI’m a total sucker for old vine Carignan - the bright blueberry, violets and wild herbs on the nose, the juicy and intense palate, with a freshness and drinkability which keeps you coming back for more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI was introduced to Natalia and Maria José’s Carignan from another winemaker, Connie Schwaderer, who put on a huge tasting for me of talented, unsung Chilean producers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt’s from a 75 year-old vineyard on gentle slopes near Cauqenes, based on granite soils and farmed with organic principles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe old vines produce tiny amounts of fruit here - just 1 bottle per vine - but what it does produce is full of concentration and character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI knew I wanted an old vine Carignan to introduce Irish wine drinkers to, and this one stood head and shoulders above the rest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd it’s at a price I can scarcely believe for the quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like your classic French and Italian reds - Bordeaux, Barbera, Barolo... give this a try.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43379987022044,"sku":"MORCGN20","price":28.72,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/CarignodelMaule2020.jpg?v=1716301396"},{"product_id":"domaine-olivier-hillaire-cotes-du-rhone-vieilles-vignes-2023","title":"Domaine Olivier Hillaire Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eOlivier Hillaire grew up on his parents’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard, and started making wine aged 18.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also played rugby for Grenoble and Bayonne - in the equivalent of the Top 14 back in the day. Although he told me back then there was \u003cem\u003e‘plus de bagarre que le rugby’ \u003c\/em\u003e- more fightin’ than playin’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe’s built like a bull, but played at inside centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhich is exactly how you could describe his wines - strong, powerful, but with a lightness and deftness which is the signature of great Grenache wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eOlivier makes this Côtes du Rhône in exactly the same way as his Châteauneuf-du-Pape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlder vines, grown with organic principles and harvested manually - to promote the freshness and purity of fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA long fermentation in tank - to develop complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd a long maturation in oak and concrete - to add softness and structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah - so you get the red fruit and juiciness of the Grenache, along with the spice and power of the Syrah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’d been looking for a great value southern Rhône red for yonks - and as soon as I tried this at a wine fair in Paris, I knew I’d found the one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50842445021515,"sku":"HCDRVV23","price":17.67,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0122.jpg?v=1731685562"},{"product_id":"i-filari-amarone-riserva-2017","title":"I Filari Amarone Riserva 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThis isn’t any old Amarone, it’s an Amarone Riserva. Meaning it’s been aged for at least three years in oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's made by Federico Cerelli, who’s also made some of Italy’s most iconic wines while he was winemaker at Antinori.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFederico consults with Fattoria San Cassiano in Valpolicella’s eastern side. This is the coolest part of Valpolicella and land is in high demand around here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards sit at 400m, which is high elevation for these parts. This ensures a big difference between night and day temperatures, which gives lots of concentration and complexity to the grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the soil is made up of white marl and is very poor - meaning the vines struggle, and produce less fruit per vine. Again doubling down on that concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s the perfect raw material for making world-class Amarone - the grapes are dried for 30 days after harvest, increasing the power and complexity even further. The wine is fermented using ultra-modern, yet secretive techniques that only Federico and a handful of top wineries know about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is then aged for 3 years in French and American oak barrels, and you land up with a big, seductive monster of a red, just as good Amarone should be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is heaven for sipping gently by the fire (indoors or outdoors). Or with served with aged cheese as the perfect ending to a good meal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50972480438603,"sku":"FEDAM17","price":47.52,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0109_1.jpg?v=1734167492"},{"product_id":"i-filari-sicilia-nero-davola-2021","title":"I Filari Sicilia Nero D'Avola 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eFederico Cerelli's latest creation from Sicily is here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's from the village of Salaparuta, which is one hour south of Palermo on the island's western side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nero d'Avola vineyards have been farmed organically for over 20 years, and with strong winds blowing through all year round, the grapes are kept cool, fresh and healthy despite the heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFederico tells me that this is exactly what you need to achieve the balance of ripeness and freshness to make truly great red wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink luscious black cherries and blackberries, bright florals and those lovely tea leaf flavours you get in Italian reds. It’s spicy, powerful and smooth, but with a delicious elegance and freshness to it too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI poured a sneak preview at our Spring tastings, and people loved it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Wilson of The Irish Times was seriously impressed, highlighting it as one of his wines of the tasting and adding: \u003cem\u003e'big and full-bodied with masses of dark fruits and a core of soft tannins; it still has a certain elegance. One for the hedonists amongst us'\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd because this is Salaparuta, and not Etna or even Tuscany, at €28.54 a bottle it is just amazing value for a wine of this quality.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53561761005899,"sku":"FEDNER20","price":26.73,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/IFilariNeroDAvola2020.jpg?v=1715952238"},{"product_id":"i-filari-sicilia-grillo-2022","title":"I Filari Sicilia Grillo 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eItaly isn’t best known for its finer whites, but with quality like this, it’s only a matter of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conditions in Sicily - hot weather, mountainous terrain and cooling sea breezes - are perfect for producing fresh and healthy grapes, loaded with Mediterranean flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut until recently, the Grillo grapes grown here were mainly destined for Marsala, a powerful fortified wine a bit like sherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that’s finally starting to change - and the charge is led by talented winemakers like Federico Cerelli, who can see Sicily’s unbelievable potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrillo’s thick skins and small berries are just as suited to making punchy and refreshing whites as they are to making powerful Marsala.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose it’s ripe and complex, with tantalizing aromas of peach, lemons and a whiff of blossom honey. On the palate, it’s juicy and textured, with lovely intensity and a long, lifted finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis would go perfectly with white fish, creamy risottos and general slamming in front of the rugby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a rich and round style of white, like an Albariño, Godello or Chablis, then this is definitely for you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53561764249931,"sku":"FEDGRS22","price":26.73,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/IFilariSiciliaGrillo2021.jpg?v=1716301640"},{"product_id":"la-mateo-rioja-tempranillo-vendimia-2022","title":"La Mateo Rioja Tempranillo Vendimia 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eMateo Ruiz is a quiet guy, but he comes alive when talking about his super-premium La Mateo range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe takes the top 5% of his grapes, and uses up 50% of his resources on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhich means he takes his best grapes from his best vineyards, allocates his best oak barrels, and gives them all the time they need to age to perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt’s from an underrated sub-region of Rioja called Rioja Baja. Because of the higher altitude, 50-year old vines, and limestone-clay soils here, it’s just another level of Rioja than what you might normally be able to get your hands on. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLook out for Mateo’s grandfather, father and uncle on the label - this wine is a tribute to his family who spent decades toiling in the fields growing grapes for the family business.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53722205749579,"sku":"LMTV22","price":26.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/la-mateos-vendima-2016_55240237-e62a-4d58-8008-79f1ff5f0476.jpg?v=1711642322"},{"product_id":"domaine-nicolas-hautes-cotes-de-beaune-rouge-en-chateau-2024","title":"Domaine Nicolas Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge En Château 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBased in the small village of Nolay, in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Mylène and Benoit’s family have been making wine here since the French revolution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA combination of old vines, organic practices in the vineyard, and expert winemaking gives their wines great character and joy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eGiven the phenomenal success of their Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc, I couldn't wait to see what the red would taste like. And I wasn’t disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHautes-Côtes de Beaune is the perfect appellation to try if you’re looking for an easy-drinking Burgundy that doesn’t break the bank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are picked from 60 year-old vines from a small vineyard called ‘\u003cem\u003eEn Château\u003c\/em\u003e’. The wine is then aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak - sacrilege for this part of France!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it gives the wine a lovely smoothness and power, which will get better and better with age over the next few years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55910156763467,"sku":"NICRGE24","price":28.03,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0095.jpg?v=1731685632"},{"product_id":"le-alene-rosso-veneto-2020","title":"Le Alène Rosso Veneto 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a Valpolicella Ripasso in all but name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo if you wanted a taste of the really good stuff at a snip of the price, this is your chance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s made by Mirko Sella, the owner of the San Cassiano winery in the Veneto region between Lake Garda and Venice and at the foothills of the Alps. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know him through Federico Cerelli, who makes his \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/products\/i-filari-amarone-riserva-2017?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=b0cb3d22d\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eI Filari Amarone\u003c\/a\u003e here from some of Mirko’s best vines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSan Cassiano is in the eastern part of Valpolicella, and just like Federico’s Amarone, it’s one of the best parts of the region for making this type of wine:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe vineyards sit at 400m altitude, which is one of the highest sites in the region. You get a big difference between day and night temperatures, which concentrates the flavours in the grapes\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe soils are very poor and made up of white marl - so the vines struggle and produce less fruit per plant. Again doubling down on that concentration\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe grapes are slowly dried on racks for 45-50 days after harvest, increasing the power and intensity even further\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe wine is then aged for 3 years in French and American oak, to make it even more smooth and luxurious.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWines around here are usually made from a blend of three grapes: Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorvinone adds colour and richness to the party, and Mirko believes it’s the most important component of the blend. So he decided to make a single-vineyard, single-grape wine dedicated to the variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s powerful, raisiny and dark, with lovely herbaceous and balsamic flavours, and coffee and chocolate too. There’s great complexity and length, with a beautifully balanced and lifted finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s amazing value for a wine of this style and quality - some might call it a baby Amarone, but that wouldn’t do it justice!\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56018888851787,"sku":"CASALN20","price":33.29,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0234.jpg?v=1734253852"}],"url":"https:\/\/winespark.co.uk\/collections\/winter-warmers.oembed","provider":"WineSpark","version":"1.0","type":"link"}