Abras Torrontes 2023

La Despensa Wines from Chile’s Colchagua Valley is owned, organically-farmed and operated by Matt Ridgway, originally from Dorset, and his Chilean wife Ana

Grenache and Syrah harvested together and co-fermented in concrete with native yeast. Pulp and skins from Roussanne which was harvested for a straight white wine 10 days earlier (also co-fermented). Mourvèdre comes in 2.5 weeks later and with much lower Brix so we leave some Grenache and Syrah hanging to over-ripen and co-ferment with the Mourvèdre. This helps reduce the green notes that Mourvèdre can sometimes produce. The blend is made as soon as all the wine is pressed. Aged in concrete (lined, so neutral).

Fresh and easy drinking with the acidity and tannins to help the wine age over the years to come. Drink now or hold your peace for 5+ years! Grenache provides the fruit-forward part of the wine and also some grippy tannins, with Syrah adding structure and color. Mourvèdre adds elegance and finesse, and the Roussanne helps add some roundness and mouthfeel alongside a slightly tropical kick.

Hand-picked grapes. Open-top bin fermentation with native yeasts. 14 days from picking to pressing, no extended maceration. Some fairly typical savoury notes of tomato and sour cherry, but counter-balanced by the fruit-forward nature of the style of wines we produce. Tannins and acidity will help the wine age gracefully for several years or it can be enjoyed immediately.

This intense red Tannat with violet hues has a leathery, blackberry jam bouquet that slowly reveals itself once the wine is served. The typical tannins of the variety, rounded by its time aged in barrels, are present, but smooth and well-rounded.

Bodega Bresesti was founded in 1937 by immigrants from the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. Bruno Bresesti, still only in his thirties, is the fourth generation of the family to head up winemaking. This is very much a family affair with Bruno as the driving force but still aided by and benefitting from the experience of his hardworking parents. The winery, with its 15 underground concrete fermentation vats, is located on the outskirts of Montevideo

A cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, this is intense purplish-red colour. The nose is fresh, with aromas of mint, blueberries, red fruits and spices and leads to a succulent palate with rich, sweet fruit balanced by firm ripe tannins. A rich wine enlivened by the refreshing acidity of this singular grape . Fermentation in concretes tank with subsequent passage through 80% American oak and 20% French oak for 3 or 4 months, subject to tasting.