This week, we're bringing you two fantastic wines that showcase both tradition and innovation. First up is Mi Lugar Rioja Blanco, a beautifully textured white from Spain's most famous wine region, offering richness and elegance in every sip. Alongside it, we have the Esporão Colheita Organic Red, a bold yet refined Portuguese gem that perfectly balances ripe fruit and earthy depth. Both of these wines deliver incredible quality at an unbeatable price - so don’t miss out on this week’s treats!
We want to continue to say thank you for all the support we have been given over the last year the best way we know how...by offering incredible wines at honest prices with some amazing weekly treat wines thrown in! We aren't trying to move stock with these wines, we haven't inflated any prices to give a discount, we genuinely aren't making any money on these wines... hence why we are only letting you take TWO BOTTLES MAXIMUM.
Esporao Colheita Organic Red
There are lovely notes of ripe red fruits, blackberry jam, and subtle herbaceous and spicy undertones. The palate is fresh and balanced, with a smooth, appealing texture, where ripe fruit shines through on an elegant, lingering finish.
Founded in 1973 by José Roquette and Joaquim Bandeira, Esporão’s mission is to make the finest wines from what nature provides, in a responsible and inspiring way. Today, they are one of the leading wine companies in Portugal and one of the largest organic wine producers in the world. Playing a key role in the national and international promotion of Alentejo, but also present in the Douro and Vinho Verde regions, Esporão has become an ambassador of Portuguese culture, developing its activities in a sustainable manner, whilst building close relationships with clients and consumers all over the world.
The Colheita Red is crafted from 14-year-old organic vineyards at the Herdade do Esporão estate, planted on granite and schist soils with a loamy clay structure, which enhances the wine's natural vibrancy and depth. After co-fermentation with traditional foot treading in wine presses, the wine was finished in concrete tanks for six months, where unique micro-oxygenation conditions help preserve its authentic character.
Versatile with grilled and roasted red meats, casseroles, stews, and mild creamy cheeses. A great choice for tuna steaks in tomato sauce, pizza, pasta, or just as delightful as a stand-alone pour.
Queirón Mi Lugar Blanco, Vino de Quel, Rioja
Intense aromas of stone fruit with white blossom and notes of fennel and thyme. The palate is bright and complex with apricot, peach and hints of passion fruit alongside lightly honeyed, brioche and almond characters. The wine has structure and weight, with notes of clove and tobacco on the long finish.
The town of Quel sits in the Cidacos river valley, between the Sierra Yerga and Sierra la Hez mountain ranges, at the heart of Rioja Oriental. Here in the Barrio de Bodegas, wineries have existed since the 18th century, with ancient winemaking caves at the base of the sheer sandstone cliffs, where grapes were gravity-fed from the vineyards above. Quel has been the home of the Pérez Cuevas family (who established and own Bodegas Ontañón) for generations, and the new Queirón winery is the fulfilment of Gabriel's dream. It has been built around an existing cave, and the 4-level design replicates (in a very modern way) the traditional gravity-flow system that allows a gentle approach to the handling of the grapes at each step. Established at the start of the new Rioja classification system allowing wines to be labelled according to their origin, their portfolio highlights the winery's heritage, and family's long relationship, with the town of Quel.
The end of the fermentation process takes place in 500 litre French oak barrels. After fermentation 85% of the wine stays in barrel for six months ageing on fine lees with some stirring, and the remaining 15% is aged in amphorae for six months. The wine then remains in bottle for six months before release.
Enjoy with cod cheeks fried gently in butter, or a very light tempura courgette.
To order either click through on the bottles, give us a call or come and visit us in the shop.
We hope you enjoy this week's pairings, let us know how you get on and feel free to tag us on social media showcasing your efforts!