Wines

Vito Lauria, whilst working in a local winery, spent his spare time renovating the family winery which he now runs full time. All wines are the farmed organically and he focused on Sicily’s noble local varieties Frappato is one of those varieties. A really delicious varietal that produces light fruity wines. Strawberry compote and raspberry whips jump out of the glass as soon as the wine is poured. The palate is vibrant with raspberry jam, black tea, fresh strawberry and crunchy cranberry. Chill this down slightly and serve instead of a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.

Victoria’s cooler climate ensures the grapes used for this wine come in with wonderfully fresh flavours. This Shiraz has sweet spice, black cherry and a lovely menthol, eucalyptus note. On the palate the wine has a medium body with some ripe cola cube notes with cherry fool and fresh blackberries. This is a fantastic value for money Shiraz that is perfect for lamb stew or lasagna.

The 2015 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico from Le Salette, made with a selection of grape varieties, harvested in September and dried in well-ventilated rooms for five months. Rich notes of dry herbs, prunes and cherries fill the palate. Try pairing this wine with roasted game, piquant cheese, pasta and ragu or beef tartare.

An elegant, floral red wine from Xosé Lois Sebio, this 2016-vintage Superheroe offers aromas of violets, figs, black fruit, plums and black pepper.

A smooth, refined Pinot Grigio from Cantina Andriano, one of the oldest cooperatives in Italy's Alto Adige. Aromas of pear, white melon and citrus are followed onto the palate, with the finish displaying spicy apple and tart lemon curd.

Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2013 is made in Tuscany from Sangiovese grapes. Aged in oak for three years, this is a full-bodied wine with notes of vanilla, cherries and sweet tobacco that will match well with game, red meat and mature cheese.

This Chenin Blanc is from one of the most famous and infamous winemakers in South Africa - Ken Forrester. The wine, like Ken himself, is big and bold with a great sense of fun. With plenty of baked apples, a touch of honey and a tart tatin toasty note this is the perfect Chenin to partner with rich white fish dishes or white meat.

The 2015 Tamar Valley Chardonnay from Bellwether, made with hand-picked grapes and naturally-fermented in large, old French oak barrels. It offers the winery's hallmark smoky, struck-match notes, as well as grapefruit, orange and juicy melon.

This Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc & Viognier blend from the Languedoc-Roussillon is packed with flavour. On the nose ripe apricot, allspice, crushed dried herbs; thyme and sage. On the palate this wine has a fantastic round supple texture and the notes of apricot, cantaloupe melon, orange peel and honey make this a wonderful food wine. Try this in place of a chardonnay or South African Chenin blanc.

Ben Marco is a range of wines from the Susana Balbo – Argentina’s fabulous Queen of wine – made by winemaker Edy del Popolo. This Malbec heralds from the Valle de Pedernal with its flinty, gravel soils. On the nose there are aromas of balsamic, blackcurrant, liquorice, roasted coffee and plenty of dark fruits. The palate is big and rich but well controlled with silky ripe tannins. Try this with roasted lamb or a good steak.