Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc

Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021 South African white wine

Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is a white wine from South Africa that should be served chilled. Founded by California winemaker Samantha O’Keefe, Lismore has become one of the top wineries in the region for cool climate wines. The estate’s unique terroir, with vines planted on slopes in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range, allows for a long, slow ripening period that enhances the depth of flavor in the fruit while maintaining its natural aromatics and freshness.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of 30% fruit from Lismore’s Greyton vineyards and 70% from vineyards in Helderberg and Elgin. Seventy percent of the wine is fermented and aged in large neutral oak barrels, while the rest is aged in a 1500-liter concrete egg. This extended contact with the lees adds complexity and a creamy texture that complements the bright citrus, fresh herb notes, and salty minerality of the grape.

Samantha O’Keefe’s dedication to crafting perfectly-balanced whites has earned her recognition from the Cape Winemakers Guild, making her the sixth female winemaker to join the organization.

Lismore Syrah 2017 South African red wine

Lismore Syrah 2017 is a red wine from South Africa crafted by California winemaker Samantha O’Keefe at her 300-hectare ranch in Greyton. She is one of the few female winemakers to be part of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild. The vineyards are situated in the cool climate sub-region of Overberg, allowing for a longer ripening season compared to the rest of the Western Cape.

The Syrah is a prime example of the Lismore style, praised by critics like Tim Atkin for its quality. The wine is a blend of fruit from Greyton vineyards on schist soils and Elgin vineyards on sandstone and shale. It undergoes fermentation in open vats and wooden vats before aging in oak casks to enhance the natural flavors of cassis, blackberry, and cherry with hints of spice and white pepper.

This well-crafted Syrah showcases the best of South African winemaking.

Li Veli Pezzo Morgana Salice Salentino Riserva 2021 Italian red wine

Li Veli Pezzo Morgana Salice Salentino Riserva 2021 is a delicious Italian red wine that doesn’t require decanting, but it’s best to open it around 30 minutes before serving. The winery has a rich history, originally founded by Marquis Antonio de Viti de Marco in the early 20th century and later acquired by the Falvo family in 1999. They are dedicated to producing high-quality wines in Apulia.

This wine is made from Negroamaro grapes harvested by hand from the Pezzo Morgana vineyard in Brindisi. The vineyard is surrounded by ancient olive trees, and the unique soil composition gives the wine its character. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barriques for 12 months and then in the bottle for an additional 6 months.

Li Veli Pezzo Morgana Salice Salentino Riserva has a beautiful ruby red color with hints of garnet. It has a broad and intense aroma with fruity notes of plum and cherry jam, as well as hints of caramel and spices. The taste is round and soft, with a warm finish that brings out flavors of chocolate, dried grapes, and sweet spices.

This wine pairs well with hearty dishes like game stews or rich lasagna.

Livio Felluga Friulano 2023 Italian white wine

Livio Felluga Friulano 2023 is an Italian white wine produced by Livio Felluga, a renowned winery in the Cormons area of Gorizia. This winery has been instrumental in reviving quality wine production in north-eastern Italy since its establishment after World War II. The estate spans 155 hectares of vineyards in the Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli regions.

The Friulano grapes used in this wine are handpicked from the Colli Orientali area near the Slovenian border. The vineyards grow on Ponca soil, a mix of marl and sandstone, which lends unique characteristics to the wine. After a cold maceration, fermentation occurs in steel vats, followed by six months of aging on the lees in steel tanks to enhance aroma and structure.

Livio Felluga’s Friulano presents a bright color with golden reflections and a rich aromatic profile of citrus, flowers, stone fruit, and tropical fruit. It has a good body, balanced acidity, and a fresh finish with almond hints. This wine pairs traditionally with San Daniele ham but also complements white fish and seafood dishes.

Livio Felluga Potentilla Sauvignon 2020 Italian white wine

Livio Felluga Potentilla Sauvignon 2020 is a renowned Italian white wine from the Collio Goriziano area. Made with hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc grapes from a 50-year-old vineyard, this wine undergoes a meticulous massal selection process to ensure top quality. After a brief skin contact, the grapes are fermented in large barrels and aged for 9 months in barriques, resulting in a creamy and characterful wine.

This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright, straw-yellow color with green hues. The nose is intense and fruity, with aromas of pineapple, mango, passion fruit, white peach, and lemon custard. On the palate, it is fresh, lively, and fruity, with a smooth and elegant structure.

The finish is long-lasting, with tropical fruit notes that entice you to take another sip. Livio Felluga Potentilla Sauvignon 2020 pairs perfectly with seafood, shellfish, and pasta dishes featuring courgettes and prawns. No decanting is necessary, but it is recommended to open the bottle half an hour before serving to fully enjoy its flavors.