Curious Case - August 2021

The Curious Case Selection

Coupon Code (for 10% off all of the below wines) - Curious0821
expires 01/10/2021

Be it a South African braai, an Argentinian Asado, or an Australian barbie we've got the wines for you this August! All three of these nations are known for their outdoor living and their penchant for meat and grilling, searing, roasting, but definitely not burning it outside with friends and family. Now if our wonderfully predictable British weather allows, and sometimes even when it doesn't, we like to join them and put anything we've got in the fridge on the charcoal. We've put together 6 wines from those three countries to drink while you're barbecuing, waiting for the barbecue, or if there's any left, with the barbecued food this August.

In a nutshell: A vibrant and full-bodied Argentinan rosé from the Uco Valley.

The lowdown: If you like your rosés with plenty of flavour and character then this will be right up your street. It's got a rich deep colour and is juicy and broad flavoured with cherries and raspberries on the palate and strawberries and cream aromas on the nose. And throughout there's a piquant pink grapefruit crispness which provides the essential rosé character before it rounds off with a clean, dry finish.

When to drink: It's a good rosé to pair with food - roast chicken and spicy Asian dishes work very well.

In a nutshell: A light and delicate Australian Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills.

The lowdown: The cooler climate of the Adelaide Hills is recognised as prime Sauvignon Blanc territory and Shaw + Smith are acknowledged as one of the best producers. Over the years this wine in particular has become something of a benchmark by which other premium Aussie Sauvignon Blancs are measured. Since it first appeared in the 1990s it's remained fresh and aromatic with a trademark pink grapefruit character. Allied to this is lots of fruit and a good weight on the palate alongside a crisp acidity and a brisk freshness.

When to drink: Reliable and very moreish it's one that can be banked on. Great as an aperitif, or with all kinds of shellfish and salads.

In a nutshell: A fragrant and juicy, cool climate Australian Shiraz from Orange in New South Wales

The lowdown: Philip Shaw's vineyards around Orange, New South Wales at an altitude of 900m are among the highest in Australia. The combination of the climate and terroir of this inland region some 200 miles west of Sydney leads to wines that are not always what you'd expect from this part of the world. Their 'Idiot' Shiraz is one such and its cooler climate credentials give it similarities to the reds of the northern Rhône. It's a very well balanced wine with a subtly spicy aroma and some liquorice notes. Medium bodied it has a pleasing complexity, good subtle fruit and some gentle rustic, gameyness and a touch of spice. The fine, savoury tannins keep it all in good balance at the elegant finish.

When to drink: Lighter than many an Aussie Shiraz this is a good 'drink alone' red. With food it pairs well with charcuterie and cheeses.

In a nutshell: A refreshing, crunchy Argentinian red from the far northern region of Salta.

The lowdown: Vallisto are based in the northern, high altitude Salta region of Argentina and make some very interesting wines from the unique soils and climate of the area. This is made from the Criolla Chica grape variety which has been growing in Argentina since missionary settlers first arrived here in the 16th century. It's known by different names in different countries and it's as 'Pais' in Chile that it's more widely known. The vineyards for this were first planted in 1898 at are at 2600m above sea level. It's all hand-picked and sorted and no oak is used in its maturation. Its pinkish skins give it a quite pale colour but despite its light appearance, it packs a lively punch. The nose has got some charming florality and a subtle whiff of Turkish delight while on the palate there's a blast of red cherry and pomegranate flavours. There's a good bite of tannin and a real freshness on the bright, zippy finish.

When to drink: With its crisp, lively fruitiness it's perfect drunk slightly chilled with barbecues.

In a nutshell: A ripe, full and delectable South African red blend from one of the country's top estates

The lowdown: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the two principal grape varieties that go into Claret and in South Africa Bordeaux Blends, such as these, are one of their specialities. This may be one of their entry-level wines, but a great deal of care and attention has been taken here. After 18 months in barrel the wine was bottled prior to release in 2017. It has aromas of blackcurrant and redcurrant, coffee, tobacco, mocha and a touch of sensual oak. It's a pliant, mid-weight wine with a layered richness and a firm spine of harmonious acidity to its intense berry and spice flavours.

When to drink: It's a great companion for most foods, including pizzas, pastas and meat or chicken dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own.

In a nutshell: A biodynamic, clean and rounded South African white.

The lowdown: A blend of mainly Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc with some Chardonnay and Semillon and made with a gentle hand as naturally as possible. Only 97 barrels of it were made from very low yielding vineyards. There is a softness to the texture but with a tight mineral core. Fruit flavours of lime, grapefruit and peach are complemented by richer tropical notes.

When to drink: For food matching try with sashimi of tuna, red snapper or the like.