{"title":"Rare Grape Varieties","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bel-colle-pelaverga-doc-2024","title":"2024 Bel Colle Verduno Pelaverga DOC | Rare Piedmont Red","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🔥 One of Italy's Great Little-Known Grapes | Ridiculously Easy to Drink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry. Cherry. Violets. White pepper. Silky tannins. Fresh acidity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you've never had Pelaverga before, start here. This is dangerously drinkable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Indigenous Piedmont Red | 100% Pelaverga Piccolo | RRP $45\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForget big, heavy Italian reds for a moment. This is light on its feet, fragrant, spicy, juicy and incredibly easy to drink. Put a slight chill on it and watch the bottle disappear.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Bel Colle Verduno Pelaverga DOC\u003c\/strong\u003e is exactly the sort of wine I love finding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's delicious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it's made from a grape variety most people have probably never even heard of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePelaverga Piccolo.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd once you've tasted a good one, you'll wonder why we don't see more of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the Hell Is Pelaverga?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where things get interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePelaverga Piccolo is a \u003cstrong\u003erare indigenous grape variety from Verduno\u003c\/strong\u003e, a tiny village sitting among the great vineyards of the Langhe in Piedmont.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're in Barolo country.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVerduno itself is famous for vineyards such as \u003cstrong\u003eMonvigliero\u003c\/strong\u003e, but tucked away among all that Nebbiolo is this fascinating little grape variety that produces something completely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBel Colle says Pelaverga was introduced to the area in the \u003cstrong\u003e17th century\u003c\/strong\u003e and today survives within one of Italy's smallest denominations. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official denomination remains genuinely tiny: only about \u003cstrong\u003e245,000 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e of Verduno Pelaverga DOC were certified from the 2023 vintage. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is proper wine-geek territory.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcept the wine itself isn't remotely difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the beauty of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis Is So Easy to Drink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the thing that struck me about the Bel Colle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's just so bloody drinkable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no massive tannin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo huge alcohol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo heavy oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo waiting ten years for it to become approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead you get this gorgeous rush of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViolet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbs \u0026amp; Spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith lovely fresh acidity and soft, velvety tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBel Colle describes the variety as combining small red berries with its unmistakable spicy character, particularly the distinctive \u003cstrong\u003ewhite-pepper note\u003c\/strong\u003e for which Verduno Pelaverga is famous. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's almost impossible not to reach for another glass.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf You Like Pinot Noir, Gamay or Frappato…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou need to try Pelaverga.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not saying it tastes exactly like any of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt doesn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if your drinking tends towards fragrant, lighter-bodied reds rather than huge blockbuster wines, there's a very good chance you'll love this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of the sheer drinkability of \u003cstrong\u003eBeaujolais\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fragrance and delicacy of \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe juicy red-fruited character you can find in \u003cstrong\u003eFrappato\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen throw in Pelaverga's wonderfully distinctive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand you've got something completely its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's one of those wines that reminds you how much fun Italian wine can be.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brilliant, light ruby-red with cherry and violet reflections — immediately telling you this isn't going to be some enormous Piedmontese bruiser. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beautifully fragrant. Fresh strawberry, cherry and crunchy red berries meet violets, herbs and that wonderfully distinctive peppery spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, juicy and wonderfully fresh. Red berries and cherry flow across the palate with bright acidity and an almost effortless lightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft and velvety, with gentle tannins providing just enough shape without ever interrupting the flow of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh, spicy and mouthwatering. Red fruit fades into pepper, florals and savoury spice, immediately encouraging another sip. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot complicated to drink.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery difficult to stop drinking.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 – A Great Vintage for This Style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 growing season in Verduno was relatively warm but also unusually wet, with limited temperature extremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting Pelavergas generally showed \u003cstrong\u003emoderate alcohol, good acidity and clear aromatic definition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with fine spice and freshness being hallmarks of the vintage. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBel Colle's 2024 was singled out in a broad tasting of the vintage as a particularly \u003cstrong\u003ebalanced and classic interpretation\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly what you want here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshness is everything.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Pelaverga Piccolo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Pelaverga Piccolo di Verduno\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egrown around \u003cstrong\u003eVerduno and neighbouring parts of Roddi and La Morra\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards sit around \u003cstrong\u003e200–300 metres above sea level\u003c\/strong\u003e on calcareous soils. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no need to bury a grape this aromatic beneath winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe emphasis is on retaining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfume\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal character\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhich is precisely what makes the finished wine so much fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBel Colle Knows Pelaverga\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't a producer jumping onto an obscure-grape trend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBel Colle is deeply connected to Pelaverga.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate was founded around 45 years ago in Verduno and today farms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10 hectares\u003c\/strong\u003e across Verduno, the Langhe and Asti. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore importantly, Bel Colle describes itself as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItaly's largest producer of Verduno Pelaverga.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery was also one of the \u003cstrong\u003esix founding estates\u003c\/strong\u003e behind the Verduno producers' association. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo when you want to understand this wonderfully obscure little grape:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBel Colle is a pretty good place to start.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd It's Grown in Serious Country\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the things I find fascinating about Pelaverga is where it comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're not talking about some forgotten vineyard region in the middle of nowhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're in Verduno.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRight in the Langhe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRight alongside some of the world's most celebrated Nebbiolo vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBel Colle's vineyards around its winery straddle the Verduno\/La Morra area, including \u003cstrong\u003eBorgo Castagni and Neirane\u003c\/strong\u003e, where clay-limestone soils with gypsum veins help produce wines of aromatic intensity, freshness and savoury character. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is serious terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's just expressed through a completely different grape.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePut It in the Fridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI mean it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGive this a slight chill.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot ice cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut somewhere around:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14–16°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eis ideal and is also the producer-recommended serving range. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty or thirty minutes in the fridge before serving will make those red fruits and peppery aromatics absolutely sing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd suddenly you have one of the most versatile reds imaginable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a brilliant food wine because it doesn't overwhelm anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry it with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntipasti and salumi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProsciutto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMortadella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePizza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled tuna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePelaverga's combination of freshness, gentle tannin and spice even allows it to work with \u003cstrong\u003efish\u003c\/strong\u003e, which isn't something you can say about every Piedmontese red. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut there's another pairing I'd recommend:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA second bottle.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause one disappears very quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly the kind of Italian wine I want people to discover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerduno, Piedmont\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Pelaverga Piccolo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of Italy's rare indigenous grape varieties\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry \u0026amp; crunchy red berries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFresh cherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViolets\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature white-pepper spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft, velvety tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful freshness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrilliant served slightly chilled\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade by Italy's largest producer of Verduno Pelaverga\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd your RRP?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$45.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut forget scores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForget prestige.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForget whether anyone at the table has ever heard of Pelaverga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJust drink it.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause ultimately the reason I'd buy the \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Bel Colle Verduno Pelaverga\u003c\/strong\u003e is incredibly simple:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's bloody delicious.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's fragrant without being delicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight without being thin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSavoury without being hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd interesting without demanding that you sit there analysing every mouthful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a wine for drinking, not worshipping.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrawberry. Cherry. Violets. White pepper. Silky tannins. Fresh acidity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare grape. Tiny appellation. Barolo country. $45.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 If you're bored of drinking the same varieties over and over again, buy this. Give it a slight chill, pour it into a big glass and prepare to discover one of Piedmont's most ridiculously drinkable little secrets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bel Colle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52565372928302,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_6cca3a94-69f6-4c41-b920-2f10e2f7a15c.png?v=1788512394"},{"product_id":"olivers-taranga-mencia-2025","title":"2025 Oliver’s Taranga Mencía | 95 Points \u0026 Gold Medal","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🔥 95 Point Mencia | Australia's Pioneering Mencia Vineyard | One of McLaren Vale's Most Exciting Alternative Reds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry. Blood plum. Blackberry. Potpourri. Sumac. Sarsaparilla. Savoury tannins.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you've never tasted Mencia before, this is where I'd start.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – 2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale Mencia | Corrina Wright | Small Batch | RRP $37\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is why alternative varieties are so exciting in Australia. A grape most people have never heard of, planted in McLaren Vale by a family willing to take a chance — and now we're looking at a 95-point wine for $37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e is something genuinely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd more importantly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's bloody delicious.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the Hell Is Mencia?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMencia — pronounced roughly \u003cstrong\u003eMen-thee-ah\u003c\/strong\u003e — is a red grape native to northwestern Spain, most famously associated with \u003cstrong\u003eBierzo\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you haven't tried it before, don't worry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMost Australian wine drinkers haven't.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that needs to change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMencia can produce incredibly attractive reds combining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlorals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSavoury herbs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFresh acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine, grippy tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's juicy without being simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFragrant without being delicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSavoury without being hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd in McLaren Vale, it makes a hell of a lot of sense.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOliver's Taranga Planted Australia's First Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where the story gets really good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga isn't simply another Australian winery jumping onto an emerging variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrina Wright planted Australia's first Mencia vines in 2011.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first red Mencia was produced in \u003cstrong\u003e2016\u003c\/strong\u003e, making Oliver's Taranga one of the genuine pioneers of the variety in this country. The 2024 release was described by Halliday reviewer Marcus Ellis as arguably the Australian \u003cstrong\u003e“touchstone for mencía.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink about that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFourteen years after planting the vines, we're now looking at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 POINTS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom Halliday for the 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe experiment worked.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 has taken another step forward with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 POINTS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom \u003cstrong\u003eHalliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that score is particularly exciting given the trajectory of this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe previous 2024 release received \u003cstrong\u003e93 points\u003c\/strong\u003e from Halliday, with Marcus Ellis praising its deep floral perfume, blackberry and blueberry fruit, dark spice, earthy complexity, supple texture and fine tannins. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow the 2025 has jumped to 95.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't just an interesting alternative variety anymore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is seriously good wine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Halliday isn't alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia won:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🥇 GOLD MEDAL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eat the \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official show results confirm the 2025 Oliver's Taranga was one of only \u003cstrong\u003etwo Mencias awarded Gold\u003c\/strong\u003e in its class. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's pretty fitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe family that pioneered Mencia in Australia is now producing one of the country's benchmark examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 2025 Is Absolutely Loaded with Personality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga describes the 2025 as starting with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusky florals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotpourri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRipe berries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSumac spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhubarb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuince\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then the palate takes over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry + Plum Compote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith blackberry, wine gums and sarsaparilla adding another layer of fruit and savoury complexity. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis doesn't sound like another generic Australian red.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's exactly the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brilliant purple-red. Vibrant, youthful and inviting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wonderfully distinctive. \u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum, blackberry and ripe berries\u003c\/strong\u003e meet potpourri and dusky florals, followed by rhubarb, quince and exotic sumac spice. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plush cherry and plum compote initially give the impression of generosity, but a savoury line of acidity quickly brings everything into balance. Blackberry, dark berries, sarsaparilla and spice add layers of complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is where things get particularly interesting. There's some genuine tannin — gritty and savoury through the middle — before becoming more velvety toward the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh, floral and savoury, with dark fruit and spice lingering beautifully. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarm and plush, but still fresh.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the balancing act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcLaren Vale – But Not as You Know It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen most people hear McLaren Vale red, they immediately think:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShiraz.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrenache.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd increasingly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Mencia?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's where things get interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga has spent years experimenting with varieties suited to the region's climate and soils, with more than \u003cstrong\u003e50 individual vineyard blocks\u003c\/strong\u003e across its roughly 300-acre property encompassing different varieties, clones, soil types and vine ages. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Small Batch range exists precisely to showcase blocks and varieties that perform particularly well in a given vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd Mencia has become one of the stars.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Oliver Family – Six Generations in McLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's serious history behind all this experimentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga has been connected to McLaren Vale for generations, while the current winemaker is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrina Wright – Sixth Generation.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's what I love about the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't a new-wave producer without roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an old McLaren Vale family willing to ask:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat else can we grow here?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd instead of simply planting another block of Shiraz, they planted an obscure northwestern Spanish grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat's exciting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 – Small Berries, Huge Flavour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 vintage was one of the earliest Oliver's Taranga has experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicking started on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e24 January\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13 March\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe entire \u003cstrong\u003e110-hectare vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e had been harvested. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe season was extremely dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat resulted in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmaller berries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebut crucially:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent concentration of flavour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistently warm days also allowed for even ripening across the vineyard. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd apparently the local rainbow lorikeets knew something.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrina Wright says they took a particular liking to the early-ripening:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo and Mencia.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmart birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo blending it away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo Shiraz added to beef it up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003efrom:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's important because we're getting a proper expression of the grape rather than Mencia being used simply as seasoning in a blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd at:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14% alcohol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethere's plenty of fruit and generosity, but the savoury acidity and tannins keep the wine beautifully alive. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Batch – And Only 8,667 Bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's another little detail I like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduction of the 2025 was only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8,667 bottles.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it reinforces the point of Oliver's Taranga's Small Batch range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese aren't huge-volume commercial wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey're wines made because a particular:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehas shown something worth bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Value Is Ridiculous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga currently sells the 2025 Mencia direct for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour RRP:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd for that you're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% McLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralia's pioneering Mencia vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSixth-generation winemaker Corrina Wright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Batch production\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 8,667 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor thirty-seven dollars.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly the sort of wine I want people to take a punt on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the risk is tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the reward is huge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf You Like These Wines, Try Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your cellar is full of nothing but big Shiraz, this may not be the obvious next step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you love wines like:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGamay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrenache\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrappato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMencía from Bierzo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor simply fragrant, savoury, medium-weight reds:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet into this.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has enough fruit to be immediately appealing, but enough florals, acidity, spice and tannin to make it genuinely interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd that's what makes the bottle disappear.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver's Taranga suggests \u003cstrong\u003epaella\u003c\/strong\u003e, and it's difficult to think of anything more appropriate. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd also go with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChorizo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChargrilled lamb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamón\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpanish tapas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom paella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWood-fired pizza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast pork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManchego\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I'd happily give it a slight chill in warmer weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot cold — just cool enough to make those florals and dark fruits jump out of the glass.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly what excites me about alternative varieties in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're not trying to make another version of Shiraz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe're finding varieties that genuinely belong here.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Mencia increasingly looks like one of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Spanish variety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of Australia's pioneering Mencia plantings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcLaren Vale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusky florals \u0026amp; potpourri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCherry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackberry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlood plum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSumac spice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhubarb \u0026amp; savoury complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVelvety tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal – Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the RRP?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the sort of wine you buy because you're curious — and then come back for because it's delicious.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Oliver's Taranga Mencia\u003c\/strong\u003e has all the fruit generosity you'd expect from McLaren Vale, but there's something completely different happening around it:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlorals. Spice. Savouriness. Freshness. Grip.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's warm and plush without becoming heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting without becoming weird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd ridiculously easy to drink.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Halliday. Gold Medal. Australia's pioneering Mencia vineyard. $37.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 If you've never tasted Mencia, start here. And if you already love Mencia, you need to see what Corrina Wright is doing with it in McLaren Vale. This is one of Australia's most exciting alternative reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oliver's Taranga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52568798921006,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2025Oliver_sTarangaMencia.webp?v=1788575378"}],"url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/collections\/rare-grape-varieties.oembed","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}