The Velvet Reds Box | Luxury Edition

Izadi Rioja Reserva is a stunning red wine from the heart of Rioja, crafted entirely from Tempranillo grapes. With a deep ruby colour, it offers a complex bouquet of ...

Izadi Rioja Reserva is a stunning red wine from the heart of Rioja, crafted entirely from Tempranillo grapes. With a deep ruby colour, it offers a complex bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with enticing notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted oak, a testament to its 16 months of ageing in French and American oak barrels. On the palate, this full-bodied wine reveals layers of rich dark fruit, cocoa, and a hint of leather, beautifully balanced by good acidity and well-structured tannins. The long, lingering finish is marked by a rich aromatic intensity, showcasing a delightful balance of red fruit, liquorice, and subtle spices, with a whisper of smoke in the background. Produced by Bodegas Izadi, a family-owned winery in Villabuena de Álava, this Reserva reflects a commitment to sustainable winemaking practices while employing both traditional and modern techniques to honour the region’s terroir. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with steak, grilled meats, roast lamb, casseroles, charcuterie, and hard cheeses, making it an excellent choice for hearty meals. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further maturation, Izadi Rioja Reserva is perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a smooth and layered red that embodies the rich character of the Rioja region.

A really gorgeous and elegant Nero d'Avola, WOW! A huge step up from most of the Nero d'Avola you will have ever tried. Dry with brambly purple fruit and floral, viol...

A really gorgeous and elegant Nero d'Avola, WOW! A huge step up from most of the Nero d'Avola you will have ever tried. Dry with brambly purple fruit and floral, violet tones. A special wine to treat yourself with. There spicy nuances will help the wine pair beautifully with roast lamb served with caponata. The Rallo family started out as Marsala producers in 1851, but when sales started to decline they were one of the first families to start producing top quality table wines, launching Donnafugata in 1983, championing the regions native grape varieties.

WOW. This is a masterclass in winemaking, and the Bordeaux lover will love this! Vertente is a stunningly elegant and complex wine that beautifully captures the bold ...

WOW. This is a masterclass in winemaking, and the Bordeaux lover will love this! Vertente is a stunningly elegant and complex wine that beautifully captures the bold fruit and concentration you expect from Douro wines, while still delivering that signature freshness Niepoort is known for. It’s the perfect balance of power and finesse. Most of the grapes come from 60-year-old vines on the right bank of the Douro River, with a smaller portion from 30-year-old vines in the Tedo River Valley at Quinta de Nápoles. The result? A wine that’s bursting with character, yet refined and refreshingly vibrant. An absolute must-try for anyone who loves a bit of depth in their glass.

This is a serious Valpolicella—vibrant, generous, and full of character. Pietro Zardini’s Valpolicella Classico pours a lively ruby red with just a flicker of garnet ...

This is a serious Valpolicella—vibrant, generous, and full of character. Pietro Zardini’s Valpolicella Classico pours a lively ruby red with just a flicker of garnet at the rim. On the nose, it’s velvety and elegant, laced with hints of dried fruits, a touch of hay, and a subtle rustic charm. On the palate, it’s smooth, full-bodied, and supple, with that lovely Italian food-friendliness.  This is proper Valpolicella—grown in the heart of a region that’s been producing wine for over 2,000 years. Today, Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most important wine zones, with over 8,000 hectares under vine, producing more than 60 million bottles a year—but Pietro Zardini is still doing it the old-fashioned way. His family has worked these red and brown soils since the 1600s, and every bottle tells a piece of that story. The grapes—Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara—are hand-harvested, gently macerated on their skins, and aged for up to 10 months in oak to bring out texture and spice, followed by time in steel for freshness.

Narassa is a deep, brooding red with bold aromas of ripe blackberries, crushed herbs, and a peppery kick. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and rich, with earthy undert...

Narassa is a deep, brooding red with bold aromas of ripe blackberries, crushed herbs, and a peppery kick. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and rich, with earthy undertones and a hint of cocoa that adds a touch of decadence. The tannins are soft and refined, wrapping the wine in a velvety texture. Despite its richness, the finish surprises with a fresh elegance, making it a wine that lingers beautifully and keeps you coming back for more. This is a wine that manages to be powerful and polished all at once—a perfect balance. Narassa comes from Domaine Lafage, a family-run estate in Roussillon with a history dating back to 1791. Jean-Marc Lafage, the current winemaker, is known for bringing modern flair to his family's legacy, moving beyond cooperative grape sales to craft wines that express the true potential of this diverse terroir. The Roussillon region, squeezed between the limestone Corbières Massif and the granitic Pyrenees, offers a unique mix of soils and microclimates, with Jean-Marc working across six distinct sub-zones. La Narassa, where this wine hails from, showcases overripe Grenache (70%) and high-altitude Syrah (30%) in a semi-ripasso style, adding richness while keeping a juicy freshness. It’s a fantastic example of the innovative winemaking and attention to terroir that makes Roussillon so exciting right now.

Rully by Philippe Milan et Fils is generous fruit flavours that sing out of the glass showcase notes of cherry and strawberry. The finish is long, juicy, and satisfyi...

Rully by Philippe Milan et Fils is generous fruit flavours that sing out of the glass showcase notes of cherry and strawberry. The finish is long, juicy, and satisfying, with chewy tannins lingering, offering a delightful balance of sophistication and approachability. An unbeatable glass of red Burgundy in a market where the prices only go up and it is hard to find good value. Domaine Philippe Milan et Fils is located in the hamlet of Valotte in Chassey-Le-Camp, located between Santenay and Rully. The winery is run by owner and winemaker Karl Milan, who took over the family estate in 2001. Philippe Milan, Karl’s grandfather, founded this 11-ha domaine was founded in 1950 and Karl-Philippe works his vineyards in lutte raisonne. Very little or no new oak is used in the winery as Karl wants to preserve and promote the lively fruitiness of his wines. Lutte raisonnée is a “reasoned struggle”. Chemicals are used only when necessary if pests or diseases threaten the crop. Organic wine is made without synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and no GMOs. This 11-ha domaine was founded in 1950 by Karl-Philippe’s grandfather. Chassey-le-Camp is a tiny village located between Santenay and Rully.