The Velvet Reds Box | Winter Edition

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.

Portuguese wines are some of the best value reds on the market and this field blend from Alentejo is now exception. Dark fruit like blackberries and blackcurrants are...

Portuguese wines are some of the best value reds on the market and this field blend from Alentejo is now exception. Dark fruit like blackberries and blackcurrants are layered with spice and a gorgeous texture. This is a bombshell wine, a real cracker! One of the main grapes in the blend here is Alicante Bouschet, a very unique grape in the wine world as the pulp is dark in colour. It adds depth and perfume to this outstanding wine. 'Trinca Bolotas' meaning acorn muncher is a nod to the acorn munching Iberian pigs that are native to the area. Alentejo produces superb red wines made from the regions native grape varieties, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Touriga Nacional.

This Douro red tastes like it it more expensive than it is, and we love wines like that! It is a cracker, bursting with the intense aromas of forest fruits like blueb...

This Douro red tastes like it it more expensive than it is, and we love wines like that! It is a cracker, bursting with the intense aromas of forest fruits like blueberries, black cherry, and blackberries. There’s a seductive touch of cocoa and chocolate in the background, giving it that extra layer of richness. On the palate, it’s silky smooth and beautifully balanced, showing off its ripe fruit with elegance and finesse. Made from a classic Douro blend, this wine perfectly captures the bold and robust nature of the region. Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz lead the charge, bringing deep, rich flavours of dark fruits with subtle hints of spice and earthiness. 

37 Top 100 Best Value Wines  in the World at Wine Enthusiast. Wine Enthusiast 93/100 points:'A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Raboso and Corvina from multiple v...

37 Top 100 Best Value Wines  in the World at Wine Enthusiast. Wine Enthusiast 93/100 points:'A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Raboso and Corvina from multiple vintages, this wine wafts out of the glass with a depth that shows the passion and dedication of the Fidora family. Aromas and flavors of black cherries, plum, clove, ground ginger, and wild herbs. Elegant on the palate with fine tannins that form a foundation in which the dark fruit notes have a place to fully express themselves on the elegant and seductive finish.' This Venetian red is a stunner, bursting with layers of ripe cherry, bramble, and a hint of crushed violets. On the palate, it’s juicy and vibrant, with those same berry flavours deepened by a touch of earthiness and rounded out with a soft floral note. A bit of time in French oak adds a whisper of spice and vanilla, but the fruit is always the star here—bright, fresh, and full of life. The tannins are silky and smooth, giving the wine an elegant structure and a finish that just keeps going. This wine captures the region’s essence, balancing tradition with modern flair. The winemaker lets the wine rest in French oak barrels for just the right amount of time, adding depth without overshadowing the natural fruit character. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or a rich mushroom ragù, or just enjoying a glass on its own, this wine delivers in every way—a true reflection of Veneto’s passion for winemaking.

This is so so good! If you have never tried a Georgian red wine, producer Bedoba has set the bar very high. This is a rich and full bodied red bursting with dark frui...

This is so so good! If you have never tried a Georgian red wine, producer Bedoba has set the bar very high. This is a rich and full bodied red bursting with dark fruits, herbs, mocha, caramel and chocolatey tones. A wine that would be perfect on a cold evening in front of the fire, or in the summer with a BBQ. Definitely a wine for wine lovers. Made from indigenous Georgian grape 'Saperavi' in Georgia's most renowned wine region Kakheti, this wine is definitely for the curious wine drinker. Partially fermented in ancient traditional clay pots called Quervi and stainless steel tanks, the winemakers Nugzar Ksovreli and Thierry Fontannaz combine tradition with innovation to create super interesting, delicious wines.

Radiating a luminous garnet hue, the 2023 Hans Baer Pinot Noir offers redcurrants, wild strawberries, and a hint of rose petals on the nose. Delicate cranberry and po...

Radiating a luminous garnet hue, the 2023 Hans Baer Pinot Noir offers redcurrants, wild strawberries, and a hint of rose petals on the nose. Delicate cranberry and pomegranate notes grace the palate, framed by fine tannins that lead to a harmonious finish with a touch of baking spices. Pair this German gem with roasted duck breast for a succulent meat contrast, or alongside creamy mushroom risotto for an elegant vegetarian option. And on a hot day, you can serve it straight out of the fridge... magic! The Hans Baer Pinot Noir's versatility shines through as it complements a range of dishes. Its red fruit characteristics and gentle acidity elevate roast chicken, while also harmonising with the richness of a lamb casserole. For an unconventional twist, try it with pan-seared salmon and herb sauce, demonstrating its ability to enhance diverse culinary experiences. With every sip, this Pinot Noir adds delight to the table.