Valeria Tenison

Adelina Estate is a small Australian producer I really like, making wines that feel honest and full of personality. Introspect 2022 immediately caught my attention for its freshness and energy, with juicy red berries, a more red-fruit-driven profile, herbs and a lovely savoury touch. It has plenty of depth and finesse at the same time - exactly the kind of wine I enjoy coming back to.

Bodega Cerrón is a producer I really enjoy for the honest, vibrant way they show the character of their old vines. La Servil 2023 is the kind of wine I love to drink - juicy and full of energy, with red and black berries, wild herbs and a little spice. Fresh, savoury and vital, with that lovely Mediterranean feel.

Casa Castillo is a producer I have a real soft spot for, and one of the estates that made me appreciate how fine Monastrell from Jumilla can be. Cuvée N Viñas Viejas 2019 has that beautiful Mediterranean character I love - ripe black fruit, wild herbs, spice and a touch of smoke, but with plenty of freshness. Deep, juicy and savoury, with a lovely sense of place.

Gulfi is one of the producers I really like for its honest, terroir-driven approach to Sicilian wines, working organically with native varieties. Nerojbleo 2022 is a lovely, juicy expression of Nero d’Avola, with black cherries, red berries, herbs and a subtle earthy note. Fresh, vibrant and savoury, with soft tannins and plenty of Mediterranean character. Drinks almost like a southern Pinot Noir.

Bertani is one of those historic Veneto producers I always associate with classic Amarone that ages beautifully. The 2016 is rich but remarkably poised, with ripe cherries, dried fruit, chocolate, spice and a touch of balsamic herbs. Powerful and generous, yet fresh and elegant, with silky tannins and a wonderfully long, savoury finish.

Cupano is a small, highly respected estate in Montalcino, and I personally know Andrea Polidoro, a talented and well-travelled winemaker, who stands behind these wines. Ombrone Rosso 2022 is a beautiful Bordeaux blend with a Tuscan soul, showing bright red cherries, wild herbs, flowers and a subtle earthy character. Fresh, silky and savoury, with lovely energy and balance.

Gianfranco Fino is one of Puglia’s most exciting producers, turning old Primitivo vines into wines of remarkable character. Primitivo was never my favourite variety but ES is so rich and seductive, with ripe blackberries, plum, spice and a touch of dark chocolate, that I can't resist recommending it! Powerful but never heavy, it has lovely freshness, silky tannins and a long, warm finish.

Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most iconic producers, known for expressive, site-driven wines and traditional winemaking. Lytton Springs is a rich yet balanced Zinfandel blend, with ripe blackberries, plum, cherry, spice and subtle oak. Generous and concentrated, with fresh acidity, supple tannins and a long, savoury finish. Can't go wrong with it!

L’Aventure is one of Paso Robles’ most respected estates, founded by Rhône-inspired winemaker Stephan Asseo. Côte à Côte 2020 is a powerful yet refined GSM blend, combining dark berries, black cherry, violet, herbs and spice. Rich and concentrated, but lifted by fresh acidity and fine tannins, it finishes long, savoury and beautifully balanced.