Rioja Crianza, Bodega Montecillo 2017 Region_Veneto

Rioja Crianza, Bodega Montecillo 2017 Region_VenetoThis historic Rioja producer, whose original winery was first established in Fuenmayor in 1874 by the Navajas family, was recently completely rejuvenated and is now owned by the Osborne family (best known for their sherries and massive black bull hoardings by the Spanish roadside). Winemaker Mercedes Garcia Ruperez has made huge improvements in both vineyard and cellar and these are now textbook examples of traditional style Rioja made with modern

delicately flavoured London Dry style gin

The Gallimard family have been producers in Les Riceys since 1930

This beautifully situated domaine

Nicole Chanrion studied viticulture in Beaune before taking over the running of this seven hectare domaine (originally started by her grandfather) and joined more recently by her son Romain

from flint and clay soils and vinified in stainless steel (with just a small portion aged in barrel)

including the off-dry Prosecco Superiore from the renowned sub-region of Conegliano Valdobbiadene

zesty citrus notes and just a touch of mineral freshness on the finish

with lots of citrus and peach fruit

Great on its own on a cold night

the latter also the owner of renowned Chateau Angelus in Saint Emilion

There are 20 hectares of vineyards on the limestone and chalk soils of Vertus

The estate's 46ha of vineyards are planted predominantly with Merlot along with some Cabernet Franc and just a little Malbec