Mid-Autumn Highlights from Sicily to Rioja

As summer slowly fades into shorter days and blissfully cooler nights here in Hong Kong, we start to shift into high gear with schedules resuming at school, in the office and at home. Luckily for our members, we’ve got you covered with wines and food pairing guide with our September TOASST box. With selections from the breezy salty air of the Mediterranean in Sicily, down under to cool climate Yarra Valley, to the heights of Campo de Borja sub-region of Rioja in Spain, this box from our wine experts offers a welcome retreat from your favorite wine regions after a long day.

A native Southern Italian varietal created in the 19th century from crossing Catarratto and Moscato d'Alessandria grape varietals, the Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Grillo Cavallo delle Fate 2020 is still widely planted in Sicily. This modern interpretation has intriguing aromas of volcanic smoke, granite, wet stone, floral, citrus and wild herbs on the nose. Soft ripe fruit, with textured, clean minerality, high acidity and touch of residual sugar on the end. 

A great alternative for white lovers looking to branch out beyond Chardonnay, this unique Italian grape variety deserves a flavorful Southern Italian style pairing. Pair with a traditional Sicilian blood orange salad, tomato almond pesto pasta with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, or stuffed artichokes with Pecorino Romano cheese and garlic.

A cheeky blend from winemaker Steve Webber, the De Bortoli Vinoque 'Same Same' Pinot Blend 2018 is anything but the same wine from year to year.  A cool climate Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier blend with soft perfume on the nose,  red cherry fruit, dried herbs, wet stone, oak, spice, cinnamon and savoury notes on the mid-palate, nicely integrated tannins with bright acidity and silky, elegant yet textured finish.  

An easy drinking table wine that can also go to the couch, pair with hard cheeses including Parmesan, Romano or vintage Gouda. While easily complementing comfort food including roast pork loin or spicy Cajun chicken pasta, experiment with exotic Middle Eastern flavors including classic French Merguez with couscous, Moroccan chicken tagine, grilled sweet potatoes with tahini, or chicken shawarma.

Winemaker Spotlight! 

Locos Por El Vino Grunon, Campo de Borja, Spain 2016

Hailing from the Campo de Borga sub-region of Rioja, this blend of Syrah and Grenache from terrace soils of Huecha Valley and slopes of Moncayo is a sum greater than parts. Locos Por El Vino ("crazy for wine") from celebrated winemaker Chris Ringland is his latest  recent adventure to discover the potential of Spanish Shiraz-Garnacha blends. Soft, velvety tannins meet intense black plum fruit, herbs and licorice with ripened candied cherry fruit and a long, elegant finish. 

This full-bodied stunner pairs well with blue cheeses including Roquefort and Gorgonzola, goat cheese or semi-firm intense cheeses such as Gruyere or Gouda. Enjoy with a Florentine steak, slow roasted rosemary garlic lamb shoulder, or braised veal shanks.

For a custom box with this wine, please contact info@toasst.co.