Tio Pepe Fino En Rama 2020 Release
It’s that time of year again that Sherry lovers await with anticipation. Tio Pepe En Rama is an unclarified and unfiltered ‘super-fresh’ Fino sherry, loved by many for its unique, fresh from the cask experience. It is alive with flavour and has more nutty and yeasty aromas than usual Finos. On the palate it is vigorous and citrusy, with a complex, saline finish. A truly gastronomic wine that’s perfectly paired with olives, almonds, oily fish and tapas. Only 60 barrels are produced yearly and the wine is strictly allocated.
As always a different authentic label is produced based on artwork sourced from the Tio Pepe archives dating back to the 1800s. This superb Sherry is at its very best when drunk young but I had some 2019 the other day and it is still delicious.
This wonderful sherry is available at just £15 a bottle. Stocks are limited so let me know ASAP if you’d like a bottle or two reserved for you. It should be arriving with me next week.
New Tuscany Listings from Morrisfarms
More exciting news on the Italian front is two new listing from the Morrisfarms winery in Tuscany. The Morris family settled in the Tuscan coast region of Maremma in the early 19th century and are now one of the leading producers in the region with two estates in Bolgheri and Morellino di Scansano. Their flagship Bolgheri red, Avvoltore (named after a Tuscan bird of prey), is one of the best value ‘Super Tuscans’ around. However its second wine, Barbaspinosa, is to Avvoltore what Guidalberto is to Sassicaia but at a fraction of the price and from the magnificent 2015 vintage.
2017 Morellino di Scansano, Morrisfarms, Tuscany @ £13.75
I tasted this blind against a pricier Morellino from a famous name and this blew it out the water. 90% Sangiovese with Merlot and Syrah making up the remainder, this is more robust than a Chianti and has excellent structure and grip. Incredibly ripe and rich on the palate it’s hard to believe that there’s no oak involved but most of the ageing has been in bottle after four months in tank. If you’ve never tasted Morellino di Scansano before then this is a superb introduction
2015 ‘Barbaspinosa’ Montereggio di Massa Marittima, Morrisfarms, Tuscany @ £17.50
2015 was a wonderful vintage in Tuscany but wines are becoming harder to find and those that are available are increasing in price. This is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and it’s amazing how the latter shows through despite the small percentage. This is aged for 12 months in the oak barrels used for the ‘Grand Vin’ Avvoltore. There’s a marvellous intensity of blackcurrant here with hints of dried herbs and spice. Really smooth on the palate and a satisfying mellow finish. Lovers of Bordeaux will really enjoy this.
Jonny Wren, Director