Your Guide to Wines from Far Off Lands - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

From racy Rieslings to mighty Malbecs, this month is all about the quality we find when we go a bit 

Like always, our team are very happy to answer any questions you have on these wines (and about wine in general!), but also do check out the info below and enjoy your case!

Larry Cherubino has been a consultant and flying maker for many years before setting up his own label in 2005. Situated near the Frankland River, he and his wife have plots that boast exceptional soils and a favourable climate, ideal for yielding rich, flavourful fruits. Since its inaugural release, the brand has steadily gained popularity among wine enthusiasts in Western Australia. Cherubino wines are meticulously crafted from diverse vineyards, ensuring a range of unique flavours and characteristics.

Larry champions sustainability in the vineyards in a very specific way. He believes in avoiding the limitations of rigid dogma. Instead of exclusively pursuing organic or biodynamic certification, or strictly adhering to conventional farming methods, he embraces the best practices from each system. This approach enables him to maintain a progressive, responsible, sustainable, and profitable operation.

It is very pale and clean, showing an elegantly pure and refined style. It has an open nose with lemony and salty notes along with a nice floral aroma too. A precise and crisp acidity to the palate that helps the fresher fruits seem even more intense.

Situated in Nashik, India's largest grape-growing region, Sula Vineyards was set up in 1997 by Rajeev Samant & Kerry Damsky. They pioneered the growing of the French grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, which were first released in 2000 to wide acclaim as India's best white wines. Sula now cultivates Shiraz and Zinfandel amongst other international varieties and is broadly recognised as India's premium wine producer.

This luscious white wine exudes a strong aroma, showcasing typical scents of green bell pepper, freshly cut grass, and grapefruit, complemented by subtle tropical fruit undertones. It’s a unique option for Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts, particularly how it matches so well with biryani dishes or grilled pork. Nestled in Maharashtra, India’s premier grape-growing region, Sula Vineyards, not only stands alone as a quality, refreshing wine, but is an exceptional accompaniment for Indian cuisine.

The first red from the amazing Larry Cherubino is his delicious Pinot Noir from his modern carbon neutral winery in Western Australia. They practise many forms of sustainability in the vineyard. His practices include mulching, mid-row cropping, and the exclusive utilization of organic and biodynamic certified fertilizers. The goal is to establish growing systems that demand fewer inputs over time. Additionally, they integrate non-invasive electronic bird deterrents, biological controls for various fungal diseases, and natural predators to manage insect pests. Nitrogen applications are sourced from organic protein forms, and they aspire to transition to a completely plant-based approach within the next 20 years.

The nose presents graphite, minerals, and juicy black cherries, with a hint of spicy oak in a supporting role. Meanwhile, the palate boasts a softly textured, fresh, and vibrant experience, featuring flavours of black cherry and earthy beetroot, carried along by a fine, long acidic finish. A truly elegant wine.

Owned by the Fallabrino family, Vinedo de los Vientos crafts limited-edition wines renowned for their exceptional quality. The name, meaning "Vineyard of the Winds," pays homage to its location near the convergence of the River Plate Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. In the family's possession since 1947, they ushered in a new era of winemaking with the establishment of an ultra-modern winery in 1998. Over the subsequent two decades, Vinedo de los Vientos has evolved into a globally recognized winery of unparalleled distinction.

A deep black cherry hue sets the stage for this wine, boasting an aromatic bouquet of berries, dried rose petals, and enticing spices. On the palate, it unfolds with silky-smooth texture, medium body, and a lively brightness, supported by fine tannins. It's truly a delight to savour. Hand-harvested and carefully matured in aged oak barrels for six months, it gains a subtle softness. Pablo Fallabrino's Italian heritage and skilled hands ensure that Nebbiolo thrives under the Uruguayan sun, evolving into a wine bursting with full fruit flavours.

Don Guerino stands as one of Brazil's most modern and visually striking wineries, its roots tracing back to 1879 when Italian immigrant Guerino Motter settled in what is now Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of the country.

In 2000, the Motter family made a pivotal decision to exclusively cultivate vines and produce wine under their own name. Previously, like many local wineries, they had primarily supplied grapes to larger corporations and cooperatives.Now nestled in Alto Feliz, approximately 25km southwest of Bento Gonçalves in the hills of Serra Gaúcha, the contemporary Motter vineyard spans 55 hectares on mainly clay soils.

The grapes, sourced from 15-year-old vines, are carefully pressed to yield a vividly coloured, deep purple juice. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a six-month maturation process in both French and American oak barrels, followed by an additional six months of bottle aging before release. The outcome is a Malbec that balances a restrained body with a remarkable fruit intensity. Mulberries, black plums, blackcurrants, and hints of sweet caramel meld on the palate, accompanied by delicate notes of violets and a refreshing bite of acidity.

To finish we go back to the fantastic Larry Cherubino to see how well Syrah does around Margaret River.  The name Laissez Faire embodies a philosophy of minimal intervention in crafting these wines. Utilizing alternative grape varieties, he abstains from adding tannins, acids, or animal-based fining agents, ensuring the wines are vegan-friendly, and only a minimal amount of sulphur added at bottling. These practices reflect Larry’s commitment to promoting healthy, sustainable vineyard management and maintaining transparency in winemaking.

This wine has a captivating bouquet characterized by earthy notes, red cherries, and spices, subtly enhanced by a mineral/slate undertone, delicate oak nuances provide support. Red floral fruit flavours take centre stage on the palate, accompanied by delicate mineral accents reminiscent of slate. These elements are elegantly framed by a light structure and refined tannins, creating a harmonious and balanced palate.