Discovery Wine Case: The Architecture of Terroir
Welcome to our May Discovery Case. This month, we move away from heavy extraction and opulence to celebrate "verticality" - wines defined by their chiselled structures, mineral tension, and gastronomic poise. From the steep terraces of the Wachau to the splintered schist of Faugères, these selections act as high-definition maps of their respective soils.
The White Selection
Domane Wachau, Riesling Federspiel ‘Terrassen’ 2022
Wachau, Austria (1 x 75cl bottle) | Falstaff: 91 Points
A definitive expression of the Wachau’s vertical viticulture, the Domane Wachau Riesling Federspiel ‘Terrassen’ 2022 is a study in precision, striking a poised balance between ethereal lightness and structural depth. Sourced from the region's iconic, hand-hewn gneiss terraces, this bone-dry Riesling unfurls with a crystalline bouquet of white peach, green apricot, and lime zest, underscored by delicate nuances of elderflower and wet stone. On the palate, the 2022 vintage exhibits a remarkable ‘nervous’ energy; it is chiselled and strikingly linear, where a flinty, saline minerality provides a tactile grip against a lean, athletic frame. This vibrant tension and electric acidity ensure it remains an impeccable gastronomic partner, offering a sharp counterpoint to the richness of Wiener Schnitzel or Bouillabaisse, while its saline finish harmonises beautifully with the clean umami of sashimi and lemongrass-driven Asian cuisine. Best served at 8 - 10°C.
Torre Rosazza, Ribolla GiallaColli Orientali 2023
Friuli, Italy (1 x 75cl bottle) | James Suckling: 91 Points
An elegant exemplar of Friulian typicity, theTorre Rosazza Ribolla Gialla 2023 is a high-toned expression of the Colli Orientali, shaped by the region’s distinctive ‘ponca’ soils of Eocene marl and sandstone. This sophisticated white unfurls with an ethereal bouquet of white acacia flowers, citrus zest, and crisp green apple, underscored by a savoury, wet-stone minerality. On the palate, the wine is exceptionally clean and vertical, delivering a ringing acidity that is artfully softened by a subtle, creamy texture derived from short contact with the fine lees. The experience concludes with a remarkably dry, persistent finish marked by saline notes and a delicate hint of bitter almond. While it serves as a quintessential aperitivo, its structural poise makes it a superb companion for fritto misto, sea bream carpaccio, or a spring pea risotto. Serve chilled at 10 – 12°C.
Luís Seabra ‘Xisto Ilimitado’ Branco 2021
Douro, Portugal (1 x 75cl bottle) | James Suckling: 93 Points | Falstaff: 94 Points
A triumph of Douro transparency, the Xisto Ilimitado Branco 2021 by Luís Seabra trades traditional regional ripeness for a chiselled, mineral architecture that acts as a high-definition map of the region’s diverse schist soils. Sourced from high-altitude field blends of Rabigato, Gouveio, Códega, and Viosinho, this ‘village-level’ white unfurls with a crystalline bouquet of lemon zest, white grapefruit, and Bosc pear, underscored by evocative notes of wet wool and flint. On the palate, the 2021 vintage is remarkably vertical and tense, delivering a laser-focused acidity and a ‘sea-spray’ salinity that rivals high-end Chablis. Eschewing new oak in favour of raw soil expression, it possesses an athletic, chalky texture and a persistent, salt-crusted finish that makes it an impeccable partner for salt-crusted sea bass or grilled octopus. Serve chilled at 10 – 12°C.
The Red Selection
Domaine de Cébène ‘À la Venvole’ 2022
Faugères, France (1 x 75cl bottle) | Bettane + Desseauve: 91 Points
A defiant and sophisticated expression of Faugères terroir, the Domaine de Cébène ‘À la Venvole’ 2022 trades raw southern power for a chiselled, mineral-driven elegance. Brigitte Chevalier has crafted this cuvée as a ‘vertical’ exploration of the region’s ancient, splintered schist, sourcing fruit from high-altitude, north-facing terraces that preserve a remarkable freshness against the Mediterranean sun. This Syrah-dominant blend unfurls with a high-toned, crystalline bouquet of crushed wild berries, violets, and cracked white pepper, underscored by an evocative, stony ‘nervosity’ and fragrant notes of dried garrigue. On the palate, the 2022 vintage is strikingly transparent and fluid, delivering a vibrant acidity and silk-thread tannins that mirror the precision of a cool-climate red. This exceptional poise makes it an impeccable partner for herb-roasted game or truffle-infused mushroom dishes. Serve at 14 – 16°C.
Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2021
Veneto, Italy (1 x 75cl bottle) | Vinous: 92 Points
A lesson in restraint within a category often defined by opulence, the Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso 2021 represents a more ‘vertical’ and transparent approach to the ripasso technique. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards, this vintage avoids the cloying weight of its peers, opting instead for a chiselled architecture and remarkable varietal purity. The nose is highly expressive, unfurling with a bouquet of wild red berries, marzipan, and dried rose petals, underscored by a characteristic savoury, tobacco-leaf nuance. On the palate, the wine exhibits a stunning ‘nervous’ energy; its core of crunchy red fruit is supported by a ringing acidity and fine-grained, silk-thread tannins that speak to Brigaldara’s cool-climate terroir. Rather than being broad or syrupy, the finish is persistent and saline, offering a gastronomic tension that effortlessly cuts through the richness of a slow-cooked beef ragù. Best served at 16 – 18°C.
De Martino ‘Legado’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipo Valley, Chile (1 x 75cl bottle) | James Suckling: 93 Points
A brilliant study in Maipo typicity, the De Martino ‘Legado’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 captures the classic elegance of the Isla de Maipo sub-region. Produced from old vines rooted in the alluvial, gravel-rich soils of the third terrace of the Maipo River, this vintage eschews over-extraction in favour of a more ‘classical’ and refreshed profile. It unfurls with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and graphite, underscored by subtle notes of dried herbs and cedar. On the palate, the 2019 vintage exhibits a refined, medium-bodied architecture; it is defined by its silk-thread tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides a remarkable sense of lift. The fruit is remarkably pure - leaning towards crunchy black berries and plum—layered with a persistent, stony minerality that lends the wine a sophisticated ‘nervous’ energy. Best served at 16 – 18°C.
Whether you are exploring the salt-crusted minerality of Luís Seabra’s Douro or the elevated, fresh-faced Syrah of Brigitte Chevalier, this month’s case is designed to showcase how geology and microclimate can transform familiar grapes into something extraordinary. These six bottles represent a departure from the "big and bold," offering instead a series of wines that favour tension, agility, and a profound sense of place. We hope you enjoy discovering the intricate textures and vibrant energy within this May collection.
*From time to time, vintages may become unavailable; it is rare, but in that case, we will replace the wine with a more recent vintage. This offer is only available until the end of May, 2026.
