Sparkling
TABALI
Tatié Brut NV
Chile, Limarí Valley
Traditional method sparkling wine, and the result of a joint venture between Viña Tabali and Champagne Thiénot.
Produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Tabali’s Talinay vineyards. The hallmark minerality of those vineyards really shines through. Crisp acidity, lemon curd and toasty notes. Aged for 30 months.
With a price tag of ¥2,640, it’s essentially champagne with a far more favourable price.
KRUG
Grande Cuvée
France, Champagne
The ultimate Cuvée? Comes complete with a terrifying price tag and suffice to say it’s not something that crosses my path that often, but when it does it’s a time to sit back and revel in all it’s multi-vintage glory. For very special occasions or when someone else is paying.
These days carries a price tag of ¥30,000 or so.
White
TABALI
Talinay Chardonnay
Chile, Limarí Valley
Another gem from Tabali and on par with a Chablis Premier Cru. With the prices of Chablis creeping up, this is a very viable alternative at ¥2,200.
Fresh with crisp acidity but also slightly creamy leading to a well rounded finish thanks to 10 months of aging in French oak barrels.
Red
GIACOMO CONTERNO
Barbera d’Alba Francia
Piemonte, Italy
If there’s such a thing as an iconic Barbera, then this is surely it. While it can vary by vintage, there is a common core essence year to year. Generally, it boasts a rich and intricate flavor profile, with dark fruit notes like blackberries and dark cherries, along with tar-like characteristics. Many vintages also feature prominent floral and vegetal notes.
The wine is marked by incredibly fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Despite the alcohol content often exceeding 14%—many vintages hover around 15% to 15.5%—it maintains a balanced elegance. It’s typically best enjoyed around five years from the vintage but can age exceptionally well for a decade or more, gaining additional complexity and nuance.
While Conterno’s Barbera d’Alba Francia should be considered a premium Barbera wine and typically comes with a higher price tag compared to most other Barberas, no other comes close—except for Conterno’s own Barbera d’Alba Ceretta.