Chapel Down releases trio of European reds

Chapel Down has launched a trio of reds from Italy, France and Spain as part of its ‘Great Minds Drinks Alike’ series devised by head winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire.

The limited edition wines, which include a Syrah from the Languedoc and a Sangiovese from Tuscany, are an extension of the Chapel Down portfolio.

The Languedoc Syrah hails from Domaine Gayda, run by Brit Tim Ford, and is a blend of the 2016 and 2017 vintages from its Chemin de Moscou and Figure Libre vineyards.

“Our organic vineyard is focused on a quest for quality and innovation, and we’re honoured to be partnering with Chapel Down,” said Domaine Gayda’s winemaker Vincent Chansault.

The Italian red hails from Tenuta Tondaia in Tuscany

The French oak-aged Spanish red hails from De Bardos in Ribera del Duero, and is, according to Donaghay-Spire, an “elegant, fresh and well-balanced crianza” with gentle tannins and aromas of “dark fruit jam, tobacco and leather”.

The last wine in the series, Sass’alSole, is an organic Tuscan Sangiovese made at Tenuta Tondaia that has been part-aged in barriques for 14 months.

The wine is said to boast aromas of “cigar box, leather and spice, with a palate of cherry, black tea and dried fruit”.

“We’re forever curious to work with other leading wineries around the world. To share, to learn and to forge deep friendships. And for a long time we’ve wanted to share our discoveries with the growing congregation at Chapel Down,” said Mark Harvey, managing director of Chapel Down wines and spirits.

Donaghay-Spire added: “Making Chapel Down wines is an enormous privilege, but it is also hugely enjoyable to meet like-minded producers in other regions and to collaborate.

“As a winemaker it expands my skills and knowledge and I’m proud to have these three wines sit alongside our own wines.”

The Syrah by Domaine Gayda costs £13; and both the Crianza by De Bardos and Sass’alSole by Tenuta Tondi are priced at £15 a bottle.