It’s pretty difficult to do the job we do if you don’t live and breathe wine, it’s probably a bit of a cliché but it’s the god honest truth – we do! But we’re not satisfied with having an above-average interest in grape-based alcohol; from day one we have sought out producers who speak to us on a personal and philosophical level as well as an oenological one. Deep Rooted is an attempt to shine a spotlight on a handful of wines that really embody that mindset, that reach to the very heart of what we’re about – wines with a real sense of place, produced by stellar individuals and, above all, taste great too.

Valenciso Rioja Reserva:

Minimal intervention, maximum expression – this is the philosophy of Valenciso. Their story and identity are intrinsically linked to that of Tempranillo. Since its inception in 1998, the winery is whole-heartedly dedicated to producing the most authentic expression of Tempranillo possible; through sustainable viticulture, the decision not to fine or filter their wines and, importantly, the innovative use of concrete fermentation tanks they craft wines with longevity, and that maintain their natural freshness and vibrancy. This Reserva is the result of those guiding principles, bringing together tradition and modern winemaking practices to produce an elegant Rioja Reserva with elegance and finesse.

Learn more about the wine and the people behind it: https://spark.adobe.com/page/NFsZwYOZVGhfn/

Prà Soave ‘Otto’:

The white wines of Soave are some of the oldest documented in Italy and few individuals are more synonymous with the region than owner, Graziano Prà. Hailing from a long line of winemakers, Graziano took over the family wine business in 1980 after having completed his studies in oenology, bottling his first Soave vintage in 1983. Since then he hasn’t looked back and continues to go from strength to strength, producing wines that are subtle, ethereal and pure; ‘Otto’ Soave is no exception. If the excellence of the wine, the beauty of the winery, or the natural charm of the winemaker isn’t enough to peak your interest, then the story of Otto, the faithful Border Collie, who sadly passed away, leading Graziano to dedicate this wine to him should probably tug on your heartstrings and do the trick!

We’re proud to have worked with Prà for over 25 years and will you to discover more about them: https://spark.adobe.com/page/IAmpJwH7qfEqW/

Domaine Mas Barrau, Gard:

“I for one hope we will continue to see more Cabernet Franc-dominated wines – they are just so easy to drink” – Jancis Robinson MW

Hear hear! And we’re not just saying that because Jancis did…! This organic wine, from a single, sun-soaked plot in the Gard, overseen by winemaker Guillaume Letang, really does set new standards for French Cabernet Franc. It’s textured and luxurious with an incredibly long, rich palate that makes it a true pleasure to drink. Sleek and sophisticated: this is a wine we couldn’t live without.

If you’re interested in discovering what the sunny South of France has to contribute to a variety not often seen outside the cooler regions of Bordeaux and the Loire don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: https://spark.adobe.com/video/qlyTepRFrNd1I

Kloovenburg Grenache Noir:

Scraping in by half an hour on 26th September 1704, Kloovenburg is the oldest registered property in the now ‘on-trend’ South African wine region of Swartland, but Kloovenburg is very much a modern winery doing some very exciting things. Interestingly, all of this Grenache should have gone into Kloovenburg’s Eight Feet Red but it made such an impression on winemaker, the hugely talented Jolandie Fouché, that she stashed a few barrels to one side to make this experimental single variety wine. Now a real standout both the Kloovenburg and our own portfolios, this serious and contemporary wine is lovingly crafted to deliver elegance and purity in every sip! 

Learn more about Jolandie and what she’s achieved with this wine: https://spark.adobe.com/page/GBc1z95s69bKW/

Cadus Signature Series Criolla:

What, you’ve never heard of Criolla? To be honest, not many have but it’s a grape varietal going through a well-deserved revival in South America. Santiago Mayorga, awarded ‘Young Winemaker of the Year 2017’ and regarded as one of the greatest Argentinian winemakers of his generation, has managed to tale this long-forgotten grape variety and triumphantly craft it into a really interesting and delicious wine. Think something between Cinsault and Gamay, with a little bit of a Pinot Noir aroma… got it? If you’re looking for a real ‘point of difference’ wine that’s backed up by serious quality from an outstanding young winemaker, this is it.

Brush up on your Criolla knowledge, and even learn how to pronounce it properly: https://spark.adobe.com/page/06ZFPuuAcQk2d/

Crocera Barbera d’Asti Superiore:

Piemonte is known for fine red wines, in fact, some of the world’s most famous wines are produced in the region – the big boys of Barolo and Barbaresco. But recently, thanks to huge leaps in quality, another ‘B’ has joined the party, and Barbera is becoming a real force in the region, too. This wine, in particular, comes out of the wonderful Il Cascinone, using grapes sourced from the estate’s most prized vineyards as well as from other carefully selected sites. With an incredible concentration of ripe red and black fruits that balances the bright acidity and supple tannins, winemaker Carlo Manera has created a classic, yet outstanding example of Barbera d’Asti.

A ‘go-to’ wine for so many, from a titan of Piemonte winemaking – it’s one you really ought to pay attention to: https://spark.adobe.com/page/ALn7sbMLTPmhL/

Château Fabre Gasparets, Corbières-Boutenac:

The Fabre Family have a quite an extraordinary winemaking story to tell. Having been producing wine for over four hundred years it, you could be tempted into thinking that they were steeped in tradition and that current head of the family, Louis, would have it fairly easy continuing to do what they had done since Louis XIV sat in Versailles. The Fabres have, in fact, pioneered organic viticulture in France since 1991, having built on the principles laid out by grandfather, André Fabre, who returned to the Languedoc after WW2, having been a prisoner of war in Russia, to find his vineyards abandoned and in need of regeneration.

This Corbières made from old-vine Carignan Noir has it all – elegance, concentration, finesse. Quite the story, right? https://spark.adobe.com/page/Hv5lR3Fy4rNy8/