Wine Explorer Subscription
The Wine Explorer subscription is designed for curious wine lovers ready to discover exciting grape varieties, emerging regions, and distinctive styles from around the world. This month's selection takes you across the Southern Hemisphere -New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa, showcasing how climate, soils, and winemaking philosophies create wines with unique personalities.
McBride Sisters Pinot Gris
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Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Variety: "Pinot Gris" (pee-no gree) About the wine: Founded by sisters Robin and Andréa McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company has become one of the world's most recognized Black-owned wine businesses. Their philosophy combines premium fruit sourcing with sustainable viticulture and a commitment to producing vibrant, approachable wines that celebrate diversity and innovation. Marlborough's cool maritime climate, abundant sunshine and long growing season allow Pinot Gris to ripen slowly while retaining lively acidity. Free-draining alluvial soils encourage concentrated fruit flavours, while cool night-time temperatures preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. The wine is fermented primarily in stainless steel to capture the purity of fruit and floral aromas while preserving its crisp, refreshing character. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (7 – 12 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Pork or salmon burgers, lemon & herb roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, creamy pastas WINE PROFILE: Fresh ripe pear, green apple, delicate floral notes, citrus, lemon curd, fresh melon, and a hint of ginger Recommended if you like: Albariño, Pinot Blanc, Grechetto |
Neethlingshof Chenin Blanc
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Origin: Stellenbosch District, Coastal Region, South Africa
Variety: "Chenin Blanc" (shen-in blonk) About the wine: Founded in 1692, Neethlingshof Estate is one of Stellenbosch's historic wine estates, combining centuries of winemaking heritage with modern sustainable practices. The estate is particularly known for producing elegant wines that reflect the unique terroir of Stellenbosch. Cooling breezes from nearby False Bay moderate the warm Mediterranean climate, extending the growing season and preserving acidity. Granite and sandstone-derived soils encourage excellent drainage while producing concentrated fruit with distinctive mineral character. The grapes are fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to retain its vibrant fruit profile, with lees (dead yeast cells) contact adding body and complexity to the wine. SERVED BEST AT: Cold (7 – 12 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Alfredo pasta, spicy Thai, curries WINE PROFILE: Pear, ripe yellow apple, dried mango, honey, white blossom, white peach, apricot, guava, orange zest, crisp and mouth-watering Recommended if you like: Aromatic, juicy, white wines |
Perlas del Callejón Cabernet Franc
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Origin: Vista Flores, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Variety: "Cabernet Franc" (kab-err-nay fronk) About the wine: Perlas del Callejón is produced from vineyards in Mendoza, where the high-altitude conditions of the Andes produce wines with remarkable freshness and concentration. Cabernet Franc has become one of Argentina's rising stars, producing wines that combine ripe fruit with herbal complexity and refined structure. The vineyards benefit from over 300 days of sunshine annually, low humidity and cool mountain nights. Meltwater from the Andes provides irrigation, while alluvial soils naturally restrict vine vigour, concentrating flavour in the grapes. Careful extraction during fermentation and restrained oak ageing preserve Cabernet Franc's vibrant fruit and varietal character. SERVED BEST AT: Slightly Cool (15 – 17 °C )
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Tomato sauces, grilled steak with herb sauces, mushroom dishes and mature cheeses WINE PROFILE: Blackcurrant, raspberry, plum, violet, graphite, subtle herbal notes with fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Recommended if you like: Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon |
Fin del Mundo Special Blend
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Origin: Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina
Variety: 40% "Malbec" (mal-bek), 40% "Cabernet Sauvignon" (kab-er-nay saw-vin-yawn), 20% "Merlot" (murr-low) About the wine: Bodega del Fin del Mundo ("End of the World Winery") is located in one of Argentina's newest premium wine regions. Established in 1999, the winery has become synonymous with elegant cool-climate wines that differ significantly from those produced in Mendoza. Patagonia's dry climate, low rainfall and constant winds naturally reduce disease pressure, allowing sustainable vineyard management with minimal intervention. Warm sunny days encourage full ripening while cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. Irrigation from snowmelt originating in the Andes provides precise control over vine growth. The blend is carefully crafted to combine ripe fruit with freshness, balancing richness and structure through gentle ageing in French oak barrels. SERVED BEST AT: Cool (12 – 15 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Grilled meats, Cheddar beef burgers, barbecue ribs, roasted vegetables and hard cheeses WINE PROFILE: Blackberries, plum, black cherry and black currant layered with hints of spice, cocoa and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long finish Recommended if you like: Complex, rich, dry, red wines |
Twelfth Night Late Harvest Gewürztraminer
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Origin: Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Variety: "Gewürztraminer" (ga-vurtz-tr-me-ner) About the wine: From the world's southernmost commercial wine region, known primarily for Pinot Noir, its cool climate produces beautifully aromatic white wines with exceptional purity and balance.The late-harvest style is achieved by allowing the grapes to remain on the vine longer than usual, concentrating sugars, flavours and aromas. Cool autumn nights help preserve vibrant acidity, ensuring the finished wine remains fresh despite its natural sweetness. A small amount of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) may further concentrate flavours, contributing richness and complexity while maintaining elegance. The winemaking involves the use of only stainless steel tanks to preserve the nature of the fruit's character. SERVED BEST AT: Ice Cold (3 – 7 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Blue Cheese, Spicy Asian dishes, Fruit Tarts, Curried Meats/Vegetables WINE PROFILE: Intense rose petals, lychee, ripe peach, honey and ginger. Rich and luscious yet refreshing. Recommended if you like: Moscato, Riesling, Sauternes, Orvieto |
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