Recreate your own vineyard experience at home with these award-winning Old World wines

JUST WINE’s recently-launched Fine Collection series shows us that quality wines are by no means limited to being a collector’s prized vintage nor do they have to be exclusively shipped in by the case. They’ve sourced wines directly from notable Old World wineries, all family-owned but all have also made a name for themselves in their dedication to top quality grapes. These are the top five wines that Just Wines have settled on: 

A German Riesling from the Rheingau region.

Now, this German Riesling comes from Rheingau, a wine region that’s famed for its dry Rieslings – they’re known for their pronounced acidity and bright notes of citrus. Throw in the fact that the grapes are harvested from Weingut Kloster Eberbach, a winery with more than nine centuries of heritage, and you’ll see why this bottle is a favourite to pair with strong-flavoured dishes. Think lots of spice, cured meats, and even fondue.

A Spanish red wine made from the grapes of Rioja, that has won a high 88 point Silver in the London Wine Competition 2022

Spanish reds are delightful, in that they’re made from grapes like Tempranillo, Mazuelo, and Garnacha – all known for their slight dryness but still marked with juicy tannins. At Finca-Montalvillo’s vineyards, they age their red wines for a lengthy period of time. Crianza wines are aged for at least two years, with at least a year in used oak barrels. This wine is especially known for its bright palate, with pops of freshness of ripe red currants, vanilla, and tobacco. When you’re next having a steak or leg of lamb, this is the wine you’ll need to pair with.

A white wine from Côtes du Rhône, that has won a Silver Medal in the London Wine Competition 2022.

As most excellent whites do, this particular bottle pairs perfectly with shellfish and certain cheeses. You can expect notes of peach, white blossom, and even honeysuckle – all in all, it leans towards sweet while slightly dry. The vineyard itself is a third-generation family-run Winemaker, and they’ve been harvesting grapes for more than 50 years. 

An intense red from Côtes du Rhône Villages, that has won a Silver Medal in the London Wine Competition 2022

For those who enjoy a rich red, this French wine delivers on all accords. With a blend of grapes including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, this bottle is one that goes best with a platter of roasted meats or a hearty pasta dish. The nose comes off as fruity, with a hint of ripe red and blacks, but you’ll also interestingly get a sense of Greek yoghurt. As for the palate? It’s dry, somewhat lean with a load of tannins – make sure you’ve aerated it sufficiently. 

A red wine from Côtes du Rhône Villages, that has won a Silver Medal in the London Wine Competition 2022.

This one’s a red wine that makes a strong, forward statement with Syrah and Grenache grapes. Expect a nose of ripe red fruits but with undertones of medicinal, peppery, and leathery flavours. While it’s not everyone’s first choice, it’s undeniably easy to drink and pairs well with dishes that lean towards the richer side of taste, such as chicken stews and casseroles.