Cornas, Cuvée Hommage, Franck Balthazar, Rhône 2023 vs Tenuta San Leonardo, Terre di San Leonardo 2022

Tenuta San Leonardo, Terre di San Leonardo 2022

Tenuta San Leonardo is widely acknowledged as the top winery in Trentino, producing some of the most consistent wine in Italy. Terre is a more youthful version of the critically acclaimed ‘San Leonardo’ wine (known by critics as the “ Sassicaia of the North ”). "From the iconic San Leonardo, this is brilliant value red which is absolutely perfect right now with 5 years on the clock. As a Bordeaux blend with a good glug of Merlot, it favours earlier drinking and is the perfect match for BBQ'd meats...should summer ever actually arrive. If not, it will pair equally well with all manner of dishes you can cook in the oven or on the hob!" James, Wine Guru The Terre blend includes a higher percentage of Merlot (40% compared to 10% in the San Leonardo) alongside Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Carménère (10%). Only 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels, preserving the freshness of the fruit. At this price point, the wine compares favourably to a warm vintage Pomerol or Saint-Émilion: full of spicy ripe plum and roasted herbs.