Les Volets Malbec Haute Valle de L'Aude 2024 vs Soldiers Block Shiraz 2024
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £11.49 | £11.49 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Les Volets | Soldiers Block |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Malbec | Shiraz |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Les Volets Malbec Haute Valle de L'Aude 2024
A joyful and expressive Malbec from the cooler, higher-altitude vineyards of the Haute Vallée de l’Aude. Handcrafted by winemaker Guillaume Létang, “Les Volets” (meaning “shutters”) reflects the traditional village shutters typical of the region, capturing the unique character of this terroir. This wine is now HVE3 certified, ensuring sustainable viticulture practices. Meet the producer Boutinot France began as a small wine importer and has grown into a respected producer, dedicated to sourcing exceptional vineyards and crafting wines that express the best of each French region. Their focus on terroir-driven wines, combined with modern winemaking, creates approachable yet distinctive bottles. Production The Haute Vallée de l’Aude benefits from altitude, cool Atlantic breezes, and a diurnal temperature range that tempers the climate, slowing ripening and enhancing aromatic complexity. The fruit for this Malbec is sourced from the Pays Cathare region near Carcassonne and Limoux, where argilo-calcaire subsoils impart elegance and distinct flavour. Traditionally Malbec is bold and used for blending, but here it is vinified varietally with minimal oak influence to highlight freshness, purity, and regional expression. The wine is sustainably grown and vinified, achieving HVE3 certification. Tasting notes Vibrant ruby in colour, the nose opens with crushed blueberries, evolving into a complex, bittersweet crème de cassis with subtle parma violet notes. The palate is lively with fine red fruits, cranberries, and a delicate cocoa nib finish, offering a fresh, lifted experience. Food match Pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted meats, and seared tuna. Grape Malbec 100%
Soldiers Block Shiraz 2024
Soft, supple, and irresistibly moreish, this Victorian Shiraz captures the essence of Australia’s ancient vineyards while offering an approachable, everyday indulgence. Sourced from historic soils in Victoria, the wine balances finesse, purity, and structure with the classic eucalypt character and a subtly saline finish typical of the region. Carefully harvested at night and crushed within an hour, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve the bright fruit and avoid harsh tannins. A touch of barrel ageing and a sneaky 5% Malbec addition provide a hint of mulberry fruit and flowery perfume, making this Shiraz dangerously drinkable by the glass. Meet the producer Quintessentially Australian, this range offers consistent quality and hugely appealing, commercial wine styles that have earned a devoted following. Production Fermented at 22–25ºC, the Shiraz is gently pumped over to extract vibrant colour and aromatics. 20% of the final blend is barrel-aged, while 5% Malbec is added at the end to enhance the fruit profile and give the wine a soft, silky elegance. Tasting notes Bright and aromatic on the nose, with a subtle hint of naughty bacon fat. The palate is juicy, expressive, and refined, with soft tannins and a mulberry twist from the Malbec. This is the brightest and most dangerously drinkable vintage yet. Food match Pairs beautifully with Moroccan lamb tagine, roast vegetables, and mature hard cheeses. Grape Shiraz 100%
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