Harmonious, supple and generously flavoured, this is an absolute joy to drink. Usually grown on the east coast of Italy, the variety Montepulciano is given Grand Cru treatment by Hans and Therese in sunny Marlborough. With extremely low yields, a cold soak, and 30 months in barrel, it’s concentrated and layered with dark fruit. Tannin is dense, silky and oh so fine. We could go on, but you’re better off diving in yourself.

Hans and Therese Herzog are dear to us here at By The Bottle. Moving from Switzerland to plant their vineyard on the gravelly soils beside Marlborough’s Wairau River, the Herzogs are firmly recognised internationally as one of our greatest wine growers. An amazing 26 different varieties are grown on 13 organically farmed hectares. There is passion, quality and integrity at the heart of everything they do.