Free Wine from Wine52!

Wine52 are offering you a FREE case of wine (just cover the postage) showcasing the might of Californian Wine.

That's right, it really is as simple as covering only the £9.95 postage and you'll be sipping from one of the world's greatest wine regions. California's vineyards and viticultural scene have long been a symbol of innovation and reinvention in the industry, with science and technology paving the way for much of it. In most of the world’s major appellations, laws and legislations control varieties, winemaking techniques and labelling. Many areas allow only one, or perhaps a few different grape varietals to be cultivated. In California, they like to do things a little differently.

So, start your wine journey today with the UKs biggest wine club! Explore vibrant flavours, ancient traditions, and artisan winemaking every single month!

Here's a taste of what you'll get:

• Popaeg Petit Verdot - This single varietal Petit Verdot is sophisticated and lively on the nose, with an abundance of ripe, juicy red fruit. A hint of savoury earthiness compliments these fresh, fruity flavours on the palate, all rounded off by a memorable, long lasting finish.
• Montpellier Gewürztraminer - This delicate yet expressive Gewürztraminer from California showcases a refined balance of varietal character and local terroir influence. The nose is fragrant with soft rose petals, lychee, and a hint of citrus blossom, leading into a palate that is light, floral and refreshingly dry.
• Domaine Laurier Chenin Blanc - Light and fresh Chenin Blanc from California that combines the variety’s hallmark vibrancy with a fruit-driven profile. Expect aromas of ripe green apple, citrus zest, and a hint of white blossom, reflecting the region’s warm days and cool nights that preserve acidity while allowing generous ripeness. The palate is crisp and sapid, delivering bright apple and lemon notes, a refreshing mineral edge, and a clean, dry finish.

The choice is all yours. Pick from a red, white or a mixed case which will also include a copy of Glug magazine and two tasty snacks. You can even add a 4th bottle if you fancy!

Wine52 is a wine discovery club which showcases a new region every month. From velvety reds to crisp whites, focusing on native grape varieties from iconic regions they ensure that there's a perfect pour for every occasion and palate preference.

Wine52 Case Review: The Italian South

This month’s Wine52 case covers the Italian South, from Puglia to Sicily and more. The wines here are characterised by a warm climate and signature native grapes that give the wines a unique point of difference compared to the rest of Italy. This is the land of Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Aglianico and more. A selection of bold red grape varieties that reflect the intense sunlight right back into the glass.

The rugged terrain of Sicily is even more dramatic, with plantings of local varieties such as the white Catarratto and the black Nero d’Avola dominating the wine scene. Mount Etna provides a striking tourist hotspot and also excellent vineyard territory. Whilst the region is also known for mass-production, Sicily has had a rising reputation for some time, for both local and international grapes that are well worth trying. Luckily, this is your chance!

The Wine Tasting

Carretu Grillo

Grillo is a crossing between Catarratto and Moscato, making full-bodied white wines with floral, citrus and tropical fruits. This is one of my favourite Sicilian grapes (not had a bad one yet at least!) and is a bit of a rising star.

The nose is full of stone fruit (peach, apricot), green apple and white flowers. This translates wonderfully onto the palate along with intense lemon zest and a zippy saline finish. It’s an absolutely brilliant summer wine.

Aramus Catarratto

Catarratto is honestly a little infamous among many wine drinkers. It’s easy to grow and high yielding which tends to mean the wines are on the cheaper side. That said, I could have also just described Pinot Grigio to you there and we all know how well loved that is.

The Aramus I think was a good, exciting example of what can be done. On the nose was orange blossom and orange zest giving it a very pleasant start. To taste, I actually started leaning towards a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, albeit a less intense tropical one with passionfruit and lychee coming out. Add to that ripe peach and a slick mineral finish and you’ve got a wine with great flavour!

Storia d’Amuri Nero D’Avola

Sicily’s most planted black grape variety and possibly its most famous, is well suited to the hot climate. This was one of the more hefty styles I’ve tried with some earthy notes on the palate. But, it was well-balanced by bright red cherry and plum fruits, racy acidity and a nice mellowing vanilla finish.

This combo enabled it to feel lighter than it was which is perfect for BBQ weather!

Ajata Shiraz

This was a fun extra to see what Sicily could do with Shiraz. This was probably the first time I’ve actually seen a Shiraz from here so hard to resist the explorative urge.

The nose held its own against any spicy Aussie version with black plums, cherry, charred wood and of course spice. The palate brought in some bright relief with lively red fruits, fine tannin (although there was plenty) and a subtle darker undertone that gave it some real backbone.

So, the Wine52 Southern Italy case ticked a number of boxes for me.

• Great exploration of native grape varieties with the option to add extras such as the Shiraz to make the experience even more interesting.
• Delicious Wines, of course
• Brilliant Glug magazine highlighting the stand out varieties and even some cheeses from the region