Chapel Hill Small Batch #02 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2020
- 90
- $19
- Drink by: 2021 - 2025
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Spicy foods are an integral part of my diet. I like that burning sensation even at breakfast. On this occasion however, I blended my spice addiction with pizza. For me, a rustic crust is a good sign on a pizza. it holds the ingredients, making them feel a bit earthy. You don’t often find capers and jalapeños in the mix, but this time I was up for adventure.
Shiraz Mourvedre blends are a rare find. Even more so when produced in an ‘early drinking’ style. This 2020 Chapel Hill ‘Small Batch #02’ Shiraz Mourvedre offers so much from the outset. The packaging is modern and eye-catching, straight away presenting itself as a wild card. Chapel Hill small batch range is certainly intended for the young adventurous drinkers and I feel the connection.
An enticing bright blueberry aroma jumps out of the glass with thyme and black pepper notes. Particularly crunchy and juicy, it is very ‘more-ish’. These characteristics worked in synergy with the spicy pizza, tuning down the heat and playing up with the capers, giving it a vibrant uplifting finish. The pepperoni and jalapeño combo is not for the faint-hearted but it was the subtle herbal touch of the wine that enhanced the meaty edge on the palate.
This wine has a fresh personality that I found quite appealing and it was a great surprise because the blend itself can be voluminous and bold. Chapel Hill shows a deft touch with this wine and certainly reflects the producer’s aim to be relevant amongst younger generations who appreciate going off-piste.
David is a wine, beverage & gastronomy consultant. A passionate professional, with rounded expertise: from wine & fruit production as an Agricultural Engineer; marketing, wine trends and wine business as a wine merchant; buying, stock management and financial management as a wine & beverage manager; assessing wines as an international wine judge plus food and wine pairing expert as the co-author of PAIRED Volume 1: Champagne & Sparkling Wines. Find out more about David here at paired-media.com
