Three Wine Houses, One Celebration – Wines to Gift, Share and Remember

There’s a moment every host anticipates: that gentle hush when plates are set, candles flicker to life, and someone pours the first glass. This season, our selections are chosen to create precisely that moment – bottles with enough personality to grace your table with confidence. Think of them as three storytellers: an island voice, a modern Spanish narrator, and an Italian with a long, distinguished family tale.

Below: nine named reds, tasting notes, food pairings and tidy gifting cues. Practical, warm and just a little theatrical – like a good host should be.

The Bottles – quick stories, clear pairings

Ta’ Betta – Antonio Manoel (Malta) Buy Now £50

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Story: Imagine a Maltese evening – limestone light, sea-breeze memory, compressed into a plush, generous red.

Tasting: blackcurrant, blackberry, dark chocolate and cedar.

Pair: herb-crusted lamb shoulder or roast pork with rosemary.

Gift cue: a memorable “island” choice for friends or clients who already have Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Ta’ Betta – Philippe Villiers (Malta) Buy Now £50

Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Franc.

Story: A rustic character who wears confidence lightly – peppery, steadfast and quietly proud.

Tasting: peppered black fruit, leather, savoury spice.

Pair: venison medallions, slow-braised beef cheeks or a winter stew.

Gift cue: for someone who likes bold conversation in a bottle.

Bodegas Hispano Suizas – Bassus Pinot Noir (Spain) Buy Now £29.50

Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir.

Story: The elegant guest who asks thoughtful questions – subtle, expressive and endlessly agreeable at the table.

Tasting: bright cherry, red berries, gentle oak, silky tannins.

Pair: roast turkey with herb butter, mushroom risotto or duck with cherry glaze.

Gift cue: a polished, crowd-pleasing Pinot that sits well in mixed-company packs.

Bodegas Hispano Suizas – Bobos (Spain) Buy Now £30

Grapes: 100% Bobal.

Story: The vibrant storyteller – expressive, generous and full of festive charm. Made from Bobal grape, it brings Spanish sunshine to the table.

Tasting: Juicy black cherry and plum, soft spice and lively acidity. Medium body, silky texture and a bright, savoury close.

Pair: charcuterie and Manchego, roasted root vegetables or herb-crusted lamb.

Gift cue: the bottle that says “share the joy.”

Bodegas Hispano Suizas – Quod Superius (Spain) Buy Now £49

Grapes: Bobal, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Story: The flagship statement – composed, powerful and built for grand dinners. A wine that commands attention yet speaks with polish and grace.

Tasting: Deep black fruit, cassis and plum layered with cedar, spice and velvety tannins. Elegant structure and a long, confident finish.

Pair: dry-aged rib of beef, venison loin or truffled wild mushroom ragoût.

Gift cue: the bottle that says “this night is important.”

Giusti – Merlot (Italy) Buy Now £15.50

Grapes: 100% Merlot.

Story: The quiet confidence – smooth, generous, and classically Italian. A Merlot with poise, made for intimate dinners and soft laughter.

Tasting: Plush red and black cherry, a touch of cocoa and vanilla, balanced with fine tannins and gentle freshness.

Pair: roast pork loin with herbs, mushroom risotto or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Gift cue: the bottle that says “for evenings that feel easy.”

Giusti – Massimo (Italy) Buy Now £19.50

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Story: The collector’s indulgence – rare, bold and layered. A limited red blend that feels celebratory from the first pour.

Tasting: Ripe blackberry, cassis and violet with espresso, dark spice and long, velvety tannins. A wine built to impress and to last.

Pair: slow-braised beef cheeks, porcini lasagne or aged Gorgonzola.

Gift cue: the bottle that says “open only when it truly matters.”

Giusti – Umberto I (Italy) Buy Now £47

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Story: The Italian flagship – elegant power in a velvet glove. A Cabernet-Merlot blend that mirrors quiet confidence and long tradition.

Tasting: Blackcurrant and plum framed by tobacco, sweet spice and dark chocolate; full-bodied yet impeccably refined.

Pair: prime ribeye steak, venison medallions or truffle-infused polenta.

Gift cue: the bottle that says “crafted for connoisseurs.”

Giusti — Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (Italy) Buy Now £26.50

Grapes: Valpolicella Blend (Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella).

Story: A convivial uncle at every Italian table – generous, spicy and good with everything saucy.

Tasting: ripe cherry, dried-fruit complexity, warm spice.

Pair: pork ragù, pappardelle with beef ragu, spiced lamb meatballs.

Gift cue: perfect for food-forward clients and family-style feasts.

The best wines, like the best evenings, are defined by intention. Here’s to bottles that open beautifully, conversations that flow easily, and moments that feel quietly unforgettable.

Our Sommelier – curating wines for those who celebrate with purpose.

At Our Sommelier, we believe that gifting a fine bottle of wine or a premium spirit should be as exquisite and memorable as the experience of uncorking it. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our Premium Gift Packaging Service, designed to elevate your wine and spirit gifting to a whole new level of elegance and thoughtfulness.

At Our Sommelier, we believe that gifting a fine bottle of wine or a premium spirit should be as exquisite and memorable as the experience of uncorking it. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our Premium Gift Packaging Service, designed to elevate your wine and spirit gifting to a whole new level of elegance and thoughtfulness.

Our Sommelier is a leading importer and purveyor of fine wines based in Blackheath, London. With a curated selection of wines sourced from prestigious vineyards around the globe and is dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality and sophistication to discerning clients and corporations.