- Albariño
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Fiano
- Frappato
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Godello
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Negroamaro
- Parellada
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontés
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Trebbiano
- Tripat
- Verdejo
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Zweigelt
- Albariño
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Fiano
- Frappato
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Godello
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Negroamaro
- Parellada
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontés
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Trebbiano
- Tripat
- Verdejo
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Zweigelt
2022 Tohu Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sourced entirely from vineyards located in Marlborough’s stunning Awatere Valley, this vibrant wine displays aromas of ripe tropical fruit and passionfruit with lifted notes of currant and tomato leaf.
The concentrated palate is layered with flavours of sweet juicy pineapple, pink grapefruit, fresh green apple and hints of black olive. With herbal notes and a zesty minerality, this wine leads to a pure, lively and focused dry finish that has both freshness and length.
Viticulture
Grapes for this wine are sourced from blocks located in the upper, mid, and lower areas of the Awatere Valley. The Awatere Valley is cooler, drier and windier overall than other sub-regions of Marlborough, with a longer and cooler growing season. These climatic factors combined with vineyards located on young, fertile river terraces result in distinctive wines with a mineral drive and fruit-forward flavours. The 2018/2019 growing season in the Awatere began with unsettled weather resulting in lower yields overall, however a warm and dry summer with perfect growing conditions. grapes were able to be picked at optimal ripeness over harvest resulting in a wine with outstanding aromatics, palate weight and texture.
Vinification
Select blocks from the Awatere Valley are harvested using modern machine harvesters allowing ultimate extraction of flavour and aroma compounds from the skins of the grapes. Once at the winery the grapes are pressed into stainless steel tanks for cold settling, before being gently racked and inoculated with select yeasts chosen to naturally enhance the aromatic and flavour profiles of the wine.
Fermentation is carried out at cool temperatures allowing the wine to retain its bright aromas; with each batch fermentation typically lasting around 21 days. After fermentation is complete the wines are left to settle on their yeast lees for a short period before being racked again into stainless steel tanks for maturation. Meticulous classification of each batch results in a final blend that truly captures the exceptional characteristics of the vineyards. Once blended the resulting wine is stabilised and filtered without the need for fining, ready for bottling in mid-July 2019.
Producer
Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in our breathtakingly beautiful, Awatere Valley vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world's first Maori-owned wine company. Since then we’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"I haven’t tasted this since it came in last year - and boy has it changed! Last year it was all fresh, clean, refreshing acidity and subdued fruit - but with some time in bottle all that citric acidity has died down and really lets the passion fruit and pineapple flavours we associate with Marlborough Sauvignon shine through - absolutely delicious.
I think this is now our best value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Vegan & vegetarian too is a bonus!" March 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | New Zealand |
|
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Mussel fritters with lime zest, caper and fresh basil aioli |
Appellation | Marlborough |
N/V La Jara Prosecco Frizzante (10% abv)
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Nose
Delicate scents of acacia flowers and golden apple.
Palate
It is fresh, aromatic and sparkles with a light and delicate foam.
Terroir: The Land of Prosecco and of the river Piave
In the heart of north-eastern Italy, at a mere 50 km from Venice, lies the unmistakable terroir of Prosecco.
In this splendid area, stretching from the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hills to the river Piave, our vineyards are cultivated according to organic principles.
La Jara distinguishes itself through the production of high-quality organic wines, inspired by principles of respect for the vineyard and for its natural fertility cycle. In the flat fields surrounding the winery, the long aligned rows stretch for 50 hectares, as far as the gravelly bed of the river Piave, which has shaped this unique terrain.
Organic – for the Love of this Soil
Dedication, passion, and technical prowess, born of years of experience: this is what you need to cultivate a soil of such unique peculiarities.
Our love and respect for this soil prompt us to work symbiotically with the environment and with all of its components, preserving their balance. Our work in the vineyard scrupulously follows the natural cycle of our vines, respecting the seasonal trend of their growth and fertility. Setting aside haste and personal needs, we devote ourselves to the meticulous care of every single vine; we place ourselves at the service of the soil – just as papa Bruno has been doing since his childhood when grandpa Pietro entrusted him with this enormous responsibility.
Bruno still loves to spend his time among the rows of what he fondly defines as “his first love”: the vineyard. He knows his vineyard plant by plant; he knows how to interpret the signs of nature, to help his vines reach a harmonious balance – the aromas, colours, and sensations that have guided him since a very early age and continue to do so to this very day.
He rigorously supervises every operation in the vineyard, from pruning to harvest, according to traditional peasant methods: the resulting organic wine – with its unique and authentic flavours and aromas – reflects respect for the soil and for the environment.
We like to think that Nature is a perfect mechanism, whom it is our duty to indulge: day-to-day attention to the vineyard renders our grapes – and our wines – truly exceptional.
History
The vineyards here have been passed down through the generations since 1891. The 'Jara' name comes from the gravel that covers the vineyards and provides heat to the vines overnight – as they do in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Awards
- 2020 - Wine Enthusiast Tasting: 89 points – Prosecco DOC Frizzante
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Glera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 10% |
Units of Alcohol | 7.5 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food Matches | Perfect as an aperitif. Excellent with soups, salads, pasta, and pizza. |
Features | Organic, Vegetarian & Vegan Approved |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contain sulphites |
Origin | Treviso |
Appellation | Veneto |
2022 Waterkloof 'Circumstance' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Crushed laurel on the nose with more than a nuance of residual seaside salt.
Palate
This has a big and textured palate with stone fruit and fennel hints – it is rich and minerally, showing even a slight rocky quality about it. As bracing as the wind through the vines at Waterkloof.
Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude, and vintage. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes, and wines with a true sense of place. The Sauvignon Blanc is from three windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 270-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. The vines are 20 years old and production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Waterkloof follows a traditional, minimalistic approach in their gravitational cellar which means interfering as little as possible with the winemaking process. This allows the flavours prevalent in that specific vineyard to ultimately express themselves in the wine. To achieve this goal, all grapes are whole-bunch pressed, which ensures that juice is extracted in the gentlest way. The juice is then settled naturally for 24 hours. Naturally present wild yeast is employed to ferment the juice, mainly in old 600litre barrels (90%). This leads to a longer fermentation process with a slow release of aromas and a more structured palate. The natural fermentation process took 7-8 months to complete, after which the wine was left on the gross less for another 6 months. There are no added acid or enzymes during the winemaking process, with only a light filtration and a small addition of sulphur added as a preservative prior to bottling.
Awards
- The Wine Merchant Top 100 2019 - 2017 Vintage
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with fresh oysters or fresh crayfish on the grill. Great with a goat's cheese too. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | South Africa |
2020/21 Menade Organic Verdejo
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Wild ferment' organic and high altitude Verdejo - another beautiful example from Menade.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh stone fruit aromas with notes of fennel and thyme.
Palate
The palate is ripe and textural with white peach and herbal characters, balanced by crisp acidity and minerality.
Production
The Verdejo grapes are selected from parcels of vines, 20-25 years old, grown in pebbly, clay and chalky soils at between 700 and 800m altitude. Harvesting takes place by 3 different processes: part green daytime harvest by hand, part mechanised and part night-time harvest. Each parcel is vinified separately using wild yeasts in stainless steel. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 18-22ºC, and the wine remains on lees for a short period.
Producer
Bodegas Menade was established in 2005 by Alejandra, Marco and Richard Sanz - the 6th generation of this wine-producing family - just a kilometre west of the village of Rueda. Their winery incorporates a cellar hewn out of the solid rock of La Seca at the beginning of the 19th century. Richard is the winemaker at the estate, whilst his brother Marco is the viticulturalist, and sister Alejandra looks after exports and communications.
Their philosophy is grounded in nature, and respect for the vineyards and terroir. All wines are certified organic, no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards, and fermentation is with only natural yeasts present on the grape skins. This is a producer of seriously interesting and innovative Rueda wines; their portfolio focuses predominantly on Verdejo and includes the stunning 'La Mision', which is part fermented in tinajas (traditional clay fermenting vessels) made from clay from their own vineyards, and a (non-Jerez) Palomino Verdejo flor aged wine.
Sustainability
Menade’s by-line is ‘Made by Nature’ – the winery doesn’t use chemical treatments, opting instead for a natural approach using plant-based infusions (for example using nettles, cinnamon) which are kinder on the soil, plants and naturally occurring yeasts. All wines are certified organic, and no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards. They use green harvesting to control yields.
Their ecosystem includes mobile trees and bushes – to allow them to understand which are the most beneficial across their different vineyard parcels. They also have a garden boasting more than 40 species, many of the plants indigenous to Castilla y Leon, and pollination gardens with aromatic plants. These micro-systems, together with insect ‘hotels’, have created ideal habitats for insects and other wildlife - increasing biodiversity in their vineyards.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
'Delivering loads of flavour for an organic offer. Incredibly fresh, good peach fruit flavours, lively acidity and fine layers of texture with an underlying minerality. And Histamine free - so good for allergy sufferers as well! First time I’ve seen that on a label! Does that mean no headaches?!'
Specifications
Year | 2020/21 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Verdejo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic & Sustainable farming |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites and no other allergens |
Food Matches | Baked fish with fennel |
Appellation | VDT Castilla Leon |
2021 Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classic fruit-driven Maipo Cabernet sourced from some of the best organic vineyards in the valley.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Ruby red in colour.
Nose
The nose is intense, with a pronounced presence of blackcurrant backed up with notes of cherries and strawberries as well as a hint of chocolate.
Palate
Medium-bodied and well balanced with ripe black fruits, smooth tannins and refreshing acidity, resulting in a juicy and approachable Cabernet.
Production
Grapes for this wine are organically grown in very deep soils on terraces of alluvial origin with loam to clay-loam textures and abundant stones in the profile that provides excellent drainage. The Alto Maipo zone has ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The Maipo River naturally regulates the temperatures and prevents extreme cold or frost as well as excessive summer heat. The absence of rainfall in the spring encouraged good fruit set and excellent plant health. It turned cloudy as summer began, however, and rainfall in early April forced an early harvest. The early harvest returned wines that are perfumed, expressive, and elegant. Vinification begins with a 4–5-day pre-fermentation cold soak at 8ºC followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with native yeasts at 26ºC and a pumpovers program determined by enological criteria. Malolactic fermentation takes place naturally in tanks and barrels, where the wine is aged at controlled temperatures for 12 months. It is neither fined nor stabilized; it is just lightly filtered prior to bottling. The wine is aged for 12 months, 60% in French oak barrels, 10% in a French foudre, and 30% in stainless steel.Producer
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Silver - 2018 International Wine Challenge (2015 vintage)
Alan's Personal Notes
"Full-on classy damson and cherry fruit - beautifully balanced with a touch of oak. Such a good glass of wine for £9.95 a bottle - organic & vegan to boot!"
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Ideal with meat-based dishes and stews, slow-cooked beef, and pastas such as gnocchi with blue cheese.
|
Origin | Maipo Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle del Maipo |
2022 Domaine de la Vieille Tour Rosé
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A perfect pale pink that screams Provence!
Tasting Notes
This is a perfect, pale, raspberry-pink wine that is very drinkable. Delicate aromas are followed by lovely sweet fruit from Grenache grapes. Clean and well balanced with good depth.
Production Method
The Domaine's vineyards are situated in the best area of the AC Côtes de Provence with a very particular micro-climate and sandstone clay soils. A classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, the grapes are picked by hand. This is a rosé de presse produced in an ultra-modern gravity-fed winery.
Producer
Domaine de la Vieille Tour is a 22-hectare estate in the Côtes de Provence, situated between Pierrefeu and Cuers and not far from Château Gairoird. The Domaine's vineyards benefit from lying in a slight geographical depression which has a particular microclimate, encouraging the long and even ripening of the grapes. Grapes for the rosé, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, are cultivated on sandstone clay soils and harvested by hand, before being transported to a very modern, gravity-fed winery.
A Note on Sustainability
As a négociant, Gilardi is very keen to minimize its own environmental impact and to work with sustainably-minded growers. For example, on its bottling line, Gilardi has switched from a traditional sediment filtration system to a more efficient cross-flow filtration system and chooses eco-friendly dry goods such as Normacorc’s carbon neutral "Select Green" corks which are made from plant-based polymers from renewable resources and which are recyclable. Gilardi is expanding its collaboration with HVE Level 3 certified winemakers and currently, two of the wines it offers are organic.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 45% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 20% Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites and Milk |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Sustainable |
Food Matches | Lovely on a summer’s day - serve chilled and accompany with seafood, mediterranean dishes or just by itself. |
Origin | Provence |
Appellation | Côtes de Provence |
2021 McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Powerful and jammy with refreshing acidity. Each mouthful is redolent of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, watermelon and blackberries laced with vanilla, caramel and hazelnuts. Delicious but not for the faint-hearted!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium-dark purple
Palate
Pleasant ripe red currants and fresh Strawberry immediately come to mind. While after some contemplation caramelized sugar and toast become incontrovertible. The savoury bright red fruits are enveloped in the succulent, juicy wine which possesses soft, supple tannins.
Production
The grapes for our Lodi Appellation 2018 Zinfandel were harvested in September 2018, with an average Brix of 26.2. After 7-9 days of stainless steel fermentation on the skins, the must was pressed and the wine finished fermentation. The wine was then aged, on average, for 4-6 months with a combination of new and used, French and American Oak.
History
In 1990 Ron and his wife Jamie, bought their first vineyard and in 1995 McManis Family Vineyards was formed with the purpose-built winery arriving by the end of the Millennium. Now the McManis family own over 2,600 acres between the Ripon area and Lodi in California’s northern interior region.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 77% Zinfandel, 16% Teroldego & 7% Petite Sirah |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 14.0% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now but will keep |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian, Sustainable Farming |
Food Matches |
Simply delicious and a perfect choice for grilled ribs or burgers. Zinfandel food pairings: chicken wings, spaghetti Bolognese, grilled lamb loin, grilled duck breast. |
Origin | California |
2022 Waterkloof 'Circumstance Cape Coral Mouvèdre Rosé'
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Mourvedre is perfect for Waterkloof, with its head in the sun and feet in the sea. So, not one to follow fashion, Paul Boutinot has made it the most planted red grape on this biodynamic farm. Cape Coral Rosé has vindicated that decision, promptly proving itself to be one of the finest rosés in The Southern Hemisphere, if not The World. Pale in colour and discreet of fragrance, yet with a palate weight and texture that makes it a decidedly gastronomic rosé.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale salmon colour
Nose
Delicate aromas of peach, spice and herbs are prominent on the nose.
Palate
A fresh, yet broadly textured mouthfeel with a long, savoury and deeply satisfying finish. This rather grown-up wine makes a wonderful partner to almost any dish you care to prepare.
'Rooibos! Distinct terroir character here – whether it’s fynbos or tea or whatever, it certainly seems to reflect its home. Excellent softness and complexity. As valid a fine wine as many reds or whites – really shows what great rosé can do. Finishes with a long, mealy length.' – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20
'A delightfully pale coloured Rosé. Delicate red berry aromas combined with a flinty note are prominent on the nose. The palate is soft with a lingering fresh acidity on the aftertaste. Traditionally the wine is served chilled on its own, but also marries well with spicy, tuna-based sushi.' – Nadia Barnard
Awards
The Wine Merchant Top 100 2016 - 2015 Vintage
Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre vines are dry-farmed, windswept and low-yielding. Production is a minuscule (for rosé) 5 tons per hectare. Grapes were hand-harvested followed by a gentle whole-bunch pressing in a horizontal basket press, to extract only the finest juice. No further maceration of the juice with the skins was allowed. The juice was run down via gravity into tank and left to settle naturally for 12 hours. From there the clean juice was racked off to wooden fermenters to start the natural fermentation spontaneously, relying on wild yeasts that occur naturally in the vineyard. The reason why Waterkloof ferment in older wooden fermenters is to ensure a slow ingress of oxygen throughout the process and therefore a longer fermentation without picking-up any oak aromas. The wine was then left on the primary lees to add further complexity before bottling. The wine then spent a minimum of six months on lees. No fining, just a light filtration. The only addition was a small amount of sulphur before bottling.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. To learn more please visit their website.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Mourvèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Anything goes, whether it be sushi, spice or even steak! |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2022 Rag and Bone Riesling
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The rationale behind this label is a quirky one! Our product manager found out that due to the tiny production of a particular wine, half the vineyard fruit was to be discarded....so he stepped in to say we would be interested to play with this other half given the quality of the wine over previous years. This lead to thinking about up-cycling the near-discarded, how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure etc and whilst humming over a potential moniker for the wine, God’s honest truth, a rag & bone van parked up outside his house calling for any old iron etc. Albeit a man in a white van, rather than horse & cart, the name stuck. The label reflects a collection of discarded items that together make up an eclectic assortment greater than the sum of its parts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose classically expresses the vineyard... it's like having a fresh lime in your hand that you crush gently over minerals... literally lime on the rocks!!
Palate
The palate is bright, zingy, singing with natural acidity and really textural. It reflects the vineyard with its fine sandy texture with really bright, white pithy fruit. Just a cracking Eden Valley Riesling!
Awards
- The Wine Merchant Top 100 2019 - 2018 vintage
- Silver at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 - 2018 vintage
- Silver IWC 2018 - 2017 vintage
- Gold IWC 2017 - 2016 vintage
- Silver IWSC 2016 - 2015 vintage
Production
Eden Valley Riesling is prized for its vibrancy, purity and longevity and has produced many of Australia’s greatest Rieslings. The fruit for Rag & Bone is sourced from Binder’s single-vineyard, high up on the Eastern side of Eden Valley. Warm days and cool nights ensure that the grapes develop ripe, intense fruit flavours whilst retaining appealing zing and acidity. The fruit was delivered to the winery immediately after harvesting in the cool hours of the morning, then processed very gently through our tank press. Free run and pressing portions were determined by Christa, using her vast experience with this variety. A Ratafia style wine was made from the pressings and the free-run juice was used to make this wine. The juice was cold settled and 3 days later the clear juice was transferred into fermentation tanks. Bottling took place in the middle of June.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Well suited to seafood dishes, spicy cuisine and anytime in the company of those who enjoy a quality riesling! Try chili prawns, green Thai curry, fish and chicken laksa (with chili, coconut, ginger and lime). |
Origin | Eden Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
2022 La Reine de l’Arenite, Fleurie la Madone
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pretty, floral, elegant and aromatic. Spot on Fleurie!
Tasting Notes
Very pretty indeed, a heady perfume of freshly picked irises and peonies drifts above the crushed berry fruit nose. Ripe tannins and fresh acidity support a palate of Morello cherries, strawberries with a wonderful savoury finish.
Production Method
'Arenite' is the terroir of pinky, crumbly sandstone of the La Madone vineyards, rated as one of the best vineyards in Fleurie. At up to 450m altitude and with soils still untouched by phylloxera, goblet trained vines on the east and southeast facing vineyards lie below the Chapel of the Madonna at the top of the hill. Gamay Noir vines range from 40 to 90 years of age. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-berry fermented for 8-10 days (traditional maceration carbonique) followed by a further 2 or 3 days on the skins to assist with aromas. No use of cultured yeasts. Pressed after an 8-10 day cuvaison. First press wine was returned to vat and left for 8 months before bottling.
Producer
Like all good stories, Boutinot France's is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. After 10 years, the business had grown and Samantha Bailey packed her bags to set up an office in Burgundy. Today, Boutinot has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don't use any single 'model' to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Véran. Drawing on the expertise of our 4 winemakers and network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality to price ratio possible at every price point.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gamay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian |
Food Matches | In winter, match with a roast leg of lamb. During the summer, chill lightly and serve with roasted or barbecued chicken or pork. |
Origin | Beaujolais / Maconnais |
2022 Sepp Moser Classic Style Organic Grüner Veltliner
Regular price £14.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Gruner Veltliner is every bit as Austrian as the Blue Danube waltz!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale lemon yellow with green tinges.
Nose
Delicate aromas of pear, kiwi, apricot and white spice.
Palate
On the palate stone fruit flavours and white pepper lead to a gently textured, mineral and citrus finish.
Producer
The Sepp Moser Estate was founded by the famous Austrian wine producing pioneer, Lenz Moser. Lenz Moser's son, Sepp Moser, began operating under his own name in 1987, and handed over the direction of this family-owned estate to his own son Nikolaus in the year 2000.
The Sepp Moser Estate comprises of 50 acres of vineyards in two prominent wine regions; Kremstal (22 ha) and Neusiedlersee (28 ha). In the Kremstal, Nikolaus produces an international range of varieties as well as the ever more important local varieties of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The reds are produced on the gravelly soils of the warm southern Neusiederslee village of Apetlon. All Sepp Moser wines have been organic (and all estate wines biodynamic) since 2007.
Production Method
The majority of the Gruner Veltliner grapes for this dry white were grown on the steep, rocky terraces of Rohrendorf in Kremstal and the surrounding area. The löss soil on these steep terraces is rich in lime and sediments from the last ice age, and can be up to 35 metres thick! Vines are trained on high trellises, with grapes organically produced and hand harvested. Grapes are destemmed and crushed and the must left to settle for 3-4 hours before pressing. Fermented and aged in stainless steel.
A Note on Sustainability
The Sepp Moser estate produces a wide range of wines every year thanks to its vineyards in two diverse regions. There is one main aim in the cellar: the quality of the grapes shall be brought with as little influence as possible to the bottle. The grapes in the Sepp Moser vineyards are harvested by hand and at the cellar of the Atrium House Nikolaus Moser emphasises gentle vinification and tries to interfere as little as possible with the process so that each wine can develop its own individual style. The fermentation starts spontaneously, and the maturing of the wine takes place on its own.
In 2006, Nikolaus officially moved the estate to biodynamic viticulture – one of the first to do so in Austria – and became Demeter certified. 2009 saw the release of Sepp Moser’s first certified organic wines. Nikolaus is very keen to reduce the amount of copper and sulphur used in the vineyards, and this year saw a reduction of two thirds over what was sprayed previously. He composts all the estates pomace and vine trimmings, and there is an ongoing effort to plant trees around the vineyards.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Grüner Veltiner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable Farming |
Food Matches | Match with white fish or chicken salad. Dry, crisp and the perfect partner for mildly spicy fusion cooking. |
Origin | Niederosterreich |
2021 Salvaje Syrah
Regular price £14.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep violet-red.
Nose
The nose is very fruity with a predominance of black fruits such as blackberries and blueberries on the forefront followed by light notes of blackcurrants and violets.
Palate
The fruity intensity is present at all times and pairs with the very velvety, elegant palate to make this wine very easy to drink.
Production
The Syrah and Rousanne grapes were picked into bins, transported to the winery and immediately chilled. The reception process begins with a double selection system on conveyor belts both before and after being destemmed. The grapes are then crushed and deposited into stainless steel tanks, where they undergo a 3-day cold maceration at 6º–8ºC. The temperature was then raised for the alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts at temperatures controlled to 24º–27ºC with a pump over program managed according to enological criteria. The new wine remained on its skins for an additional 6–7-day post-fermentation maceration and a total vinification of approximately 20 days. Malolactic fermentation took placed naturally in stainless steel tanks, where the wine was aged for 12 months. The wine was the stabilized naturally without treatments. It was filtered with a 1-micron cartridge filter prior to bottling. The wine is aged for 5 months in stainless steel tanks.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Awards
- Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards 2019, 2018 Vintage
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 97% Syrah, 3% Roussanne |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | A great match with lamb, sirloin, or other red meats. |
Origin | Casablanca Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle De Casablanca |
2020 Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
The most sold wine in the Hartenberg portfolio, now celebrating 26 vintages. At a previous Classic Wine Trophy competition ten Gold medals were awarded by the French judges to the 385 red wines. Most estates entered their flagship wines. Due to Hartenbergs' uncompromising approach to standards they felt comfortable entering the pocket-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz. The wine won Gold.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vibrant red in colour.
Nose
An alluring blend of wild herbs and spices on the nose with hints of freshly picked dark fruits and berries on the palate, ending in a savoury finish.
Palate
Ripe, soft tannins balance well with the lingering finish.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Accolades
- 2016 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2016 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2015 Vintage 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin; 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2013 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2012 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2011 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2010 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide & 90 Points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz/Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Mourvedre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 10 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pizza with all its various toppings (but not too much chilli), all traditionally prepared meat dishes (i.e. stews and grills), grilled or roasted game fish (ideally without a lemon based sauce) or for pudding. Pears in red wine will find a partner with this versatile wine.
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2021 Cortese Nostru Nero d'Avola No added Sulphur
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Rooster, a symbol of pride, courage and honesty, watches over the vineyards. The ancient Greeks believed that the Rooster greeted the sun every morning with its cordial song, which symbolized the victory over the night but at the same time also serves as an alarm clock to mark the beginning of the day for both the animals and the winemakers!
In Cortese, early morning is a key time to work in the vineyards thus avoiding the impetuousness of the Sicilian sun.
Tasting Notes
Our NSA Nostru Nero d’Avola is really something quite different. It has a unique mouth-feel, it is soft and well-rounded, with the purest of black fruits flavours coming through.
What is a wine with no added sulphites?
Sulfur dioxide is naturally produced by wine during fermentation. In this case we do not add any further. This is possible because during the winemaking process we carry out all the operations meticulously so that it is not necessary to add sulphites.
Viticulture
The grapes are 100% Nero d’Avola from Azienda Agricola Cortese, our organic estate in Vittoria, south-eastern Sicily. The grapes are very carefully selected by hand in the middle of September, brought to the winery in small containers and processed immediately.
Vinification
The prime aim when producing a NSA wine is to keep everything in the winery meticulously clean in order to avoid any possible microbiological growth, except for yeast for the primary fermentation and bacteria for the malolactic fermentation. Fermentation is done in the usual way and we do the pumping over in the early stages of the process. After fermentation, we keen the wine in contact with the skins for 3-4 days, doing some pumping over in order to keep the cap wet. The wine is racked and then stored, with meticulous care not to allow any contact with oxygen.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nero d'Avola |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Certified Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Perfect to be served with Mediterranean dishes, roasts of red meat, game, mushrooms and tasty cheeses. |
Origin |
Sicily, Vini DOC |
2022 Emiliana Animalia (Orange Wine) Organic
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Emiliana have ventured into the world of orange wines, this being a Sauvignon Blanc fermented on skins. Really successful and has some Casablanca typicity to it.
Tasting Notes
Colour & Nose
Golden orange in colour and aromas of ripe stone fruits, figs and dried herbs on the nose.
Palate
Where as most Orange wines anonymise varietal, Animalia actually has a grassy Sauvignon tange beneath the Orange structure. Clever, tasty stuff from Emiliana.
Production
This Orange wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Casablanca Valley where the vineyards are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the Humboldt Current. With high humidity rates, its average temperatures reach 25°C in summer and 14°C in winter. The grapes were destemmed and crushed, and left with their skins. They fermented in concrete tanks at approximately 18º C, soft punch downs obtained a subtle extraction. Once the fermentation was finished, the wine was aged in concrete eggs for five months with the skins. After that, it was prepared for bottling.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Accolades
- Silver at the IWC 2022 (for the 2021 Vintage)
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"After 40 years tasting wines there’s not many wines I taste now that gives me an instant buzz - but this does - fresh and clean with stone fruit flavours and a herbal touch. Most orange wines I’ve tasted have a very pure, anonymous edge to them but this is different - great flavour, huge intensity and a texture to die for. It’s a Boutinot wine from Emiliana Wines in Chile. A stunning intro to orange wine at an affordable price point - defo worth a try!" August 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | Orange Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | This is a versatile wine that makes a great pairing with cheeses and charcuterie. It can also be served to match with white meats and fish. |
Origin | Casablanca Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle De Casablanca |
2020 Smalltown Vineyards The Black Craft Shiraz
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Germans were the first free immigrants into Australia in the 1850s onwards. They planted Shiraz in Barossa. Germans also invented letterpress in the 1500s. The suspicion around the “magick” of a printing press coupled with the inky hands of the printers meant that the art became known as the Black Craft. The wine is an homage to both the German influence of the oldest wine-making in Australia, as well as the letterpress.
Tasting Notes
A compelling, dark and rich chocolately beast. A classic Barossa Shiraz with intense savoury flavours of thick blackberry compote, black pepper and typical iron-rich beefy flavours. Not a hint of jam here, no sweetness, this is serious Shiraz for grown-ups with balanced acidity, a touch of cocao powder in the finish and tremendous length.
Production Method
This Shiraz is sourced from the finest available vineyard sites across the premium Northern Barossa Valley including for the most part Greenock, Western Ridge and Ebenezer. Aged 11 months in a variety of oaks, all American and French, new and old, around 35% new. All oaks were AP John, Barossa coopered. As usual withSmalltown, it was fermented in open fermenters. They don’t set the blades too close together during crushing so a fair bit of whole berry in the ferment which gives the wine generous fruit and soft tannins.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | As the name implies, black is the key - anything chargrilled would be superb here, so think griddle pans and barbecues! |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | South Australia |
Appellation | Barossa |
2022 Paolo Leo Mora Mora Malvasia Nera
Regular price £12.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Full-bodied and well balanced, with a lively tannin and a pleasantly lingering finish of ripe red fruits.
Malvasia nera is one of the oldest indigenous grape varieties in Puglia and it is likely that it arrived in southern Italy starting from the Dalmatian coasts beyond the Adriatic Sea. The aromatic black grape variety, is distinguished by a high sugar concentration and the almost total absence of tannin in the skins, a characteristic that makes it unique and unexpected especially when sipped even slightly cool in the sunny Salento summers.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Mora Mora is presented in the glass with a beautiful intense ruby red color.
Nose
On the nose, it offers small red fruits such as blackberries and mulberries in full ripeness. Then there are hints of dried plums and sweet spices such as cinnamon and cloves that give an enveloping tertiary perception.
Palate
In the mouth, it is warm, juicy, fresh with a slightly hinted acidity. Final with a very light sweetish aftertaste given by the typical fruit of black malvasia.
Vinification
The harvest is carried out in the second decade of September with a manual harvest of the grapes completed in the early hours of the morning, in the coolest hours of the day. After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and the crushed grapes ferments in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 22-24 ° C for 8-10 days. The must is subjected to various pumping over and delestage that offer a technological extraction of color and tannins. Subsequently the wine is drawn off in a soft press. After the first racking, again in stainless steel, the malolactic fermentation takes place. Finally, the wine finishes its maturation for 3 months in second and third passage French oak barriques and is already ready to be drunk very young.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malvasia Nera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14.5% |
Units of Alcohol |
10.9 units
|
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
The aromaticity of the Black Malvasia di Moramora combines with slow cooking ragù. The best embers of meat enhance the structure of the wine. Combined with cold cuts and cheeses it becomes a great company guest.
|
Cellaring Potential | 10-15 years |
Allergen Information
|
Contain sulphites |
Region | Puglia |
Appellation | IGP Salento |
2018 Laborie Méthode Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Made using the traditional champagne method, the fresh and youthful MCC is often awarded Gold.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This complex and indulgent MCC shows rich secondary aromas with orange blossom and lemon zest on the nose.
Palate
On the palate there are hints of lime, accompanied by aromas of toasted bread and macadamias. The mousse is fine, elegant and ensures a rich, creamy and textured palate with an explosive acidity and lasting, elegant finish.
In the Cellar
The grapes were whole bunch pressed and only free run juice was used for the final blend. A Selected yeast was used for primary fermentation. A 20% portion of the Chardonnay was allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine was blended, bottled and underwent a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This was followed by bottle maturation of approximately 36 months. Only then it was disgorged, corked and labelled.
Awards
- No. 3 slot in Decanter’s top 100 wines of the year for 2023
- 2021 Veritas Awards - Gold
- 2020 Veritas Awards - Gold
- 2019 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge - Gold
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Residual Sugar | 7.3 g/l |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.2 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | The wine can be cellared for 5 - 7 years from vintage. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Enjoy this bubbly well chilled and on its own, or with oysters, sushi and other delicate seafood dishes. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Castel del Lupo Pinot Grigio ‘Della Ginestra’
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Castel del Lupo’s impressive new release was made especially for Boutinot from grapes grown on the south-facing, chalky Ginestra vineyard. Like their Pinot Nero, this PG from the gently hilly Oltrepo Pavese DOC, the ‘Tuscany of Northern Italy’, has subtlety, depth and character. It’s a pure, gently aromatic style, crisp and lightly nutty, with fine citrus and peach fruit characters and savoury, textural finish from 4 months on fine lees.
Nose
A subtle, delicately aromatic and lightly floral nose with citrus and white peach notes.
Palate
The palate has fresh stone fruit and lemony characters leading to a gentle, textured mid-palate and an attractively crisp, saline finish.
Production Method
The Pinot Grigio grapes are organically grown, harvested by hand, and undergo careful selection. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature (17°C), and the wine is then kept on fine lees for at least four months.
Producer
Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.
A Note on Sustainability
A proportion of the cantina’s vineyards are in conversion from sustainable to organic cultivation and will be certified as organic from 2020.
Awards
- Bronze Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2018 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable, Organic |
Food Matches | Ideal as an aperitif, excellent with summery appetizers and fish dishes. |
Origin | Lombardia, Italy |
Appellation | DOC Oltrepo Pavese |
2021 Cave de Tain Exploration Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
Regular price £12.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
From Syrah experts Cave de Tain, whose vineyard and winemaking practices easily lend themselves to making a low sulphites wine, comes this IGP Syrah to complement their Crozes-Hermitage Sans Sulfites.
This has the intense dark berry fruit of the very ripe 2020 vintage with smooth tannins but still the edge and freshness of proper northern Rhône Syrah.
Production Method
For Cave de Tain making a 'Sans Sulfites' Syrah isn’t just an experiment or attempt to keep up with trends; it is the epitome of Tain’s philosophy. Syrah, a variety in which Cave de Tain excel, is sourced from vineyards in the hills (collines) of the northern Rhône. All growers practice reasoned (or even organic) viticulture as part of the strict sustainable practices laid down by the Vignerons en Development Durable (VDD), which Cave de Tain has followed since 2007. Vine health is paramount with practices such as 'epillonnage' (removing secondary shoots to aerate the grapes, increasing the vines restistance to humidity without the use of treatments) regularly monitored in each plot. All vineyards are within 15km of the cellar, meaning the grape harvest is delivered quickly and in prime condition, negating the need to add sulphur. In the winery (which benefitted from considerable investment in 2014) hygiene control measures are impeccable, another key factor in making a wine ‘sans sulphites’.
Producer
At the foot of the famous hill of Hermitage, the Cave de Tain co-operative produces five appellation d'origine contrôlée wines: Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St-Joseph, Cornas and St-Péray. Cave de Tain also owns a 21 hectare domaine within the prestigious Hermitage appellation where the head winemaker, Xavier Frouin, supervises every stage of vinification from grape sorting to bottling.
The Cave has established an enviable reputation for authentic wines that express the full character of their individual terroirs, thanks to careful and non-intrusive vinification methods. Over the years, traditional techniques have been enhanced by the latest developments in modern winemaking. Cave de Tain's new cellars were completed in late 2014; a total investment of €10m has dramatically reinvigorated winemaking facilities, increasing the Cave's ability to produce top-quality wines.
A Note on Sustainability
Cave de Tain is a dynamic and forward-thinking co-operative, proud of its sustainability programme and a certified member of Vignerons en Développement Durable since 2009. Natural means of improving vine health such as épillonnage and pheromone sprays to disrupt insect pests’ breeding patterns are employed, and they are committed to using organic viticultural practices wherever possible. This also serves to increase the biodiversity of the vineyards, further boosting vine health, reducing the need for chemical phytosanitary treatments and improving the quality of the fruit.
They work to reduce their carbon footprint by utilising natural sources of energy, e.g. by fitting farms with solar panels, by the methanisation of grape marc to generate electricity, and by grinding up and composting the vine prunings instead of burning them so as to improve the quality of the soil and to hold onto the carbon trapped within them. Currently, up to 75% of their production waste is recycled, rainwater is captured for use on the estates, and a collective “river contract” has been drawn up to prevent the pollution of the local groundwater. Water usage in the cellar has been reduced by 90% simply by re-examining all of the ways in which it is used.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable |
Food Matches | As an aperitif, grilled meats or duck terrine. Try with Saint-Marcellin and Picodon cheeses. |
Origin | Rhône, France |
Appellation | IGP Collines Rhodaniennes |
2019 Cortese Nostru Nerello Mascalese
Regular price £12.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Leathery, resistant, attached to life: the Agave embodies the spirit of the territory that hosts it. Able to survive in all conditions, he never forgets to explode into the sky in a flowery tower.
An extremely versatile wine. Perfect with pasta, either with white meat or tomato-based sauces, but equally with roasted meats, tuna or swordfish cooked on the grill.
Tasting Notes
This lovely midweight red wine is made from Mount Etna's premium red grape.
Colour
Ruby Red in colour which will tend to Garnet with aging, with a modest concentration of color typical of the variety.
Nose
The aroma is fine and varied, prevailing over all the small red berried fruits accompanied by an elegant spicy character. Intense yet delicate it has a silky fine texture with redcurrant and blackcurrant notes.
Palate
In the mouth the Nerello Mascalese excels for its elegance thanks to silky tannins and contrasted by a marked minerality.
Vineyards
The name Nerello Mascalese derives from the small town of Mascali on the slopes of Etna, the area of origin of the vine. It is a variety that in recent years has returned to production not only on Etna but also in other areas of Sicily with different expressions.
Our Nerello Mascalese grows at an altitude of about 400m above sea level, and is harvested entirely by hand in small boxes of 10-15 kg. After harvesting, the grapes are immediately separated from the stalk and vinified with an extremely soft pressing.
Vinification
The must is fermented on the skins with frequent remontage during the early stages of fermentation. Once fermentation is finished,we continue the skin contact for about 15 days with one very soft remontage a day. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally once separated from the skins. The wine is kept on its very fine lees for about 6-8 months before being bottled.
Awards
91 points - Luca Maroni - I MIGLIORI VINI ITALIANI (2019 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
Country | Italy |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Certified Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Try with succulent burgers and grilled flavoursome fish dishes. |
Origin |
Sicily, Vini IGP |
2022 Sepp Moser Classic Style Organic Zweigelt
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A vibrantly fruity, organically produced, red from this characterful indigenous Austrian variety.
Tasting Notes
Fruity and perfumed nose showing blackberries, white pepper and spice. Bright sappy palate with fresh acidity, crunchy redcurrant and raspberry fruit, and layers of spice, liquorice and herbs.
Production
Blauer Zweigelt is the most important red grape variety grown on Sepp Moser's Apetlon Estate, situated in the Neusiedlersee region of Austria. The summers in this region are very hot and dry; the vineyards are less than 1 km away from the Hungarian border. The deep, dark humous soils (well streaked with gravel) contribute to the smoothness of the wines produced here. The grapes are organically produced and hand harvested in September. All Sepp Moser wines are vinified centrally at the Sepp Moser Winery in Rohrendorf (Kremstal). The grapes in Sepp Zweigelt were de-stemmed, crushed and underwent partial cold maceration. The must was then fermented and given a brief period of ageing in stainless steel before being bottled in February.
Producer
The Sepp Moser Estate was founded by the famous Austrian wine producing pioneer, Lenz Moser. Lenz Moser's son, Sepp Moser, began operating under his own name in 1987 and handed over the direction of this family-owned estate to his own son Nikolaus in the year 2000.
The Sepp Moser Estate comprises of 50 acres of vineyards in two prominent wine regions; Kremstal (22 ha) and Neusiedlersee (28 ha). In the Kremstal, Nikolaus produces an international range of varieties as well as the ever more important local varieties of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The reds are produced on the gravelly soils of the warm southern Neusiederslee village of Apetlon. All Sepp Moser wines have been organic (and all estate wines biodynamic) since 2007.
Sustainability
The Sepp Moser estate produces a wide range of wines every year thanks to its vineyards in two diverse regions. There is one main aim in the cellar: the quality of the grapes shall be brought with as little influence as possible to the bottle. The grapes in the Sepp Moser vineyards are harvested by hand and at the cellar of the Atrium House Nikolaus Moser emphasizes gentle vinification and tries to interfere as little as possible with the process so that each wine can develop its own individual style. The fermentation starts spontaneously, and the maturing of the wine takes place on its own.
In 2006, Nikolaus officially moved the estate to biodynamic viticulture – one of the first to do so in Austria – and became Demeter certified. 2009 saw the release of Sepp Moser’s first certified organic wines. Nikolaus is very keen to reduce the amount of copper and sulphur used in the vineyards, and this year saw a reduction of two thirds over what was sprayed previously. He composts all the estates' pomace and vine trimmings, and there is an ongoing effort to plant trees around the vineyards.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Blauer Zweigelt |
Country | Austria |
|
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Biodynamic |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Try with veal or fish, as well as pizza and pasta with tomato based sauces. Also very pleasant drunk on its own slightly chilled. |
Origin | Niederösterreich |
Appellation | Burgenland Qual. Troc |
2022 Domaine de la Combe Muscadet Suer Lie Sevre et Maine
Regular price £12.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Crisp, flinty notes with a hint of yeasty lees on the nose. The palate is fresh and savoury with the breadth of a warmer vintage and a ripe, almost tropical (starfruit?), character to the fruit. A lovely Muscadet.
Production Method
The vineyard lies on one of the best sites in Nantais at Saint-Fiâcre. Here the soils are layered with orthogneiss, a cracked, mineral-rich rock through which the vine roots weave and nourish the vine. Made traditionally at this small estate, the grapes were hand-picked, lightly pressed to retain their delicacy and purity of flavour, and fermented at cool temperatures to preserve their aromas. The wine was left on its fine lees until the following spring to add complexity and extra richness.
Producer
Domaine de la Combe (formerly Domaine les Grands Presbytères) in the village of Saint-Fiâcre, is nestled in the cradle of the Muscadet appellation between the two rivers of Sèvre and Maine. The slopes of these river valleys give the vines unique exposure. After centuries of erosion they grow on a terroir of schist, gneiss and mineral rich orthogneiss, a soil composition that means Saint-Fiâcre is considered one of the best sites for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine.
Wines are made from vines of different ages. The oldest were planted in 1950s - a rarity in an area where most are dug up after 40 years - whilst the most recent plantings date from 2016. Not only are new vines being planted when necessary, but the planting density is being increased from 7,000 to 7,700 vines per hectare to force the roots deeper into the rocky soils.
After working in vineyards across the world, Pierre-Henri Gadais returned to his family's domaine in 2016 to take over from his father, Christophe, who had taken it over from the previous owner - Nelly Marzelleau - in 2009. Passionate about the expression of terroir and protecting the environment, Pierre-Henri is in the process of converting the vineyard to fully organic viticulture, aiming for full certification by 2021.
A note on Sustainability
Since 2018, the domaine has been in conversion to fully organic farming and is scheduled for formal ECOCERT certification in 2021. Furthermore, vats are cleaned without the use of chemicals, waste is sorted for recycling and Domaine de la Combe’s bottles are made from 100% recycled glass.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Melon De Bourgogne |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features | Sustainable |
Food Matches | Begs for shellfish on ice, but would also work well with almost any grilled fish. It would also work nicely with soft cheeses or goats cheese. |
Origin | Loire, France |
Appellation | Muscadet Sèvre & Maine |
2019 Gymnasium Fritz Willi Riesling
Regular price £13.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Chill out, put your feet up, and welcome Fritz Willi - a deliciously irreverent modern Riesling.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fragrant aromas of ripe apricots, citrus and apple.
Palate
Minerality and ripe, rounded stone fruit flavours are balanced by zesty lemon sherbert characters - giving an appealing off-dry style that retains a surprisingly crisp finish.
Producer
The Friedrich Wilhelm Gymnasium name originates from the Jesuit school founded in Trier in 1561. Through the centuries, wine production from the estate's vineyards helped to support the school. Today the estate consists of around 25 hectares on the steep slopes of the Middle Mosel and Saar - all exclusively dedicated to Riesling.
The cellars lie deep under the city of Trier - where a stone in the foundations bears the date 1593. Here fermentation takes place in stainless steel or in traditional Mosel 'Fuder' (1000 litre barrels.
The school itself changed names a number of times following its foundation, but an interesting note is that one of its more famous pupils was Trier-born Karl Marx!
Production Method
The Riesling grapes are sourced from the steep slatey soils of the Saar and Mosel. After careful picking and selection, the grapes are fermented in 100 litre oak Fuder and stainless steel - both parts blended later to add complexity. The wine rests on its fine lees before bottling.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Germany |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Food Matches | Great with pasta and bacon dishes, grilled fish and scallops. |
Origin | Mosel |
Appellation | Mosel |
2021 Cher et Tendre Vouvray
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A delicious, relatively rare and 'precious' style of Vouvray.
Tasting Notes
The purity and freshness of flavour is key to this wine as is the balance between the natural acidity and natural sugar. Delicate notes of witch hazel and bergamot on the nose, backed up by crisp flavours of fresh hazelnuts and quince … tantalising and quite different to the sweeter options that are easier to find in Vouvray.
Producer
The grapes were harvested during the early hours of the day, before the sun has time to heat up the vines, this is essential in order to keep the bright, fresh character that one looks ofr in a just off-dry Vouvray with around 8-10g r/s. The wine is kept on fine lees in cool cellars that are hollowed into the chalky rock strata, thus optimising both freshness and complexity. We gave this wine the name 'Cher et Tendre' ('precious or 'treasure') as it's a relatively rare and precious style of Vouvray, 'Tendre' because it captures the smooth, round and rich flavours of fully ripe and delicately perfumed Chenin Blanc.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
A streak of minerality which runs through the finish matches the wine seamlessly to creamy chicken dishes, gently spicy Asian cuisines or a crisp mixed salad. |
Origin | Touraine, Loire |
Appellation | Vouvray Controllee |
2017 Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Selección Especial
Regular price £14.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Delicious and smoother than a dolphin in silk pajamas!"
A special edition of excellent wine launched in limited quantities on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Bodegas Palacio winery located in the prestigious Spanish wine region of Rioja DOCa.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep garnet red
Nose
Of great intensity and cleanliness where highlights the details of red fruit of the forest like blackcurrant and blackberries and in second term we find delicate aromas of spices contributed by the French oak such as menthol, black pepper and cinnamon. A delicate and subtle finish where a slight mineral touch can be seen.
Palate
In the mouth it is silky and enveloping, with a fine and sweet tannin that brings sensations of a wine with structure but at the same time respectful. A refreshing ending due to its tight acidity with memories of sweet coffee.
Glorious Centenary Selection is a red wine of the D.O.C. Rioja elaborated by Bodegas Palacio in homage to a century elaborating great wines in the Rioja Alavesa. For this, the best Tempranillo grape has been selected and it has been raised for 13 months in French oak casks.
Maturation
At least 13 months in French oak barrels and at least 6 months in bottle before being placed on the market.
Awards
- Silver IWC 2021
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 4-7 years from the year of bottling |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Stews, Roasted chicken, Semi-mature Cheese, Roasted red meats, fatter fish like tuna or swordfish. Serve at 14-16C |
Appellation |
Rioja D.O.C.
|
2021 Cortese Nostru Catarratto Lucido Organic
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Calm expression of an animal capable of enormous effort and equally stubbornness. The donkey represents the soul of working in the fields, a source of life and wealth.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw-coloured with flecks of green.
Aroma
The characterful bouquet is a little spicy and reminiscent of jasmine, aromatic herbs and nutmeg, with delicate touches of white peach.
Palate
On the palate, there is a strong mineral backbone, perfectly balanced with lively acidity. The finish is long and complex with delicious almond flavours.
Viticulture
Our Catarratto grapes are cultivated on slopes at around 400 metres above sea level. Grapes are hand-picked in mid-September in small baskets. Picking takes place in the cool early part of the morning in order to keep the grapes as fresh as possible.
Vinification
The vinification of Catarratto Lucido is carried out on the principle of minimum intervention in order to achieve maximum quality in the finished wine. Grapes are de-stemmed and very softly pressed with a pneumatic press. The must is decanted at a low temperature for about 48 hours before starting the fermentation, which takes place at 17-19C° for about 20 days. After the fermentation is finished the wine is racked and kept on fine lees for at least 5 months, with frequent battonages.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cataratto |
Country | Italy |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Certified Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Serve cold (not chilled) - a very versatile wine that pairs well with fish and seafood, white meats, grilled vegetables and soft goats cheese. |
Origin |
Sicily, Vini IGP |
2022 Première The Loire Vouvray
Regular price £12.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic Vouvray, full of flavour and style.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw in colour, with distinctive stone fruit aromas of apricot and peach with a touch of honey. The fruit flavours follow through on the palate with a touch of minerality, leaving a delicate and lingering finish.
Producer
Formed in 1973, Pierre Chainier is both a négociant and the owner of some 250 hectares of vines in the heart of Touraine, from which it sources classic Loire varieties. Its eight Touraine estates include Domaine de la Bruyère in the newly established appellation of Touraine-Chenonceaux. Conversely, Clos de Nouys, its 25 acre Vouvray estate, is one of the oldest in the appellation. Here, vines average 35 years of age in vineyards that were already listed amongst the best sites on geological maps dating from 1907.
Note on Sustainability
For both its négociant arm and its own vineyards, Pierre Chainier seamlessly blends the principles of reasoned agriculture with the most modern winemaking techniques. It encourages sustainable development and official certification for its growers, it uses sugar cane-derived biodegradable “corks”, and it has a comprehensive waste recycling programme.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Pair with roast chicken, or spicy oriental dishes. |
Origin | Loire |
Appellation | Vouvray AOP |
2017 Stone Barn Merlot
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A ripe and very approachable Merlot with plenty of fruit and a soft easy drinking finish.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Our medium-bodied Merlot has aromas of blackberry, cherry and sweet herbs.
Palate
Deep garnet in colour, this wine has flavors of black cherries and ripe plum, with just a hint of spice to accent the finish.
Winery
Stone Barn Cellars Winery, is located right off Route 100 in northern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The winery and tasting room are housed in a historic 150-year-old stone German bank barn overlooking the beautiful French Creek.
The California-based family company has been a tradition for over 90 years. The third generation of the Delicat family is involved in the family business and continues the family’s innovative work on wines. Delicato Family Vineyards is a pioneer in the development of environmentally friendly cultivation methods and production methods and their wines are enjoyable, well-made, and represent the best place to produce their place of production. The family-owned company owns 4,000 hectares of vineyards from Monterey’s famous cool San Bernabe vineyard to the sunny mountain roots of Lodi. All the vineyards of the Delicato Family Vineyards are cultivated according to sustainable development methods for sustainable wine-growing practices.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content
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13.5% alc vol
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment - an everyday easy drinking wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Beef, Lamb, Pizza and Pasta dishes |
Origin | Chester County, Pennsylvania |
2021 Cortese Nostru Carricante Terre Siciliane IGP
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Our Carricante is a pale straw yellow, with some hints of green.
Aroma
The elegant bouquet is a combination of peach, apple, citrus fruits and blossom.
Palate
The palate has a big structure, with excellent acidity, minerality and sapidity and these characteristics give Carricante a particularly long finish.
Viticulture
Our Carricante is cultivated at about 400 metres above sea level. As it is so prolific, it is essential to focus a lot of attention on training the vines – which we do using the Guillotmethod. Strict pruning is also absolutely key in order to limit production. Grapes are hand-picked in the early part of September.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand towards the beginning of September. A careful destemming is followed by soft pressing of the grapes. The decantation of the must at low temperature lasts about 48 hours before the start of the fermentation carried out at 17-19 ° C for about 20 days. After fermentation, the wine is decanted and kept on fine lees for about 5 months with frequent battonages.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Carricante |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Certified Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Perfect accompaniment to a seafood menu: seafood antipasti, then crab linguine, followed by grilled fish. |
Origin |
Sicily, Vini IGP |
2022 Franz and Friends Grüner Veltliner
Regular price £13.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic, fresh and approachable expression of Grüner Veltliner from its homeland.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic nose with notes of white spice. The palate has stone fruit, green apple and lightly exotic characters - fresh and appealing.
Production
Fruit is selected from some of the best parcels across the Kremstal region, and is vinified in stainless steel to produce a classic expression of the Grüner Veltliner grape.
Producer
The Türk winery is situated in Stratzing, Kremstal - about 10 minutes away from the wine city of Krems, and in a region known for its amazing landscape. Grüner Veltliner is the most important white wine variety in Austria and the absolute passion of winemaker Franz Türk. He collaborated with friends to source the best grapes from across Kremstal, and produce a Grüner Veltliner of high quality and international appeal - Franz & Friends was born!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Pair with roasted vegetable pasta and risotto dishes, or with fried chicken and pork. |
Origin | Kremstal |
2021 Cantina Di Negrar Valpolicella Ripasso D.O.C. Classico Superiore
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Cantina di Negrar Valpolicella Ripasso is a serious red at a "not so serious red" price point!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Intense and persistent, with fruity aromas of cherry and plum, floral notes of violets and a touch of spiciness from black pepper.
Palate
Fresh, fruity, with an elegant balance between structure and body, harmonised by the perfect acidity and tannins, warm, medium-bodied, velvety and balanced tannins.
History
With a history of wine-making going back to 1933, Cantina Valpolicella Negrar has been at the forefront of development in the Valpolicella region since its inception. The winery was the first to make the world-renowned Amarone, and soon after, in recognition of this, was awarded the Certificate of Special Mention by the Brussels International Exposition. This firmly put Cantina Valpolicella Negrar on the map and it has continued to look forward ever since.
Awards
- IWSC Italian Winery of the Year 2013
- Bronze Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2018
- Bronze Medal, The International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018
- 92 Points, James Suckling 2017
- Gold Medal, Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada 2017
- Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2017
- Silver Medal, WOW! The Italian Wine Competition 2016
- Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2016
- Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2015
- Gold Medal, Mundus Vini 2012
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Corvina 70%, Rondinella 15%, Corvinone 15% |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
It pairs wonderfully with all types of red meat, both grilled and braised. Excellent with traditional Veronese dishes, such as Pastissada de caval, lesso con Pearà and lasagnette with black truffles from Mount Baldo. |
Allergen Information | Contain sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Valpolicella Classica - Veneto |
Appellation | Valpolicella Ripasso DOC |
Santa Tresa Il Frappato Spumante Rosé Organic Brut
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
A delicate salmon pink, Il Frappato Spumante Rosé has a fine and consistent perlage.
Nose
Elegant, with fresh fruity notes on the bouquet, reminiscent of wild strawberries, raspberries and pomegranates.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is delicate and harmonious, with lovely fresh fruit flavours, citrussy notes and a pleasant acidity.
Harvest
The Frappato grapes are hand-picked during the first few days of September once the grapes have reached the perfect balance of sugars and acidity needed for making a good spumante. The grapes are put into small containers and are refrigerated for around 48 hours to reduce the temperature to about 8-10°C.
Vinification
After very careful destemming, the grapes are put into a pneumatic press, where they stay for around 2 hours and are very, very gently pressed at 0.2 bar. The must is chilled to facilitate natural sedimentation. The alcoholic fermentation occurs at 18-20°C for around 8-10 days and the base wine is then kept refrigerated.
Secondary Fermentation
The secondary fermentation for Frappato Brut takes place in small autoclaves at a temperature not exceeding 14°C. The special yeast strains added to initiate the second fermentation work very slowly at this low temperature, helping to retain the freshness and typical characteristics of the Frappato.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Frappato |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol Content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Sparkling Wine / Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | 3-5 years |
Food Matches |
The ideal aperitif and the perfect accompaniment to seafood antipasti. Excellent with shellfish. In Ragusa, we pair it with our local mortadella. Serve chilled at 8-10°C. |
Origin |
Sicily, Italy |
2020 Anthonij Rupert 'Protea' Merlot
Regular price £12.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Vibrant black cherry and plum aromas with a hint of tomato plant and dark chocolate. The wines has instant appeal with soft, squish, succulent dark fruit with a light tobacco leaf edge. Ample plum and cherry with spice highlights and deeper earth- and cocoa notes below. Softly textured but with a supportive structure and frame. Lovely, generous ripe-fruited finish.
In the Vineyard
About the Harvest
The Merlot grapes were harvested by hand at 24.8° Balling.
In the Cellar
After de-stemming and crushing the wine is transferred to 10 000 French oak tanks and 10 000 L stainless steel tanks. Fermentation on the skins takes place at 26°C for about 15 days. The wine is drained from the skins and pressed. The free-run juice and press juice are aged separately and blended after 8 months. Maturation takes place in 225 L 2nd- and 3rd –fill French oak barrels and also on new French oak staves in tanks for about 8 months.
History
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm, L`Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001, the farm was eventually taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the brand named after him. It was Johann Rupert who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and the beginnings of what is now a sprawling enterprise.
The focus is on terroir specific wines and therefore it would seem obvious that the brand is made up of an impressive portfolio of farms representing the best in grape producing locations. The portfolio is made up of L`Ormarins situated in Franschhoek, Rooderust in Darling, Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland and Altima in isolated Elandskloof. Individually each site offers optimum varietal specific growing conditions, allowing Anthonij Rupert Wyne to adhere to the requirements of their different brands.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.75% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Ready to enjoy now but will keep 3-4 years too. |
Food Matching |
Ostrich with plum sauce |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Darling, Paarl, Robertson |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Moscato d'Asti Luigi Tacchino DOCG
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Moscato d’Asti is light and refreshing with well-balanced sweetness and acidity. Fresh citrus fruit characteristics accompany warm honeyed notes.
Tasting Notes
Light, lemony citrus flavour with a honeyed finish.
Production Method
Whole ripened bunches; the must is kept in steel tanks at a temperature of 0° C. After fermentation at a temperature of 16° C, it is microfiltered and bottled in order to maintain freshness and aromaticity.
Producer
For more than three generations the Tacchino family has produced superb fresh and vibrant wines in Castelletto d'Orba in Monferrato, Piedmont. This is perfect wine country as the hills provide a natural amphitheatre which protects the vineyards from the northerly winds.
Today brother and sister duo Alessio and Romina run the Tacchino estate, blending a respect for tradition with modern winemaking methods and rigorous attention to detail to produce a range of wines of outstanding elegance and purity. Tacchino's vines are spread over 25 hectares, about half of which benefit from a south/southeasterly aspect. Great care is taken to restrict yields. The Araldica winemaking team of Claudio Manera, Lella Burdese and Carlo Manera oversee all production.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Moscato Bianco |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 3.75 units |
Type | Fortified and Dessert |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian approved
|
Food Matches | Perfect with Lemon Mousse. |
Origin | Castelletto d’Orba in Monferrato, Piedmont |
Appellation | DOCG Moscato D'Asti |
2020 Rivera Negroamaro del Salento IGT
Regular price £12.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Negroamaro is Salentos most prevalent grape variety - a real quaffer!
Tasting Notes
Dark ruby red with a garnet core. On the nose, scents of black elderberries, cranberries and a balsamic note. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with a lightness of touch and a slight savory character. medium length.
Vineyards
Negroamaro is the most typical grape variety of Salento on the southernmost part of Apulia region and has drawn great interest thanks to the character of its wines. Rivera’s modern winemaking results a fresh and balanced red wine with bright aromas of dark berries and long aftertaste.
Berries grow on lime-clay soils plots located on the Salento Peninsula. The height of the vineyards above sea level is 50-80 meters. Harvested by hand and by machine in the second week of September. Maceration in steel tanks, during which the wort is often stirred, lasts 7-8 days at a temperature of 25 ° C. Wine is aged in cement vats lined with glass from the inside for 9 months.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Such a quaffer - ripe and soft bramble fruit with a linear hidden acidity on the back palate which keeps it fresh and you asking for more. Not particularly complex but a delightful soft, quality easy drinking red that delivers and drinks perfectly on its own but will stand up to simple comfort food." July 2023
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Negroamaro |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Vinification |
Maceration for 7-8 days at 25°C with frequent pumpovers. |
Aging | 9 months in glass-lined cement vats. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Braised beef, red meat, shank, duck, long seasoned cheese. Serve at between 16-18C |
Aging Potential |
3-4 years |
Origin | Puglia |
2020 Rivera Salice Salentino DOC
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Salice Salentino is made from 90% Negroamaro, an indigenous grape of the region. A wine with body, spiciness, and light oak notes.
Tasting Notes
Dense, purple-tinged ruby red; rich bouquet, with notes of dried plum and cherry; generous and complex in the mouth, with excellent structure, and a finish exhibiting the pleasant, bitterish note typical of the Negroamaro grape
About the Wine
Salice Salentino DOC rosso is the most typical red wine appellation of the Salento, the extreme south of Puglia. It is a blend of the area’s traditional grape varieties, the Negroamaro and a smaller part of Malvasia nera. State-of-the-art vinification and a few months ageing in oak barrels have given it its lively ruby hue, fragrances of dark berry fruit, full body, and lingering finish with a classic bitterish note.
Production
Vineyards trained in the “Salento gobelet” style, in Salento’s typical reddish clay soils; vines average 5,000 per hectare and yield 80-90 q./ha
Grapes are harvested between the first and the second week in September. The must macerates 8-9 days at 28°C in stainless steel; the vinification style is designed to bring out the freshness of the fruit and to highlight its varietal characteristics.
After a brief stay in glass-lined vats, the wine matures 3-4 months in one-year old small oak before being bottled.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"One of our wee crackers - dusty soft tannins with a touch of both smokiness and spice mingling round the plum & cherry fruit. It’s super soft and smooth but with an attractive cherry bitterness on the finish - a hallmark of the dominant Negroamaro grape in Puglia. Great flavours and mouthfeel for a paltry £13.99 - could easily pay a fiver more for this and it would still be great value. Great for everyday/school day drinking!" Tasted 1 January 2024
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
90% Negroamaro 10 % Malvasia Nera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | The ultimate pizza and spicy tomato base pasta red wine! |
Cellaring Potential | 3-4 years |
Dietary Information | Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Brindisi and Lecce |
Appellation | Puglia DOC |
2016 Quinta da Garrida Dão Reserva
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A single estate combining classic Portuguese character with polished, modern winemaking.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Lifted aromas of wild black fruit, off-set with some spicy, smoky notes.
Palate
The palate has black cherry, mocha and some grip - well-balanced by fruit acidity - to give an elegant yet structured wine with a fresh herbal, black fruit finish. Some savoury development on the palate adds complexity.
Production
This estate at Vila Nova de Tazém, in Gouveia county, has poor quality, granite soils. Matured for 12 months in French (80%) and Russian (20%) oak barrels.
Producer
One of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe, from the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country's most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco's greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese, but at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.
Sustainability
Although not accredited, since 2015 the Bacalhôa group is regularly audited for the scope of its ethical, social and environmental work, always with a green result. In 2020, it is planning a SEDEX Membership Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) audit of its labour and health and safety policies. It is also planning to fully convert one its vineyards to organic viticulture as soon as possible.
Awards
- Silver at the 2017 IWSC (2013 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Touriga Nacional & 15% Tinta Roriz |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan and Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Excellent warming winter wine with robust stews and roast meat. |
Origin | Dao |
Appellation |
DOP Dao |
2021 Castel del Lupo Pinot Nero ‘Della Quercia’ Organic
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This spectacular Pinot captures all the vigour and character of the small plot of organically-grown 15 year old vines in the La Quercia vineyard where it is sourced. A correct and pure Pinot Noir with real soul and expression.
Nose
Pronounced, warm, ripe, black-fruited, spicy and complex aromas.
Palate
Lively acidity offsets the ripe wild plum and bramble fruit and the palate combines concentration, delicacy and structure.
Production
The Pinot Noir vines are organically-grown in a combination of chalk, clay and silt soils on the rolling hills of Oltrepo Pavese. They are Guyot-trained at approximately 250m altitude, south / south-east facing. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo careful selection. The grapes are macerated on skins for 8-10 days, then undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is bottled in spring.
Producer
Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high-quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.
A Note on Sustainability
A proportion of the cantina’s vineyards are in conversion from sustainable to organic cultivation and will be certified as organic from 2020.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Nero |
Country | Italy |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
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Food Matches | A great match with rich pasta dishes and middle aged cheeses. |
Origin | Lombardia, Italy |
Appellation | DOP Pinot Nero Dell'ltrepò Pavese |