2018 De Grendel Cap Classique Brut
Regular price £19.80 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale lemon colour with an exceptionally fine mousse.
Nose
Fresh, crisp and crunchy green apple, Asian pears, lemon zest and white guava comes to the fore on the nose.
Palate
Warm brioche and yeast complexity broaden the palate, leading to a long and elegant finish. Rich, velvety and effortlessly elegant, the De Grendel Cap Classique is truly one of our stalwart picks among sparkling wine aficionados.
The base wine is bottled with ‘Liquer de Tirage’ to bring about the second fermentation. The wine is then aged in the bottle for 30 months, to create a deeper complexity. Superbly elegant and multi-award winning.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage was affected by the worst drought conditions ever experienced in the Western Cape. Meticulous irrigation management supplied the precise quantity of water at the correct times to the vines. During such dry conditions diseases are restricted, resulting in the 2018 crop being entirely disease free. Furthermore, it resulted in our winemaking team having to preserve the grapes’ aromatic potential through careful viticultural practices such as limited thinning, managing nitrogen nourishment, allowing adequate plant vigour, appropriate water supply and careful selection of harvest dates.
Viticulture
The well-established Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards are trellised using the VSP system and are located on the slopes of the Tygerberg at approximately 7 kilometres from, and in sight of, the Atlantic Ocean. The 2018 vintage delivered yields varying from 8 to 10 tons per hectare.
Vinification
The De Grendel Cap Classique is a classic blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Grape bunches were whole bunch pressed. After settling and racking, the juice was inoculated and fermented in stainless steel tanks where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The base wine was filtered and bottled with ‘Liqueur de Tirage’, a yeast and sugar mixture which facilitates secondary fermentation in the bottle creating natural carbonation. The wine was aged on the lees in the bottle for 30 months to create that delicious biscuit like richness before ‘dégorgement’ – the process whereby the yeast is removed to leave the wine beautifully clear.
Accolades
- 89 points - Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Chardonnay & 20% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.93% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
This Cap Classique is the ideal drink for all occasions and is the most versatile wine for food pairings. Enjoy it as an aperitif before dinner, with creamy Mascarpone scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and cream cheese canapé or a warm baked apple tarte tatin. |
Origin | Durbanville |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
N/V La Jara Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Nose
Delicate aromas of white flowers, golden apple, slight notes of banana and peach.
Palate
Fresh, aromatic and velvety with light scents of acacia honey with a pleasant roundness.
Producer
The River Piave, in its early life, came tumbling out of the eastern edge of the Dolomites, full of energy. It bumped into the hills around Valdobbiadene, carved a cleft in them and carried on towards the marshy delta that is the eastern side of Venice.
At near exhaustion by its journey, it dumped large deposits of limestone pebbles and stones, known locally as Jara, which has proven a good challenge for vines to produce nuanced, vital fruit and pure wines. This soil absorbs the warmth of the day, and gently releases it at night, providing a steady transition between day and night for the grapes on the vines.
Driving from Venice northwards, there's not much to tell you that you've moved from the over-fertile flatlands that produce so much anonymous, intensively produced Prosecco, to the equally rather flat but charming, stony, organic vineyards of La Jara. Now well established in harmony with nature, the vines are uniform, drawing on a deep bank of nutrients from the ground-down mountain. To this phenomenon the estate credits the delicate floral aromas of their Glera (Prosecco) and Pinot Grigio grapes; combined with a dedication to organic viticulture, they make affordable wines of outstanding quality. In their own words. "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."
These days, La Jara is a story of two brothers. Massimo, who reminds one of a flamboyant Bond villain, and Paolo who makes the wine. And Giovanni, their sales director of many years, who keeps everyone on track. Their goal has always been to produce bright, easy and pure wines; they are always a joy.
Year after year they've added to their organic plantings, consistently choosing the best sites, and equally, they've kept their wine-making technology and operational know-how up to date, which is crucial in an area that is famously humid and flat.
Awards
- International Wine Challenge: AWC Vienna Gold 2022
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Glera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11.5% |
Units of Alcohol | 8.6 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food Matches | Perfect as an aperitif. Ideal with velvety pumpkin soup, risotto, grilled vegetables and summer salads |
Features | Organic, Vegetarian & Vegan Approved |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contain sulphites |
Origin | Treviso |
Appellation | Veneto |
2020 Louis de Grenelle Crémant de Loire
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vibrant, crisp & delicate | Complex and honeyed, to be enjoyed with close friends
Tasting Notes
Colour
The pale golden yellow colour is flecked with a stream of persistent bubbles with a creamy foam developing on the surface.
Nose
Clean and fresh, the nose is distinguished by its delicate aromas of warm brioche which give way to a generous fruit basket with mingling peach and pear.
Palate
The smoothness of the foam gives a lovely mouthfeel. The pure freshness of the attack is a lovely contrast to a full, vinous and generous finish of gingerbread, brioche and hazelnut. On the mid-palate, a silky, full body delicately coats the taste buds. Superb harmony.
Producer
Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food matches | An excellent sparkling wine for sharing, making this the perfect accompaniment to your evenings with friends. It compliments crayfish mousseline or prawn salad with lime as well as subtle vanilla and gingerbread desserts. Also try Foie gras club sandwich with caramelised apples & Cuban chicken fajitas! Serve between 5-6C. |
Dosage | Brut |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | AOC Crémant de Loire |
Origin | Saumur, Loire Valley |
NV Louis de Grenelle Platine Cremant de Loire Brut
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vibrant, crisp and delicate
Tasting Notes
Colour
The colour is a lovely canary yellow with hints of light straw and is flecked with a stream of persistent bubbles.
Nose
The nose is clean with dominant aromas of lemon, pear and lime tree.
Palate
The structure of the palate is enhanced by the fullness of the quince, the fragrant acacia and the sweetness of the strawberry. A highly sensual wine.
Producer
Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.
Specifications
Year | NV |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 70% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Cabernet Franc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food matches | An aperitif wine par excellence that also pairs well with full menus: shellfish, smoked fish, pièces montées patisserie. Serve between 6-8C. |
Dosage | Brut |
Ageing | 18-24 months on racks |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | AOC Crémant de Loire |
Origin | Saumur, Loire Valley |
NV Louis de Grenelle 'Perle' Cremant de Loire Rose Brut
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Radiant, Unctous and Fruity! Sublime Expression of Cabernet Franc
Finesse oblige! If it doesn't "have" to be champagne, then the best alternative is Crémant: a pure-bred rosé made from 100% of the noble red Cabernet Franc grape.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The soft pink marble colour combines with a swirling stream of fine bubbles, evoking a light sensation.
Nose
The fresh and subtle nose is characterised by its strawberry notes.
Palate
The smoothness of the foam gives this wine a lovely mouthfeel. The pleasant attack leads into the strawberry nose, giving way to aromas of English sweets to end on a subtle and lingering finish marked by red berries.
Producer
Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.
Specifications
Year | NV |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cabernet Franc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food matches | This sparkling wine is a marvellous match for mousseline desserts and red fruit sorbets. It also goes well with white chocolate desserts or mascarpone mousse with red fruits. Serve between 6-8C. |
Ageing | 15/18 months on racks |
Dosage | Brut |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | AOC Crémant de Loire |
Origin | Saumur, Loire Valley |
Cave de Turckheim Cremant d'Alsace N/V
Regular price £16.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Organic traditional method fizz from the largest holder of organic vineyards in Alsace.
Tasting Notes
This traditional method sparkling wine offers fine bubbles and fruity flavours. Applely, floral Pinot Blanc and spicy honeyed Auxerrois are traditionally vinified together, and the Pinot Gris brings body and weight. Fresh, intense and well-balanced, crisp and supple.
Production
Crémant d’Alsace is produced using the same traditional method as Champagne. There is a strict selection of organically-grown grapes, the use of dedicated cellar equipment, a second fermentation in bottle, no filtration other than degorgement, and the wine spends 24 months aging on its lees before release.
Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit-forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long-term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification then went on to achieve the highest HVE Level 3 certification in 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Cave de Turckheim planted 65 trees in February 2022 to contribute to the reconstruction and maintenance of their vines and terroirs, as well as to the preservation and enhancement of wider landscapes. Local and ancient varieties were specially selected to contribute to the safeguarding of their genetic heritage.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Grape | Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
An elegant apéritif, but a lovely option for a wide range of seafood, poultry or cheese dishes whatever the occasion. |
Origin | France |
Appellation | AOP Crémant d'Alsace |
N/V Dalla Cia Bullicante Sparkling
Regular price £18.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%South Africa's first sparkling Pinot Grigio.
Tasting Notes
On opening, our Bullicante brut presents a gentle bouquet of citrus, orange blossom and minerality. It’s crisp on the palate with a well-balanced mouthfeel and low acidity. The finish is gentle and with a lingering aftertaste of cream, marzipan and white pear.
Vinification
The Pinot Grigio grapes are grown within 15km of the ocean and handpicked at optimal ripeness in the early hours of the morning. Slow cool fermentation follows twelve hours of skin contact and after two months on the lees, the wine is bottled.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential |
For immediate enjoyment |
Food Matching | White meat, crustaceans and sushi |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |