Delighted to share with you our New Arrivals! They may be 'Fine & Rare' or 'Everyday Favourites' - they'll be listed here waiting to be tasted...
38 products
2023 Cramele Recas, Solara, Orange
Regular price £12.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Discover a wine that embodies the essence of nature's touch, meticulously balanced and structured, yet exuding a purity and freshness that is simply captivating.
Dark straw in colour with orange hints.
The nose is a delicate mélange of quince, poire william and a hint of vanilla.
A complex and structured wine, with elegant but discreet fruit flavours of stone fruits, backed up with a powerful tannin structure and long finish.
Refreshing like a white wine, with the complexity of red wine. This orange wine is made by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the pressed juice, creating a deep orange-hued finish. The wine ferments naturally without the addition of yeasts, sulphur or any other additions. The different varieties are then blended and before a natural cold stabilisation, and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Back in 1988, three families decided to invest in a winery in Romania, starting with 650 hectares of slightly unloved vineyards and a rusty, once state-owned winery.
Yet Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, have turned the Cramele Recas Estate into the most successful winery in Romania. Recas are now recognised globally for their impressive scale and breadth of fascinating wines, including natural and orange wine from organic grapes. Despite the scale the emphasis is on making good wines that over-deliver, and as a result they’ve struck on a magic formula that has seen sales and demand boom. Vineyards are a combination of evolved plantings from 1447 and more recent planting, whilst the winery has seen significant investment and boasts state of the art facilities where innovation thrives. Recas are in every way a modern, dynamic winery, whose open minded approach and quality sets them apart … a winery you really can’t ignore.
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Feteasca Alba 51% Sauvignon Blanc 19% Others 30% |
Country | Romania |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Orange Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Hard and semi hard cheese, tuna steak and chicken. |
Origin | Romania |
Appellation |
Romana |
2023 Raats Family Wines, Original Chenin Blanc, Polkadraai Hills.
Regular price £15.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%100% Chenin Blanc, this has a distinctive yellow apple and pineapple core, alongside notes of green melon and limes. The wine is bursting with fresh fruit flavours ending with zesty citrus flavours, and has a long mineral finish. A very clean and satisfying hand-picked Chenin Blanc that's a versatile wine for food pairing.
After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
From vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Vines are grown in both decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. A combination of trellised and bush vines, irrigated as well as dry land that yield approximately 7 – 8 tons per hectare.
Grapes grown from the two soil types are fermented separately, the decomposed granite bringing a lime and mineral character, while the sandstone more topical fruit and structure. The juice was cold settled for 2 to 3 days, then cold fermented (14º - 16ºC) in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees for 6 months before bottling. No wood ageing.
2022 – 89 Points Tim Atkin MW
2022 – 4.5 Star John Platter
2022 – 92 Points Winemag
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units per bottle |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Food Matching | An easy to pair wine since it has a wide flavour profile, but we especially recommend it with curry or similar spicy dishes as well as sushi and oysters. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Iona, Mr P Knows Pinot Noir, Elgin
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Mr P, is a "Pinot for the people", showing all the characteristics of classic, high quality Pinot Noir at an affordable price. Iona's Wine Making Philosophy - 'The Winemaker is the Custodian of the fruit'
Elegant, fresh cherry and red berry nose with undergrowth melange. The palate is pure with lovely texture and sweet cherry fruit dominates with spicy undertones. The wine is fresh and intense with real vibrancy.
At 420m above sea-level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley Andrew Gunn founded Iona. It is here overlooking the Atlantic ocean that he has secured some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape. In a country where cool climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. There is an extremely long growing season, allowing Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The approach is hands off and the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic practices with a particular focus on ensuring the health of the soils whilst pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.
The Pinot grapes for this wine come from Langrug, one of Iona's small farms in the Elgin Valley, with a unique terroir. Here diverse soils, fanned by cooling ocean breezes ensure perfect conditions for slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop their intense flavours, complexity and finesse. Grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and not crushed. 10% whole bunch fermented for complexity. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28’C with regular punch downs during fermentation. Once pressed off, the wine were racked to 2nd , 3rd and 4th fill French barrels; Matured for 11 months.
TIM ATKIN MW 2023 SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL REPORT [ 90/100 ]
"From Langrug farm in Elgin. Lively red fruit mingles with plum and savoury notes from pre- and post-ferment macerations. Older oak, 11 months, polishes sappy tannins. Respectable and dapper, already approachable with a few years in store.”
PLATTER’S WINE GUIDE [4 stars – 87/100]
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matching | Salmon, duck, roasted mushroom. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Raats, Dolomite Cabernet Franc
Regular price £15.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Dolomite wines express great purity of fruit and balanced elegance. The nose shows dark and red cherry. Dark berries, spiciness and herbs linger on the palate. The wine has great purity of fruit with a hint of wet-stone minerality and a velvet soft finish.
After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
The grapes come from Stellenbosch and are grown only on decomposed dolomite granite soils. This lends itself to great acidity, freshness and an extended mineral finish. Individual vineyard blocks were hand-picked at perfect ripeness during February.
Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation at a temperature of 28°C, the grapes were basket pressed before malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged in oak for 14 months.
Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 91 Points
'Dolomite is always the most floral and approachable of Bruwer Raats' quartet of Cabernet Francs, aged in an equal combination of older oak and concrete. Tarragon, green pepper and graphite aromas are a scented prelude to a palate of tomato leaf and black cherry and a crunchy finish.' 2025-30. 91 Points, TA, 2024.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2023 - 2027 |
Food Matching | Perfectly complements Game Bird with Red Wine Sauce, Beef Fillet, and Pork Loin. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
Equipo Navazos, I Think Amontillado, Montilla (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £19.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This amontillado is a rare and exclusive treasure, with just 1,000 375ml bottles available, each drawn from a single cask that boasts an average age of 15 years. Its elegance and finesse are unmatched, and with a natural alcohol strength, it remains unfortified, preserving its authentic character.
This embodies finesse with its rich, gourmet and wonderfully unique character. The perfect Amontilado from DO Montilla-Moriles, combines elegance with complexity and has a sensory appeal which shows a definite sense of place.
The white chalky soils of the hills South of Montilla (Sierra de Montilla) and surrounding Moriles (Moriles Altos) are ideal for the cultivation of Pedro Ximénez grapes which produce the traditional wines for which Andalucía is well known among wine lovers. The Montilla-Moriles appellation, located in the province of Córdoba some 200 km away from Jerez, have produced for centuries these traditional wines.
Equipo Navazos was born out of a group of friend’s passion to share the authentic, traditional wines of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Montilla … legitimately some of the greatest wines of the world!
These wines come from soleras and individual casks that remain, relatively neglected by the market in corners of many of Andalusia’s most prestigious bodegas. These unexpected yet fortunate findings have been made available to wine lovers around the world in limited quantities under the La Bota series (consecutively numbered editions, with the date of each saca or withdrawl date on the label) … in doing so respecting generations of expertise and care for these rare and beautiful wines. Today their efforts are increasingly focused on producing their own exceptional wines, such as Florpower, that truly express the character of Sanlúcar and its unique terroir. Outside of Andalusia, Equipo Navazos have collaborated with winemakers including Dirk Niepoort and Sergi Colet to develop authentic and individual wines that never fail to impress.
Year | Non Vintage |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pedro Ximénez |
Country | Spain |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6,18 units |
Type | Fortified Wine - Dry Sherry |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Raw oysters, cheeses of medium to intense flavour, charcuterie, spicy Asian food.
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Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
Appellation | Jerez |
2021 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A lush Pinot Noir!
Fragrant scents of red cherry and plum lead into fresh, bright flavors of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, backed by hints of star anise and clove. The soft tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and a lush, velvety texture.
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
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10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
A light pasta with grilled cherry tomatoes pairs wonderfully with seafood and would also be an excellent choice to accompany roast duck. |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2019 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A rich and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from the very first sip!
Aromas of blackberry and raspberry are accompanied by notes of fragrant lilac and vanilla. Rich and expressive from first sip, this is a food friendly Cabernet Sauvignon that bursts with flavors of juicy plum, black cherry and strawberry, along with a hint of
sweet baking spices.
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 14.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
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10.87 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Delicious with steak |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2020 Teliani Valley Glekhuri Kisi Qvevri [Amber Wine]
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Who knew Brotherhood of Man were so far ahead of their time when they won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest with "Save Your Kisis for Me"?
Dry white wine is made from Kisi grape variety with the Georgian traditional method, fermented in Qvevri. The skin contact gives the wine its distinctive amber colour, and delivers pronounced flavor of apricot, dried yellow fruits, spices and honey. Serve cool - not chilled!
The wine is made from the traditional Kisi grape grown in the villages of Akhmeta district in south west Kakheti. 100% Kisi grapes are grown in clay and stone soils, whole bunches are fermented in underground qvevri for 6 months, lending the wine it’s amber colour, distinctive flavour and mildly tannic structure. 6500 bottles were produced.
Teliani Valley was established in the 1990s by a group of enthusiastic young winemakers. Originally a converted car workshop was their home, but with their tremendous vineyards and skill for making quality wines, they have gone from strength to strength and are now one of the biggest producers in Georgia, with annual production of 5 million bottles.
Although their roots go back years and their connection with traditional winemaking is still strong, Teliani Valley today attracts and supports the most exciting winemakers in Georgia. Their team of innovative winemakers are given the time, equipment, fruit and support they need to create really exciting modern style wines, and we think that is evident in the selection we have here.
2019 Vintage
International Wine Challenge 2023 - Bronze
International Wine Challenge 2022 - Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 - Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 - Gold
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Kisi |
Country | Georgia |
Alcohol Content | 13% |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Works well with light poultry dishes, charcuterie and salads. Serve cool, not cold. |
Allergy Info | Contains sulphites and no other allergens |
Origin | Kakheti, Georgia |
Appellation | Akhmeta |
2021 Teliani Valley Glekhuri Kisiskhevi Saperavi Qvevri
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Beautifully structured, dense and complex Qvevri Saperavi.
Kisiskhevi is a superb terroir within the wider Kakheti region, particularly for Saperavi. The best grapes are selected for fermentation in Qvevri, resulting in a deep coloured and structured wine that is still remarkably approachable due to its vibrant primary fruit and roasted nut aromas.
A limited harvest of 5-7 tons per hectare from this excellent site for Saperavi, Kisiskhevi. Whole bunches are hand selected before being placed into underground qvevri, where fermentation takes place for 7-9 days with selected yeasts - being underground, the qvevri maintains the perfect temeperature at all times. Due to the size of the qvevri, production is limited to 6500 bottles only. Once fermentation is complete, the grape skins are removed and the wine spends further time maturing in the qvevri before bottling.
Teliani Valley was established in the 1990s by a group of enthusiastic young winemakers. Originally a converted car workshop was their home, but with their tremendous vineyards and skill for making quality wines, they have gone from strength to strength and are now one of the biggest producers in Georgia, with annual production of 5 million bottles.
Although their roots go back years and their connection with traditional winemaking is still strong, Teliani Valley today attracts and supports the most exciting winemakers in Georgia. Their team of innovative winemakers are given the time, equipment, fruit and support they need to create really exciting modern style wines, and we think that is evident in the selection we have here.
2021 Vintage International Wine Challenge 2023 - Bronze
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Saperavi |
Country | Georgia |
Alcohol Content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Grilled meats or portabello mushroom. |
Allergy Info | Contains sulphites and no other allergens |
Origin | Kakheti, Georgia |
Appellation | Kisiskhevi |
2020 Waterkloof Boreas
Regular price £29.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A wine is only bottled under the Waterkloof label when one of the vineyard blocks on the Schapenberg offers up something extraordinary. This fourth such release from a great vintage for reds is a wonderfully complex Bordeaux blend, predominantly Cabernet Franc.
Sublimely complex aromas of redcurrant, plum and red cherry with cedary spice and a hint of pencil shaving. The predominance of Cabernet Franc gives a wine of subtlety and elegance with lifted berry fruit and a supple, finely structured mid palate. Firm yet fine tannins frame the spicy, ethereal finish.
A wine is made under the Waterkloof label, only when one of their vineyard blocks on The Schapenberg offers up something extraordinary. They made their first in 2005 – a Sauvignon Blanc. Finally, seventeen years later their best block of Chenin made the grade and so a second was borne from the outstanding white wine vintage of 2021. Since taking over as winemaker in 2013, having previously been assistant since 2009, Nadia Langenegger and her team have really begun to get the best out of Waterkloof’s red grapes. They believe in evolution rather than revolution and a few modifications were implemented, notably, foot-treading to extract the juice and tannin more gently. Hard work indeed, but also quite fun…well at least the first couple each year are. They have 20 wooden fermenters to get through! The changes have really paid off, even throughout the challenging drought vintages of 2017-2019, but even more so with the help of the fantastic red wine vintage of 2020. Testament to this improvement was a first Platter’s 5 Star Award for not just one but two of our red wines in 2021 – Circle of Life Red 2019 and The Last of The First Pinotage 2020. With the long drought having finally broken, tasting the 2020 red wines from barrel we quickly realized that this would be the first vintage to offer up a Waterkloof red and along came Waterkloof Syrah 2020. However, such was the quality of the red wines across various blocks and grapes on Waterkloof, we also trialed a blend from their best parcels of Bordeaux grape varieties (51% Cabernet Franc/25% Merlot/14% Petit Verdot/10% Cabernet Sauvignon). The result? Waterkloof’s vinous apogee, named after the fiercest wind god and face of Waterkloof – BOREAS. A selection of grapes from across the estate's best blocks of Bordeaux varieties grown at an altitude of 240-250m. Average yield 17 hl/ha. Hand-picked and hand-sorted grapes were whole bunch pressed (other than Cabernet Sauvignon) and naturally fermented in old, open-top, French oak foudres. Gentle maceration with foot treading and manual punch-downs. Ageing took place in French oak barriques and 9,000 ltr old oak foudres for 27 months. No fining, minimal filtration, no additions other than sulphur. 13,390 bottles 2020 produced. Offering great enjoyment in its youth, especially once decanted for a couple of hours, BOREAS has a long future ahead and will develop in complexity over the next 10-15+ years.
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.
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.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cabernet Franc 51%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 14% |
Country | South Africa |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Decant the wine two hours prior to serving to perfectly complement a rib of beef or a similar dish. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2021 Château Tirecul La Gravière, AOP Monbazillac (50cl) [Organic]
Regular price £27.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Make no mistake, we are in world class territory. Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world.
Intense richness and bright acidity. Driven by orange peel marmalade and saffron aromatics.
No one’s really sure why concentration comes from older vines, but here it is in evidence. 175g/l
Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world. A lot is written about terroir, soil and microclimates. You often question how much of it is true, how do people know exactly why the wines work out the way they do? At Tirecul however, you can really see it in front of you. There aren’t many estates where you can see all the vineyard in one block. At the bottom of the hill it is too open, and the top of the hill it is too windy. It’s only in two little pockets that the fog sits to create the conditions for some truly phenomenal botrytis wines. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks site, all the quirks of nature are ‘just right’ (I haven’t tried any Tirecul in my porridge, but I am going to now).
90% of the 9ha vineyard is planted with an even split between Semillon and Muscadelle, the latter is a fascinating variety, often in the background but it can be the real star of the show. The balance is Sauvignon Blanc and the recently allowed Chenin. The exact blend of the sweet wines is unknown because the grapes are picked when they are showing the best elements of botrytis and fermented together. Bruno Bilancini has run the estate since the early 1990s, in the last few years has also produced very good dry white and red which are showing real promise.
Bruno Bilancini took over the estate in 1992, and has treated the environment with utmost respect since then. It was in 2009 that Chateau Tirecul started to convert to organics, with all wines beyond 2012 being certified as well as vegan.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | 60% Semillon, 40% Muscadelle |
Country | France |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.25units |
Type | Dessert Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
Food Matches |
Foie Gras and a clear conscience!
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Origin |
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Appellation | Monbazillac AOC |
2020 Brotte Creation Grosset Cairanne
Regular price £17.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Intense ruby colour with garnet glints.
The nose offers a combination of fresh fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Spicy notes of cinnamon and garrigue stand out. The wine will gain in suppleness over time, and in jammy aromas of raspberry and plum as well as undergrowth.
The wine is generous and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Touches of toast and sweet spices add complexity. The mouth is full and the finish is persistent.
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest to limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking into small cases and fast transportation to the winery to avoid berries’ crushing and oxidation. Destemming, gentle crushing. Fermentation at 28°C, followed by a 3 week maceration. The wines are matured in concrete vats to develop the fruit and 100 year old large oak barrels to develop the unctuosity and length during 9 months.
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
"Another delight from Brotte - all the intriguing garrique characteristics as the other reds in the range. If anything the fruit is even more generous here - verging more to the red than the black - and it’s very drinkable, soft and moreish but with enough. Backbone to go on for a while yet." September 2024
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with Serrano ham, wild mushroom risotto, grilled beef, goat cheeses. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Domaine de la Pigeade Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (500ml)
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Muscat from La Pigeade is characterized by its freshness and finesse and is to be found in many of the leading restaurants of the Rhone Valley.
A light gold wine, shiny with golden reflections.
The complex aromatic palette combines pear with rose water and exotic fruits.
Sustainable cultivation for over 30 years; grassing controlled mechanically (hoeing). Scribbling is practiced several times a year at different depths depending on the case.
Hand harvested and sorted before 100% de-stemming and maceration on skins for 10 hours at 3°C before pressing. Cool-fermented to reach a natural alcohol of 5 % before the ferment is arrested by the addition of grape spirit to reach a minimum of 15 % alcohol, with a minimum of 110 g/l residual sugar. Matured on fine lees in tank for two months prior to bottling.
Very little sweet Muscat was made before 1945 when Muscat de Beaumes de Venise was classified an AOC for its vin doux naturel, but by the 1970’s and 1980’s its popularity in northern Europe was probably greater than Sauternes or sweet German wines. The wines, by law, must have an ABV of 15% and at least 110g/L residual sugar. Domaine de la Pigeade was purchased by the Vaute family in 1960 who came from wine families but this domaine was the first generation of winemakers. Up until 1996 all fruit from the 25ha estate was sent to the cooperative but with the succession of the second generation, Thierry and his wife Marina, a cellar was built and the wine-making was brought in house. The domaine sits outside the village of Beaumes, which is sandwiched in between the Dantelles de Montmirail and Mount Ventoux. Of the 25ha around 20 are Muscat blanc à petits grains averaging 35 years of age. The vines are planted on a argilo-calcaire and all weed control is manual. The fruit is harvested at a very low 30hl/ha.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | 100% Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 16% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
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11.3 units |
Type | Dessert Wine / natural sweet wine |
Food Matches |
It is an ideal aperitif and also goes well with many desserts, especially ones with chocolate, or a fruit salad, or strawberries where some is also poured over the fruit. It is also a perfect companion for many blue cheeses. Drink young and always very fresh (around 7°) |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Muscat de Beaumes de Venise |
Origin | Southern Rhône Valley |
2020 Dornier Moordenaarskloof Tinta Barocca
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is a full bodied and aromatic wine with hints of raspberry, mulberry and aromatic spices. On the pallet the wine is concentrated with richness and structure. The tannins are fine, ripe and creamy and in balance with the fruit. The wine has a long finish. This wine is a true reflection of Tinta Barocca from old vines in the Swartland.
Tinta Barocca is one of the most commonly planted grape varieties in the Douro, Portugal. It is one of the five varieties allowed in the production of port. Tinta Barocca was the first Portugese variety planted in South Africa. It is used in to make port style wines and has historically been a very important part of blended red wines because of its good colour and natural acidity. Tinta Barocca from older vines lends itself to the production of premium red wines with great character and complexity.
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tinta Barocca |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
2020 - 2028 |
Food Matching | Best paired with grilled, roasted and braised meat and game dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2018 Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge. GOLD Mundus Vini, 91 Points John Platter Winemag, Double Gold Gilbert & Gaillard
Intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, blackberries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak with a hint of mint to ensure freshness. The palate has density and concentrated flavours of dark fruit with elegant tannins to create a well-balanced wine with a long finish. Concentrated fruit, great structure and the ability to age well.
Although very dry, the ripening season leading up to the 2018 harvest provided exce lent conditions for optimal ripeness and flavour development that resulted in exceptional fruit concentration and elegance in the wines of this vintage.
This wine was fermented in open tanks with pump overs and punch downs being performed four times daily to extract all possible flavours from the berries. After alcoholic fermentation the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by 18 months ageing in 30% new French oak barrels.
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 TOP 100 SA Wine
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | From 2021 for up to 8 years |
Food Matching |
Good as an aperitif or served with starters, seafood or cold white meat. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Ronchi di Manzano Friulano
Regular price £15.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Straw-yellow color with light green reflections.
Intense aroma of blossom and ripen fruit.
It is dry, full, soft, very intense, hazelnut, scents of sweet almonds, pear, green apple, fresh, in a beautiful bedrock minerality.
"This is not an adventurous white - it’s a simple but top quality dry white with good citric fruit, some nuttiness and some minerality - but it’s the classiness and purity that sets it apart from basic whites.
A top notch, classy and elegant cool climate white from northern Italy. Often mistaken for Sauvignon but with none of the aromas - just great fruit, nuttiness and minerality - reminds me of a good Sancerre.
It’s an all woman wine as well, all vineyard and winery work done by a mother and her two daughters on a small, quality, premium estate." tasted July 2024
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Friulano |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food & Serving Information |
Ideal to be paired with San Daniele ham, eggs, asparagus, herbs frittata or herbs soup, Serving temperature 8-10°C. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Friuli Colli Orientali |
Appellation | Friuli DOC |
2023 Ronchi di Manzano Ramato Pinot Grigio Rosé
Regular price £15.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Neither white nor rosé"
(Italian) Copper Pinot Grigio is red onion coloured, with a dry, fresh and balanced taste. It is very fragrant, elegant and fruity but at the same time full-bodied and powerful. Notes of fruit salad, sage, almond. With this method of vinification it is better suited to aging.
Harvest strictly by hand and in crates. The must remains in contact with the skins for 36 hours, after which it is passed and put back in stainless steel until bottling.
Maturation for 6 months in stainless steel and refinement in bottle for 3 months before being marketed.
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Rosé Wine |
Food Pairings |
Copper Pinot Grigio is served at a temperature of 9-10° and pairs well with fish appetizers and vegetarian first courses.
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Fruili Venezia Giulia
|
Appellation |
Fruili Colli Orientali DOC |
2020 Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fruit driven American Zinfandel with Best Buy Ratings
Rich, sweet aromas of cherry and raspberry lead into jammy flavours of red plum, red currant and blackberry, with a dash of baking spices and a touch of smokiness.
Structured and textured, velvety tannins weave their way from mid-palate to a lingering finish.
Working with top growers in Lodi where Zinfandel reigns supreme, our Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel embodies all the beloved characteristics of the grape.
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Try this fruit-driven Zinfandel with lamb or hearty pasta dishes. |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2022 Wildeberg Red
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fine, distinctive blend of 90% Syrah with 10% Cabernet Franc, each from a single vineyard parcel in the Franschhoek valley. A natural approach to winemaking gives a fresh, expressive style with attractively wild berry fruit characters.
Warm and spicy on the nose, aromas of fresh crushed raspberries and black cherry mingle with black pepper, allspice and woodsmoke.
The palate has breadth and natural juiciness combining fresh cranberry and red berry fruit with spicy, peppercorn flavours. Best served at cool room temperature.
Wildeberg is our small farm in Franschhoek. Only 10ha can be planted to vines, the rest is wild. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm. A blend of roughly 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, both parcels of fruit were hand-harvested then allowed to macerate carbonically without press. These wild ferments were left to themselves with just one daily manual punchdown followed by 12 months ageing in 600 ltr French oak barrels.
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Great with charcuterie, a juicy steak or traditional South African Bobotie. |
Appellation | WO Franschoeck |
2021 Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This Chardonnay showcases the richness and complexity of its terroir.
The golden colour in the glass
Bright aromas of stone fruit and golden apple, underscored by rich, toasted oak.
Ripe, round tropical flavours of pineapple and mango are complimented by notes of vanilla and butter.
The 2021 vintage saw a late harvest with great quality fruit. All grapes were taken directly to press as whole clusters, gently pressed into tanks, cold-settled, racked as clean juice, and fermented over a two-month period at very cool temperatures. Once primary fermentation was completed, select lots ofthe wine went through a complete secondary fermentation to add a rich, buttery component.
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | California (68% Monterey, 32% Paso Robles) |
Origin | California |
2023 Malat 'Crazy Creatures' Gruner Veltliner
Regular price £18.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Located a mere one-hour drive outside Vienna, the Weingut Malat wine estate has been mastering its art and building its strong reputation for over three centuries. A pioneer in the Kremstal region, this domain is among Austria's most respected. With four different labels featuring strange insects, this Grüner Veltliner-based white is from its Crazy Creatures range!
Beautifully biting, it offers charming minerality, citrus and spice notes.
This wine has four different labels. Illustrations will therefore vary.
This is gorgeous, fresh, vibrant and broad Grüner Veltliner that comes from the Kremstal region in Austria. It is a fresh and bright, mouth-watering style of Grüner that begins to show more culinary herbal characteristics so associated with this variety. It's a superb all-rounder of a white that is delicious with a very wide range of cuisine.
The brainchild of Michael Malat, the grapes for "Crazy Creatures" are grown in the small Austrian village of Palt, in the wine-growing region of Kremstal. The traditional Malat winery has been making wines in the region since 1722.
The flagship grape of Austria, Grüner Veltliner is a natural cross of Traminer and St. Georgen. Grüner accounts for almost 30% of all grapes planted with around 13,500 hectares under vine in the country. The Austrian native has become an international sensation amongst sommeliers worldwide as the perfect food wine due to its high acidity. In Austria it is prized for the easy drinking wine it produces but can also wow the palate with complexity in the right winemaker’s hands. The typical flavor profile is often described as displaying elements of green apple with an unmistakable white pepper spiciness.
This is very interesting. Zesty citric lime fruit, a gravelly minerality, some white pepper spice with a hint of sage intermingle beautifully to give a really interesting complex and flavoursome long lasting white. Definitely a food wine that sommeliers would have a great time matching up!
What 3 words? - Zesty, Prancing, complex
Vintage | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 75cl |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units of alcohol |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching |
A favourite among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike. A white wint that goes remarkably well with a great many dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin |
Niederösterreich
|
Appellation |
Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC), Kremstal |
2022 Waterkloof Circle of Life White
Regular price £13.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Circle of Life celebrates farming in harmony with nature, telling a story of preserving and regenerating biodiversity. This harmonious combination of 3 classic grape varieties captures the essence of Waterkloof's biodynamic viticultural amphitheatre. 94 points, Decanter July 2023.
A fine and seamless blend of 3 classic white grapes. Sauvignon Blanc aromas are prominent on the nose, with lime and prickly pear notes. A tight mineral core and creamy mid palate from the Chenin Blanc gives complexity and a persistent finish while a small proportion of Semillon adds texture and depth.
Circle of Life White is neither defined by grape varietals, nor indeed a specific block within the vineyard, but instead encapsulates the myriad soils, aspects, altitudes and grape varieties found on this windswept, biodynamic farm. The windswept vineyard blocks are all, south facing (less sun exposure), 200-350m above sea-level and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production is a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Bunches are picked early in the mornings, when they are still cool, which helps to preserve the flavours. Extracting juice from the grapes is achieved through whole-bunch pressing in our modern basket press. This is the most delicate way to extract the juice. No additions of enzymes or settling agents were made to the juice. After a settling period of 24 hours, a large proportion of the juice was destined for co-fermentation. We determined a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc prior to fermentation which went into old 600-liter barrels where it fermented for four months. After the fermentation was completed the blend was racked to a stainless-steel tank to which they added the rest of the Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. To have the varietals integrate the wine was left in barrel on the fine lees until its bottling date six months later. This helped to add more complexity and weight to the palate. The wine is produced as naturally as possible, with no additions of acids or enzymes.
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned farm using organic practices. The farm is 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 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.
In the vineyards, drip irrigation is used only on young vines as a more efficient system to conserve water. Most of Waterkloof is dry-farmed; the biological control of pests is employed as an alternative to chemical spraying; annual legume cover crops are sown to add nitrogen to the soil and annual grain cover crops are sown in alternate rows as a carbon source and to return nutrients to the soil; earthworms are farmed and their casts are used to make a tea, which is used on the cover crops and soil as a living fertiliser; 380-400 tons of compost a year are made each year to boost carbon matter in the soil, to enhance its water holding capacity, and to boost the level of microbes in the soil keeping it fertile and alive; and, as part of the estate’s biodynamic regime, various foliar feeds are made. No damaging herbicides, pesticides or fungicide are used, only natural predatory fungi and metabolites to control mildew and to build the plants’ immunity. Six Percheron horses are used to plough, compost, spray and harvest the vineyards to reduce damage to the soil and vines and to reduce carbon emissions. Using the horses also teaches the handlers the rare skill of training these horses. A flock of chickens reduces the number of pests in the vineyard and returns nitrogen to the soil and compost, as well as providing fresh, free-range eggs for the restaurant. A small herd of cows is kept, which is key to producing biodynamic composts and teas, and a flock of sheep and a herd of goats are allowed to graze in the vineyards in winter to naturally reduce the level of weeds and vegetation between vine rows, as well as to put nitrogen back into the soil.
In the cellar, waste water gets pumped through a stainless-steel filter into a bioreactor where it is combined with the rest of the waste water from the building. Aerobic bacteria remove most of the contaminants before the water is pumped into a sand bed to remove any solids. From there, it runs into a reed bed for a final clean up and it is then used to irrigate the young vines. Peroxide is used a cleaning agent in the cellar as it breaks down in water after 15 minutes, leaving no residue. The cellar itself is built into the hillside to maintain a stable temperature, to avoid pumping the wines and hence reducing energy usage. Used boxes, dividers, bottles, screwcaps, plastics, paper and labels are recycled with an external company that take everything away for recycling. Old, unused bottles are sold to bottle recyclers who wash and resell them.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 49% Sauvignon Blanc, 41% Chenin Blanc, 10% Semillion |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Try with Sashimi of Tuna, smoked potato gnocchi or red snapper. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2020 Waterkloof 'Circle of Life' Red
Regular price £14.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A rewarding and satisfyingly juicy mix of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Circle of Life tells the story of Waterkloof: a once conventionally farmed property transformed into a living, breathing organic and regenerative vineyard by Farm Manager Christiaan Loots and his team.
A harmonious blend that combines the spiciness of Syrah, the ripe, youthful fruits of Petit Verdot and the juiciness from Cabernet Franc. The beginning is fresh and full of fruit with good acidity, evolving into riper flavours with lightly spicy notes. Elegant tannins and fine, bright acid on the finish.
Circle of Life Red is neither defined by grape varietals, nor indeed a specific block within the vineyard, but instead encapsulates the myriad soils, aspects, altitudes and grape varieties found on this windswept, biodynamic farm. The windswept vineyard blocks are all south facing (less sun exposure), 200-350m above sea-level and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production is a miserly 4 tons/hectare. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bordeaux varietals are de-stemmed, whilst Rhone varietals are whole bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters with foot-pressing or manual punch-downs 1-2 times per day. The wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in mainly old barrels, then ageing for 20 months in the same vessels. The components are then blended and the wine ages futher in large wooden foudre. No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine.
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned farm using organic practices. The farm is 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 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.
In the vineyards, drip irrigation is used only on young vines as a more efficient system to conserve water. Most of Waterkloof is dry-farmed; the biological control of pests is employed as an alternative to chemical spraying; annual legume cover crops are sown to add nitrogen to the soil and annual grain cover crops are sown in alternate rows as a carbon source and to return nutrients to the soil; earthworms are farmed and their casts are used to make a tea, which is used on the cover crops and soil as a living fertiliser; 380-400 tons of compost a year are made each year to boost carbon matter in the soil, to enhance its water holding capacity, and to boost the level of microbes in the soil keeping it fertile and alive; and, as part of the estate’s biodynamic regime, various foliar feeds are made. No damaging herbicides, pesticides or fungicide are used, only natural predatory fungi and metabolites to control mildew and to build the plants’ immunity. Six Percheron horses are used to plough, compost, spray and harvest the vineyards to reduce damage to the soil and vines and to reduce carbon emissions. Using the horses also teaches the handlers the rare skill of training these horses. A flock of chickens reduces the number of pests in the vineyard and returns nitrogen to the soil and compost, as well as providing fresh, free-range eggs for the restaurant. A small herd of cows is kept, which is key to producing biodynamic composts and teas, and a flock of sheep and a herd of goats are allowed to graze in the vineyards in winter to naturally reduce the level of weeds and vegetation between vine rows, as well as to put nitrogen back into the soil.
In the cellar, waste water gets pumped through a stainless-steel filter into a bioreactor where it is combined with the rest of the waste water from the building. Aerobic bacteria remove most of the contaminants before the water is pumped into a sand bed to remove any solids. From there, it runs into a reed bed for a final clean up and it is then used to irrigate the young vines. Peroxide is used a cleaning agent in the cellar as it breaks down in water after 15 minutes, leaving no residue. The cellar itself is built into the hillside to maintain a stable temperature, to avoid pumping the wines and hence reducing energy usage. Used boxes, dividers, bottles, screwcaps, plastics, paper and labels are recycled with an external company that take everything away for recycling. Old, unused bottles are sold to bottle recyclers who wash and resell them.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 38% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 16% Petit Verdot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
This very versatile wine will complement numerous dishes from a tomato based stew to meat on the bone. | |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2020 Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet (Bordeaux Blend)
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Kleinboet’ translates to ‘Little Brother’ from Afrikaans. This alludes to the fact that this Bordeaux Blend is incredibly elegant, with only 12.5% alcohol, compared to other South African Bordeaux Blends.
Although quite the lad, he’s not too big for his boots
Larger than life, there’s nothing small about him! The agile charmer, living life to the full. Simple, down to earth. With energy and a second breath, he’s not the kind to be second guessed…
Bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary).
Generous offering form entrance to finish; supple and full without over-saturating the palate with tannin; persistent with good length.
A Bordeaux blend that is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and comprises of all five ‘noble’ varietals (Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet franc and Malbec). The use of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill oak over 24 months ensures a beautiful “marriage” between the different varietals. The wine showcases bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary). On the palate this wine presents a generous offering from entrance to finish.
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 11% Petit Verdot 11% Cabernet franc 11% Malbec. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 5 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
24 months in French Oak 80% in old (4-10 years of age) French oak Foudres (6000L) 10% in new French oak barriques (225L) 10% in second/third fill French oak barrique (225L) |
Food Matches |
Roast or grilled lamb chops (or other richly flavoured cuts of red meat). Barbequed or ‘braai-ed’ aubergine topped with rich sun-dried and oregano tomato sauce is a great option for non-meat eaters. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Hermanuspietersfontein Posmeester Merlot
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Posmeester’ translates to ‘Postmaster’ from Afrikaans. This is a nod of the cap to the old postmaster that renamed Hermanuspietersfontein to Hermanus in 1902.
The One that gave us our Identity.
Long before the mobile phone he delivered Telegrams with important messages to families, friends, and lovers’ front doors. They knew he knew, before they knew, that made him an important man in their lives…
A wine designed for everyday enjoyment with a focus to be approachable and accessible to all palates. A small percentage of Mourvedre (8%) blended with the Merlot brings a warmth and finishing touch to this wine.
Brick red to purple
Red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries, showing milk chocolate undertone; fruit freshness.
Perfect balance between freshness and texture, effortless weight and length.
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Merlot 92%, Mourvedre 8% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2-3 years, provided stored under optimum conditions |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
3-6 months with old French oak barrels (3rd, 4th and 5th fill). |
Food Matches |
Slow braised beef cheek with heirloom vegetables or beef short-rib ragu pappardelle. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Hermanuspietersfontein Kat met 'n Houtbeen (Sauvignon Blanc)
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Kat Met Die Houtbeen’ translates to ‘Cat With The Wooden Leg’ from Afrikaans.
"Humbly hobbling along while counting her blessings
She once wandered onto our yard, cool, calm, and confident and made herself at home. Independently comfortable. Where she came from no one knows. Her adventures didn’t start here, it is here where it continues…"
This alludes to the lithe nature of the wine as well as the use of oak. This is a fuller style Sauvignon Blanc that ferments and ages in both new (40%) and older oak for 12 months.
Bright, clear, live green straw
Elegant aromas of exotic fruit (starfruit, dragon fruit), undertones of tropical aromas (passionfruit and ripe pineapple) and yellow fruit (peach).
Harmonious, elegant, and well-rounded supported by crisp freshness, good length with minerality at the end.
A fuller style Sauvignon blanc that ferments and ages in oak for 10-12 months depending on the vintage. We use old (75%) and new (25%) French oak pigeons (500L). Certain leaner vintages might contain a smidgeon of Sémillon to broaden the texture and palate.
The earlier vintages (2012-2017) are more in a linear style and will start to showcase some tertiary flavours, where the younger vintages (2018-2022) will have elegant aromas of exotic fruit (starfruit, dragon fruit), undertones of tropical aromas (passionfruit and ripe pineapple) and yellow fruit (peaches). On the palate we strive to create a fine balance between elegant and a well-rounded wine, supported by crisp freshness, good length and minerality at the end. These wines will age for 7 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
"Cat with the wooden leg! - is delicious. It’s quite an expressive and fat sauvignon blanc with lots of lovely tropical fruit, refreshing acidity and a woody oakiness that all marries together in a wonderful feline way. It works and it’s an absolute stunner that’s worth every penny asked for it." Sept 2024
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Sauvignon blanc, with a potentially small percentage of Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.1% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Vibrant acidity and a lingering finish gives the wine at least 5 years ageing potential. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
12 months in French Oak 60% in old (2-3 years of age) French oak pigeons (500L) 40% in new French oak pigeons (500L). Then 3 months in tank, 6 months in bottle before release. |
Food Matches |
Garlic and herb roast chicken or a classic chicken Caesar Salad if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Hermanuspietersfontein Kaalvoet Meisie (Sauvignon Blanc)
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Kaalvoet Meisie’ is the Afrikaans word for ‘Barefoot Girl’, which alludes to this wine being the lighter style of Sauvignon Blanc from HPF.
"She’s the Soul of Sondagskloof. She gets a thrill kissing the earth with the souls of her feet and loves wriggling her toes in the soils of Sondagskloof.. Known for her natural freshness and mouthfeel, she offers European minerality with nuances of fresh fynbos spice and green apple. Single varietal Sauvignon blanc. Wine of Origin Sondagskloof."
Dominant yellow fruit (peaches) with undertones of pacific fruit (star fruit, dragon fruit and white pear). Also shows fresh fynbos and buchu.
Characterised by freshness and minerality. Good texture, consistency, and length.
A lighter style of Sauvignon blanc including components from three different vinification processes. The early ripening blocks (25-35%) are subjected to a hyper-oxidation treatment. The biggest part of the blend (50-65%) undergoes skin contact for 2 days at 10 degrees C, while the last (latest ripening or final) riper blocks (10%) are treated reductively. We use small percentages of varietals such as Nouvelle and Viognier to add the proverbial ‘sugar and spice’, while the smidgeon of Sémillon adds fullness to the blend.
The earlier vintages are more in a linear style and will start to showcase some tertiary flavours, where the younger vintages will have dominant yellow fruit aromas (peaches and pineapple), with undertones of pacific fruit (star fruit, dragon fruit and white pear) and fresh fynbos/buchu. On the palate we strive to create a fine balance between freshness and minerality, supported by good texture and length.
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon blanc (more than 85%), Nouvelle, Viognier and Sémillon. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | These wines will age for 3-5 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
12 months in old French oak pigeons (500l) |
Food Matches | Pan seared Coley (Pollock) with tarragon beurre blanc. Blanched asparagus will complete a dish like this perfectly. |
Origin | Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Domaine de la Motte Petit Chablis
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A proper baby Chablis!
Aromatic fruit with the tiniest hint of sandalwood smoke on the nose. The palate has lovely weight with ripe, fleshy cooked lemons, a touch of stone fruit and a good mineral backbone. Far superior than the name "Petit" might suggest.
Vineyards are in the Hautes Côtes, at the top of the slopes just above Domaine de la Motte's Chablis classified plots and so achieve good ripeness. The soil is Portlandian, which is less chalky than Kimmeridgian, and typically produces wines which are less mineral and more fruity, well suited to earlier drinking. Having said that, Motte’s wine has real finesse with good fruit character – very much their house style. Cool-fermented in stainless steel, malolactic fermentation is also in stainless steel and the wine is unoaked.
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines which reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Having been already committed to sustainable viticulture, Domaine de la Motte are HVE Level 3 certified. This underlines the quality of the work carried out by the teams to support the ripening grapes, whilst protecting the biodiversity of the vineyard.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
This Petit Chablis is a light fruity wine that marries perfectly with oysters and all shellfish. | |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2021 Cortese Vanedda Bianco Organic
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pure class! Amazingly refined and almost Southern Chablis in style. Limited in production.
Intensely golden in colour.
Prominent notes of coconut and tropical fruit with an undercurrent of gentle spices.
Richly textured with well-integrated acidity and a long length.
The 100% organic grapes come only from the Cortese’s own vineyards grown near Contrada Sabuci, in the Vittoria area of South East Sicily. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested into small baskets and only the best quality are selected to make Vanedda. The baskets of grapes are refrigerated at 10°C for around 24 hours.
After this is completed the wine is carefully de-stemmed and fermented on the skins for at least 2 days, after which we separate the wine from the skins and finish the fermentation in 30 hl oak botti. Following fermentation, the wine stays on the lees for at least 7 months and remains in bottle for a further 6 months before being released on to the market.
Azienda Agricola Cortese is Stefano Girelli’s new estate in Sicily, in the South East near Ragusa. Cortese has a rich history in winemaking, and under Stefano’s guiding hand, has been brought back to life.
Cortese farms in a traditional way, using organic farming techniques from a time where organic was not a choice, but the only option. The dry, sun drenched Sicilian climate provides perfect conditions for organic farming. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Biodiversity is encouraged.
Traditional winemaking techniques are also adopted, such as fermentation in terracotta.
Cortese brings together respect for biodiversity, exclusively organic cultivation, the meeting of traditional techniques & contemporary technology and the vibrancy and colour of Sicilian life.
La Selezione is the top tier from Cortese. Distinguished by their excellent terroir, these are wines in a class of their own, without any obvious comparisons.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Grillo & 50% Catarratto |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching | Goes perfectly with seafood and rich roasts a-like. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, certified Organic |
Origin | Italy |
Appellation |
Terre Siciliane IGP |
NV Cave de Turckheim Mayerling Brut, AOP Crémant d’Alsace
Regular price £16.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Crémant d'Alsace appellation denotes sparkling wines made in the traditional method. Effervescent and refreshing, this is the perfect wine for celebrations.
Gently aromatic with fresh apple scented fruit.
Flavours of apples and white flowers. A fine mousse and soft, creamy texture from extended lees aging. Elegant and well-balanced finish with a calming zing of acidity to refresh and entice.
Grapes are selected from vineyards with diverse soils - limestone, granite, gravel, marl and sandstone - which impart different characters and styles to the overall blend, and harvested by hand and machine, depending on site. This gently sparkling wine is made using the 'méthode traditionnelle' with a secondary fermentation in bottle and a dosage is approximately 9g/l. Cave de Turckheim looks to create a lightly sparkling style with a fine mousse and delicate fruit flavours. Its crémants are therefore aged on lees for longer than the appellation regulations require; for 24 months rather than 12 in this case.
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.
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 which 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.
Year | NV |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food matches | Serve chilled as an appetiser, with a sweet dessert or even after a meal for the perfect post dinner refresher. |
Dosage | Brut |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | AOP Crémant d'Alsace |
Origin | Alsace |
2020 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Carignan
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The second Vielles Vignes project from enigmatic winemaker Faouzi Issa.
The nose has an exotic mix of ripe fig, bright cranberry and rasberry fruit with notes of liquorice , it’s lifted and pronounced.
Palate
The palate had more beautifully ripe red fruit characters, along side lively fig and date notes, the acidity perfectly balances the generous flavours and leaves a pure, clean finish.
Domaine des Tourelles have a 50 year old block of Carignan in their Amik vineyard in the Bekka Valley. The fruit from here provides an excellent component for the acclaimed Domaine des Tourelles Red, but winemaker Faouzi believed it could produce great wine in it’s own right. This first vintage highlights his belief in the project. The wine only sees concrete during production, being both fermented and aged for 24 months in his old but perfectly formed tanks.
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun and is one of the most highly acclaimed and oldest wineries still operating in Lebanon. It was also the first commercial cellar in 'modern' Lebanon to produce wines, arak and other spirits. This place has history! The Brun family owned and ran the winery up until the last descendant died in 2003 but luckily two local families - the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families - joined forces to buy the property and continue the fine tradition of winemaking.
Today, this Bekaa Valley estate is run by the three Issa children - twins Faouzi and Johanne and their sister Christiane, alongside Emile Issa-el Khoury, son of one of the co-owners. This young and dynamic combination have introduced a handful of practices in the vineyards and cellar including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, no fining or filtering, and only very small amounts of sulphur. These techniques along with fruit from 40 hectares of ancient, organically cultivated and dry-farmed vineyards (among the oldest in the valley) and a winery perfect for hands-off winemaking, make Domaine des Tourelles one of the finest boutique wineries in the Middle East.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Carignan |
Country | Lebanon |
Alcohol content | 14% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan, Organic |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Marinated mediteranian spiced meats, grilled vegetables. BBQs. | |
Appellation | Bekaa Valley |
2019 Smalltown Vineyards Clovella Mataro Grenache
Regular price £16.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%It starts with cassis, a nose full of promise. Clove and black pepper spice. The palate is dark and sultry with a dried fruit appeal. It finishes with a gentle lick of oak from the time the wine spends in oak.
Clovella is a field planting of roughly 60/40 Grenache and Mataro. It is a 40 year old vineyard from the Gomersal sub-district of the Barossa Valley that Rolf Binder has been cultivating himself for many years. The wine spends 22 months in older French oak. The purpose of this wine is to show Mataro and Grenache with some development rather than the super-juicy-young-bright Grenache of the moment.
Smalltown Vineyards express many of the Barossa’s prized districts form Gomersal, Kalimna as well as the Eden Valley and beyond. We work with exceptional vineyards simply expressed using minimal intervention, basket press where relevant, natural ferments in open-top fermenters to best capture the Barossa’s magical flavours. We have a lot of fun with labels because, well because we can. It’s only wine after all…
As of the 1st July, 2019, Australia changed from its previous sustainable programme called EntWine to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Smalltown Vineyards is a participant in this programme, which assists with tools and resources to enhance business sustainability, meeting customer sustainability requirements and sustainability claims made by participants.
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Grenache, 40% Mataro |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Braises and stews: long slow cooked roasts of pork or lamb. |
Origin | South Australia |
Appellation | Barossa Valley |
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
The pale golden yellow colour is flecked with a stream of persistent bubbles with a creamy foam developing on the surface.
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.
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.
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.
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
The colour is a lovely canary yellow with hints of light straw and is flecked with a stream of persistent bubbles.
The nose is clean with dominant aromas of lemon, pear and lime tree.
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.
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.
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.
The soft pink marble colour combines with a swirling stream of fine bubbles, evoking a light sensation.
The fresh and subtle nose is characterised by its strawberry notes.
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.
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.
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 |
2021 Wildeberg White
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classic ancient vine Semillon selected from 2 small plots, the oldest planted in 1905. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm
Restrained, delicate aromas with bright citrus fruit offset by savoury, waxy notes.
The palate has an impactful attack of taut, stony, highly textural citrus tang and terrific mouthfeel. A subtle, beautifully balanced wine with layers of expression.
Sourced from ancient, dry grown bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley in the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s Coastal Region. Franschhoek is amongst the oldest planted regions in the Cape, with Sémillon having been planted here in 1679 by French Huguenot settlers. Naturally-fermented in new and older oak at our Franschhoek farm, there is very little magic involved other than the fruit itself.
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Semillion |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with delicate fish dishes, fresh oysters and prawns. |
Appellation | WO Franschoeck |
2021 Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, North Canterbury
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Intensely and brightly coloured wine with a ruby-red hue
Ruby red in colour this wine has a bright cherry nose supported by complex red and dark fruits, spiced cherry, cedar, mushroom and floral characters on the nose
The palate highlights bitter chocolate, cherry and cinnamon spice notes supported by fine acidity and a flowing finish. Nicely balanced and drinking beautifully.
The 2021 vintage in Waipara, North Canterbury was warm and dry - good growing conditions. Heat summation was well up on average while rainfall was 50% less than normal over the last three months before harvest. The lower rainfall meant that disease pressure was not present, allowing the winemaker to be patient and instruct the picking of the fruit in absolute pristine condition and when tasted at their premium. The effects of this were enhanced fruit flavours creating a wine of great balance.
The fruit was harvested in excellent condition and gently handled in the cellar using traditional burgundian methods and aged for 12 months in French oak barriques.
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2022 to 2025 – will continue to develop for a further 5 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect wine for any season - enjoy on a picnic with cheese, cold meats, patés and terrines. A wonderful match too with a mushroom risotto or with a delicious steak off the BBQ. |
Appellation | Waipara Valley, North Canterbury |
2022 Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Gris, North Canterbury
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A delicate, pale gold with hints of pink from the variety's skin colour.
A delightfully ripe and fragrant wine showing stonefruit, pear and floral aromas.
Finishing long and comforting, this wine combines complex fruit flavours with a balance of acidity.
The 2022 Vintage in Waipara, North Canterbury was notable for the changeable weather, as was the case throughout several of the wine regions around New Zealand. On par with previous years, we did see a higher than average number of small rain events towards the end of the growing season. Our Pinot Gris this year is rich in the traditional flavours this Tiki Single Vineyard wine has become known for.T
The fruit was harvested at maximum flavour as determined by frequent tasting in the vineyard. It was then very gently pressed to avoid harsh phenolic extraction and the juice allowed to cold settle. The clear juice was fermented at low temperatures using yeasts renowned for their ability to enhance Pinot Gris aromas and to add complexity by the addition of fermentation esters. A small amount of residual sugar was left in the wine to complement the palate weight and structure.
"Offering terrific fruit purity and fragrance, the bouquet shows honeydew melon, Nashi pear, lemon peel and white floral aromas. The palate displays excellent weight and youthful fruit intensity, beautifully complemented by rounded texture and vibrant acidity." 5 Stars Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jun 2022
"This is pure class. Beautiful ripe tropical fruit flavours balanced by lovely fresh acidity. Add in layers of complexity, delicious textural mouthfeel, exceptional balance and a long long finish gives a perfect glass of white. Single vineyard Pinot Gris (not Grigio) from North Canterbury shows that it’s not all about Marlborough Sauv Blanc around these beautiful islands. Really proud to be representing these pure, sustainable wines in this country." August 2024
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Gris |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.38 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2022/25 - will continue to develop for a further 5 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Pair with a delicious Asian curry - fantastic with a Thai green chicken or seafood curry. |
Appellation | Waipara Valley, North Canterbury |