A versatile, textured Pinot Grigio sourced from selected vineyards in the Veneto.

Tasting Notes

A fresh dry white with gentle floral and citrus aromas. Crisp and delicate on the palate with orchard fruit and lightly honeyed notes, balanced by lemony acidity and a fresh, dry finish.

Production

Produced from selected Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the Veneto. The grapes were hand-harvested during the first 2 weeks of September. The grapes were crushed and gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle and clarify before cool fermentation at 16 to 18C in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was bottled young after a period of 3 to 6 months ageing on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Alan's Tasting Notes

"Our best-selling wine and easy to see why - dry but not too dry, lovely juicy fruit with good length and refreshing acidity - very moreish and a real crowd-pleaser."

Specifications

 A fresh and appealing style of Pinot Grigio rosé from the Pavia zone of north-west Italy. The addition of early-harvested Pinot Noir grapes and gentle pressing give a delicate salmon pink colour and subtle red berry fruit.

Tasting Notes

Pale coral pink - strawberry and bramble aromas lead onto a delicate, yet juicy palate with red berry characters. Slight creaminess leads to a crisp dry finish.

Production Method

Produced from grapes grown in the Pavia region of northwest Italy. The ripest grapes were selected from mature hillside vineyards and hand-harvested in early September. The extra ripeness allows the dark-skinned Pinot Grigio grapes to develop a pink tinge which is further enhanced by the addition of a small proportion of Barbera and Pinot Noir grapes from the same vineyards. The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness together, and the skins left in contact with the juice for 12 hours at low temperature before gentle pressing. After a slow, cool fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks the wine was bottled young to preserve freshness and aromas.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. The aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. They source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom they have long-term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Alan's Tasting Notes

"An enticing summer red with lots of upfront strawberry fruit together with more serious red berry notes from the Barbera and Pinot Nero components. Appealing freshness and acidity initially are tempered by a balancing creaminess in the mid and back palate. An altogether well-composed glass of summer rose with perfect balance and poise - enjoy with friends in the garden - perfectly at ease in its own company but will also stand up well with all garden foods." Tasted September 2021

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Castel del Lupo’s impressive new release was made especially for Boutinot from grapes grown on the south-facing, chalky Ginestra vineyard. Like their Pinot Nero, this PG from the gently hilly Oltrepo Pavese DOC, the ‘Tuscany of Northern Italy’, has subtlety, depth and character. It’s a pure, gently aromatic style, crisp and lightly nutty, with fine citrus and peach fruit characters and savoury, textural finish from 4 months on fine lees.

Nose

A subtle, delicately aromatic and lightly floral nose with citrus and white peach notes.

Palate

The palate has fresh stone fruit and lemony characters leading to a gentle, textured mid-palate and an attractively crisp, saline finish.

Production Method

The Pinot Grigio grapes are organically grown, harvested by hand, and undergo careful selection. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature (17°C), and the wine is then kept on fine lees for at least four months.

Producer

Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.

A Note on Sustainability

A proportion of the cantina’s vineyards are in conversion from sustainable to organic cultivation and will be certified as organic from 2020.

Awards

Specifications

Tasting Notes

The bouquet shows tropical fruit with hints of citrus. There is a perfect balance of pure tropical fruit on the palate, with a backbone of acidity. 

The Fedele is actually a blend of Catarratto, which gives some body, cream and some delicate pear and ripe melon flavours, whilst the Pinot Grigio brings some hints of peach and stoned fruit and an incredible freshness.

Vineyards & Winemaking

Grapes: 60% Catarratto 40% Pinot Grigio.  Both grape varieties are grown in organic vineyards in the Trapani area.  The two different grape varieties are vinified separately, temperature-controlled fermentations then blended and left on the fine lees until the end of the year.

Specifications

A classic, refined, and expressive Crémant from this renowned Alsace co-operative.

Tasting Notes 

This traditional method sparkling wine offers fine bubbles and fruity flavours. Applely, floral Pinot Blanc and spicy honeyed Auxerrois are traditionally vinified together, and the Pinot Gris brings body and weight. Fresh, intense and well-balanced, crisp and supple.

Production

Crémant d’Alsace is produced using the same traditional method as Champagne. There is a strict selection of organically-grown grapes, the use of dedicated cellar equipment, a second fermentation in bottle, no filtration other than degorgement, and the wine spends 24 months aging on its lees before release.

Producer

Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.

Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit-forward, style.

Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long-term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.

Sustainability

An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification then went on to achieve the highest HVE Level 3 certification in 2019.

In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.

Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.

To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Cave de Turckheim planted 65 trees in February 2022 to contribute to the reconstruction and maintenance of their vines and terroirs, as well as to the preservation and enhancement of wider landscapes. Local and ancient varieties were specially selected to contribute to the safeguarding of their genetic heritage.

Specifications

Now recognized as Garda DOC, this Garganega Pinot Grigio is chosen from premium vineyards situated between Lake Garda and Vicenza. The inclusion of Garganega lends a more distinctive and flavorful profile to the wine compared to many standard Pinot Grigios.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of fresh apple and citrus. Crisp and zesty on the palate with a lightly honeyed, floral note on the finish.

Production

Produced from Garganega grapes grown in the Garda DOC region between Lake Garda and Vicenza, with the addition of 15% Pinot Grigio. Gentle pressing, fermentation at 16 to 18C with selected yeasts, bottling after 3 months on fine lees.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Specifications

0% Alcohol, Vegetarian/Vegan certified.

Made with grapes from a Sicilian origin - this alcohol free wine is a vibrant delicious alternative to the 'real thing'!

Tasting Notes 

Straw yellow in colour, this wine has vibrant tropical and citrus fruit aromas and flavours. On the palate it is refreshing and perfectly balanced, with a clean, crisp finish.

Production

The grapes are destemmed and very gently pressed in a pneumatic press. Prior to fermentation the juice is chilled and racked after settling. Selected yeasts are added to initiate the alcoholic fermentation, which takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 8°C. Vacuum distillation at around 30°C to preserve primary aromas.

Specifications

The addition of Garganega makes a more interesting, characterful wine than many basic Pinot Grigio.

Tasting Notes

Lightly aromatic with green apple and citrus characters. A zesty, easy to drink dry white wine with crisp, lightly honeyed fruit on the finish.

Production

Produced from Garganega grapes grown in the Garda DOC region between Lake Garda and Vicenza, with the addition of 15% Pinot Grigio. Gentle pressing, fermentation at 16 to 18C with selected yeasts, bottling after 3 months on fine lees.

Producer

Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

"Everything it should be - fresh, crisp n dry - with good fruit and decent length for the price. Perfect luncheon wine or by the glass trade option. Not the most complex - just a simple, easy drinking moreish crowd pleaser!" March 2024

Specifications

No Tricks, Just Wine

This Sauvignon-Pinot Gris blend is a revelation! A truly sophisticated wine, full of finesse and soft tones, with Burgundy elegance and reserved coolness. A fascinating, sensuous palate, with fully mature flavours, which impresses from the first sip. The herbaceous tang of Sauvignon creates a fine balance of sweet fruitiness and crisp acidity.

Tasting Notes

Producer

Organic, Biodynamic, young, trendy, and Austrian! Michael Opitz is part of the new generation of wine growers, no longer producing mainstream but rather, distinctive, confident wines. The personality of this winegrower is reflected in the style of the wines, which are considered and confident without excessive inclination towards the dramatic. Michael Opitz also particularly values sustainability in the winery. This includes improvements in the vineyard and in the cellar as well as considerations concerning transport, packaging materials and many other aspects.

Alan's Personal Notes

"This one was labelled 'natural' not orange but still a decent colour extracted. With Sauv Blanc being the lead varietal - it’s certainly the more commercial of the two whites he produces. Equally magnificent but still difficult to recognise any particular fruit aromas or flavours - but again multi-layered, complex, and with great length - and again that saline finish. Just shades it to be my favourite of the two - but Di preferred last night. Definitely a winemaker to watch." January 2022

Specifications

Made on the beautiful island of Sicily - the island breeze cools the vines at night to ensure the palate is fresh, rounded, dry and smooth.

Tasting Notes

A fruity wine with ripe apple and pear flavours. 

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Straw-yellow in colour

Nose

A fragrant and crisp aroma with unmistakable floral notes and hints of ripened pear. 

Mouth

Its taste is dry and minerally, acidic yet balanced, and is both intense and enduring.

Background

Specifications

Austrian finesse, captured in every fine‑boned bubble.

Tasting Notes

Nuances of white bread, brioche and stewed apricot with generous fruit presence - and charm as well; considerable body, firm and open-hearted, very round and 
juicy, smooth yellow fruitiness, tingling and balanced, not too sweet, very 
beautiful filling. 

Production

The grapes are selected in September, when acidity and maturity have reached 
their perfect point for the base wine for our sparkling production. These grapes 
are sourced from different chalky parcels in our vineyards which lends the wine 
freshness and while most of the sites are southeast facing slopes, the wine also 
receives warmth. The harvested grapes are transported in small cases directly into 
the cellar, where they are very gently and carefully pressed. 
Only the heart of the must is used for the sparkling production. It ferments in 
stainless steel where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation before being 
racked into used 300 l (or 2500 l) Austrian oak barrels with about 10% of the 
lees. 
In the following year, the base wine is bottled together with some sugar and yeast 
for the secondary fermentation and gets 18 months yeast contact before the 
process of remuage. During the month-long process of remuage the sediment 
that forms during secondary fermentation is maneuvered into the neck of the 
bottle and up against the cork through riddling from time to time by hand. 

Producer

Willi Bründlmayer attaches great importance to the ecological balance:

When he took over his parents’ winery, he introduced a policy of ecological winegrowing. Synthetic fertilizers are waived since 1979. Our vineyards are cultivated sustainably, following the Austrian Programme of Sustainable Agriculture and since 2015 in a biological-organic way, certified by LACON. The management of natural resources – soil, sun, water and plants – follows simple and sensible procedures. For instance, pheromones are applied throughout all important sites of the winery in order to disrupt the mating habits of the dangerous grape vine moth. This means that no additional plant protection agents need to be used against the insect. When old vineyards are cleared, the fields are left fallow, for several years if necessary, so that the soil can recover fully.

Specifications