- Alicante Bouschet
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Palomino
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Nacional
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Zweigelt
- Alicante Bouschet
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Palomino
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Nacional
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Zweigelt
2017 Champagne Gremillet Brut Vintage (Gift Pack)
Regular price £44.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Approachable yet very proper vintage Champagne - perfectly expressing the very particular character of Pinot Noir from the Aube.
Tasting Notes
Fine persistent 'bulles', lovely nose - a mix of ripe Pinot fruit and classic baked biscuit, the palate has Gremillet's characteristic gentle, ripe fruit, some nice complexity balanced with a long fresh finish.
Production
Vines are mainly planted in the Côte des Bars on limestone-clay soil on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. The first-press juice is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (16° for the alcoholic and 18° for the malolactic) followed by secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then matured on lees for a minimum of 5 years, and disgorged with a 9g/l 'liquer de dosage' made from their own finished wine.
Producer
The Gremillet estate was founded by Jean-Michel Gremillet in 1979 when he inherited a plot of vines from his mother, Lulu. Today, the house possesses over 40 hectares of vineyards and is situated in a small village 45 kilometres from Troyes - the historic capital of Champagne - and 180 kilometres south of Reims. The vines lie on steep, sun-drenched hillsides in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir is king here, and constitutes around 94% of Gremillet’s plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, ideal for creating a classic, baked biscuit, rich, fruit-flavoured Champagne.
A Note on Sustainability
This family-owned and run Champagne house is HVE 3 certified, and as much as possible it restricts its use of chemicals in the vineyards. One of its cuvées is certified organic by ECOCERT and hopefully, this is the start of a bigger process.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Matured on the Lees | 22 Months minimum |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites & Milk |
Food Matches | Pair with rich fish dishes |
Features | Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2020 Weingut Weszeli Riesling Loiserberg
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Agile, dynamic and straightforward.
Of all our Rieslings Loiserberg is the most uncompromising and coolest, pulling its tracks straight forward on the palate. Ends juicy, mineral, invigorating and long. Single Vineyard site - most Northern, highest & coolest.
Tasting Notes
Elegant fruit melange of citrus and stone fruit with a touch of pineapple, a tinge of ciabatta, fragrant, delicately floral, balanced and discreet. Juicy mid-weight, elegantly with a lot of fruit in the entree, tighter behind with a fine bite and a pleasantly dry finish.
Producer
Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites.
The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature. He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal.
Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suit the climate and soils of Kamptal.
Location
The first thing that strikes you when you stand at the top of the Loiserberg is its meagre, rocky soil. It consists almost exclusively of Gföhler gneiss, covered only by a shallow layer of humus. Our Riesling vines are growing at an altitude of 380 metres; there is no higher point around Langenlois. And you can feel this in every sip. Although the vines look to the sun all day long, they are properly cooled as soon as twilight falls over the vineyards. As a result, full ripeness always arrives in late October, when the grapes have crystal-clear aromatics and immense vitality.
Altitude means everything at the Loiserberg. If you are at the crest of the hill, where our largest parcel is located, you’ll soon feel that the conditions here are quite different from those down below. Although our vineyard lies under the sun almost all day long, its power is relativised by the altitude and the wind that whistles through the vines.
Riesling also benefits from the climatic conditions mentioned earlier. Sun and dryness in combination with nocturnal cooling allow the grapes to ripen slowly. And finally, when it’s the right time to harvest, there’s an ideal balance of precise aromas, energy and acidity structure.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.38 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Appetizer Salad, Antipasta, beef or rabbit in aspic |
Origin | Kamptal |
2019 Oldenburg Syrah
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A Rhône Valley lovers’ Syrah. Spicy, full of red fruit and lightly oaked.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A bouquet of red fruit – red cherries, rhubarb and cranberries – are interwoven with spicier notes of black pepper, lavender, parmesan shavings and grapefruit pith.
Palate
Refreshingly light in alcohol with a delicate grip from the whole bunch and 25% new wood.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Hand harvested and hand sorted to ensure that only the best fruit makes its way into the bottle. Whole berry fermentation took place, using only natural yeasts, in two batches – the first batch was 30% whole bunch and the second was 100% whole bunch. Punch downs were used 1 – 3 times per day for optimal extraction. 14 months of maturation, in 300L and 500L French oak (25% new), followed by fermentation. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Accolades
- 92pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
9.2% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Food matching |
Barbequed pork ribs- and don’t be scared to get a bit of char on the ribs from the flames! |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
GlenWood Grand Duc Noblesse (Sweet) N/V
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Noblesse takes its name from ‘noble rot’, a winemaking process which accentuates sugar, and reduces water content in grapes, making them perfect for sweet wine production.
A wine in this style is the result of painstaking attention to detail in the vineyard, and the cellar.
Tasting Notes
This wine is 100% Semillon, and has the tell-tale notes of honey, dried apricots, butterscotch and ripe mango. Make sure to serve it well chilled.
Vineyards
Vine age: 19 years.
Density: 2,800 vines per hectare.
Normal vineyard yield: 8-9 tons per hectare.
Soils are well-drained compromised lightly structured Clovelly and Avalon.
Vines are planted 1.4 m apart to avoid density as Semillon can be vigorous in growth. Intensive leaf and shoot management in October allow for even ripeness and provided shade to achieve maximum fruit concentration.
Vinification
An intensive, 4-stage, harvest selection in which only noble rot berries were selected containing sugar of between 34 and 36°B. Prior to pressing the berries went through another selection process to ensure that only 100% noble rot berries were pressed. Pressing occurred over a three-day period with a minimal 95 Litres per ton of Semillon recovered. Juice was settled and racked to small 225 Litre selected French oak barrels. No yeast inoculation occurred and the juice fermented naturally down to 150 grams residual sugar per litre. The wine has spent 28 months in barrel before stabilisation and bottling.
Winemaker Comments
"This wine has developed into a well-integrated sweet wine with enticing nutty and honey flavours. We are proud to release this wine with delicate similarities to the revered French Sauternes which was one of our main objectives. Enjoy now or age for 10 to 15 years to develop further complexity."
Accolades
-
95pts | Platter’s 2022
2017 botrytised semillon 50% sweeter than last, 2014 (4.5 stars, 93 pts), but so perfectly balanced, the enjoyment is unimpaired, and scores higher. Older barrel fermented/aged 28 months: candied citrus, apricot, with enough brightening acidity to offset the richness. 375 ml.
-
94pts | Tim Atkin 2022 SA Report
Noblesse is a reference to the botrytis (noble rot) that affected the berries on this delicious pure Semillon from Franschhoek. Well-balanced between acidity, 156 grams of sugar and a restrained volatile lift, this has honey, peach and orange zest flavours and a sheen of toasty oak spice. 2021-25
Specifications
Year | N/v |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 100% Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 4.88 units |
Type | Dessert Wine |
Food Matching |
Try it with homemade apple crumble and vanilla ice cream, or mature Stilton cheese. |
Cellaring Potential | Enjoy now or age for 10 to 15 years to develop further complexity. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valley, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2009 Grangehurst Nikela Magnum Gift Pack
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Red berries with some mint, cedar and mocha aromas & flavours.
Palate
A full-bodied, elegant barrel-matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” – this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes – “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” – in England.
Origin
Selected from prime Helderberg and Simonsberg vineyards in Stellenbosch. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards – especially those in the Helderberg.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 5 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimum extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in basket presses. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any fining agents, centrifuges or filters – a natural, unhurried method of clarifying wine.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Mourvèdre – were matured in 225-litre French oak barrels for 29 months.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L Magnum |
Cultivar | 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 1% Mourèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.4% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.6 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching | Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as yellowfin tuna ravioli, balsamic pan-seared chicken livers, grilled kabeljou or slow-roasted lamb shanks. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Paul Wallace Braveheart Pinot Noir
Regular price £25.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape!
Tasting Notes
Colour
The Brave Heart Pinot Noir proudly introduces itself with a bright ruby red colour enticing you to explore it further.
Nose
A complex nose defined by a combination of ripe black and sour red cherries, watermelon and white pepper, together with a hint of salinity prepares your tastebuds for a sensorial sensation.
Palate
The palate reveals cherry and cranberry, supported by a spicy core that is further embellished by fine silky tannins imparted by the subtle use of Burgundian oak barriques. Finishes with a lovely, lingering aftertaste so typical of Elgin's cool climate Pinot Noirs.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The 2019 Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir is our seventh vintage. The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape. Fortunately, our 2019 Pinot Noir offering has once again captured our hearts and is anything but a disappointment. Production was very limited – only 10 barrels / 2400 liters of this vintage were vinified.
Pristine grapes (Clone PN115, Guyot pruned) selected from three different slopes on our farm Wallovale Vineyards, were vinified with much love and gentle attention at the Almenkerk Wine Estate. Whole berry fermented in open fermenters, basket pressed and taken to barrel where it completes malolactic fermentation. After 10 months on wood (20% new wood, 45% second fill, 35% third and fourth fill), the wine was prepared for bottling. Bottling date: 7th February 2020.
Accolade
- National Wine Challenge 2020 - Double Silver
- IWSC 2020 - Bronze Medal
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Bronze
- Platter Wine Guide 2021 – 4*
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.3% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.2 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Brave Heart Pinot Noir is so very versatile and will complement a wide range of foods. Too delicate to serve with a curry or very creamy dish but superb with plum-glazed duck, roast turkey, chicken dishes, mushroom risotto, or a beautiful side of salmon. It is recommended that in the hot summer months you serve this wine ever so slightly chilled. |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
Lustau Palo Cortado Almacenista Cayetano Del Pino Y Cìa (N/V) (500ml)
Regular price £33.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A complex, rewarding dry style of sherry with an old gold colour.
Tasting Notes
Palo Cortado is one of the lesser-known sherry styles and its characters lies somewhere between Amontillado and Oloroso. This is from Lustau's Almacenista range and made at Cayetano del Pino. Finishing with a prodigious length it's a complex and rewarding sherry.
Nose
Dark amber in colour with leather and tobacco aromas.
Palate
Dry and concentrated on the palate there is a multifaceted range of coffee, spice and dark chocolate flavours.
Producers
During the early years, Bodegas Lustau operated as an Almacenista'. The Lustau family began bottling their own sherries and exporting by 1950. In the 1980s they expanded their range and introduced the Almacenista range concept of buying and maturing casks from small bodegas to share excellent quality names and styles with enthusiasts around the world.
In 1990 the winery was bought by the family-owned Louis Caballero group. Bodegas Lustau is considered a world-class benchmark for top-quality wines. Lustau produces all styles of sherry, from Manzanilla through to Pedro Ximénez, as well as special bottlings, single cask, VOS and VORS sherries. The En Rama range, produced from select barrels from each of the three towns, is a highly anticipated release each spring.
Lustau has, over the years, won multiple medals and trophies, including Best Spanish Winery' and Best Sherry Producer' at the IWSC and the Len Evans Trophy for consistency (won in 2011 and 2016) at the IWC.
Current cellar master Sergio Martínez took charge of the winery's oenological team in 2016, after more than 14 years' worth of experience with Lustau. Sergio has been awarded the Best Fortified Winemaker' trophy by the International Wine Challenge three years in a row, following in the footsteps of the late Manuel Lozano who had won this award seven times.
In 2022, Lustau celebrated its 125th birthday with a special release of three sherries in its Anniversary Collection, including a Manzanilla Pasada Papirusa, Amontillado Solera del Castillo, and a Vintage Sherry Añada 1996.
Specifications
Year | Non Vintage |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | Jerez |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
21% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Fortified Wine - Dry Sherry |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Perfect to accompany broths, foie gras, cured meat, old cheese and artichokes. The best ally of very spicy dishes, typical of oriental gastronomy.
|
Origin | Jerez |
Appellation | Jerez |
2020 Metzer Montane Chenin Blanc
Regular price £29.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%100% Chenin blanc. A single-vineyard wine from a bush vine parcel planted in 1964. The vineyard is situated on the foothills of the Helderberg West Peak, South Africa.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The wine offers an understated bouquet that unfolds delicately in the glass, with hints of apple, hay and ginger spice.
Palate
The palate is well-balanced and offers more of a textural experience than overt flavours. It has a vibrant mineral core with a touch of citrus on the finish leaving a slight tannic grip after the wine has departed.
Winery
The guiding principle for Wade Metzer’s winemaking philosophy is that winemaking must always respect the fruit. To achieve this he uses non-interventionist principles; no mechanical interventions, indigenous yeasts and no fining or filtration. Many of his wines are Old Vine Certified, including this Chenin.
This wine is one of Wade Metzer’s two single site, Old VIne, Chenin Blancs – this one was planted in 1964 and is situated on the Helderberg foothills. While both are vinified identically, the wines are stylistically different, which really highlights the sense of place of each site.
Vinification
In order to preserve fruit integrity, the grapes were picked in the early hours of the morning. After pressing and a brief period of skin contact, the juice was transferred to a tank and allowed to settle overnight (without the use of settling enzymes). The settled wine was transferred to old oak barrels, in which fermentation occurred. 9 months of barrel ageing, on the lees without stirring, followed before bottling (after a coarse filtration).
Accolade
- 96 points | Tim Atkin
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.9% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.68 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring Potential |
The wine delivers immediate drinking pleasure but will gain in complexity with further cellaring. Optimum drinking: 2022 – 2030 (8° C). |
Food Matches |
Delicate chicken dishes such as a chicken and leek pie will go beautifully with this wine. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Chateau Mangot Saint-Emillion Grand Cru
Regular price £27.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A plush and appealing, classic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from this progressive Château.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Complex aromas of bramble fruit with herbal notes and a touch of spice.
Palate
The palate is plush with ripe plum and berry characters, fine tannins, well-integrated oak, and fresh acidity giving balance on the long and elegant finish.
Producer
Nestled in the far eastern reaches of the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Mangot consists of 37 hectares with a diversity of clay-limestone soils. Whilst vines are naturally the star of the show for the estate’s current guardians, the Todeschini family, 15% of the estate consists of hedges, woods and embankments, which contribute to a rich biodiversity. Brothers Yann and Karl look after the vineyard management and winemaking themselves and are committed to following sound ecological practises.
A lightness of touch and genuine care flows through everything they do; from protecting the soils using only natural fertilisers, to the use of native yeasts and only the very tiniest amount of SO2 in the winery. They do not “make” the wines, but rather guide them into fulfilling their potential as pure, precise and quality expressions of the terroir. The estate was promoted to Grand Cru Classé status in 2022 in recognition of their consistently well-made, polished wines and their commitment to biodiversity and the environment.
Production
The grapes - predominantly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - are cultivated on a selection of different soil types and aspects, from clay-limestone hillsides to a limestone plateau, at 35-90 m altitude. Average age of the vines is 40 years - and the vineyard is maintained according to environmental principles. At harvest time the grapes are selected, de-stemmed and undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration before gentle vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. The wine is then aged for 13-15 months in barrels of diffferent ages - with 10% remaining in stainless steel. The wine is then blended and bottled, 18-20 months following the harvest.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Merlot 80%, Cabarnet Franc 15%, Cabarnet Sauvignon 5% |
Country | Bordeaux France |
Alcohol content |
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Drink with lamb or beef, or keep it simple with rich tomato-based pasta dishes.
|
Origin | Montagne de Saint Émilion |
Appellation
|
Saint-Emillion Grand Cru |
2019 Weinhofmeisterei Mathias Hirtzberger Treu Federspiel Grüner Veltliner
Regular price £25.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The name of this wine is 'loyalty'.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow-green, silver reflections.
Nose
Expressing a floral yet peppery taste, the wine also boasts a citrus-rich nose of limes and lemons. The grapes are grown in different vineyard plots around the estate, then blended together to showcase the best features of each site.
Palate
A bright wine with a yellow and green palate, this wine displays a lovely minerality alongside flavours of white peach, citrus and fine herbs.
Producer
Franz Hirtzberger is known for richer styles, but his brother Mathias Hirtzberger started in 2014 with a more balanced style. The Federspiel style of GV makes an excellent aperitif as it has some weight, but it’s not overly broad-shouldered – it’s limited to 12.5% abv.
Wachau is the most westerly region and its wines' style broadly depends on the vintage. It has a number of different soils but the vines tend to grow along the Danube River Valley.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This style of Grüner Veltliner would be wonderfully paired with peppery salad leaves or vegetable-oriented dishes to complement the herbaceous character of the wine. |
Origin | Wachau |
2021 Franco Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo Doc Cascina Sciulun
Regular price £28.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This fine wine is born from the areas of Monforte d'Alba, Novello and Madonna di Como with their steep, plastic soils, rich in clay and sand.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant grenade red in colour with soft orange notes, it is rich, complex, tannic and pleasant on the nose with hints of raspberry.
Vineyards
It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto.
Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.
The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.
As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.
The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.
From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.
History
In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.
The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.
The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.
In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.
Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nebbiolo |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Vinification |
Must and skins are kept in contact for 7-9 days, punched down daily and finally racked. Fermentation varied with peaks of 30°C. |
Aging | In the cellar: the new wine is kept 3 months in steel tanks and undergoes malolactic fermentation; it is decanted several times, and finally aged in Slavonian oak barrels where it ages 8 to 12 months. Aging in bottle: 6 months |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Excellent if combined with red meats, cold cuts and medium-aged cheeses. Serve between 16-18C. |
Features | Certified Organic since 2015, Vegan & Vegetarian friendly |
Origin | Langhe, Piedmont |
Appellation | Langhe Nebbiolo Doc |
2021 Meth`Imon “L” Limniona, Dougos Winery
Regular price £26.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is a 100% Limniona from Dougos, which is a rare red variety, indigenous to the Thessaly region.
Tasting Notes
This wine shows very bright and lifted aromatics of wild blueberry, red currant and red plum fruit, underpinned by fragrant rose and violet notes and just a slight herbal lift. Vivacious and pure on the palate with very crunchy and pure red fruit and fantastic lively acidity. The tannins are textured but supple. Just utterly gorgeous.
History
Dougos winery was founded in 1991 by Thanos and Louiza Dougos. Thanos is the viticulturist and Louiza is the winemaker and together they make wines from indigenous Greek varieties as well as blends with international grapes. They also operate one of Greece's oldest vine nurseries, which was established in 1950. Production is small, peaking at around 70,000 bottles per year. The winery is located in the Tempi Valley, on the foothills of Mt. Olympus, in what constitutes the PDO Rapsani, in the Thessaly region. The vineyards are planted in iron-rich schist soils at altitudes of 450-700 meters. These soils are poor and the iron content is important as it helps regulate the water capacity of the soil. The vineyards are cultivated without the use of irrigation, at low yields, and are certified organic.
The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. In fact, the 300l barrels used (Acacia for the Assyrtiko and French/American oak for the reds) are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities of the varieties. The main varieties cultivated here are the indigenous Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Krasato, Stavroto, and Limniona. The last three varieties are local to Thessaly. By law, Rapsani PDO wines must be a blend of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto. The two local varieties (Xinomavro has its home in Macedonia) are used to tame the rustic, tannic character of Xinomavro, which makes for more supple and approachable wines, though never at the expense of character or structure.
Accolades
- Julia Harding for Jancis Robinson 17 points
A little darker than the 2020 and noticeably riper smelling and more perfumed, altogether more seductive with deep notes of cherry fruit. Deliciously scented. On the palate, too, it is richer and more rounded, the tannins firmer and yet polished and fine-grained. This is so different from the 2020, not necessarily better but with more depth of fruit and probably with longer ageing potential. Even with this slightly riper fruit profile, the acidity is crisp and refreshing, balanced by the rich fruit core. A really lovely, refined Limniona. Drink 2026 – 2033.' Julia Harding
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Limniona |
Country | Greece |
Type | Red Wine |
Origin | Thessaly Region, Mt Olympus |
24Seven Vodka
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Local wheat and water combine in our seven-day fermentation process to create maximum character and mouthfeel. Multiple distillations are followed by a 24-hour filtration process through the most porous of carbons, coconut shell carbon. This crafts a spirit of exceptional purity and taste. An all-out approach has been taken to create something really special. Extremely long fermentation and filtering times way beyond anything the industry would consider, creating purity with character and smoothness.
With soft cream soda, light toffee, and subtle biscuit notes, we recommend you simply serve straight from the freezer or over ice.
What's Crafty all about?
Here at the Crafty Distillery, we have a plan. Using new technology, our own grain spirit, and locally sourced ingredients we want to create tasty, wallet-pleasing spirits for everyone who likes a tipple. We're a small committed team and we believe if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.
A Bottle Like No Other
At Crafty we believe that a bottle design can not only look good, but also work much harder to add extra functionality. The end result is a more enjoyable experience with less impact on the environment.
MADE TO MEASURE
Our crafty measure is cleverly built into the 100% natural wood and cork stopper. It’s designed to let you pour the perfect measure every time – just fill twice for a standard 25ml serve. But it’s been created with something else in mind. To be enjoyed long after the gin’s finished – either to serve up another spirit, or to inspire some creative cocktail making.
AN EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN
Our new bottle shape is a bold and elegant evolution, with the same evocative colours of our region. What’s more, our name and lightning bolt icon now take centre stage.The illustration tells the story of our region’s landscape and natural larder. This creates added texture, which makes the bottle easier to hold and pour. You could say it’s a nice touch.
A BOTTLE DESIGNED TO KEEP ON GIVING
Our new bottle is 30% lighter by design. This helps to reduce the energy used in production, shipping and recycling.And, the short neck and unique wide opening are more than just visually striking. The bigger opening means there are lots of ways the bottle can be up-cycled once the gin is finished. Cheers to that.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Scotland, UK |
|
40% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 1 unit |
Type | Spirit - Vodka |
2018 Schloss Gobelsburg Pinot Noir Reserve
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%You could easily mistake this for a village wine from Burgundy!
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Pinot is in its essence rich in finesse, elegant and distinguished. Lovers of this noble grape variety will be delighted by the scent of forest soil, truffles, wild strawberries and faded tea roses.
Palate
Its wonderful aromatic length on the palate is characterized by the taste of ripe berries and a balanced spiciness. Aging in smaller 600 litres oak barrels is used skilfully without masking the fruit. It reaches perfect drinking maturity at the age of about five years, but can be stored for another five years without worries.
Production
The Cistercian monks of the Stift Zwettl monastery brought Pinot Noir to Langenlois from their ancient homeland, Burgundy. This variety holds a strong symbolic meaning for the Cistercians. That is why they spread Pinot Noir also throughout numerous other European regions as well. The crushed gravelly soils south of Gobelsburg are ideal for the variety because the calcareous content allows for good drainage. Maturation of the wine lasts for 18 months in Austrian oak barrels and then for another 6 months in bottles. The wine is unfiltered and can show sediments.
Producer
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. Schloss Gobelsburg specialises in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and produces authentic and noble wines from different single vineyards, villages, and regional appellations. The winery is a member of the association 'Österreichische Traditionsweingüter', which is working on a vineyard classification project for the Danube area.
Accolades
JAMESSUCKLING.COM Top 100 AUSTRIAN Wines 2018: rating 94
"You could easily mistake this for a village wine from Burgundy, thanks to the cherry, earthy and meaty notes, as well as the balance of dry tannins and bright acidity on the medium-full body. Long, dry and mineral finish, Drink or hold."
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle |
9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Kamptal |
Pocketful of Stones Dandelion & Burdock Gin
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%First discovered by St. Thomas Aquinas in 1265 by divine intervention, Dandelion and Burdock is a proven flavour combination that has stood the test of time.
Tasting Notes
Pocketful of Stones Distillery has combined fresh north country dandelion blooms and wild-foraged Burdock with their favourite combination of botanicals to create a smooth, contemporary gin built on the backbone of British tradition.
They have taken the earthy flavours of the roots of these botanicals and distilled them with locally foraged heather, honeybush to add a floral lift and cola nut and almond to bind the flavours with orris root to add length.
Cocktail Suggestion
A classic dry gin when served with tonic but can also be served with ginger ale.
A favourite cocktail with this gin is The Bramble. The sweetness from the blackberry liqueur perfectly balances the earthy notes of the D&B roots and cola nut.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Cornwall, England |
Alcohol content | 40% ABV |
Units of Alcohol per single serving 25ml | 1 unit per serving |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
Ansom Damson Gin
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Ansom Damson Gin, it is what it states on the label - it is damn 'Ansom!
The seasonal damson gin from Pocketful of Stones is made using locally sourced and hand picked damsons from around Cornwall.
Tasting Notes
Star Anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and orange are added to the infusion, giving spicy and warming flavours without being overly sweet.
Best served after a hearty winter’s dinner accompanied by a cheese board and a fire place.
Cocktail Suggestions
A Dam Shame. Damson and Champagne. Acidic, tart and slightly sweet.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Cornwall, England |
Alcohol content | 25% ABV |
Units of Alcohol per single serving 25ml | 0.625 units per serving |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
Caspyn Midsummer Dry Gin
Regular price £35.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Evocative of those long, lazy summer days spent with family and friends. Thirst-quenching and invigorating.
Tasting Notes
A refreshing take on the Cornish Dry. Designed to amplify those hot, long summer days spent in the sun with family and friends.
The folks at a Pocketful of Stone Distillery in Cornwall have taken their Caspyn Cornish Dry and infused it with fresh English cucumbers. The Midsummer Gin has a slight green hint to it from the natural ingredients being used (no sign of essences being used here!), yet still has all the hall-marks of the Cornish Dry Gin but with added extra earthy notes.
It is a mellow, refreshing drink. Perfectly served with good tonic water and slice of cucumber and / or mint for an extra fresh zing.
Perfect Serve
You can enjoy this gin with ice, tonic and strawberry as a garnish or simply a zest of lemon or mint & cucumber. And because it’s so smooth, it tastes fantastic just on ice!
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Cornwall, England |
Alcohol content | 40% ABV |
Units of Alcohol per single serving 25ml | 1 unit per serving |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2015 Weingut Weszeli Grüner Veltliner Käferberg ÖTW
Regular price £40.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Turning grapes into wine is a great privilege. Ideally, you're really an observer when it comes to making wine."
Single Vineyard Grüner Veltliner Käferberg ÖTW, a Premiuer Cru site that is undoubtedly destined to be promoted to Grand Cru once the classification is finalised.
Just one taste of this wine is a mind-blowing example of what this grape is truly capable of in the right hands.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dense, elegant, radiant yet powerful.
Nose
Complex with notes of dark spices, ripe apple, rhubarb and red pepper colour the aromatic profile, with a soft yellow fruit core on the palate.
Palate
Juicy, full-bodied with a clear-focused palate. Combines a robust backbone of acidity with firm power.
The Wine
Without a doubt, Kaferberg is the most sophisticated Gruner Veltliner of Weszeli’s range. Grown on limestone, this mineral bomb is flush with white pepper, dried orange peel, Indian spices, and discreet notes of framboise and kirsch. As the wine unfolds, chamomile and earl grey tea infused into a back-palate wired with fresh, surprisingly persistent acidity, keeping the wine sharp and tense.
Limestone—which this vineyard is almost exclusively made from—can often push wines to flaunt their power, but this is not the case with Kaferberg. When compared to neighboring Gruners grown on loess soil, this wine is more tense and sleek, perhaps even more intellectual.
Producer
Range
All the wines are attractively labeled with an illustration of a local animal or insect, reflecting the estates' dedication to working harmoniously alongside nature and providing natural shelter for the endangered and more elusive creatures of the area. In turn, they all do their bit to protect the grapes, whether through natural fertilization, biodiversification of the soil, or pest control.
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink from 2020 - 2024 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan |
Food Matches | Serve at 8-10°C - pair with fish-based main meals, or white meats |
Origin | Kamptal DAC |
2019 Glaetzer Anaperrenna
Regular price £45.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Glaetzer Anaperenna is a seamless fusion of the two varieties Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Voluptuous, opulent and yet refined, with a very long and satisfying finish.
Tasting Notes
The name Anaperenna has been inspired by Anna Perenna, the Roman goddess of the New Year. Anna Perenna symbolises the year's cycle and her name translates as 'enduring year'. Romans honoured Anna Perenna with a festival held on the first full moon of the Roman calendar. On March 15th they would ask Anna to grant them longevity, and a healthy year for each glass of wine they drank on that day.
The symbol on the label is the Egyptian Ankh (pronounced: onk). Historically the ankh symbolised sunrise, regeneration, regrowth and renewal.
Colour
Impenetrable black with a hint of purple.
Nose
A spectrum of spicy yet plummy fruit, intense notes of liquorice and mixed herbs.
Palate
Displaying dense dark flavours yet with freshness and drive.
Vineyards
Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 30—100 year old Shiraz and 30—130 year old Cabernet. Yield 2.5 tonnes per hectare.
Vintage Conditions
A wet winter and spring coupled with cooler than average spring temperatures resulted in slower yet balanced canopy development and healthy flowering and fruit set. A mild summer with regular rainfall events followed allowing the fruit to be in no rush to mature, perfect for consistent ripening. Harvest commenced a few weeks later than recent years. The 2017 wines are of excellent quality exhibiting purity and lift with firm tannins and exceptional length.
Vinification
Fermented in 1 and 2 tonne open fermenters, hand plunged 3 times daily. Matured for 16 months in 100% new oak hogshead barrels (92% French and 8% American) and matured on lees to maintain fruit profile and animation. Bottled unfiltered to ensure minimal intervention with the wine’s natural characteristics.
About Glaetzer
This family-owned boutique winery was founded in 1995 and dedicates itself to the production of super-premium, sitespecific red wine made in small volumes. Originally from Germany, the Glaetzer family settled in Australia in the late 19th century and were some of the earliest recorded viticulturalists in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. Today the winery is run by internationally acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer, who is responsible for driving the brand’s considerable loyal following. Ben sources all their fruit from the northern sub-region of the Barossa, Ebenezer, which is known for its ancient dry-grown vineyards. Glaetzer’s most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80-110 year-old, nongrafted bush vines. In the cellar, Ben believes in minimal intervention and treating musts as gently as possible.
Though only limited Glaetzer wines are produced every year, the winery is known for producing wines that are unique and intense.
2018 Anaperenna from Glaetzer Wines on Vimeo.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 82% Shiraz and18% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 15.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.6 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | A wine that will mature extremely well with long term cellaring up to 20 years. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Barossa Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
2021 Hay Shed Hill Block 6 Chardonnay
Regular price £32.99 Sale price £26.30 Save 20%Tasting Notes
96 Points | James Halliday Wine Companion 2020
From mature, low yielding Gingin clone vines. The colour is full straw-green, the bouquet and palate very complex and energetic with grapefruit riding shotgun over a subtext of melon, fig and peach.
Vintage
At the Hay Shed Hill vineyard, which is very close to the Indian Ocean, we experienced a warm and dry winter, which meant that the vines never deeply entered dormancy as soil temperature stayed reasonably high leading to a very early budburst in last August for Chardonnay. Spring in Wilyabrup can be quite wild with wet and windy conditions which can be devastating during the grapevine flowering period. And so it proved this season with hail, wind and heavy rain during the critical flowering period leading to the lowest fruit set for Chardonnay that I have seen in twenty five years in Margaret River and subsequent very low crop levels. The season itself was a perfect as could be hoped with Chardonnay at Hay Shed Hill harvest very early in January.
Winemaking
Only the best ‘free run’ component of the juice was used resulting in the finest and brightest fruit expression with the least amount of phenolic impact. The juice was fermented in French oak barriques; 30% new with the balance being one, two and three years old, before maturing in barriques for a further 10 months. No lees stirring or malolactic fermentation occurred, preserving and highlighting the purity of fruit expression. The wine expresses the character of this superb vineyard in an elegant and restrained style that is bright, vibrant and fresh in its youth and will benefit from medium-term cellaring.
History
The Hay Shed Hill vineyard is situated on a picturesque property that was established as a group settlement farm for returned soldiers from the First World War. Known as Sussex Vale the property was originally a dairy farm. The current homestead, considerably renovated, still has much of the original Group Settlement look and feel. Vines were first planted in the early 1970s. In the late 1980s the vineyard was bought by the Morrison Family and the wine brand Hay Shed Hill was established taking its name from the local reference to the hay shed located on the property. The sister label, Pitchfork, was developed to complement the single vineyard Hay Shed Hill label. A series of ownership changes saw numerous alterations to labels, wine style and distribution until the current group of partners bought back the farm and the brand in late 2006 and returned to the original concept of producing wine with integrity that expresses the quality of the site.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Margaret River |
Appellation | Western Australia |
2010 Mac Forbes RS20 Medium Riesling
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Rare museum release of Tasmanian Riesling from the Mac Forbes cellar. This is a glorious wine drinking right at its peak! It's not often that you come across Australian Riesling with this amount of bottle age but when you do, you should jump at the chance.
Tasting Notes
Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!
It's a Riesling crafted in 2010 from Tasmania. It's off-dry in style with just 20 grams/litre of residual sugar. The balance as a young wine must have been spot on because it's in a magic spot at the moment.
The intense acidity this showed as a young wine has softened, the fruit has blossomed in the bottle, it's honeyed and absolutely at its drinking peak right now.
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2010 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 9.5 % alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 7.13 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Now until 2022 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Tasmania |
Appellation | Tasmania |
2017 Eduardo Garrido Garcia Rioja Reserva
Regular price £26.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The spirited red wines of Spain | A fabulous quality and great value Reserva from a small family, producer.
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass a cherry red color with rusty red reflections of medium depth.
Nose
Good aromatic intensity, with balsamic notes and ripe fruit on the nose.
Palate
Soft and clean on the palate with a fresh and elegant taste and well-integrated tannins on the finish.
Producer
Positioned in La Rioja, the winery Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia offers wine enjoyment in the middle of Spain, close to the coastal region of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the town is separated from the sea by almost 40 kilometers of natural parks and mountains, cold Atlantic winds find their way to the cultivated areas and provide the necessary cooling, especially on hot summer days. Since 1923, visitors to this winery have been able to discover a surprising selection of exquisite red and white wines.
His grandfather already ensured excellent results with his passion for the taste of delicious wines. Today it is Amelia Garrido who runs the winery together with her father and protects the high quality of the products with the same care. After sustainable production, the individual bottles are transported directly to the winery's customers. This not only protects the environment, but also offers those interested personalized access to a unique taste experience.
It is important for Amelia Garrido to preserve the surrounding nature and focus on selected varieties. Strong aromas and a purple color give the winery's Vino Joven a special character that the winery wants to maintain in any case. Young, mature wines with fruity notes form the foundation of Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia. At least up to 20% of these wines have also been aged in barrels for three months.
At Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia, connoisseurs encounter wines that grow 600 meters above sea level. The vines grown there produce strong red wines and draw their support from the existing clay soils, which are also rich in calcium. Nevertheless, the Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia winery also takes advantage of the region's prevailing microclimate, which always guarantees sufficient sun and cool temperatures at the same time.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Legumes, white and red meats, cured or semi-cured cheeses, sausages. | |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Iconic Blue Label | Fresh & Dynamic
Tasting Notes
Réserve Exclusive Brut is an iconic Champagne that perfectly encapsulates Nicolas Feuillatte house style. Representing the entire Champagne appellation, every inch of the region comes together to reveal a glorious showcase: light, fresh and vibrant Champagne, effusing intense, expressive fruit, while extensive cellar-ageing brings appealing maturity to perfect style and consistency.
Aromas of juicy pear and crunchy apricot merge and weave in a beguiling fusion around a mass of delicate bubbles, gradually unleashing their true character over time.
Simple in its complexity, refreshing and impulsive, it is fabulously versatile with wildly contrasting flavours, and the ideal partner to pre-dinner nibbles, where Réserve Exclusive Brut encapsulates true Champagne spirit to perfection.
Blend
Aged for 3-4 years in our cellars.
The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each Champagne in order to enhance its flavours and aromas. The choice of reserve wine is crucial and takes into consideration a whole range of factors, including the proportion of cru wines, year of harvest, grape varieties, and vinification and ageing methods, in order to guarantee the intrinsic style of each Champagne.
Medals & Accolades
- Gold Medal - Sakura Japan Women Wine Awards 2021
- Sliver Medal- Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2022 & Champagne Masters 2022
- Sliver Medal 92/100 - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022
- 92/100 - Wine Spectator December 2022
- 91/100 - James Suckling Tasting June 2022
Specifications
Vintage | N/V |
Bottle Size | 75cl, 37.5cl & 20cl |
Cultivar | 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 40% Meunier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Simple pleasures - Smoked salmon toasts, Ripe 18-month Beaufort cheese Relaxing Interlude - Marinated chicken and spring vegetable wrap, Rhubarb tarte tatin Fine Dining - Sauteed king prawn and coriander, Fish and coconut milk parcel, Sea bass sashimi Best served at 7-8C |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé N/V
Regular price £44.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nuanced and Graceful
Tasting Notes
Réserve Exclusive Rosé is a delicately nuanced Champagne literally bursting with red summer fruit flavours. A delicious cavalcade of redcurrant, blueberry and raspberry notes, combined with a hint of Gariguette strawberries.
From within its refined and vibrant structure, its clean flavours are extremely delicate and nuanced.
The Réserve Exclusive Rosé is a refreshing and exuberant Champagne offering fresh, light fragrances, and just perfect for summer drinking.
Elaboration
Aged for 2 - 3 years in the cellars.
The freshness and structure of this Champagne blend combine to perfection with the expressive fruit of the red wine making up 16% of the blend.
The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each Champagne in order to enhance its flavours and aromas. The choice of reserve wine is crucial and takes into consideration a whole range of factors, including the proportion of cru wines, year of harvest, grape varieties, and vinification and ageing methods, in order to guarantee the intrinsic style of each Champagne.
Blend
A harmonious blend of 10% Chardonnay imparting elegance and finesse, 45% Pinot Noir for roundness and structure and 45% Meunier for fruitiness and soft, supple character.
Medals & Accolades
-
Gold Medal - Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2022
- Silver Medal - Rosé Masters 2022, Champagne Masters 2022, Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
- 92/100- Wine Spectator November 2022, James Suckling Tasting June 2022
- 15.5/20 - Gault & Millau - Guide des Champagnes 2023
Specifications
Vintage | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
10% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 45% Meunier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Simple pleasures - Tuna carpaccio, Bellota and goats’ cheese bites, Red berry fruit salad, Strawberry shortcrust tart Relaxing Interlude - Spicy chicken samosas, Salmon sashimi, Red fruit pavlova Fine Dining - Roast duckling with turnips and cranberries, One-side pan-seared salmon “à l’unilaterale” and green asparagus, Spicy prawns in coconut milk AS AN APERITIF: best served at 7 - 8°C. WITH FOOD: best served at 10 - 12°C. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2017 Nicolas Feuillatte Vintage Collection Blanc de Blancs Brut
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Bright & Gourmet
Tasting Notes
Colour
Attractive pale gold and extremely bright, in perfect harmony with the effervescence. A lively stream of exquisitely delicate bubbles in the glass.
Nose
Exquisite primary pastry aromas of brioche and custard. As the wine begins to breathe, new, floral, spicy aromas come to the fore, reminiscent of magnolia and star of anise.
Palate
Initially generous, fresh and thirst-quenching, underpinned by citrus notes of kumquat, accompanied by wisps of hazelnut and even liquorice. Elegant on the finish, with stunning, delicately tangy length recalling Granny Smith apples and pink grapefruit.
The 2017 Vintage
To describe the weather conditions for the 2017 vintage as chaotic would be an understatement. The season began amid icy conditions with the vines covered in frost, recording 24 days of frost 10cm above the ground in January alone.
After a relatively mild start to spring, bone-chilling Polar air hit France mid-April, causing significant, frost across the greater part of its vineyards, in places to devastating effect, particularly in Aube, Aisne and Haute Marne.
By mid-May the situation in the region completely turned around, with heatwave conditions setting in for two months, and temperatures in places nudging 35°C in the shade!
The weather took another dramatic turn in mid-July, with the arrival of rain and frequent storms, sometimes accompanied by hail, prompting the first signs of Botrytis. In August, the Champagne region faced subtropical conditions.
The harvest was early, and shrouded in wet weather, forcing growers to ruthlessly sort the grapes on the vine, and remain constantly on guard. The Chardonnays were less affected given their greater resistance to excess rainfall, and are a total stand-out.
Elaboration
Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks.
Aged at least 5 years in the cellars. The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each champagne in order to enhance flavours and aromas. The selection process while selecting the blend is paramount and takes a whole range of factors into consideration, including the proportion of cru wines, harvest year, grape varieties and vinification and ageing methods, in order to preserve the intrinsic style of each cuvée.
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Collection Vintage 2017 Blanc de Blancs, is 100% pure chardonnay, the white grape variety of the Champagne Appellation, and more than lives up to its name. It reflects the remarkable character of the vintage, having more than proved its resistance and resilience faced with the many uncertainties experienced in the Champagne vineyards in 2017.
Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the prestigious premier and grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, and more generous Chardonnay from the Vallée de la Marne, not forgetting the crus from Sézannais and Vitryat. It is a fresh, exquisite wine.
Specifications
Vintage | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 75cl |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Quite rightly considered an excellent choice as an aperitif, Collection Vintage 2017 Blanc de Blancs also excels with shellfish, trout rillettes with dill, sea bream ceviche, carpaccio of veal or Mâconnais goat cheese made with raw milk AS AN APERITIF: best served at 8-9°C. WITH FOOD: best served at 10-12°C. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2023 Groote Post 'A Pinch of Salt' Chardonnay
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
The Groote Post Pinch of Salt Chardonnay shows an abundance of fresh stone fruit and vibrant citrus notes on the nose.
Palate
On the palate, a steely minerality with crisp citrus and yellow stone fruit flavours and a long, zesty acidity assure a full and concentrated structure. This lightly wooded 2023 vintage shows complexity with fresh acidity, a beautiful minerality, and a vibrant, zesty structure. Innovation and tradition blend perfectly to bring out the best in this wine.
In the Vineyard
Out with the old, in with the new—this is the story of our Chardonnay vineyards on the farm. After more than three decades of service, our Chardonnay vines faced viral challenges, leading to a transformation. Nine years ago, we started replanting Chardonnay, not just for replacement but for enhancement. We carefully chose superior clones and optimal farm locations for this grape variety. These new vineyards exceeded expectations, yielding exceptional grapes, marking the dawn of an extraordinary wine.
In the Cellar
In the cellar, a symphony unfolds as the first and last Chardonnay grapes harvested enjoy a two- to three-week interlude due to diverse microclimates. Grapes are harvested into bins, with only the best undergoing sorting before pressing. We use whole bunch pressing, carefully separating fractions during pressing. The juice settles for three days before fermentation. We ferment Chardonnay in three vessels: fifty percent in stainless steel for a crisp character, thirty percent in French oak for richness, and twenty percent in amphoras for a unique blend. This approach creates a wine with layers of flavour and depth. After fermentation, the wine rests on the lees for six months, allowing it to evolve, refine, and develop remarkable complexity.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching | With the grapes basking in the salty wind and the West Coast sun on the highest hill of the farm, this wine will be the perfect summer companion, served with simple fish cakes and a light, nutritious salad with a refreshing balsamic vinaigrette. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Darling |
2021 Vina Ambrosia Vina Unica Chardonnay
Regular price £22.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%It is a classic modern Chardonnay style, with elegant oak use, and delicate integration and balance. A premium, cool-climate, high-altitude Argentinian Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
It is a classic modern Chardonnay style, with elegant oak use, and delicate integration and balance. On the nose shows a rather shy personality, with crunch red apple and lemon notes and a subtle smoky and white pepper hint. It is creamily textured on the palate and opens up generously with many layers of apple, pear, and spices. Its very bright acidity makes up for a great Chardonnay expression.
Vintage
Higher and well-distributed rainfall throughout the season was welcomed in 20/21 season after previous years of droughts, yet a hail storm hit hard on our Finca, and our production in volume was reduced significantly. An intensely hot summer was followed by temperatures cooling off slightly just before harvest, allowing the grapes to reach beneficial sugar levels, generous flavour concentration, and a beautifully textured structure. Rains were more intense than average but very well distributed throughout the seasons, providing sufficient water for the vines while keeping moderate yields and excellent health.
History
It was the year 2002 when a group of friends decided to invest in Argentina. They knew little about wine production, but all were passionate wine lovers and excited about the vision of bringing Argentine wines to the world stage. They bought the land that would become Finca Ambrosia and set about turning their idea into reality. At this time, the Gualtallary district began to attract the interest of wine producers, primarily because of its outstanding soil and climate characteristics. Encouraged by the positive forecasts, the friends bought 3 more plots over the years, from which the current winery emerged. Today, Gualtallary is considered the best terroir for producing premium wines in the province of Mendoza.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 13.5 % abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Aging | 9 months in oak, used barrels and foudres and 50% of the wine is kept in stainless steel vats |
Dietary Information | Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Gualtallary, Uco Valley |
Appellation | Mendoza |
2019 Las Jaras, Fuentes Del Silencio
Regular price £22.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These expertly crafted, artisanal wines were borne out of a passion project to revive old vines in this corner of Spain, and have helped put Jamuz back on the wine-producing map.
Tasting Notes
"The 2019 vintage is very open and expressive, showing an abundance of perfume and floral elements, alongside bramble fruit, warm spice and subtle balsamic notes. The Prieto Picudo adds ample acidity to the softer Mencia, as well as a tannic backbone. " Lenka Sedlackova MW
Producer
Fuentes de Silencio was founded in 2013 on the banks of the Jamuz River, to the south of the province of León. The winery gets its name from the fact that this town had many water reserves and was called the town of fountains.' This passion project is led by oenologist Marta Ramas along with owners Miguel Angel Alonso and his wife Maria Jose Galera.
With old pre-phylloxera vines yards, many of which are over 100 years of age they grow the native varieties of Mencía and Alicante Bouschet in very carefully dictated plots. They currently have 24 hectares of vineyards and plantings of Mencía, Alicante Bouschet, Prieto Picudo, Palomino and Godello. Galician influence here is notable, characterised by the presence of sandy soils and Mencia at high altitudes (800m above sea level) and a continental climate.
Although wine has long been produced in Jamuz, it has done so quietly. This small team is working to bring the essence of the territory back to life and ensure that each of their small plots reaches their highest potential while implementing environmentally-friendly winemaking practices and placing importance on the use of traditional methods. Not only are they the team creating high-quality, exceptional wines of very limited production but they are adding new value to this tiny, relatively unknown region. Jamuz is back on the map.
Production
The grapes are harvested by hand in 15 kg boxes with manual selection in the vineyard before whole bunches are aged in French oak. Macerated for 35 days, the malolactic fermentation takes place in oak vats and concrete tanks, where it rests for nine months.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Mencía, 30% Prieto Picudo and 10% Alicante Bouschet or Garnacha Tintorera from old vines |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 14% Alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, Organic & Biodynamic |
Food Matches | Enjoy with rich Mediterranean tomato-based dishes, steak, or grilled chicken. |
Origin | Castilla y Leon |
2018 Cosme Palacio Rioja Reserva Blanc
Regular price £22.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow with a hint of lemon.
Nose
The aroma is elegant and intense. Aromas of white flowers and fruits with a spicy background.
Palate
The palate is crisp, with a creaminess of bread and butter complemented by ripe white flesh. Balanced, full-bodied, with a refreshing acidity on the finish that energises the whole. A joy to carry the aroma of the Rioja landscape.
Winemaking
With grapes from old vineyards in Viura de Rioja Alavesa, this wine recovers the classic way of making Rioja whites, which was to age them in barrels to extend their longevity. A careful process in which this white has been aged for 10 months on the lees in French oak barrels from different cooperages, to have more profiles of aromas and flavour nuances.
Producer
A man of his time, an essential figure in the political and social life of Bilbao at the end of the 19th century, in 1894 Cosme Palacio Bermejillo took over the reins of the family winery that his father founded in Laguardia in 1863 to turn it into the most advanced winery in the Rioja Alavesa. With his characteristic vision of the future and with his sights set on the main wine reference, Bordeaux, he introduced fundamental changes that laid the foundations for modern DO Ca. Rioja wine.
At the end of the 1980s, Cosme Palacio marked a before and after in the history of the wines of this land, creating a style of winemaking at the forefront of its time. Today, Cosme Palacio enjoys great international recognition for being considered the bridge between the Classic Rioja style and the Modern Rioja.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Viura |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now - 2028 |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Chicken, Pork, Risotto, Turkey |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Rioja |
Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
2021 Franco Conterno Bujet Langhe Chardonnay
Regular price £22.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Langhe Chardonnay DOC was born from the Bujet vineyard in Monforte d’Alba.
Tasting Notes
Straw yellow in colour with light greenish hues; fruity scented, it is broad and penetrating on the nose with hints of exotic tropical fruits.
Vineyards
It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto.
Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.
The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.
As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.
The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.
From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.
History
In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.
The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.
The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.
In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.
Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Vinification |
Fermented in cold stainless steel tanks (8-10C) for 25-30 days |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
A white wine to accompany any meal, it is distinctly scented and intensely fruity with a full and velvety flavour; it perfectly matches fish dishes and hors d’oeuvres. Serve between 10-12C. |
Features | Certified Organic since 2015, Vegan & Vegetarian friendly |
Origin | Langhe, Piedmont |
Cru | Bujet |
Appellation | Langhe Chardonnay Doc |
2018/2019 Luigi Bosca De Sangre Cabernet Franc
Regular price £21.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This Malbec was one of the first Argentine wines with a Designation of Origin.
De Sangre is the name the winery has given to those outstanding blends that are meant to be shared with loved ones, a tradition that has remained uninterrupted for over a century.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A deep dark garnet-coloured red wine
Palate
It is refreshing and voluptuous in the mouth, with fine and gentle tannins, while it is clean and expressive in the palate, with a strong character, typicity and a deep finish with soft smoked hues as a result of its ageing in oak barrels. It is a great exponent of the variety and the terroir, with good ageing potential.
It features pleasant notes that are reminiscent of liquorice, spices, pink pepper and a little bit of black fruit.
Producer
The winery that today produces Luigi Bosca wines was founded in 1901 by Leoncio Arizu, a Spanish citizen from Navarra who settled in Mendoza in 1890. Located in the Vistalba valley, in the Luján de Cuyo region, an area that, due to its characteristics, achieved the first " Denomination of Controlled Origin "of America. Luigi Bosca launched the first Malbec DOC in Argentina and Latin America.
Winemaking
The grapes are manually harvested in 18 to 20-kilogram boxes, followed by the bunch selection and stalking processes, and, subsequently, berry selection. The grape juice is cold macerated at a temperature ranging between 8 and 10 °C for five to seven days. After that, it is fermented in small stainless steel tanks, undergoing various extractions, such as plunging and rack and return (délestage). Once maceration is completed, wine is aged for 10 months in oak barrels, where it goes through malolactic fermentation. The wine is then filtered and bottled, and then stowed in the wine cellar for at least six months before it enters the market.
Awards - 2018 Vintage
- Bronze IWC 2021
- Silver Decanter World Wine Awards 2021, 90 points
-
James Suckling - April 2020: 91 pts. - Aromas of sweet cherries with fresh herbs and hints of cement and stone, following through to a medium body with fine, intergrated tannins and subtle fruit at the end. Drink now.
Specifications
Year | 2018/2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 14.3 % alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 12 years |
Ageing in Barrels | 10 months in oak barrels |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 16°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | A great wine to enjoy with special dishes, such as beef loin marinated with vegetables, or a dry-aged beef served with rocket and parmesan salad |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Mendoza |
2020 Cafaggio Chianti Classico
Regular price £21.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Ripe, deliciously berry, slightly earthy and herbal aroma. The medium-bodied taste repeats the berry aromas of the fragrance. The wine also has a slight smokiness, a hint of pine, cranberry and sour cherry.
Palate
In the mouthfeel, the wine is fruity, because the acidity and slightly drying tannins give the whole thing an edge. The wine leaves a ripe cranberry and lingonberry aftertaste, slightly astringent. The earthy flavours and aromas become more pronounced as the wine matures and develops. Oak maturation also adds spicy and vanilla notes.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Nuanced and developed wines go well will rustic meat dishes. You can also pair them with cheese or enjoy them on their own. Try with reindeer steak, entrecôte or hard, aged cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan or Manchego. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tuscany |
2017 Alasia Barolo
Regular price £21.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Araldica's top-tier Barolo from selected vineyards. An approachable, richly-flavoured style expertly blended by Lella Burdese.
Tasting Notes
A fine, expressive style with Barolo's classic combination of mature, lightly floral aromas with richness and structure.
Nose
Dark plum, leather and delicate violet aromas, plus notes of woodsmoke and brown spice.
Palate
A full, firm and ripe red with rich, powerful flavours. All are balanced by ripe tannins, complex savoury notes and a long finish.
Production
Vines are trained on a low Guyot trellis at 4-5,000 vines/ha. The grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and then crushed to small fermenters, for 12 days, with daily pumping-over. The wine was drained off at dryness, and the skins transferred to a small press. After pressing the wine was settled for two days, and then racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. After three years maturation in 50hl Slavonian oak casks it was racked from oak and gently fined.
Producer
Araldica is Piemonte's most forward-thinking co-operative, situated in Castel Boglione, in the heart of Barbera d'Asti territory. Here they work with 230 grower members to source quality grapes from around 690ha of vineyards. Many of their members joined the cooperative in the 1950s and have a long and loyal relationship with the winery. They produce wines from Piemonte's main DOC / DOCG regions - predominantly Barbera, Gavi and Moscato, but also including Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero Arneis.
Founded in 1954 by Livio Manera, father of the current Managing Director and winemaker Claudio Manera, Araldica has developed over the past 60+ years to become a major winemaking force in Piemonte, supplying wines across the globe. Claudio's wife Lella heads up quality control at Araldica, where she is responsible for the blending and approval of all wines.
Their son Carlo, also a qualified winemaker, is now part of the Araldica winemaking team. Livio pioneered developments in winemaking techniques - especially with regard to the production of Barbera - and Araldica have since continued to be instrumental in the distribution of Barbera and Gavi within the UK market and internationally. As Claudio states their aim is "...to provide a range that is both understandable and accessible. Quite simply, wine for drinking and enjoying."
Awards
- Silver IWSC 2021 (2016 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nebbiolo |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Decant and drink with roasted red meats and game. |
Cellaring Potential | 2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Piedmont |
2021 Franco Conterno Langhe Freisa Doc Cascina Sciulun
Regular price £21.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A lively red wine perfect to enjoy with Salami!
Serve chilled in the summer months (5-7C)
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep purple red colour with purple undertones, has a lovely foam when poured into the glass.
Nose
Notes of cherry, raspberries and sweet spices
Palate
Medium intensity and texture - fresh and harmonious with a beautifully persistent finish.
Vineyards
It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto.
Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.
The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.
As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.
The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.
From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.
History
In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.
The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.
The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.
In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.
Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Freisa |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14.5 % alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Vinification |
Fermented with skins in stainless steel tanks. The must remains in contact with the skins for 4-7 days with continuous daily pressing. The WIne is subsequently drawn off with a residual sugar contact of approx 6-7g/L. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Perfect with cured meats and rich dishes; excellent served chilled in the summer (5-7°). Serving temperature: 14° - 16° |
Features | Certified Organic since 2015, Vegan & Vegetarian friendly |
Origin | Langhe, Piedmont |
Denomination |
Langhe Freisa Doc |
2022 Sancerre Domaine Michel Girard
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A well-crafted and pure Sancerre. Expressive and enjoyable.
Tasting Notes
A ripe and generous style of Sancerre with a real depth of fruit; the crunchy, herbaceous aromatic notes often found in Sauvignon Blanc have been skilfully restrained, allowing fruity layers of green apples and lemons as well as a sweeter note of dried apple rings and a hint of peach to show through.
Method of Production
Terroir plays such an important role at this estate. The Girards are fortunate enough to be able to blend grapes from each of Sancerre's three key soil types, Terres Blanches (limestone), Caillottes (chalky limestone) and Silex (flint). The grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed, fermented at 18°C by indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats - all to preserve natural aromas, elegance and complexity. The final blend brings together the different elements of the three terroirs to create a balanced, complete wine.
Producer
Domaine Michel Girard comprises of 12 hectares of vineyards, made up of 30 parcels of vines with an average age of 15 years. Terroir plays an important role at this estate. Michel, Philippe and Benoît Girard's vines are planted on each of Sancerre's three different soil types: Terres Blanches (clay and limestone), Caillottes (chalky limestone) and Silex (flint). The brothers favour judicious blending of the separately-vinified cuvées to create wines with real complexity and balance.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink within 2 - 5 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Origin | Loire |
Appellation | Sancerre |
2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From the heart of the River Dão - a classic profile, colour and flavour of the region.
Only 6823 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
A full-bodied and elegant wine, extremely well-balanced with red fruit aromas. Ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, floral and earthy notes, in addition to menthol and spice touches. Fruit forward backed up by a good core of moderate tannins. It’s a lip-smacking, delicious wine with a finish that lingers in the mouth.
Production
Quinta Vale das Escadinhas is also known as Quinta da Falorca. In the hands of the fifth generation of the Figueiredo family, the winery is located in the heart of Dão - Silgueiros - and is essentially dedicated to the production of DOC wines using principles of sustainable agriculture. There are thirteen hectares of vineyards that produce red varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Afrocheiro, Tinta Pinheira and Jaen, and white varieties, such as Encruzado and Malvasia. Since 2000 the winery has been producing its Premium wine, Quinta da Falorca, and has several wines with 95 points on the Robert Parker scale
They are among the secret heroes of the international wine world. In his wines, wine lovers will find the individuality that is often lost in times of increasing globalization of wine taste: authentic, traditionally prepared wines with a radiant regional character, made from indigenous grape varieties in a small edition.
At Falorca, they always bring the Traditional Blend to the market after 4-5 years. This is purposefully kept off the market until they start drinking at their best especially as the Touriga is a grape with great aging potential and needs time to mature. The vineyards are on average 40-year-old vines with some vineyards over 70 years old. These contain over 30 different Touriga clones and this important genetic strain is carefully preserved by grafting cuttings from existing old vines onto new roots.
One of the reasons Quinta da Falorca wines are among the very best Portuguese wines is because the Falorca vineyards are able to produce ripe tannins and sugar levels in Touriga Nacional at 13-13.5% alcohol so the wines remain unprecedentedly elegant and don't become alcoholic bombs.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Touriga Nacional 33%, Rufete 28%, Jaen 21%, Alfrocheiro 12% and Tinta Roriz 6% |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | Grilled red meats with mushroom-based sauces, lamb chops, pork fillet, game meats, sausages and hard cheese |
Cellaring Potential | 2022- 2029 |
Information | Sustainable farming methods |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Dão DOC - Silgueiros |
2020 Ronchi di Manzano Pinot Grigio DOC Friuli Colli Orientali
Regular price £20.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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
Roberta Borghese, the owner of these Ronchi (steep slopes), has understood their true values and is enthralled by the rhythm and beauty of nature.
The Ronchi di Manzano winery was established in 1969, but its vineyards have an ancient tradition of centuries. Everything started with the Counts of Trento, who had a special predilection for the Ronchi di Manzano, both for its location and for its soil composition. Its vineyards were considered to be some of the best in the whole area and the wines produced were very often requested by French and Savoy noblemen.
Vineyard
The grapes are destemmed soon after arrival at the winery followed by an immediate cooling of the de-stemmed grapes and a soft pressing to extract the juice.
Vinification and fermentation are done in stainless steel temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is bottled in March and is refined in bottles for a period of approximately two months, only then is it ready for release to the marketplace.
Accolades
- James Suckling 91 points
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food & Serving Information |
Enjoy it as an aperitif, or with deli meats, starters, fish, soups, pastas, rice dishes like risotto, or white meats at an ideal temperature of 8-10°C. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Friuli Colli Orientali |
Appellation | Friuli DOC |
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The 2018 Aidan is a character of serious substance. A dry vintage has sculpted a wine with incredible structure, boasting flavours that lean towards the darker spectrum of fruit. This blend is predominantly Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Malbec and Merlot used as well.
Nose
At first, aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries fill the nose, until a necessary swirl allows for spices such as star anise, five spice and mace to enter the conversation.
Palate
Olive tapenade and fresh leather hint in the distance, beautifully balanced by a serious salinity that pins this offering to its maritime environment, where the vines grow on steep slopes circled by the cold Atlantic Ocean.
The Year by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe
"The 2018 vintage will long be remembered for its coolness and low disease pressure. It will also be remembered as the first real vintage to feel the effects of the famous Cape Drought that started in 2015 and worsened towards 2018. Our yields were down by 10%, but with our buffering cool climate conditions, the quality of the vintage was superlative."
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- 94pts | IWSC 2021
-
90pts | Tim Atkin
Aidan is an ambitious and – for Constantia – unusual four-way blend of mostly Syrah with 61% Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Dark, sinewy and concentrated, with lots of tannic backbone, damson and blackberry fruit and well-integrated 54% new oak. 2022-27
- 91pts | Platter’s
Syrah component raised to 39% in 2017, with petit verdot, cab & malbec, showing less muscle, more refinement than 2016 (4 stars, 89 pts). Delightful earthy notes with black cherries & cassis, plush ripe tannins. 20 months in barrel, 54% new.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 32% Syrah, 28% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 7% Merlot. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.5% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units per bottle |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | 2022-2027 |
Food Matching | Enjoy with a rosemary-crusted roast rack of lamb with root vegetables and a rich, umami gravy and other rich, savoury slow cooked dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Beau Constantia 'Stella' Syrah
Regular price £32.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Megan van der Merwe, the brilliant young winemaker at Beau Constantia, set out to make the Stella with ‘the absolute intention to preserve the site that grew the fruit’. The Syrah and Viognier for this wine grow side by side on one of the farm’s lower lying slopes – both varietals are picked together, when the Syrah is ripe, meaning that the Viognier hangs on the vine until it is a little raisined, adding a rich honey-like component to the wine. 18 months in French oak (only 28% new) adds complexity to the wine.
Floral notes of violet, spicy black pepper, dried herbs and fresh red fruit – cherry and pomegranate – are held together by savoury fine tannin. Epic!
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- 93pts | Platter's 2023
- Tim Atkin 90pts
“Stella is a Côte Rôtie style co-fermentation of Syrah with 0.05% (yes, really) Viognier and 52% whole bunches. Very much a cool climate style, it has aromas of dried herbs and white pepper, savoury tannins, perfumed 28% new wood and bright red cherry and pomegranate fruit.”
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 99.5% Syrah with a splash of Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.18% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matching | Enjoy with simple Ostrich Carpaccio covered in all kinds of Umami – try truffle, pecorino, honey or/and Dijon mustard with good quality, local, Olive oil and Carpaccio covered in truffle and parmesan or dijon mustard. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Beau Constantia 'Pierre' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £25.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic cool climate Sauvignon blanc made from grapes grown at high altitude on incredibly steep NE-facing slopes. These low-yielding, windswept vines are determined to survive and produce fruit of incredible flavour concentration.
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm situated at the top of Constantia Nek overlooking False Bay. These lovingly nurtured vines are spoilt with panoramic views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain ranges.
Tasting Notes
A true reflection of a ‘sense of place’, this wine highlights the incredibly close proximity of Beau Constantia to the cold Atlantic Ocean with its profound minerality. The minerality serves to add flesh to the nervy acidity (high-altitude Sauv Blanc vines and cooling winds) and fine tannin structure (from skin contact and lees contact).
Notes of blackcurrant, ripe granadilla and buchu are complimented by the minerality, lively acid profile and tannin structure.
The Vintage by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe
"2022 was challenging, but challenges are what make a vintage unique, and overcoming them is what makes a vintage meaningful."
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- Tim Atkins | 93 points
‘’Two pickings across five different parcels are the building blocks of this blend, made from a pairing of Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon. Wild yeasts and some skin contact, as well as a variety of fermentation vessels, add complexity, mixing notes of nettles, elderflower and oyster shell with a dab of cream.’’
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc & 7% Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.4 units per bottle |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching | Asparagus and pea risotto with lemon zest and basil. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |