2024 Castel del Lupo Pinot Grigio ‘Della Ginestra’
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Castel del Lupo’s impressive new release was made especially for Boutinot from grapes grown on the south-facing, chalky Ginestra vineyard. Like their Pinot Nero, this PG from the gently hilly Oltrepo Pavese DOC, the ‘Tuscany of Northern Italy’, has subtlety, depth and character. It’s a pure, gently aromatic style, crisp and lightly nutty, with fine citrus and peach fruit characters and savoury, textural finish from 4 months on fine lees.
Nose
A subtle, delicately aromatic and lightly floral nose with citrus and white peach notes.
Palate
The palate has fresh stone fruit and lemony characters leading to a gentle, textured mid-palate and an attractively crisp, saline finish.

Production Method
The Pinot Grigio grapes are organically grown, harvested by hand, and undergo careful selection. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature (17°C), and the wine is then kept on fine lees for at least four months.
Producer
Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.
A Note on Sustainability
A proportion of the cantina’s vineyards are in conversion from sustainable to organic cultivation and will be certified as organic from 2020.
Awards
- Bronze Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2018 vintage)
Specifications
| Year | 2024 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
| Country | Italy |
|
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information |
Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable, Organic
|
| Food Matches | Ideal as an aperitif, excellent with summery appetizers and fish dishes. |
| Origin | Lombardia, Italy |
| Appellation | DOC Oltrepo Pavese |
2024 Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Gris
Regular price £18.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A complex and fruit-driven Pinot Gris from Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this wine shows aromas of juicy pear and citrus blossom leading to a palate of fresh quince, golden apple, and hints of sweet spice. With integrated fine phenolics and smooth acidity this is a fresh and richly textured wine with a long and lingering finish.

Viticulture
The grapes from this wine are sourced from two vineyards located in the cool southern Awatere Valley region of Marlborough. The majority of the grapes come from a vineyard near the coastal planes of the Awatere, with a smaller portion of the grapes sourced from a vineyard located further inland on young fertile river terraces.
The 2018/2019 growing season in the Awatere began with some unsettled weather over the flowering period which resulted in lower yields throughout the vineyards. However, the warm and dry summer that followed provided a dream run for both the vineyard and winemaking teams. With no disease pressure in the vineyard and ideal weather over the harvest period, grapes were able to be picked at optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine with outstanding aromatics, palate weight and texture
Vinification
Grapes sourced from a number of prime sites in the Awatere Valley are gently pressed once at the winery to obtain beautifully clear free-run juice, with the harder pressings keep separate and allowed to oxidise and soften phenolics before being re-combined with the free-run. The juice is then settled and racked into stainless steel tanks for warming and inoculation with carefully selected yeasts.
Fermentation is carried out at cool temperatures of around 10-13°C to help preserve the fruity characters and lasts around 21 days until the balance of residual sugar and acidity/phenolics has reached the ideal point. Post-ferment the wine is held in tank and matured for a short period of time before being stabilised ready for bottling. With no additional finings judged necessary, this wine was ready for bottling in early July 2019.
Producer
Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in our breathtakingly beautiful, Awatere Valley vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world's first Maori-owned wine company. Since then we’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.
Specifications
| Year | 2024 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Gris |
| Country | New Zealand |
|
|
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| Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
| Food Matches |
Chilli, ginger and battered fish soft tacos with fresh coriander and salsa verde |
| Appellation | Marlborough |
2022 Te Awanga Estate 'Wildsong' Organic Pinot Gris
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pear, lychee and quince, muddled with loquat, almond and nectarine. An attractive textured palate with a balanced, dry finish that suits drinking chilled on its own or served alongside pretty much anything.

Viticulture
Our Maraekakaho Vineyard is planted on an ancient river terrace that was formed by the Ngaruroro River which now flows around 60 meters below the vineyard. With its headwaters in the Kaweka Ranges to the west of Hawkes Bay, the river has created the landscapes through glacial melts, floods and droughts over the last few hundred thousand years. The old terraces that remain are made up of greywacke (a compressed sandstone) boulders and gravels from the ranges, and a topsoil borne of windblown loess, volcanic ash and humus created by ancient forests and vegetation.
The arrival of the New Year brought with it the long, hot, sunny summer days with moderate-cool nights for perfect ripening conditions, whilst preserving fresh acidity. Superb harvest climatic conditions provided the luxury of optimal picking decisions not hurried by the threat of rain. The result is an outstanding year for our Hawke’s Bay wines. Yields are slightly down, but with exceptional quality across all varieties. Full flavour and tannin ripeness in reds, with moderate alcohol levels. Acid retention and exciting flavour spectrums in whites.
Vinification
Producer
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Gris |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Organic, Vegetarian & Vegan |
| Food Matches |
Spicy Food, Chicken, Fish, Veal, Creamy Sauces |
| Appellation | Hawkes Bay |
2022 Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Gris, North Canterbury
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
A delicate, pale gold with hints of pink from the variety's skin colour.
Nose
A delightfully ripe and fragrant wine showing stonefruit, pear and floral aromas.
Palate
Finishing long and comforting, this wine combines complex fruit flavours with a balance of acidity.

Vintage
The 2022 Vintage in Waipara, North Canterbury was notable for the changeable weather, as was the case throughout several of the wine regions around New Zealand. On par with previous years, we did see a higher than average number of small rain events towards the end of the growing season. Our Pinot Gris this year is rich in the traditional flavours this Tiki Single Vineyard wine has become known for.T
Winemaking
The fruit was harvested at maximum flavour as determined by frequent tasting in the vineyard. It was then very gently pressed to avoid harsh phenolic extraction and the juice allowed to cold settle. The clear juice was fermented at low temperatures using yeasts renowned for their ability to enhance Pinot Gris aromas and to add complexity by the addition of fermentation esters. A small amount of residual sugar was left in the wine to complement the palate weight and structure.
Awards
"Offering terrific fruit purity and fragrance, the bouquet shows honeydew melon, Nashi pear, lemon peel and white floral aromas. The palate displays excellent weight and youthful fruit intensity, beautifully complemented by rounded texture and vibrant acidity." 5 Stars Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jun 2022
- 16.5/20 - Jancis Robinson
- 92 POINTS - Cameron Douglas, Aug 2022
- RECOMMENDED - Bob Campbell MW - The Real Review, Sept 2022
- SILVER - dish Magazine Pinot Gris Tasting Panel, Mar 2023
- 90 POINTS - NZ Wine Rater, Jan 2023
- COMMENDED - International Wine Challenge 2023 (IWC), May 2023
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is pure class. Beautiful ripe tropical fruit flavours balanced by lovely fresh acidity. Add in layers of complexity, delicious textural mouthfeel, exceptional balance and a long long finish gives a perfect glass of white. Single vineyard Pinot Gris (not Grigio) from North Canterbury shows that it’s not all about Marlborough Sauv Blanc around these beautiful islands. Really proud to be representing these pure, sustainable wines in this country." August 2024
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Gris |
| Country | New Zealand |
|
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.38 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | 2022/25 - will continue to develop for a further 5 years. |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Pair with a delicious Asian curry - fantastic with a Thai green chicken or seafood curry. |
| Appellation | Waipara Valley, North Canterbury |
2020 Michael Opitz Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%No Tricks, Just Wine
This Sauvignon-Pinot Gris blend is a revelation! A truly sophisticated wine, full of finesse and soft tones, with Burgundy elegance and reserved coolness. A fascinating, sensuous palate, with fully mature flavours, which impresses from the first sip. The herbaceous tang of Sauvignon creates a fine balance of sweet fruitiness and crisp acidity.
Tasting Notes
Producer
Organic, Biodynamic, young, trendy, and Austrian! Michael Opitz is part of the new generation of wine growers, no longer producing mainstream but rather, distinctive, confident wines. The personality of this winegrower is reflected in the style of the wines, which are considered and confident without excessive inclination towards the dramatic. Michael Opitz also particularly values sustainability in the winery. This includes improvements in the vineyard and in the cellar as well as considerations concerning transport, packaging materials and many other aspects.
Alan's Personal Notes
"This one was labelled 'natural' not orange but still a decent colour extracted. With Sauv Blanc being the lead varietal - it’s certainly the more commercial of the two whites he produces. Equally magnificent but still difficult to recognise any particular fruit aromas or flavours - but again multi-layered, complex, and with great length - and again that saline finish. Just shades it to be my favourite of the two - but Di preferred last night. Definitely a winemaker to watch." January 2022
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Gris |
| Country | Austria |
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Alcohol content
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13.5% alc vol
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | Orange Wine |
| Aging | 10 months in Austrian oak and Accacia Barrels |
| Allergen Information | Almost Sulfur Free |
| Dietary Information |
Organic, Vegan & Vegetarian
|
| Origin | Burgenland |
Our Autumn Whites
Regular price £72.00 Sale price £60.00 Save 17%Our Autumn Whites are selected for cooler seasons and everyday occasions. Each bottle offers a distinct style suited to a range of dishes and food pairings.
Each case contains one bottle each of:
2023 Vinazza Garganega Pinot Grigio (Italy) – Now recognized as Garda DOC, this Garganega Pinot Grigio is sourced from vineyards between Lake Garda and Vicenza. The addition of Garganega gives the wine a more defined flavour profile compared to standard Pinot Grigio. Pair with grilled white fish, risotto, or light appetizers such as prawn cocktail.
2023 False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay (South Africa) – Chardonnay showing flinty minerality with citrus, ripe apple, pear, and subtle tropical notes. Time on the lees adds nutty and toasty characters. The palate remains focused from start to finish. Serve with roast chicken, pasta with creamy sauces, or grilled tiger prawns.
2024 Le Petit Chat Malin Blanc (France) – A Languedoc blend with a fruit-forward character. Serve chilled with white meats or fish. Suitable pairings include baked chicken with apricots, coronation chicken, or skate with caper and butter sauce.
2024 Da Vero Catarratto (Organic) (Italy) – Shows concentrated citrus aromas leading into a full-flavoured palate with citrus and ripe tropical notes. Balanced acidity and moderate complexity contribute to the structure. Organic and vegan approved.
Alan’s Personal Tasting Note: “Concentrated citrus and tropical notes with balanced acidity.”
2024 Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier (South Africa) – A blend of old-vine Chenin Blanc and younger Viognier, offering fruit-led aromatics and a rounded palate. Pairs with grilled prawns with garlic and chilli, lemon sole fried in butter, and freshwater fish dishes.
2023 Bellefontaine Sauvignon Blanc (France) – Displays citrus aromatics, fresh acidity, and clear varietal character with a persistent finish. Serve well chilled or pair with tapas. Its acidity makes it suitable for seafood, including anchovies.
Save £12 on this selection of white wines plus Free Delivery.
2020 Ronchi di Manzano Pinot Grigio
Regular price £20.49 Sale price £17.99 Save 12%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 |
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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 |