2022 Vina Almirante Vanidade Albariño
Regular price £14.95 Sale price £13.16 Save 12%A crisp dry and elegant wine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vanidade Albarino is a straw yellow wine with an alluring complexity and depth.
Nose
Experience the bright, greenish glints and ripe citrus & peach aromas, followed by a crisp start and broadness that will leave you captivated.
Palate
Those fruits also feature on the intensely flavoured palate, fresh and zesty, no shortage of acidity, with a slightly salty tang, plus the starting fruit all the way through to a clean and refreshing finish.
History
In 2000, a group of winegrowers dreamed up what is today, Vina Almirante, a winery made up of 80 partners and families with 45 hectares. Located in Portas in the Umia Valley of Galicia, on the banks of the Chaín River, Vina Almirante sits in an enclave with its own geographical and meteorological conditions that largely mark the character of the vineyards. Portas is synonymous with history, origin and culture. In the 12th century, history reveals that King Ferdinand II of León donated the first known Albariño plantation to the Cistercian monks, the 'Paradisus' estate, in Santa María de Portas.
Vinification
A marriage of musts obtained by direct drawing off, balanced by grapes subjected to a process of cryomaceration. This method adds sumptuousness in the mouth and a notable aromatic complexity. Good balance of acidity and the natural persistence of the Albariño grape. Full destemming, partial cryomaceration, pneumatic pressing, static racking by cold decanting and then fermentation in stainless steel vats at 17ºC.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Albariño |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol |
9.4 units
|
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Seafood & White Fish |
Allergen Information
|
Contain sulphites |
Region | Rias Baixes, Galicia |
Appellation | Rías Baixas |
2021 Viña Almirante Caiño Blanco, Rias Baixas
Regular price £14.99 Sale price £13.19 Save 12%A rare bird in its geographical area. A white caíño from La Capellanía de San Juan estate. A personal labour, full of character, from a plot that belonged to the Count of Canillas and later the priest of San José. A vineyard with a history that gives us just a few kilos of grapes every year.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Yellow with greenish glints, dense, voluptuous.
Nose
Complex nose with ripe fruit aromas, intense apricot and peach tones as well as acid, fleshy fruits, but retaining prominent floral tones and natural fragrances.
Palate
Dense, enveloping, fragrant, with plenty of breadth in the mouth and a lingering aftertaste. Its crispness and moderate acidity give it a rich-tasting process and a long finish.
History from the Producer
In the year 2000, a group of wine growers dreamed up what is today Viña Almirante, a winery made up of 80 partners and families who live by and for wine. We were inspired by the historic past of Portas (Galicia / Spain) and the legacy of geographer Domingo Fontán, an illustrious local figure who helped us to realise that on the basis of emotional cartography, we could make outrageously personal wines.
When going out into the world was not a priority, we made it one. Today we have a presence in more than 20 countries. It excites us to think that at any time, somewhere in the world, our wines are a part of someone’s life. Nothing motivates us more.
On the basis of exploration we have understood our region and our vines. We have always believed in the distinctiveness of our terroir, in nature and in the meaning of hard work. Every day in the vineyard is an opportunity to try to improve the next harvest.
We’re in A Peroxa (Portas), in the Umia Valley, beside the river Chaín. A place with its very own geographical and meteorological conditions, which largely determine the character of our vineyards. We also have a small percentage of vines in the heart of the Val do Salnés, giving us lots of possibilities to work with to make highly personal wines.
We don’t have a magic formula like that brand you’re thinking of, just hard work, exploration, analysis and confidence in the 45 hectares of vineyards we have dotted about the whole area. Every year is an adventure, a challenge packed with uncertainty, effort and one sure thing: that no two harvests are the same, and that inspires us.
Portas is synonymous with history, origins and culture. That of Galicia, and that of our local ancestors. History tells that in the 12th century, King Ferdinand II of León gave the Cistercian monks the first plantation of albariño grapevines on record, the Paradisus estate in Santa María de Portas.
In the bronze age, the land we work today was the home of the Gallaecian Cileni, and much later it was the home of different lineages of illustrious figures. Traits of its identity remain alive in the form of stone, monuments and memories. We appreciate our present while admiring our past.
Vinification
Must obtained by direct drawing through gentle pressings. Grapes from the Capellanía de San Juan estate in Portas (Val do Salnés). Identity, strength and expression. Aged for 12 months in vat, 3 months in bottle. Wine with a long evolution and excellent ageing. Destemming, gentle pneumatic pressing, static racking by cold decanting. Fermentation in stainless steel vats at 17ºC.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"At first I was a bit dubious about this one - at £15 a bottle and a slightly questionable label I was concerned about its ability to follow through. However, it’s a stonker - the most obvious character it has breadth of flavour - a real broad appeal with lovely stone fruit flavours, delicious acidity and a real complexity, all with no oak involvement. Absolutely delicious from a relatively unknown grape variety - Caino Blanco." Tasted December 2023
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Caiño Blanco |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12% |
Units of Alcohol |
9 units
|
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Enjoy with Thai Food, Cajun Food, Sushi, Ceviche, Soft chesses (like Chèvre, feta, cotija, burrata and brie) as well as fish, seafood, chicken and tofu dishes. |
Allergen Information
|
Contain sulphites |
Region | Rias Baixes |
Appellation | Rías Baixas |
2022 Orballo Albariño
Regular price £13.99 Sale price £12.31 Save 12%The rain in Spain falls mainly in Galicia, especially fine misty 'orballo'! This is a fresh and zesty Albariño from this region of north-west Spain.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh citrus aromas on the nose.
Palate
A bright and textural palate with peachy fruit and notes of galia melon, a refreshing saline edge, and mouth-watering zesty finish.
Production Method
This is a blend of grapes from two estates in the south of DO Rías Baixas in Galicia, north west Spain. Taboexa is a 13ha estate at 300m above sea level, with sandy and granitic soil typical of the region. The Arantei estate is at just 30m above sea level - with clay and pebbly soil. Harvest typically begins in the middle of September - grapes are hand harvested and collected in 20 kilo crates. 70% of the grapes are macerated before pressing for 6 hours at a controlled temperature. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel using natural yeasts, and maturation on the lees is also in stainless steel. The mineral and fruity charcter from the Arantei grapes is balanced by the freshness of the Taboexa grapes.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Albarino |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | A perfect match for white fish and seafood. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Origin | Rias Baixas |
Appellation | Rias Baixas |
Mas Macià Cava Brut Rosat NV
Regular price £13.99 Sale price £12.31 Save 12%Tasting Notes
Nose
Generous aromas of wild berries and gentle creamy notes.
Palate
Full, fruity and concentrated on the palate with persistent bubbles and delicate red fruit on the finish.
Production Method
Made predominantly from the indigenous Trepat red variety on the 35 hectares of vineyard at the Can Macia estate, in the Anoia river basin in Odena. Made using the traditional method with secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is matured for an extended period of 18 months before disgorgement to enhance the complex, fruity aromas.
The Estate
At 450m in altitude, the estate is the second-highest winery in the region and at the very limit of Cava production. Some of their vines are over 50 years old.
Mas Macià’s vineyards are now certified organic and the Bohigas family is planning to produce organic still wines initially before focusing upon organic Cava production.
Specifications
Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva NV
Regular price £13.95 Sale price £12.28 Save 12%Elegant and structured Cava Reserva from this family-run estate.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of fresh apple and pear, with citrus fruit and white flowers. Also lightly spicy notes of cinnamon and biscuit due to ageing.
Palate
The palate is structured with bright acidity, ripe stone fruit and a creamy mousse - well-balanced to give a rounded, long and gently textural finish.
Production Method
Grapes are sourced from 35ha of vines cultivated on the Can Macià estate, situated in the Anoia river basin, near Odena. They grow in clay-limestone soils and this, together with the Mediterranean-Continental climate and low rainfall, produces low yields with high acidity.
Slow but complete ripening makes this area suitable for the production of high-quality Cava base wines. The grapes are harvested by night, in cool temperatures. Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva is produced by the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle, the wine is kept on lees for at least 18 months before release (dosage is 6g/l).
The Estate
At 450m in altitude, the estate is the second-highest winery in the region and at the very limit of Cava production. Some of their vines are over 50 years old.
Mas Macià’s vineyards are now certified organic and the Bohigas family is planning to produce organic still wines initially before focusing upon organic Cava production.
Awards
- Bronze at the IWSC 2023
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 55% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, 15% Parellada |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Sparkling Wine / Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergy Information | Awaiting Info |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Food Matches | This structured and well-rounded fizz is a versatile food match, but works particularly well with grilled white fish, chicken dishes and paella. |
Origin | Catalunya |
Appellation | DO Cava |
2022 Pazo de Monterray Godello
Regular price £13.45 Sale price £11.84 Save 12%Aromatic and sophisticated Godello from the intriguing Monterrei region.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A crisp, aromatic white with a lifted nose of apricot blossom, citrus fruits and a touch of honey.
Palate
Very fresh acidity and mineral notes balance rich, ripe fruit characters of apple and pear on the palate. The finish has a touch of white spice and good length with a lightly bitter twist.
Production Method
Monterrei is an area rich in grape-growing and wine-making tradition, combined with a quite unique microclimate. Pazo de Monterrey takes its name from the fortressed palace that dominates the landscape - the oldedest part dating back to the 12th Century. The Godello vines grow on clay / granite soils at around 700m altitude on the slopes of the Verin valley. Grapes are typically hand harvested in late September and gently pressed. After clarification, the juice is transfered to stainless steel tanks for temperature-controlled fermentation.
Producer
The Val de Monterrei is an area of unique microclimates in south-east Galicia. It is the only Galician region that lies in the basin of the river Duero. The river Támega, a well-known tributary of the Duero, cuts through the region from north to south, moulding its slate and granitic landscape.
Pazos del Rey owns 25 hectares of vineyard on the valley’s slopes, and it's from here that Susana Pérez produces stunning wines from the local grapes: Godello, Treixadura and Mencia. She and her team dedicate themselves to teasing out the very best from these complex and exciting grape varieties.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Godello |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Salmon, seafood, chicken and crisp salads |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Vegan, |
Origin | Monterri |
Appellation | DO Monterri |
Mas Macià Cava Brut Nature Reserva NV
Regular price £12.49 Sale price £10.99 Save 12%An exemplary zero dosage Cava from this historical family-run estate.
Tasting Notes
A deliciously complex, yet elegant, zero dosage Cava.
Wood smoke, toast and baked apple on the nose, followed by stone fruit, mineral acidity and finely structured bubbles. Long, savoury and concentrated.
Production Method
Sourced from 35ha of traditional varieties cultivated on the Can Macia estate, in the Anoia river basin near Odena. Produced using the traditional Cava method, with secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine sees extended maturation (22 months) before disgorgement to enhance the complex, fruity aromas. No dosage is added for this 'Nature' style.
Producer
The Can Macià estate in Odena - around 50km north west of Barcelona and just 10km from the foothills of Montserrat - dates back 800 years and still belongs to the same family, of which Jordi Casanovas Bohigas is a direct descendant. He, together with his daughter Maria Casanovas Giró, run the winery and estate.
Cava is king here. Mas Macià's first Cava was released in 1936, but much of its production was still sold to other Catalan producers. However, investment in the cellars in 2000 led to renewed emphasis on high quality estate-bottled wines, both sparkling and still.
The Can Macià estate has over 35 hectares of vineyard, along with forests and wheat fields. The family also owns the 54 hectare Can Batllevell estate in Gelida (half-way between Odena and Barcelona) where its limestone soils and Mediterranean climate lead to early-maturing grapes. These estates combined mean that the family has access to Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Garnatxa Blanca, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon - with some vines over 50 years old.
At 450m in altitude, the estate is the second-highest winery in the region and at the very limit of Cava production.
Sustainability
Mas Macià’s vineyards are now certified organic and the Bohigas family is planning to produce organic still wines initially before focusing upon organic Cava production.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 40% Macabeo, 25% Parellada and 35% Xarel-lo |
Country | Penedès, Spain |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment. Serve at 6°C. |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites and no other allergens |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Food Matches | Delicious as an aperitif, great with tapas, but equally with enough concentration and complexity to drink throughout a meal. |
Appellation | DO Cava |
2017 Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Rioja Selección Especial
Regular price £14.79 Sale price £13.02 Save 12%"Delicious and smoother than a dolphin in silk pajamas!"
A special edition of excellent wine launched in limited quantities on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Bodegas Palacio winery located in the prestigious Spanish wine region of Rioja DOCa.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep garnet red
Nose
Of great intensity and cleanliness where highlights the details of red fruit of the forest like blackcurrant and blackberries and in second term we find delicate aromas of spices contributed by the French oak such as menthol, black pepper and cinnamon. A delicate and subtle finish where a slight mineral touch can be seen.
Palate
In the mouth it is silky and enveloping, with a fine and sweet tannin that brings sensations of a wine with structure but at the same time respectful. A refreshing ending due to its tight acidity with memories of sweet coffee.
Glorious Centenary Selection is a red wine of the D.O.C. Rioja elaborated by Bodegas Palacio in homage to a century elaborating great wines in the Rioja Alavesa. For this, the best Tempranillo grape has been selected and it has been raised for 13 months in French oak casks.
Maturation
At least 13 months in French oak barrels and at least 6 months in bottle before being placed on the market.
Awards
- Silver IWC 2021
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 4-7 years from the year of bottling |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Stews, Roasted chicken, Semi-mature Cheese, Roasted red meats, fatter fish like tuna or swordfish. Serve at 14-16C |
Appellation |
Rioja D.O.C.
|
2020/21 Menade Organic Verdejo
Regular price £12.99 Sale price £11.43 Save 12%Wild ferment' organic and high altitude Verdejo - another beautiful example from Menade.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh stone fruit aromas with notes of fennel and thyme.
Palate
The palate is ripe and textural with white peach and herbal characters, balanced by crisp acidity and minerality.
Production
The Verdejo grapes are selected from parcels of vines, 20-25 years old, grown in pebbly, clay and chalky soils at between 700 and 800m altitude. Harvesting takes place by 3 different processes: part green daytime harvest by hand, part mechanised and part night-time harvest. Each parcel is vinified separately using wild yeasts in stainless steel. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 18-22ºC, and the wine remains on lees for a short period.
Producer
Bodegas Menade was established in 2005 by Alejandra, Marco and Richard Sanz - the 6th generation of this wine-producing family - just a kilometre west of the village of Rueda. Their winery incorporates a cellar hewn out of the solid rock of La Seca at the beginning of the 19th century. Richard is the winemaker at the estate, whilst his brother Marco is the viticulturalist, and sister Alejandra looks after exports and communications.
Their philosophy is grounded in nature, and respect for the vineyards and terroir. All wines are certified organic, no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards, and fermentation is with only natural yeasts present on the grape skins. This is a producer of seriously interesting and innovative Rueda wines; their portfolio focuses predominantly on Verdejo and includes the stunning 'La Mision', which is part fermented in tinajas (traditional clay fermenting vessels) made from clay from their own vineyards, and a (non-Jerez) Palomino Verdejo flor aged wine.
Sustainability
Menade’s by-line is ‘Made by Nature’ – the winery doesn’t use chemical treatments, opting instead for a natural approach using plant-based infusions (for example using nettles, cinnamon) which are kinder on the soil, plants and naturally occurring yeasts. All wines are certified organic, and no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards. They use green harvesting to control yields.
Their ecosystem includes mobile trees and bushes – to allow them to understand which are the most beneficial across their different vineyard parcels. They also have a garden boasting more than 40 species, many of the plants indigenous to Castilla y Leon, and pollination gardens with aromatic plants. These micro-systems, together with insect ‘hotels’, have created ideal habitats for insects and other wildlife - increasing biodiversity in their vineyards.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
'Delivering loads of flavour for an organic offer. Incredibly fresh, good peach fruit flavours, lively acidity and fine layers of texture with an underlying minerality. And Histamine free - so good for allergy sufferers as well! First time I’ve seen that on a label! Does that mean no headaches?!'
Specifications
Year | 2020/21 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Verdejo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic & Sustainable farming |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites and no other allergens |
Food Matches | Baked fish with fennel |
Appellation | VDT Castilla Leon |