Zesty, light-bodied Spanish white - with an eye-catching label and name inspired by the 'paper dolls' of the Las Falles de Valencia festival.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Lightly floral, citrus aromas. 

Palate

The palate is gently fruity with citrus and green apple characters, and fresh acidity on the finish.

Production

Grapes are sourced from Murviedro's 300 hectares of vineyard, and a further 1500 that they control in the surrounding area. Produced predominantly from Viura grapes, blended with Sauvignon Blanc. The wine undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel.

Specifications

A very proper, full-bodied, organic white from the southern Rhône.

Tasting Notes

Intense and vinous on the nose, leading into a bright, mineral-inflected yet rich palate that is subtly floral and beautifully textured with a full, long finish.

Producer

Château Maucoil’s vineyards are primarily located in the sandy-soiled northwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, but its white grape varieties are planted in Urgonian limestone soils close to the river in the southwest of the region.

Vineyards have been managed organically (certified in 2014) and yields are kept to around 25 hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand and grapes are sorted before vinification.

After a cold skin maceration and pressing, alcoholic fermentation is maintained at 18°C and malolactic fermentation is prevented in order to preserve the wine’s freshness and acidity. The wine is unfined and aged in vats to bring out the varietal aromas and body, synonymous with white wines from the southern Rhône.

Did you know?

Maucoil is one of the few Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates that has conserved all thirteen of this famous appellation's original grape varieties, and grapes must pass through three rigourous stages of manual sorting before being deemed of high enough quality to be made into wine.

The estate's old vines (the youngest are merely 40 years old; the oldest date back to 1895!)

Château Maucoil (pronounced “moh-kwahl”) originally served as a base for Roman legions who were attracted by the spring that runs through the property!

Specifications

Perfect with Asian dishes!

Tasting Notes

Colour

Nose

Palate

Vinification

Soil Type

Specifications

Great tasting, modern Vinho Verde from the super reliable Vila Nova estate.

Tasting Notes

Floral, citrus and gentle tropical aromas lead on to a palate that is deliciously off-dry with flavours of ripe melon and sherbet lemon acidity. The finish is refreshing with a classic spritz. 

Production

Casa de Vila Nova is located in the sub region of Sousa, the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region, in the North of Portugal. The vinho verde vineyards are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds and influence. Soils, microclimate, grape varieties and the unique characteristics of the wine culture, distinguish it from all other wine regions of the world. The grapes are harvested by hand in 20 kg boxes that are quickly transported to the winery where they are destemmed and soft pressed and temperature-controlled fermentation.

Producer

Casa de Vila Nova is owned by the Lencastre family, of aristocratic Portuguese lineage (one of their ancestors became the first Baron of Varzea do Douro in the 1800s). This land has been in their family since the 12th century - the ivy clad tower that still remains from that time is now surrounded by Vila Nova (new house) that was built in the 1700s, and the property was gradually extended over the centuries.

The estate is near the town of Penafiel, close to the eastern border of Portugal's vinho verde wine region, around a 30 minute drive east from Oporto. In the late 1970s the family planted vines over 12 hectares - mainly local Portuguese varieties. In 2008 Bernardo Lencastre and his brothers took over the running of the property, revitalised the vineyards and began making vinho verde and bottling their own wines - the first generation to do so. They now have around 42 hectares of vineyard.

Here, in the Entre-Douro-e-Minho sub-region of Sousa, their vineyards are influenced by winds from the Atlantic Ocean - creating the perfect climate to ripen varieties such as Avesso, Loureiro and Alvarinho.

Awards

• 2019 Vintage - Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 Gold
  
• 2019 Vintage - Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 Trophy
• 2016 Vintage - Simmerlier Wine Awards 2017 Silver

Alan's Personal Notes

"I can’t remember the last time I drank Vino Verde - probably sometime in the Eighties - but I don’t know why - as this is delightful! Off-dry with ripe fruits offset by a citric minerality making this an extremely enjoyable glass with great flavour and balance. Perfect for the spring/summer weather that’s about to happen- so I’ll be drinking VV a lot more over the next few months!" March 2022

Specifications

No Tricks, Just Wine

Buddy Talk White is a wine for every occasion. Unobtrusive, adaptable and flattering. Organic.

Tasting Notes

The quintessence of the Seewinkel region. Combines the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. A companion for hot summer days, which also gives pleasure in the winter. Simply casual.

Buddy Talk is made from a unique combination of Muskat Ottonel, Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is made with minimal intervention and is the quintessence of the Seewinkel region, combining the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. Tart, crisp and nice citrus and tropical fruit.

Producer

Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

Specifications

Native Assyrtiko combines with a dash of Sauvignon Blanc to create a wine of great aromatic purity, fermented and matured in large Acacia barrels.

Tasting Notes

The Meth`Imon Acacia has seductive aromas of candied lemon, hay, mandarin zest and quince. Fresh and zesty in the mouth with a fleshy mid-palate. Skin contact gives this wine depth of flavour and a hint of tannin. This is a very subtle `orange` wine which still retains the typicity of Assyrtiko and shows fantastic barrel integration.

History

Alan's Tasting Notes

"This is different and absolutely delicious. Honeyed candied fruit, some pleasant minerality, enough acidity and length you just don’t expect from white wine - even at this price! An organic Greek triumph without a doubt. One of these truly great finds you sometimes get when you wander off the well-worn wine paths." August 2021

Specifications

An elegant wine with exceptional balance and length and fantastic ageing potential.

Tasting Notes 

A rich and concentrated blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this barrel-fermented wine combines oak and tropical fruit flavours with a well-integrated minerality.

Nose

Elegant with herbal notes, delicate aromas of grapefruit, lime and white blossom.

Palate

A pop of tropical fruits- Mango, papaya burst on the palate. A faint note of dry pomelo & elderflower.

Finish

A mouth-coating creamy flavour lingers with some acidic aftertones.

Vineyards

Constantia Glen has a unique position cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain (World Heritage Site) ranges, with predominantly north-east facing slopes. This singular location allows for exposure to late afternoon sun, ideal for the slow ripening that shapes our classically expressed wines. Decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone are the dominant soil types that lend minerality and the graceful character to our wines. High water retention of the rich clay sub-soils allows for sustainable dryland cultivation, while ecologically sound practices include biological insect and pest control by means of natural predators. 

History of the Cellar

Ideally located below Constantia Nek, just moments from the bustling Cape Town city centre, Constantia Glen is a picturesque wine estate producing ultra-premium, cool climate white and red wines. The 60-hectare property, situated 103-2790 meters above sea level, has a mere 29 hectares under vine with product of wines limited to 120, 000 bottles per annum. Although winemaking began in 1685, recent history begins with the Waibel family, who purchased the land in 1960. Although this land is difficult to farm - as evident by rapid change of ownership from 1813-1960 - the dedication, patience and passion of the Waibel family has proven reward.

Having used the land predominantly as a stud farm, it was in 2000 that the Waibel family planted their first grapes and they now produce four wines. Perhaps most unique about Constantia Glen is its location. Although this region is predominantly known for its white wines, Constantia Glen is situated between the mountains, providing red grapes with the conditions needed to mature. Dryland cultivation under these cool climatic conditions results in slow ripening, low yields with exceptional grape quality and flavour concentration, thereby producing elegant Bordeaux blends. In addition to Sauvignon Blanc and the `Two` (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Sémillion), Constantia Glen produces the `Three` - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Franc and Merlot` and a `Five` - which includes the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot. 

Awards for 2018 Vintage

• 94 points in the 2020 Platter Guide
• 95 points in the 2019 SA Wine Report
• Gold Medal at the 2018 IWC

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Straw yellow with golden reflections.

Nose

Intense aromas of tropical fruits and white flowers, with a delicate note of green tea.

Palate

The taste is fresh and intense, with a good roundness and persistence.

Production Method

Harvested by hand,  cold maceration and soft cold pressing

Producer

Here at Corvezzo, our 100% certified organic winery with over half a century of winemaking tradition, we pursue this goal every day, thanks to our extraordinary expertise in the delicate art of organic viticulture.

The knowledge we gained experimenting innovative agronomic techniques for more than 10 years now, has made us sector leaders in the production of organic Prosecco and Pinot Grigio for vineyard surface of property.

The family’s winery and vineyard (154ha) are located near Treviso, between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, a perfect area for the production of organic grapes.

"My name is Giovanni Corvezzo and I have been an Italian producer of organic grapes and wines for 10 years. My story, as a farmer and economist, has led me to understand that a wine is much more than a perfume or a flavor, it is continuous research with the aim of improving. In my opinion, a good wine - which can truly be defined as better - must be respectful of the environment and the health of consumers. This is precisely the mission to which I have dedicated all my efforts over the past ten years and to which I will continue to devote myself incessantly in the future. I could talk for hours and hours about how strenuous and rewarding a path towards sustainability is, but I decided to let my wines speak for me. Never tire of improving by looking for perfection!" Giovanni Corvezzo

Specifications

Please contact Alan directly if you are interested in these Corvezzo Wines - as En Primeur they are currently in barrel and not in stock.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Golden yellow wine.

Nose

The nose expresses its complexity, with intense aromas of mature mango and tropical fruit, followed by floral notes of chamomile.

Palate

Full-bodied, soft & silky in the mouth with a long and velvety finish.

Production Method

Harvested by hand and aged in concrete tanks.

Producer

Here at Corvezzo, our 100% certified organic winery with over half a century of winemaking tradition, we pursue this goal every day, thanks to our extraordinary expertise in the delicate art of organic viticulture.

The knowledge we gained experimenting innovative agronomic techniques for more than 10 years now, has made us sector leaders in the production of organic Prosecco and Pinot Grigio for vineyard surface of property.

The family’s winery and vineyard (154ha) are located near Treviso, between the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, a perfect area for the production of organic grapes.

"My name is Giovanni Corvezzo and I have been an Italian producer of organic grapes and wines for 10 years. My story, as a farmer and economist, has led me to understand that a wine is much more than a perfume or a flavor, it is a continuous research with the aim of improving. In my opinion, a good wine - which can truly be defined as better - must be respectful of the environment and the health of consumers. This is precisely the mission to which I have dedicated all my efforts over the past ten years and to which I will continue to devote myself incessantly in the future. I could talk for hours and hours about how strenuous and rewarding a path towards sustainability is, but I decided to let my wines speak for me. Never tire of improving by looking for perfection!" Giovanni Corvezzo

Specifications

A fresh white blend of native Antão Vaz & Arinto grapes.

Tasting Notes

Made with the Antão Vaz and Arinto grape varieties by the Monte da Ravasqueira Estate, so typical to the region. Marked by fresh yellow fruits, mango, citrus fruits with a well-defined acidity and freshness. 

In the wine cellar, these grapes were vinified at low temperatures in order to preserve the intensity of the aromas and flavours so typical of this region’s grape varieties. The wine was fermented in stainless steel vats and partially aged on fine fermentation lees. 

Information about Monte da Ravasqueira

Located in the municipality of Arraiolos, about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, the Monte da Ravasqueira estate occupies a vast area of typical Alentejan landscape. The excellent geological conditions and the unusually cool climate are well suited to the production of some of the best wine that the Alentejo has to offer. A great deal has been invested in planting vines and acquiring sophisticated, modern winemaking equipment.

The vines are planted in clay limestone soil with granite outcrops which lend the grapes their distinctive minerality and freshness. This Guarda Rios Branco is a fresh white blend of native Antão Vaz and Arinto, grown on five hectares of clay limestone soil with granite. Hand-harvested, the juice remains on the lees with a little influence from battonage for 3 months before bottling. A bright example from this region reinvented. 

Alan's Tasting Notes

"Dry, fresh and clean with delightful Mango, Apple and Guava fruit aromas and flavours. A very pretty and effervescent light white - perfect as a crowd-pleasing aperitif - or great with light salads and fish dishes! Very attractive!!" Tasted September 2021 

Specifications

A perfect summer drink paired with a wide range of food

Tasting Notes 

Colour

Lovely pale yellow colour with green tints. 

Nose

Citrus pith and florals on the nose with a clear Sauvignon Blanc lift. 

Palate

Initial flavours of citrus and melon, light cool palate at 11.5% alcohol. Grapefruit, finger lime and a zesty acidity adds to the structure. 

About Brokenwood Wines

Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.

Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.

Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Stone fruit and limey citrus aromas; with nectarine, subtle pineapple characters and a creamy mouthfeel. Gentle and well-integrated oak.

Production

Selected grapes from vines grown on stony, sandy soils, at an altitude of 500 metres. Hand harvested mid–end September. Temperature-controlled fermentation of between 14º-18º C in stainless steel, then matured in French oak bordelaise barrels for three months.

History

The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.

Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.

The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimium acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.

Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry-level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi-award-winning Tres Picos.

Sustainability

With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. All new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water. Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.

These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.

Awards

• 2017 Vintage - Bronze at the 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards

Specifications

Pitchfork Chardonnay is a modern, unoaked Chardonnay - exceptional value from the Margaret River.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Brilliant appearance, pale straw with green hues.

Nose

Fermentation in stainless steel tank allows the full expression of Chardonnay fruit aroma without the influence of oak or lees resulting in a bright, clean tropical fruit bouquet.

Palate

The palate is rich with tropical fruits, clean zippy acidity balances the sweet fruit character resulting in a bright fresh flavoursome palate. When good quality Chardonnay is used unwooded Chardonnay takes on a whole new level of depth and intensity.

Winemaking

The wine is unwooded, with fermentation occurring in stainless steel tanks and then bottled at an early age. A low temperature, protective regime was adopted during its production, thereby preserving the finer fruit characters.

Producer

We have worked with Michael Kerrigan for more than 25 years, and we are continually impressed with his talent and capacity for reinvention. Former winemaker at Howard Park and Madfish, Michael struck out on his own when his dream vineyards in the key quality region of Wilyabrup came up for sale. With more than 30 years of winemaking under his belt, and 12 years going solo with Hay Shed Hill, this man is one of the most experienced, respected and revered winemakers in Australia - and rightly so.

He is also a strong purveyor of classically blunt Aussie pearls of wisdom: “It’s all in the detail - you quite simply visit the vineyard every day. I’m not interested in being epic, I just want to make wine I like to drink”. He likens Margaret River’s climate to “Bordeaux in a perfect year”, and attributes the region’s success to its maritime climate, meaning a low diurnal range, very important in a country that is known for its extremes in temperature, and pretty much everything else!

Michael produces wines under two labels - the entry-level ‘Pitchfork’ range and the estate, single vineyard ‘Hay Shed Hill’ wines. The Pitchfork range represents unprecedentedly good value considering that all of the grapes are grown in Margaret River – very unusual for a wine at the entry-level from this region, and yet another example of Michael’s commitment to quality over all else. There are 4 lip-smackingly good, everyday wines in this range. Everything under the Hay Shed Hill label is single-vineyard, which Michael explains: “I make single vineyard and single block wines because they express a particular character – otherwise what’s the point?” All of the vines are dry-farmed and made from free-run juice only. The vineyards are around 20 years old and they are all farmed organically, but without certification. The Chardonnay sees 25% new oak and represents the ‘modern Australian Chardonnay’, in the words of its maker.

Specifications

Made by Hay Shed Hill Winery, a James Halliday rated 5 Star winery in Australia’s Margaret River.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Brilliant appearance, pale straw with green hues.

Aroma

Classic lifted Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc aromas. Lemon/lime, gooseberry, pine needles, green mango, and passion fruit with a distinctive grassy edge.

Palate

Intensely flavoured, pristine fruit with a clean and zippy palate. Fresh fruit flavours of lemon, passionfruit and pineapple. The palate is long and lingering with a tight acidic backbone and clean dry finish.

Producer

We have worked with Michael Kerrigan for more than 25 years, and we are continually impressed with his talent and capacity for reinvention. Former winemaker at Howard Park and Madfish, Michael struck out on his own when his dream vineyards in the key quality region of Wilyabrup came up for sale. With more than 30 years of winemaking under his belt, and 12 years going solo with Hay Shed Hill, this man is one of the most experienced, respected and revered winemakers in Australia - and rightly so.

He is also a strong purveyor of classically blunt Aussie pearls of wisdom: “It’s all in the detail - you quite simply visit the vineyard every day. I’m not interested in being epic, I just want to make wine I like to drink”. He likens Margaret River’s climate to “Bordeaux in a perfect year”, and attributes the region’s success to its maritime climate, meaning a low diurnal range, very important in a country that is known for its extremes in temperature, and pretty much everything else!

Michael produces wines under two labels - the entry-level ‘Pitchfork’ range and the estate, single vineyard ‘Hay Shed Hill’ wines. The Pitchfork range represents unprecedentedly good value considering that all of the grapes are grown in Margaret River – very unusual for a wine at the entry-level from this region, and yet another example of Michael’s commitment to quality over all else. There are 4 lip-smackingly good, everyday wines in this range. Everything under the Hay Shed Hill label is single-vineyard, which Michael explains: “I make single vineyard and single block wines because they express a particular character – otherwise what’s the point?” All of the vines are dry-farmed and made from free-run juice only. The vineyards are around 20 years old and they are all farmed organically, but without certification.

Specifications

Bianco Per Amore is Giovanni’s personal project, created to be a wine that he himself would like to drink. Reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this generous and full-bodied white is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. Giovanni only produces around 150 bottles of this very special wine of which he retains a significant proportion for his own drinking pleasure!

Introducing Fattorie dei Dolfi

Born from ancient family vineyards and the infectious passion of a career-change winemaker, Fattorie dei Dolfi is a relatively young estate with a remarkably bright future. Giovanni Dolfi initially pursued a very successful career as a horse trainer during which he had the opportunity to meet the Queen Mother and began working for Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of the legendary Tenuta San Guido which produces Sassicaia.

Through this connection he was introduced to the estate’s winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who is regarded as the father of Sassicaia and was named Decanter’s Man of the Year in 2011. From then on Giovanni’s fate was sealed and it was only a matter of time before he and Giacomo began exploring how to unlock the potential of his family’s century-old vineyards close to the city of Pisa.

Oeno Director and Co-founder Daniel Carnio describes Giovanni’s project as “a small paradise” thanks to his relentless commitment to quality in his vineyards. Most of Fattorie dei Dolfi’s plots are surrounded by woodland which helps to shield the vines from contamination from other forms of agriculture and preserves a high degree of biodiversity. As well as creating a very low incidence of disease, this also means the estate does not need to use any chemicals on the vines. To allow the remarkable quality of the fruit to shine through, Giovanni uses a light touch in the winery as well with his wines ageing in oak barrels previously used for Sassicaia. The estate’s top wines will be produced in tiny quantities of a few thousand bottles a year, making them highly attractive for investors and collectors of fine and rare Italian wines.

Tasting Notes

In keeping with the links to DRC, the Bianco Per Amore is very Burgundian in nature. Shiny staw yellow and bright in colour. Creamy character, with sizzled acidity. Hints of toast come through. The finish is stoney.

Colour

Shiny straw yellow and bright.

Fragrance

Ample bouquet of exceptional finesse and elegance.

Flavour

Complete, harmonious and velvety, aristocratic of great breed.

It’s a playful and jovial drink and could be well-matched with shellfish or haute cuisine seafood dishes. As Giovanni says: ‘The Bianco per Amore is a very unique white wine that, I am almost certain, you won’t find elsewhere on the market. It’s very fine, delicate, but full of flavour and aroma. Since our vineyards are close to the sea, a plate of fresh oysters with chilled Bianco per Amore could be your treat during your beach holidays.’

Bottles Produced

• Vintage 2017: 251 (no more available)
• Vintage 2018: 250 bottles

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

It has a bright pale straw-yellow colour.

Nose

On the nose, it has got intense exotic fruit aromas: grapefruit, gooseberry and wild herbs intermingle with ample citrus fruit on the palate.

Palate

On the palate, it has a generous weight, roundness, and a perfect balance that lets you savour every drop.

Production

They cultivate their vines with great care, using precise, proven techniques. De-budding, side-shoot pruning, defoliation, low yields and green harvesting… all vital to producing the desired grape. The object of these procedures being to spread the grapes on the base of the vine so that they have maximum sunshine and airing, all synonymous with quality in the future wine.

Producer

Château Haut-Grelot was established in 1920 in the village of Les Grelots by the Bonneau family. Today the domaine is comprised of 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Céline and Julien, who have been awarded the title of “Best Young Talent” in Bordeaux. The vineyards are made up of sandy-gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from an ideal microclimate where there is a high level of sunshine and just enough rain. The reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant and delicate. The Blanc is made up of 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon and is elegant and crisp with grapefruit and exotic aromas. 

Sustainability

Since 2015, Euralis and Château Haut Grelot set a program up called OPTIDOSE to reduce the phytosanitary products. Our philosophy is to preserve our landscape and keep the best quality of our wine.

Awards

Specifications

At the Western Cape’s Pinnacle Point, evidence remains in maritime caves of our earliest known ancestors - a primitive culture that combed the beaches and fished in the same rock-pools from whence they came. Our aim with Primordial Soup is to introduce South African wine in its most accessible form, red and white familial twins made up of multiple classical cultivars, named without variety. The design inspiration is from the illustration’s of Ernst Haeckel, German naturalist, who identified then drew some of the simplest forms of life on Earth. We then use these to relate to Darwinism and the subject of Creation and evolution as a whole. It’s the story of everything.

Tasting Notes 

A twinkling in the mind’s eye, this cultured concoction of the Western Cape's brightest cultivars is alive with firm, fleshy fruit. On the nose, it has notes of jasmine and white stone fruit. It has a nuanced citrusy palate and tangy finish. It's the Natural Selection.

Production

100% old bush vines from Swartland's sandy, granitic soils, the powerful Southern sunshine makes sure the grapes reach their optimum ripeness. No irrigation is used in the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricting yield. All grapes are harvested by hand. Produced from only free run juice, part of the blend is naturally fermented and a tiny percentage in old barrels. The wine is left on fine lees for an extended period for greater palate weight and mouthfeel.

Producer

Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.

Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw, Ryno Booysen and Pierre Louw drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Le Havre de Paix - literally 'Safe Heaven' - evokes images of warmth and sunshine. The white wines from Gascony have a classic light freshness, somewhat reminiscent of White Bordeaux, but with a soft, smooth character.

Colour

Clear and brilliant, very pale yellow with green lights.

Nose

Notes of white pears, peaches and white flowers.

Palate

Dry wine, fine and lively, with white pear aromas.

Production

The grapes are harvested before they are ripe for perfect health and then crushed rapidly at a low temperature. Fermented at a very low temperature (12 - 17° C) to preserve all the aromas. Rapidly fined and conserved at a low temperature.

Soil

Undulating area, with mainly 3 types of mostly clay-chalky soils.

Specifications

A lower calorie option - only 89 calories and 0.25g per 125ml glass of wine!

Tasting Notes 

Nose

A youthful wine with aromas of citrus and fresh-cut green apples.

Palate

On the palate, tropical fruit flavours of pineapples, peaches and ripened lemons lead the way to a crisp finish, balanced perfectly by mild acidity.

Producer

Home to thousands of acres of premium vineyards, the California wine region is renowned for making excellent wines due to its unique microclimate. Located in the Central Valley Delta this area produces ripe grapes which also benefits from cool ocean breezes that help retain fresh fruit aromas and structure. This range consists of bespoke wines specially blended in California by our wine buying team who work closely with a family-owned vineyard.

Awards

• Commendation at Harper’s Design Award

Specifications

 A Double Gold Winner!

In 1990 Ron and his wife Jamie, bought their first vineyard and in 1995 McManis Family Vineyards was formed with the purpose-built winery arriving by the end of the Millennium. Now the McManis family owns over 2,600 acres between the Ripon area and Lodi in California’s northern interior region.

Alan's personal notes "For those not sure of Viognier, this is delicious - really expressive, great weight and unctuous pineapple and peach flavours. Go on - you'll love it!".

Tasting Notes

Colour

Bright in hue and is medium straw in colour.

Nose

This wine is filled with big, bright fruit aromas of pear and peach.

Palate

The wine is viscous and creamy in the mouth. All the flavour promised by the nose is amply delivered with a long finish.

Harvest

100% of the fruit for our 2018 Viognier came from McManis’ very own River Junction AVA, located at the confluence of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers. The vineyards here sit below the waterline most of the year, resulting in temperatures 2-5 degrees cooler than the surrounding area and a more prominent diurnal temperature swing; an excellent climate for premium Viognier.

The fruit was harvested on September 11th, 2018, averaging 25.8 Brix at harvest. The juice was cold fermented in stainless steel to retain the unique fruit characteristics of Viognier.

Awards

• 2018 Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast
• 2017 90Pts Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast #23 Top 100 Best Buy 2019
• 2017 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2019
• 2013 Viognier 89 points from Wine Enthusiast (December 2014 edition)
• Top rated wine under $15 dollars (Wine and Spirits Magazine, December 2014)
• Best Viognier at Houston International Wine Competition 2014
• Best White Wine of the Show at Houston International Wine Competition 2010

Specifications

Viña Arroba, meaning “enchanted vineyard” is a captivating wine from Spain’s sun-drenched vineyards. 

Tasting Notes

This crisp and refreshing white wine has flavours of stone and tropical fruit and ripe apple. A lovely match to grilled fish, creamy pasta and risotto.

Producer

Lopez Morenas was formed in Fuente del Maestre, in 1943 as a tiny traditional winery. They bought a small bottling machine and the company began distributing locally and regionally. In 1990 they became a limited company and since then the company has trebled their manufacturing volume. This allowed them to offer new products and new formats, which has opened up new markets all over the world.  

Specifications

Andrew Peace wines is a family owned and operated business, comprising a modern winery and a 180 hectares wine grape vineyard. The Peace family’s achievements in creating a commercially successful vineyard/winery business in recent years have been little short of amazing, demonstrating a strong capacity to utilise technology, with enormous hard work and exceptional planning skills.

Tasting Notes

The Colombard and Chardonnay grapes are just made for each other and with the skill of a talented winemaker, we have developed a very refreshing white wine with lively citrus fruit characteristics and crisp, fresh acidity. 

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Oude Kaap captures the romantic heritage of Cape Dutch architecture, successfully combining centuries-old tradition with modern technology.

Colour 

Pale straw with youthful green glimmer.

Nose

Enticing pineapple and granadilla layered with chalky mineral green pepper aromas.

Palate

Dry bracing crispness on entry followed by fresh tropical fruit intensity that is well integrated with zesty acidity and a citrus fruit aftertaste.

Specifications

The classic dessert wine - elegant, fresh and very moreish.

Tasting Notes

A classic botrytis nose; rich in honey and sweet floral tones with hints of citrus marmalade. The palate is rich and smooth with similar sweet floral and honeyed apricot flavours but with a faintly citrus note in the finish which makes it very moreish.

Production

Grapes are sourced from vineyards within the Graves district of Bordeaux. Botrytis (noble rot) is allowed to affect the grapes, concentrating their sweetness and flavour. The grapes are hand-picked late in the vintage and, on average, it takes 3 passes through the vineyard to ensure that the maximum quantity of grapes has been beneficially affected by botrytis. The grapes are treated very carefully during pressing so as not to damage them and to maintain their delicate characteristics.

Producer

For over a decade Boutinot has been in partnership with leading Bordeaux négociant Ginestet, to offer high-quality wines from a selection of châteaux in key appellations as well as consistently fine, benchmark Bordeaux wines.

Sustainability

As both a négociant and a producer of its own wines, Maison Ginestet has long been convinced of the need to work the land in a viable manner and it places substantial emphasis on partnerships with sustainable agriculture-accredited winegrowing estates. Some growers are fully organic, and Ginestet is certified to bottle wines made from organically grown grapes.

In 2006, Maison Ginestet set up an international wine school at its Carignan-de-Bordeaux site. Through the Ginestet Wine Academy, Maison Ginestet shares with its commercial partners the expertise it has gained over more than a century of producing and marketing Bordeaux wines.

Awards

• Silver at the 2017 International Wine Challenge - 2016 Vintage

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Colour

Pale yellow with greenish reflections

Nose

An intense floral and delicate aroma on the nose with hints of herbs.

Palate

Fresh, soft and round in the mouth in an invigorating finish.

Production Method

After a careful selection of the best grapes, the wine is fermented in stainless vats for 15-20 days. Cold maceration with the must in contact its lees during the first days. After 2-3 months, the wine is stabilised, filtered and bottled.

History

Bodegas Rioja Santiago hosts and serves wine to millions of pilgrims as they pass through Rioja, on their final stage to Santiago de Compostela.

Founded in 1870 in Haro, on the banks of the River Tiron, Bodega Rioja Santiago is the fourth oldest winery in La Rioja. One of only five wineries permitted to use the word ‘Rioja’ on the label.

Nowadays Rioja Santiago is a modern winery, but the philosophy that surrounded the wines for more than 100 years has not changed: producing the highest quality Rioja wines.

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Yellow with greenish hues. On the nose, it is floral showing tropical fruits. On the palate is crisp and fresh with a pleasant finish.

Production Method

Clean must without the presence of lees, it has been fermented at a temperature no higher than 20C for 10 - 12 days.

Producer

Rioja Baja is where it all began. Hacienda Marqués de la Concordia, an old sugar factory turned into a wine estate, is where the company keeps tradition alive while breaking new ground. They have experimental status in the vineyard, as it allows the producer to experiment with different grapes varieties. They allow some “international” grapes into their “creole” wines, which is what makes their wines innovative and exciting.

Specifications