- Abruzzo
- Alentejo Region
- Amarone DOCG
- Aude
- Bardolino DOC
- Barossa Valley
- Bio-Bio Valley
- Bordeaux
- California
- Casablanca Valley
- Castilla y León
- Central Valley
- Chianti DOCG
- Clare Valley
- Colchagua Valley
- Coonawarra
- Dao Region
- DO Jerez
- Douro Valley
- Eden Valley
- Gavi DOCG
- IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
- Maipo Valley
- Muscadet Sèvre & Maine
- Navarra
- New South Wales
- Pays du Gard
- Piedmont
- Pouilly-Fumé
- Provence
- Rapel Valley
- Rioja
- Sicily
- South Australia
- Trentino DOC
- Tuscany DOCG
- Valpolicella DOC
- Victoria
- Vin de France
- Vinho Verde
- Vouvray
- Western Australia
- Western Cape
- Aglianico
- Albariño
- Alicante Bouschet
- Alvarinho
- Antão Vaz
- Aragonês
- Arinto
- Bobal
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Durello
- Espadeiro
- Fiano
- Frappato
- Garganega
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Godello
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grillo
- Grüner Veltliner
- Loureiro
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Negroamaro
- Nosiola
- Palomino
- Parellada
- Passerina
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Primitivo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tempranillo Blanco
- Teroldego
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontés
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Trebbiano
- Trincadeira Preta
- Tripat
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Zweigelt
- Adobe
- Alabastro
- Ananto
- Antario
- Calogera
- Campo Nuevo
- Campogiovanni
- Cave de Tain
- Cave de Turckheim
- Chapelle de Marin
- Château Lanessan
- Circumstance
- DeCanal
- Domaine Berthelemot
- Domaine Bouchié-Chatellier
- Domaine Chante Cigale
- Domaine de la Combe
- Domaine De La Motte
- Domaine de la Vieille Tour
- Domaine Mas Barrau
- Domaine Mas Belles Eaux
- Dry River
- Fildefere
- Ginestet
- Grey Glacier
- Hacienda Zorita
- Krohn
- La Colombaia
- La-Vis
- Lunetta
- Mantlepiece
- Marqués de la Concordia
- Nicosia
- Novas
- Penfolds
- Rag & Bone
- Rioja Santiago
- Salcuta
- Salvaje
- Sepp Moser
- Signos de Origen
- Tapas
- Tapas
- The Landings
- Ventisquero
- Vila Nova
- Vistamar
- Abruzzo
- Alentejo Region
- Amarone DOCG
- Aude
- Bardolino DOC
- Barossa Valley
- Bio-Bio Valley
- Bordeaux
- California
- Casablanca Valley
- Castilla y León
- Central Valley
- Chianti DOCG
- Clare Valley
- Colchagua Valley
- Coonawarra
- Dao Region
- DO Jerez
- Douro Valley
- Eden Valley
- Gavi DOCG
- IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
- Maipo Valley
- Muscadet Sèvre & Maine
- Navarra
- New South Wales
- Pays du Gard
- Piedmont
- Pouilly-Fumé
- Provence
- Rapel Valley
- Rioja
- Sicily
- South Australia
- Trentino DOC
- Tuscany DOCG
- Valpolicella DOC
- Victoria
- Vin de France
- Vinho Verde
- Vouvray
- Western Australia
- Western Cape
- Aglianico
- Albariño
- Alicante Bouschet
- Alvarinho
- Antão Vaz
- Aragonês
- Arinto
- Bobal
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Durello
- Espadeiro
- Fiano
- Frappato
- Garganega
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Godello
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grillo
- Grüner Veltliner
- Loureiro
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Negroamaro
- Nosiola
- Palomino
- Parellada
- Passerina
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Primitivo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tempranillo Blanco
- Teroldego
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontés
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Trebbiano
- Trincadeira Preta
- Tripat
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Zweigelt
- Adobe
- Alabastro
- Ananto
- Antario
- Calogera
- Campo Nuevo
- Campogiovanni
- Cave de Tain
- Cave de Turckheim
- Chapelle de Marin
- Château Lanessan
- Circumstance
- DeCanal
- Domaine Berthelemot
- Domaine Bouchié-Chatellier
- Domaine Chante Cigale
- Domaine de la Combe
- Domaine De La Motte
- Domaine de la Vieille Tour
- Domaine Mas Barrau
- Domaine Mas Belles Eaux
- Dry River
- Fildefere
- Ginestet
- Grey Glacier
- Hacienda Zorita
- Krohn
- La Colombaia
- La-Vis
- Lunetta
- Mantlepiece
- Marqués de la Concordia
- Nicosia
- Novas
- Penfolds
- Rag & Bone
- Rioja Santiago
- Salcuta
- Salvaje
- Sepp Moser
- Signos de Origen
- Tapas
- Tapas
- The Landings
- Ventisquero
- Vila Nova
- Vistamar
An 'Aladdin's Cave of Wines await you here!
2020 Project B Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £22.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Classically Sauvignon Blanc, refreshing and crisp, showing tropical aromas with pineapple husk and rainwater soft on the palate. A good balance of citrus and minerality on the lengthy finish, showing both restraint and opulence.
Production
This Sauvignon Blanc comes from a premium single vineyard located in Oliver, in the south end of the Okanagan Valley. A small portion of the blend is barrelaged Semillon also from Oliver. Michael Bartier and Eric Monnin set out to create wines that are Boutinot France in style, but honouring and respecting the land, viticulture, climate and vineyard sites of the Okanagan Valley. This cuvée Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a premium single vineyard. For a little extra magic it is blended with a thimble of barrel-aged Semillon for texture and finesse.
Producer
Boutinot’s Head Winemaker, Eric Monnin, has made it his mission to explore exciting New World regions and vineyards, from South Africa to Chile and Argentina. While exploring sites in Okanagan Valley he had an immediate connection with British Columbian Winemaker, Michael Bartier, and his deep understanding of the region’s strengths and potential.
Michael and Eric set out to create a wine that is Boutinot France in style, whilst honouring the land, viticulture and climate of the Okanagan Valley.
The first cuvée, Project B Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a premium single vineyard in Oliver and is blended with a thimble of barrel-aged Semillon from the same site for texture and finesse. A classically French, New World wine.
The name is in reference to the fact that the letter ‘B‘ surfaced as a constant in this partnership: a Boutinot-Bartier team, our first harvest from Plot B and as a special nod to the Boutinot Rhone symbol of quality, the worker Bee… a common thread that connects all elements of this project.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"There’s no doubt that this is a serious quality Sauvignon blanc - well made, multi-layered with good complexity. Stylistically it sits in the middle of the mineral, citric styles of France and the riper, tropical fruit styles of the southern hemisphere. Will make me explore Canada further. Delicious - on its own or with food." January 2023
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon |
Country | Canada |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Okanagan Valley |
2022 Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
The Seasalter is wonderfully expressive on the nose and the palate with captivating notes of black current, stone fruit and green apple together with hints of fynbos and kelp, sea-breeze and a touch of oak.
Palate
Rich, layered and long, this subtly powerful blend is intense but not weighty: an elegant well-balanced wine showing typical Darling minerality, vibrant acidity and some leesy complexity before a saline finish.
In the cellar
30% of the Sauvignon Blanc was fermented and aged for 8 months in a 300-litre French Oak barrels. The remaining components were fermented in stainless steel tanks and left on the fine lees.
Accolades
- 2022 Michelangelo Awards - Gold
- 2021 Veritas Awards - Silver
- 2021 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show - Bronze
- 2021 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge - Gold
- 2020 Michael Angelo - Gold
- 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – Winemag Awards - Top 10 Award
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"It’s good, in fact, it’s very good and very moreish. On entry, it’s more like a Loire Sauv Blanc than a Marlborough SB - good acidity and with a flinty/mineral streak running through it - so I presume early picking cool climate terroir with maritime influence? The only thing that gives it away as Southern Hemisphere is a sweet, almost sherbet edge to the finish. Very well-balanced, elegant, classy, and moreish. It’s certainly got complexity and a few layers to delve into." January 2023.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Darling |
2016 Rioja Reserva Miguel Merino
Regular price £35.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%One of the smallest and most prestigious wineries in Spain.
Only 7,380 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
Sourced from vineyards over 50 years old, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 19 months in American oak.
Nose
The nose has a great intensity of deep blackcurrant fruits with notes of vanilla and leather
Palate
Complex, well-structured and persistent on the palate with smooth tannins
Producer
Miguel Merino deservedly gained a reputation as one of Rioja's rising stars, since establishing his boutique winery in the mid 1990's.
Miguel Merino created his own winery in a restored farmhouse where he built a small vinification plant and barrel-ageing cellar. He started to buy grapes grown on small plots near Briones to produce well-made, modern wines and now his son Miguel Jr, now holding the reigns, owns and runs one of the smallest, youngest and most prestigious wineries in Spain.
Accolades
- Received 92 points at Decanter’s Affordable Excellence Red Rioja Tasting Panel, November 2022
-
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Reserva feels like a textbook classical reserva, not easy to find in a small producer. It's elegant and has high potential for aging. It has ripeness with freshness, power and elegance achieved through a soft vinification, but it's still powerful and has abundant, grainy tannins. They selected vineyards from the 1950s and 1960s with a warmer exposition, mostly Tempranillo with some 5% to 10% Graciano that gives depth and tension. They use fine American oak barrels that give it the style but without excess, looking for elegance. 7,380 bottles were filled (LG) (7/2022)
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Tempranillo (96%) and a little Graciano (4%) |
Country | Spain |
|
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring potential |
Drinking now until 2030 |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
Doña Paula Altitude Series Gift Pack
Regular price £50.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Altitude Series contains some of the most recognizable labels from the Doña Paula winery. Its three members are blends that seek to reflect the expression of the different farms, and in particular the different dreams and altitudes at which the vines are planted. But at the same time, the common thread that sustains the line - and the winery - is clear: freshness.
Tasting Notes
The line begins with 2021 Doña Paula Altitude Series 969 : its yellow line logo represents the clay soil of Finca El Alto, located 969 meters above sea level in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza). It is a cut of Petit Verdot (55%), Bonarda (40%) and Malbec (5%) with an intense violet colour. On the nose, Petit Verdot brings aromas of blueberries and jasmine while Bonarda adds intense aromas of blackberries and raspberries. It stands out for its firm tannins and good volume in the mouth, Malbec offers an attractive structure and a long finish.
The 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1350, with a greyish-white logo, comes from the stony and calcareous soils of Finca Alluvia, Gualtallary, Valle de Uco (Mednoza). It is a blend of Cabernet Franc (50%), Malbec (45%) and Casavecchia (5%) with an intense violet color. Cabernet Franc provides spicy and floral notes, while Malbec provides berries notes. It presents a good length and it is very persistent due to its tannins. It is an elegant blend with a great structure.
Finally, 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100, the one with the red logo, comes from pink caliche soils from Finca Los Indios located in El Cepillo, San Carlos. Uco Valley (Mendoza). It combines Malbec (60%), Syrah (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) blended to create this complex and balanced wine of a deep violet color. In the nose, it has floral aromas – such as violet and rosehip – typical of the Malbec variety. The Syrah contributes spicy notes, good volume in the mouth and silky tannins, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the blend with a great structure.
Specifications
Altitude Series 969 | Altitude Series 1350 | Altitude Series 1100 | |
Year | 2021 | 2019 | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml | 750ml | 750ml |
Cultivar | 55% Petit Verdot, 40% Bonarda, 5% Malbec. |
50% Cabernet Franc - 45% Malbec - 5% Casavecchia |
60% Malbec, 30% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Argentina | Argentina | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol | 14.4% alc vol | 15% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units | 10.8 units | 11.2 units |
Type | Red Wine | Red Wine | Red Wine |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. | Between 15°C and 18°C. | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | Perfect to enjoy special dishes, such as a rack of lamb with sautéed mushrooms. | Delicious to enjoy with a rib-eye steak with quinoa risotto. | Beef tenderloin, blue cheese and spinach wrapped in pastry, and served with sweet potato purée and roasted pepper coulis. |
Dietary Information | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites | Contains sulphites | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | El Alto, Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoz | Alluvia, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley | Los Indios, El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley |
2021 Los Cardos Doña Paula Private Collection Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Los Cardos means "The Thistles" in Spanish. Their presence indicates an unmistakable sign of good terroir.
Tasting Notes
Yellow-green and gold color. Intense, tropical aromas with notes of mango, pineapple and peach. Very good volume, balance and freshness. Citric and mineral.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested from the third week of February to the first week of March. A moderate protective destemming and a crushing at room temperature are carried out. Pressing is soft, and fermentation takes place at low temperatures, in stainless steel tanks, to protect the primary aromas.
The Estate
Alluvia Vineyard is located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, at 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level. The soils are sandy loam, stony, and with a high calcareous content. On the other hand, Los Cerezos Vineyard is located in the Cordón del Plata mountains, Tupungato, Uco Valley, at 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level. Here, there are loam soils of variable depth, with a calcium carbonate layer 120 cm (47 in) from the surface. Both estates have warm days and cool nights, with an average temperature variation of 14 °C (57.2 °F) in Los Cerezos and 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in Alluvia, and an average annual rainfall of 280 mm (11 in). The vines yield 12 tons per hectare, and they are grown in espaliers, using drip irrigation. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, sustainable practices |
Food Matches | Burrata cheese, baked vegetables, and apples, cured ham and pesto. An excellent combination of flavors and colours. Serve between 8-10C. |
Appellation | Mendoza |
2020 Vistamar Single Estate Pinot Noir
Regular price £8.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh red fruits such as raspberries, lightly spicy notes, herbs, and damp earth.
Palate
The palate is very fresh with good balance between acidity and a fine weave of tannins. With notes of red berries, cloves, dark chocolate and a delicate finish of roasted coffee beans.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Chardonnay |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan friendly - Certified Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Goes very well with lean meats, duck, turkey and legumes |
Origin | Casablanca |
Appellation | Casablanca Valley |
Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Sauvignon Blanc (Zero Sugar and Low Cal)
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%85 Calories | Zero Sugar | 9% Alcohol | Gluten Free | Vegan Friendly | Certified Sustainable
Moderation has never tasted so good! Sunny with a Chance of Flowers is a balanced lifestyle wine created to make you feel good inside and out. Zero sugar, low alcohol, low calorie and positively delicious, it seems too good to be true. But Sunny is the real deal – better for you and mindfully made. Sustainably farmed and produced by our family-owned winery in Monterey County, California, moderation has never tasted so good!
Tasting Notes
Like a genuine smile, our Sunny Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing, joyful and carefree.
Our Positively Sauvignon Blanc bursts with flavors of guava, crushed pineapple and ruby grapefruit. It’s as refreshing as a genuine smile and as carefree as a summer breeze.
Winemaking
Winemaker Casey Di Cesare likes to say that flavours are made in the vineyard. That’s why our grapes are left to hang on the vine to reach full maturity and flavor development before harvesting. Upon arrival at our estate winery, the grapes are crushed and fermented to dryness, resulting in zero residual sugar. Using proprietary technology, the alcohol is gently pulled from a portion of the wine. The result? A mindfully made wine that is zero sugar, 9% alcohol and 85 calories per serving (about 30% fewer calories than an average serving).
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"One of the best low-calorie wines I've ever tasted!" August 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content
|
9% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 6.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Calories |
85 |
Sugar |
0g |
Food Matches | Perfectly pairs with vibrant summer salads, goat cheese crostini, cauliflower crust Hawaiian pizza and the sunny moments in life. |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Monterey County |
2021 Strange Bru Fernao Pires
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
A mineral nose of crushed granite, peach kernel and petrichor.
Palate
On the palate, the sandy seam underpins ripe, juicy stonefruit flesh. The wine finishes tight and bright with a clean, lightly floral finish.
Production
Of the last blocks of Fernao left in the Cape this is the oldest at 30-something years old. Originally grown for yield and brandy this Portuguese immigrant certainly found its feet but fell out of favour. Which is where we all come in.. Before we lose ‘em let’s use ‘em. All the rock-stars are sniffing around this block now which is good for its future but here is an accessibly-priced expression of the loveliness of the Found before it gets Lost. In Portugal the variety is also known as Maria Gomes, which is strangely sexy in itself. Best drunk in its youth this wine is not for later, it’s definitely Fernao.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Fernao Pires |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Coconut infused curry, fish with a mango salad, pan roasted chicken. |
Origin | Western Cape |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Löss
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Fresh apple fruit with tart spice, also nutty hints, very lively; slim, but juicy, very light fruit nuances, animating with a clear good balance, conveys pure drinking pleasure.
Production
The soft formed hills around Langenlois are an entrance to the Waldviertel. Loess is a sandy soil – brought to the region by winds ten thousand years ago from the Alpine regions. This limy soil gives the Grüner Veltliner its classical structure of elegance and its unique character.
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.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matching | Serve around 5C with Salmon tartare, Tempura or Ceviches |
Origin | Kamptal |
2019 Marras Shiraz Cinsault
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Showing complex aromatic nuances of rose petals, violets and sappy grilled herbs.
Palate
The palate is supple and fleshy yet also displays a weightless concentration of red berry fruit, plum spice and savoury woodsmoke.
Winemakers Notes
Handpicked grapes, cooled overnight. 10% whole bunches. Grapes were cold soaked and partially natural fermented while minimal extraction was done. Maturing separately in older oak barrels.
Vineyards
If you can talk to a grape, it will tell you that the Piekenierskloof region is the ideal spot for a tough top class wine-producing grape, as it’s exposed to extreme conditions. Piekenierskloof is the mountain pass between Piketberg and Citrusdal, over the Olifants River Mountains. With warm inland temperatures rising from the Swartland during the day and cool Atlantic sea breezes rolling in overnight, these grapes grow in a dryer soil with just enough water to produce grapes that add depth and complexity to every single sip.
The Region
The Swartland begins some 50 kilometers north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling in the west, Piketberg in the north and the Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. It is so called because of the endemic Renosterbos that appears dark mainly when it rains in winter. The Swartland area is mainly known for wheat, but the crown prince in this area is the small concentrated berries of the vines that produce well-balanced and exceptionally ripe and deep-flavoured wines.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Very soft, supple and juicy for a Shiraz-dominant wine. Red berry & plum fruits - herby more than spicy and reasonably long. Had it opened for an hour before serving which helped enormously. Medium to full-bodied and good value shiraz. It’s long, soft and smooth and everything you’d expect from a wine such as this. Fruit definitely starts to open up and come to life with time in the glass." December 2022.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cinsault, Shiraz |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring | 2019 - 2024 |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Duck, lamb and mushrooms |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
N/V Baron De Rothberg Demi-Sec
Regular price £8.79 Sale price £7.49 Save 15%Sparkling Semi-Dry Wine - great for parties!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow, clear, fine and persistent bubbles.
Nose
Fruity, fine and elegant.
Palate
Rich, harmonious and balanced wine.
Production Method
Machine harvest. The basic wine is fermented at a low temperature. The 2nd fermentation takes place in tanks at 14° C for 2 weeks, followed by dosing.
Soil
Chalk
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Airen (from the Mancha - Central Spain) |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 11% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Sparkling Wine / Fizz |
Residual Sugar | 36g/l |
Cellaring Potential | 1-2 years |
Food Matches |
As an aperitif and with desserts. Serve at between 10-12°C. |
Origin |
Mancha (central Spain). |
N/V Grandial Brut Dry Rosé
Regular price £9.99 Sale price £8.99 Save 10%Tasting Notes
Colour
Stunning salmon-pink tones, very attractive colour.
Nose
Intense and fine, dominated by notes of red berries.
Palate
The combination of fine bubbles and delicate aromas makes this a delightfully light and silky rosé. Aromas in the mouth evoke red berries, cherries, strawberries: mellow and well-balanced.
Production Method
The grapes are harvested mechanically and pressed directly. Alcoholic fermentation takes place under controlled temperature
Soil
Clay-and-limestone.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Bobal grapes |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | Sparkling Wine / Fizz |
Residual Sugar | 20g/l |
Cellaring Potential | 12 months |
Food Matches |
Serve as an apéritif but also to complement red berries desserts, fruit salads and some fruit pastries. Serve at between 6-8°C. |
Origin |
Penedes region (Spain). |
2019 Weinhaus Grauburgunder Urmeer Loss
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fresh and fruity flavour including pear and a hint of spice.
Viticulture
Rheinhessen. This dry Pinot Gris is produced from vines grown in soils deposited aeons ago wehn this region formed the coast of an ancient sea (Urmeer). The windblown sand which accumulated over the soil is calles "löss" and today this terroir provides plenty of nutrients and ample water to the vines.
Vinification
The grapes are pressed gently and the juice cold fermented with selected yeasts at 16-18°C in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation, no oak.
Producer
As one of the largest and most modern wineries in Germany, Reh Kendermann has a reputation for producing high-quality, premium wines.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
Country | Germany |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches |
Fruity enough to be enjoyed on it own, it also goes down well with creamy white cheeses, mushroom risotto or a plate of fried calamari. |
Appellation | Pfalz |
2020 Edi Simčič Malvasia
Regular price £27.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Widely considered to be one of the best producers in Slovenia, Edi Simčič’s wines are truly unique, stoically traditional and proudly Slovenian.
Malvasia, or Malvazija as it is known in Slovenia, is a classic Mediterranean grape variety that is perfectly suited to the warm conditions in the Gorizia Hills. The Simcics make their version in a rich, structured style which is in direct contrast to many lighter versions from more coastal regions.
Tasting Notes
Ripe peaches and apricots define the nose along with hints of cigar box spice, woodsmoke and dried herbs from the maturation period. The first sip reveals a robust medium body, subtle tannins and a bold structure which will help the wine age gracefully over the next few years.
Information about Edi Simčič
Three generations are still at work here, passing knowledge and experience from father to son every day. Edi himself is still very much a key character at the centre of the business, with his son Aleks working alongside him and taking the winery into a new era, while Aleks’ two sons learn their trade to take up the family mantle one day. Historically, Slovenia has experienced more than its fair share of hardships, re-shaping the lives of the whole population. In the case of Goriška Brda, the whole region was under fascist rule by Mussolini’s Italy up until the end of World War II, after which it passed into Communist rule as part of the reestablished Yugoslavia.
Like many other regions in the area, Goriška Brda’s whole agricultural industry suffered greatly under Communist rule, as all growers were expected to surrender a large portion of their grapes to the government, thus leaving growers with no resources to even consider quality growing and winemaking.
Upon independence and the formation of the Repubic of Slovenia in 1991, the family spared little time in pursuing their true calling as one of the leading winemakers of the country. Today their reputation is well-established, very deservedly so. Everything about Edi himself exudes gentleness, and this certainly comes across in the wines, thanks to patient growing, gentle handling in the cellar and utter perfectionism when it comes to ageing. Down in the cool cellars, none of the wines are rushed to be ready, and a masterful use of oak results in complex and slightly (but very attractively) oxidative wines.
Within Edi’s wheelhouse is a delicious Chardonnay, a wine he considers to be the first step everyone must take to fully understand his approach, after which comes the Sivi Pinot, the local name and style of Pinot Gris. The defining grape and wine of this project and indeed region is the indigenous Rebula, the true jewel in the Edi Simčič crown. Finally the range is rounded off with a red called Duet, a harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines are very special, and Edi and family have worked tirelessly to show the world what their region and country is capable of. This is Slovenia.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Malvasia |
Country | Slovenia |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring | Drink now through to 2026 - serve chilled. |
Aging | The grapes are carefully selected for optimum ripeness and the young wine is matured in oak barrels for 10 months to add extra character and complexity. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | The intense flavour profile make this a great match for food including creamy fish and chicken dishes, risottos and even veal or lamb. |
Origin | Goriška Brda |
2019/20 Cape of Good Hope 'Riebeeksrivier Chenin Blanc'
Regular price £16.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Oatmeal, macadamia nuts and creamy stone fruit on the nose.
Palate
The palate echoes those flavours with its richness and breadth. Peach pip, nectarine and stone fruit are fresh and lively while the oak supports it in a well-defined cradle. Again oatmeal and nutty flavours are apparent but not overwhelming. The wine is powerful yet refined and structured. Nothing is superfluous and its perfectly proportioned with a long tail of flavour that ends with a delightfully pithy citrus twist.
The Riebeeksrivier farm is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, overlooking the Swartland. Its unique terroir, especially the shale soils, expresses itself strongly in the wine with unique varietal characteristics. The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length.
In the Vineyard
The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length. A small 0.8ha bush vine vineyard (Clone 880) was planted in 2013, producing outstanding quality fruit used in the production of this wine.
About the Harvest
Fermentation occurred in both stainless steel tanks (65%) and French Oak barrels (17% new) and the wine spent 8 months on the lees before being blended and bottled.
In the Cellar
The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. Whole bunches were pressed and the juice settled overnight.
History
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm, L`Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001, the farm was eventually taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the brand named after him. It was Johann Rupert who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and the beginnings of what is now a sprawling enterprise.
The focus is on terroir specific wines and therefore it would seem obvious that the brand is made up of an impressive portfolio of farms representing the best in grape producing locations. The portfolio is made up of L`Ormarins situated in Franschhoek, Rooderust in Darling, Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland and Altima in isolated Elandskloof. Individually each site offers optimum varietal specific growing conditions, allowing Anthonij Rupert Wyne to adhere to the requirements of their different brands.
Specifications
Year | 2019/20 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 5-10 years |
Food Matching | Perfect with White Fish, Soft Cheese, Seafood and Salmon |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Riebeeksrivier, Swartland |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022/2023 Anthonij Rupert 'Protea' Chenin Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Fresh enticing aromas of apple, white pear and summer fruits are supported by gentle floral notes that invite you in for more. The palate is clean and refreshing, with succulent flavours of white peach and kiwi fruit vying for dominance. Crispy apple, pear and nectarine flavours are also present and beautifully balanced with a firm, fresh acidity which lingers seamlessly in a long finish
In the Vineyard
About the Harvest
The wine spent time on the lees in stainless steel tanks, before being blended and bottled.
In the Cellar
The grapes were handpicked during the early morning hours at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar. The fruit was both de-stemmed and whole bunch pressed and the juice was settled overnight. All parcels were kept separate and racked into fermentation with selected yeast strain cultures.
History
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm, L`Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001, the farm was eventually taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the brand named after him. It was Johann Rupert who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and the beginnings of what is now a sprawling enterprise.
The focus is on terroir specific wines and therefore it would seem obvious that the brand is made up of an impressive portfolio of farms representing the best in grape producing locations. The portfolio is made up of L`Ormarins situated in Franschhoek, Rooderust in Darling, Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland and Altima in isolated Elandskloof. Individually each site offers optimum varietal specific growing conditions, allowing Anthonij Rupert Wyne to adhere to the requirements of their different brands.
Specifications
Year | 2022/2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Food Matching | Perfect with White Fish, Soft Cheese, Seafood and Salmon |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Paarl |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Borgia by Borsao Rosado
Regular price £6.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classic Spanish rosado - easy drinking with strawberry notes and fresh acidity. Campo de Borja is often referred to as the 'Kingdom of Garnacha', where this variety reigns supreme.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Deep coral pink colour with aromas of ripe berry fruit and strawberry.
Palate
Dry, approachable and well-balanced, with more appealing juicy strawberry fruit and a creamy mouthfeel.
Production
100% Garnacha grapes grown on alluvial soils in the foothills of the Moncayo mountain. The grapes undergo 6 hours cold maceration for the must to achieve a delicate colour; followed by slow temperature-controlled fermentation at 17ºC in stainless steel tanks.
Producers
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 optimum 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. Much of its vineyard area is planted with Garnacha which traditionally has been bush trained. Until recently, newer plantings were wire trained for easier harvesting, but because of the greater exposure to sunlight of this training method the vines can require up to 50% more water. As a result, 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; they contribute to a better soil structure, increasing its organic, nutrient and nitrogen content; they improve biodiversity in the vineyard since organic matter is a food source for several macro- and micro-organisms; they often increase the population of earthworms which are good indicators of soil fertility; they improve fauna above the soil, providing habitat and food for beneficial insects; they regulate vine growth, helping to control the yield and quality of grapes and wine; and they reduce the vegetative vigour of vines and thus their susceptibility to grey mould and downy mildew. 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.
The new cellar is well insulated to reduce the need for cooling systems and to minimise energy consumption; all the chambers are equipped with automatic LED lighting; all of the bottling lines have been designed to reduce noise and to minimise the need to move dry goods and floor stock items; all hot water installations are solar-powered; the greater part of the electricity used for illumination is produced by solar panels; and every single drop of rainwater from the vast roof is collected and recycled. Planned new offices will also be equipped with solar panels and other energy-saving mechanisms.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Rosé Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled white meats and fish with roasted Mediterranean vegetables. |
Origin | Campo de Borja |
Appellation | CCL Garnacha |
2017/18 Skillogalee Riesling
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw like in appearance with a green tinge.
Nose
The nose has a perfumed lift of white flowers, lime blossom and musk.
Palate
The palate is full-flavoured with pronounced fruit weight and texture. Flavours of Tahitian lime zest and pith prevail, with hints of citrus spice and succulent, juicy acidity emerging thereafter. Structurally, this wine has impressive length, a lively natural acid backbone and a mouth-wateringly powerful finish.
Information on Skillogalee Wines
A family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Clare Valley in South Australia, Skillogalee is known for the exceptional quality of their red and white wines and is widely recognised as one of the region’s top estates. They also lead the way in responsible farming, having practised sustainable methodologies in the vineyard and the winery for many years. The original Skillogalee vineyards were planted in the early 1970’s on stony soils and steep, eastern-facing slopes at almost 500 metres above sea level.
The first wines were released in 1976 and quickly gained acclaim: the 1978 Dry Riesling won major trophies at the Adelaide Wine Show and the National Wine Show, putting Skillogalee firmly on the Australian winemaking map. Aware of the exceptional quality of the vineyards and their potential to produce world-class wines, current owners David and Diana Palmer acquired the property in 1989. In 2002 they purchased next-door neighbour Waninga Vineyards, with 30 hectares of 30-year-old vines, bringing the size of the estate to 60 hectares.
While production increased, the Palmers have taken great care to maintain the quality and characteristic style of the wines. Deciding to avoid the bureaucracy of organic or biodynamic certification does not stop a producer from holding soil health and sustainability as a top priority, and this is the case at Skillogalee. Every effort is taken to ensure the best quality grapes are harvested each year, the vines are hand-pruned, and the fruit is mainly hand-picked, with yields kept extremely low. All wines are produced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards.
Accolades
"Grown on the highest slops of the Skillogalee vineyard – at around 500 metres above sea level. Rich, flavoursome style. Beautiful for drinking, particularly in its youth. Lime, spice, a whisper of tropical fruit, a reasonable amount of texture too. It all swings nicely through the palate, no problems at all."
90 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, August 2018
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is yummy! Pretty full flavoured - lots of lime and tropical fruit, with a bit of honey and a touch of spice with a searing fresh acidity. Rich, long & complex - a complete wine with no rough edges or indiscretions. Well worth the sub £20 price point." February 2023
Specifications
Year | 2017/18 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Australia |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | Drink now with fish, seafood or white meat dishes, or cellar for up 2024. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Clare Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
2018 Ten Minutes by Tractor 'Wallis Chardonnay'
Regular price £45.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Complexity is the name of the game with Wallis, and this iteration is no exception!
Tasting Notes
Despite the firm grapefruit acidity that is the Wallis hallmark, there are layers of flavour here – subtle hints of oatmeal from the malolactic fermentation, the white nectarine fruit cloaked in tight by all this structure. Fresh, but not facile, I feel this is just waiting to unfurl in bottle - Andrew Graham.
Vintage
Following an average rainfall and relatively warm winter, it was again the spring weather leading up to flowering which caused issues. October was our third wettest on record (96mm v 62mm average) and November saw our second coldest maximum and minimum temperatures (19.3° v 20.9°, 9.6° v 10.9°), consequently the budburst interval (budburst-flowering) was our longest ever – 87 days v an average of 75 days – and flowering was our latest ever (5 December v our 21 November average). In the end, due to the excellent February and March, hang time (budburst harvest) was average – 205 days v an average of 204 days – and harvest date was close to average – 1 April v an average of 29 March. Yields are down because of the problems around flowering but summer and early autumn saw long, slow ripening – perfect for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Wine Making
Grapes hand-harvested late March, whole bunch pressed and the unsettled juice fermented by indigenous yeasts in 15% new oak, some 228 litre French oak barrels, some 600 litre Austrian oak barrels. A 10 month aging in barrel with no bâtonnage to keep wines fresher and more taut. Natural partial (88%) malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and filtered
Producer
Ten Minutes by Tractor needs little introduction, nor does the man in charge – Martin Spedding. A gently-spoken man with a background in finance and IT, in 2002 he finally acknowledged the fact that his true passion lay in wine. Despite his origins in New South Wales, he simply couldn’t get enough of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and would travel down to Victoria to immerse himself in Australia’s heartland of these noble varieties. In 2003 he visited one of his favourite small wineries on Mornington Peninsula, and was delighted to discover that it was for sale. Without a moment’s hesitation, he snapped it up, and so began Martin’s journey with Ten Minutes by Tractor.
And what a journey it has been! Along with a trusty team and his loving family, he has overseen the rise of the estate to the cult status it holds today. In 2016 Sandro Mosele (ex-Kooyong and Port Philip Estates) joined the team as head winemaker, only adding to their ‘force to be reckoned with’ status. The ‘home’ vineyards (McCutcheon, Wallis and Judd) are the three original vineyards that formed the Ten Minutes By Tractor estate. They are all located in Main Ridge, the coolest and highest part of the Mornington Peninsula.
Despite their close proximity and the use of similar vinification methods, the single-vineyard wines are distinctly different from one another. This is a result of their different elevations, orientations and soils. These wines can challenge Burgundy in quality and elegance and range from fine and elegant examples to richer and more opulent cuvées. They are all made with indigenous yeasts and are a true expression of each unique ‘terroir’. These much sought-after single vineyard wines are only produced in outstanding years and continue to go from strength to strength.
Production is usually less than 200 dozen; they are truly limited edition wines. Outside of the original single vineyard range, the newest Coolart Road is remarkably different from the others – coming from the lowest vineyard of them all at 72m, the Pinot Noir made here is markedly different in style from the higher elevation sites. All of the wines are made with the utmost sustainability and are bottled unfined.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | 2019-2029 |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Kingfish and scallop ceviche with chilli oil. A wonderfully fresh, light dish for a classically refreshing white. |
Origin | Mornington Peninsula |
Appellation | Victoria |
2018 Ten Minutes by Tractor 'Estate Chardonnay'
Regular price £35.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Awarded 94 points by famed Australian wine critic James Halliday, this delicate, elegant, citrusy and stone-fruit laden Chardonnay will impress an Burgundian wine lover.
Tasting Notes
A stylistic step forward, this 2017 Estate Chardonnay is a markedly divergent wine to those before it. Immediately more vital, more delicate, and elegant, with lemon and white peach characters on a taut and cool palate. Sophistication writ large, if just a bit shy.
Vintage
Grapes hand-harvested from early March to early April, whole bunch pressed and the unsettled juice fermented by indigenous yeasts in 15% new oak, some 228 litre French oak barrels, some 600 litre Austrian oak barrels. A 10 month aging in barrel with no bâtonnage to keep wines fresher and more taut. Natural partial (43%) malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and filtered.
Producer
Ten Minutes by Tractor needs little introduction, nor does the man in charge – Martin Spedding. A gently-spoken man with a background in finance and IT, in 2002 he finally acknowledged the fact that his true passion lay in wine. Despite his origins in New South Wales, he simply couldn’t get enough of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and would travel down to Victoria to immerse himself in Australia’s heartland of these noble varieties. In 2003 he visited one of his favourite small wineries on Mornington Peninsula, and was delighted to discover that it was for sale. Without a moment’s hesitation, he snapped it up, and so began Martin’s journey with Ten Minutes by Tractor.
And what a journey it has been! Along with a trusty team and his loving family, he has overseen the rise of the estate to the cult status it holds today. In 2016 Sandro Mosele (ex-Kooyong and Port Philip Estates) joined the team as head winemaker, only adding to their ‘force to be reckoned with’ status. The ‘home’ vineyards (McCutcheon, Wallis and Judd) are the three original vineyards that formed the Ten Minutes By Tractor estate. They are all located in Main Ridge, the coolest and highest part of the Mornington Peninsula.
Despite their close proximity and the use of similar vinification methods, the single-vineyard wines are distinctly different from one another. This is a result of their different elevations, orientations and soils. These wines can challenge Burgundy in quality and elegance and range from fine and elegant examples to richer and more opulent cuvées. They are all made with indigenous yeasts and are a true expression of each unique ‘terroir’. These much sought-after single vineyard wines are only produced in outstanding years and continue to go from strength to strength. Production is usually less than 200 dozen; they are truly limited edition wines. Outside of the original single vineyard range, the newest Coolart Road is remarkably different from the others – coming from the lowest vineyard of them all at 72m, the Pinot Noir made here is markedly different in style from the higher elevation sites. All of the wines are made with the utmost sustainability and are bottled unfined.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Mornington Peninsula |
Appellation | Victoria |
2018 Mac Forbes Yarra Junction Pinot Noir
Regular price £31.68 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Succulent, vibrant single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Mac Forbes. A fine-boned Pinot of great elegance and finesse - a real crowd pleaser!
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!
The Wine
The Yarra Junction Pinot Noir is the softest and perhaps the most generous of the 2018 suite of single-vineyard wines from Mac Forbes. It feels like the vintage has given it an extra width, not something generally associated with Mac's exquisitely fine-boned Pinot Noir expression. The perfume is sweet and floral, the mouthfeel is light and devastatingly easy to drink. It's the wine that you won't be able to keep your hands off.
The Vineyard
Yarra Junction is his coolest site located in the far eastern Yarra Valley, next to Wesburn. Situated on gravelly soils, this northeastern site receives cooling influences of the surrounding mountains and is protected from the afternoon sun. Yarra Junction will appeal to those who prefer a more accessible style. It offers femininity and fragility almost within the context of a classic European Pinot.
The Vintage
2018 growing season was broken into two halves. With a wet winter and spring, the vines surged into summer with good vigour and available soil moisture (coupled with high disease pressure). Summer shifted gear into above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall.
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 | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink until 2027 - we recommend decanting this wine prior to serving (14-16° C). |
Maturation | 11 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2016 Black Stallion Limited Release Syrah
Regular price £69.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The intense aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and cedar compliment the flavors of dark cherries, cassis, and chocolate.
Palate
Black Stallion Limited Release Syrah is a concentrated, full-bodied and fruity wine with a delicious velvety aftertaste.
Producer
More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grapegrowing and an entreprenuer’s gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.
Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.
The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.
Winemaking Philosophy
To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrives at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.
Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.
There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 15% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
2019 Luigi Bosca Signature Range Gewürtztraminer
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Selección de Granos Nobles is a sweet, bright yellow-white wine with golden hues.
Nose
It has intense and syrupy aromas, with ripe tropical and citrus fruit and white flower notes.
Palate
It is greasy and expressive in the mouth, clean and fresh in the palate, with a well-balanced body. Long, attractive and gentle finish with a spicy touch. It is an original late harvest wine with a strong personality.
Winemaking
Handpicking when grapes reach 28 Brix. Destemming and manual selection of grains. Pressed from 4 to 6 hours. Fermentation is conducted in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16°C with selected yeasts. After reaching from 12° to 12.5° of alcohol, and from 60 to 70 g of sugar, it is chilled to stop alcoholic fermentation. Then it rests 4 months on fine lees. Filtered while bottled.
Comments by the winemaker
With Bodega Luigi Bosca’s Insignia collection, we seek to communicate each vine’s varietal identity by means of expressive, elegant, complex and top quality wines. Grapes are grown in vineyards located in the best areas of Mendoza, harvested at the optimum moment to achieve precision and clarity in each variety’s fruity expression. The winemaking and ageing processes are carefully conducted to obtain the grapes’ full potential. These wines are conceived to enjoy meals and accompany the best moments.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | Gewürztraminer 100%. |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.25 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 5 years |
Suggested Serve Temp | Between 8°C and 10°C |
Food Matches | Ideal to enjoy with desserts such as apple pancakes or pumpkin in syrup with Quartirolo cheese. |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation |
Mendoza
|
2018 Campo Nuevo Garnacha
Regular price £6.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The nose has aromas of strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant. There is a subtle creamy edge on the palate and its very well balanced and offers terrific value.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12.5 % alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Rosé |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Food Matches | A great BBQ wine. Especially good with grilled haloumi skewers |
Appellation | Navarra |
2017 Ventisquero 'Grey Glacier' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £15.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Head Winemaker Felipe Tosso joined Vina Ventisquero in 2000. After seriously considering alternate careers as a tennis pro and classical guitarist, he elected to enter the wine business, describing it as “one of my big passions because it’s more than work – it’s a lifestyle.”
Tasting Notes
Colour
Yellow-green colour
Nose
Citrus aromas, mixed with notes of green chili
Palate
Fresh and great volume, this is a wine structured in the palate and high in acidity that gives tension with a minerality in the mouth, granting a clean and persistent final where is left to feel slight saline touches, making this, a wine with high complexity in the mouth.
Vinification
The must first underwent a cold maceration for a period of between 6 and 8 hours. The must was protected from contact with the air throughout the process, the fermentation took place slowly at a constant low temperature of 120C to 150C so that the yeast activity could draw out the maximum varietal aromas and the expression of the northern Chile desert. After fermentation, the wine was aged over its lees for ten months and battonage was used to gently move it so as to maximize the contribution made by the wine coming into contact with the fine sediment.
Winemaker
Tosso’s winemaking travels have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, back to Concha Y Toro in Chile and then finally to Vina Ventisquero. In 2003, Felipe began a close collaboration with John Duval (ex Penfolds) in the production of icon wines Pangea and Vertice, a partnership which continues to this day.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal to accompany oysters, sea urchins, and fresh seafood in general. Also cebiches, fish, white meats and goats cheese. |
Origin | Atacama Valley |
2022 Broken Record Shiraz
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A wine that celebrates Australia’s best-loved variety, Broken Record is juicy and bright and plays long on the palate.
Tasting Notes
Broken Record captures Southeast Australia’s essential joy. Soft and juicy plummy fruit flavours are balanced by smooth, savoury tannins.
Production
The creation of this wine was a judicious blending exercise to marry aromatics and lift with a generous, velveteen palate. Grapes are sourced from vineyards across Southeast Australia. They are picked at night to avoid high daytime temperatures and crushed immediately after picking. Temperature-controlled fermentation avoids extraction of harsh tannins and maintains the juicy fruit flavours.
Producer
Quintessentially Australian, this range offers consistent quality, hugely appealing, commercial wine styles that have gained a loyal following. Reflecting our skill and experience in seeking out the very best of Australia, our wines capture ideal climatic conditions and pure varietal definition.
Boutinot's Samantha Bailey brings her signature palate and decades of experience to finessing our components into the loveliest Boutinot expressions of Oz.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2020 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Enjoy with spicy red meat dishes like kofta or tagine, or grilled vegetables and halloumi. |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Appellation | South Australia |
2022 Domaine de Vedilhan Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £10.79 Sale price £9.50 Save 12%A richly flavoured yet very proper Sauvignon Blanc from a single Domaine in the south of France.
Tasting Notes
A wonderfully sunny style of Sauvignon Blanc, broad and quite tropical with delicate smokey notes, ripe citrus acidity and a richly-textured finish
Production
Domaine de Vedilhan (pronounced 'Domaine de Ved-ee-ohn') is the estate of the Fayet family based in the village of Moussan, close to Narbonne. Uniquely, a brook runs around the estate which provides much needed water in this very hot climate, giving the wines their freshness and appeal. Vines are managed using the 'lutte raisonnée' method and terroir is a combination of limestone, sand and sea shale, meaning the vines dig deep for their nutrients and thus produce excellent quality grapes. 50% of the production from this Domaine is used for Boutinot wines. Since 1999, our winemakers have been working closely with the Fayets on all aspects of the production, from when to harvest to the exact blend or style of wines.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is quite a full, rich, B-road style of Sauvignon. It’s fresh enough with good acidity but the fruit is more tropical than citric and the palate is long, complex & textural. All in all - a decent drop of wine." Tasted March 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.6 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | A fuller-bodied Sauvignon which works well with a vegetable pilaf, a chicken tagine or a saffron-infused risotto Milanese. |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Origin | Languedoc |
Appellation | IGP Pays D'oc |
2023 GPG Garganega Pinot Grigio
Regular price £8.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The addition of Garganega makes a more interesting, characterful wine than many basic Pinot Grigio.
Tasting Notes
Lightly aromatic with green apple and citrus characters. A zesty, easy to drink dry white wine with crisp, lightly honeyed fruit on the finish.
Production
Produced from Garganega grapes grown in the Garda DOC region between Lake Garda and Vicenza, with the addition of 15% Pinot Grigio. Gentle pressing, fermentation at 16 to 18C with selected yeasts, bottling after 3 months on fine lees.
Producer
Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Everything it should be - fresh, crisp n dry - with good fruit and decent length for the price. Perfect luncheon wine or by the glass trade option. Not the most complex - just a simple, easy drinking moreish crowd pleaser!" March 2024
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Garganega & Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | White Wine |
Highly versatile, ideal as an aperitif or with seafood, grilled fish, salads and cold white meats. | |
Cellaring Potential | 1 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Garda DOC |
2022 Beau Constantia 'Cecily' Viognier
Regular price £26.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Golden yellow in the glass
Nose
One is quite surprised by the floral perfume and hints of white peach, apricot and tangerine that seduce the senses with their delicacy.
Palate
On the palate, an unusual equilibrium between waxy weight and a gobsmacking acidity is neatly held together by our small site’s signature hint of salinity.
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.
Awards & Accolades
- 92pts | IWSC 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"White flowers and peach lead to a voluptuous palate where apricot rises. Such purity of fruit shows great typicity. Absolutely loving the lingering freshness here."
- Tim Atkin | 91 pts (2021 Vintage)
“Cecily has gained in subtlety and finesse under winemaker Megan van der Merwe, with less cream and more freshness on the palate. Fermented in old barrels and for 21% of the blend, a concrete egg, this is leesy and refined, with aniseed and honeysuckle notes, a hint of clementine and a fresh finish.”
Di's Personal Tasting Note
"A fabulously, well balanced, graceful & elegant white. Initial fruits of peach & apricot balanced by fresh lemon/lime citric acidity. With a lovely creamy mouth feel from extended lees contact. Drinking beautifully in its youth but has the complexity & balance to mature for a good few years yet. I would definitely say that this will be one of our top whites from South Africa. Can close my eyes whilst drinking & visualise the wonderful view from Beau Constantia." April 2024
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.4 units per bottle |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Delicious now, with huge potential to age. |
Food Matching | Try it with fragrant Thai curry or roasted poultry. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Vibrant and aromatic with subtle perfumed aromas, white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose.
Palate
On the palate it has tight, white, fleshy, stonefruit and fresh citrus flavours balanced by bright and lively acidity. A crisp, incisive finish with a touch of minerality helps deliver a delicious, flavoursome and characterful wine.
Alan's Tasting Note
"This is a delightful, cheeky wee white that delivers a lot of flavour for not a lot of cost. I get the jasmine notes but the fruit is more pear than peach to me. It’s unoaked but has a beautiful richness and length to the fruit that hides /balances the high acidity. As easy drinking as the red - a brilliant pair together."
Production
This wine is made of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. Grapes are grown on 30+ year old trellised Chenin and 15 year old Viognier in the Coastal region, mainly from Swartland vineyards. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoons and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. Part of the Chenin Blanc is wild yeast fermented and kept on the yeast lees for as long as possible in order to achieve a rounded palate with good fruit concentration.
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 and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthuasiam 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
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 75% Chenin Blanc 25% Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.37 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled prawns with plenty of garlic and chilli, whole lemon sole fried in butter and also delicate freshwater fish dishes. |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation |
WO Coastal Region
|
2022 Cuvée Jean-Paul Blanc Sec, IGP Côtes de Gascogne
Regular price £7.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A deliciously aromatic, bright, and zingy dry white!
Tasting Notes
Nose
A fresh nose of lime, basil, freshly cut green grass, and guavas.
Palate
The medium-bodied palate continues with more grapefruit, subtle passionfruit, and zingy tropical lemon.
Production
The rolling hills between the scattered medieval towns and villages of Gascony in south-west France are predominately white wine country. For many decades growers here have provided Boutinot with an excellent source of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, which together provide a pleasant mix of tropical and herbecaeous flavours. Vines are generally trained using the Guyot system and vigorous grape selection is used to capture both the fresh aromatics and provide the longevity needed to maintain the consistent flavour profile for which Cuvée Jean-Paul is known. On delivery to the cellar, the grapes are cooled then undergo maceration on skins for 10-15 hours before pneumatic pressing and cold settling to preserve the aromas. We then keep the wine on fine lees to retain maximum freshness before crafting into the final cuvée. To ensure freshness, we blend and bottle up to four times a year - an intricate process essential to maintaining stylistic continuity and quality, one which demands knowledge of how each component parcel will evolve.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Today, Boutinot’s French office has recently relocated to Macon, and has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don’t use any single model to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines, as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Vérand. Drawing on the expertise of our four winemakers and a network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality-to-price ratio possible for every wine
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Colombard 75%, Ugni Blanc 25% |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | White Blend |
Cellaring Potential | 1 - 2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Ideal as an apéritif or with fish and chips, simple vegetable or salad dishes. |
Origin |
IGP Cotes de Gasgone |
2021 Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Doña Paula is a winery that produces Premium wines, established in 1997 in Mendoza, Argentina. They own 100% of the vineyards used for the production of all their wines, planted in the best areas of the country, looking for the most faithful expression of each terroir.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intense violet color.
Nose
Lovely notes of blackberry and plum along with a hint of violet and spice.
Palate
This follows through into the palate which has a lovely play between the concentrated black fruit and the spices, along with a hint of minerality that really rounds out the palate. It is wonderfully balanced with a nice freshness that makes the wine seem not quite as heavy as it should be with an ABV of 14.5%.
Vinification
The grapes are hand-picked the first week of April. In the winery, they are destemmed gently, without breaking the berries. Then, a cold pre-fermentative maceration is carried out to preserve the primary aromas. Fermentation takes place at low temperatures, and a post-fermentation maceration is later performed for 15 to 20 days. The wine is aged in first, second and third-use French oak barrels for 12 months.
The Estate Vineyards
90% of these grapes are sourced from our best vineyards in Alluvia, Gualtallary, at 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level and 10% from Los Indios, El Cepillo, at 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) above sea level. The soils are stony in the first location and sandy loam in the second one, and both have high calcareous content.
Doña Paula Estate Malbec displays the unique characteristics of the Uco Valley, a terroir where the climate is cold, with an average temperature variation of 16 °C (60.8°F) in Los Indios and 12.5 °C (54.5°F) in Alluvia, and an average annual rainfall of 280 mm (11 in) in El Cepillo and 300 mm (11.8 in) in Gualtallary. The vines yield an average of 8 tons per hectare, and they are grown in espaliers, using drip irrigation. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.
Accolades
- 91 points - Tim Atkin
- 91 points - Descorchados
- 90 points - Wine Enthusiast
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"As I thought - this is absolutely stunning. Lots of fresh black fruits with some spice. It’s big, full-bodied, complex, and long, but there’s a freshness to the fruit and silky tannins that can only come from high altitude, cool climate fruit. Drinking exceptionally well now but it's got the power to last a few years yet. Certainly over-delivers at £10.99!!" 14 Dec 2023
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Aged | Oak aged |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, Sustainable practices |
Food Matches |
Sirloin strip steak, chimi-churri butter, French fries with herbs and roasted tomatoes. A pairing par excellence! And when it comes to preparing it, simplicity makes this dish even more exquisite. |
Appellation | Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary (Tupungato, Uco Valley) and Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo (San Carlos, Uco Valley) 100% Malbec |
2009 Château Couhins-Lurton Grand Vin De Graves
Regular price £59.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The special clay-gravel terroir of Château Couhins-Lurton has given birth to a great left bank Merlot: it stands out in the appellation for its extreme finesse and intensity of fruit on the finish. Its nobility and ageing potential are a credit to its rank.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intense, black-rimmed with violet.
Nose
The nose is dominated by the fruit: the ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas are intense but delicately highlighted by mild tobacco and lightly roasted notes. Very skillful barrel aging allows the oak to blend perfectly as a counterpoint to the fruit.
Palate
Very smooth, appears fat and soft… The tannins are ripe, melting and remarkably dense. Often described as jammy, but there are also spices and mild tobacco in the mix. The finish is long and lingering, with fruit that coats the palate.
Production
Fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and aged for 12 months in oak barrels (40% new) with racking.
Vintage
While January and February were colder than average, 2009 was nevertheless a warm year (one of the warmest in a century). There was a great deal of sunshine and a remarkable drought during the summer months.
Review & Awards
- JancisRobinson.com 17.5/20
"Really very subtle on the nose with some development at the rim and it has been judged just right - both texture and flavour are great. Better than many a grand cru. So much pleasure and balance. Opulent but not sweet or fat or raisined. Drink 2016-2028."
- The Wine Spectator 94/100
"Loads of crushed sweet berries on the nose, with fresh herbs and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, polished and soft texture on the end. And plenty of fruit. So pretty. Really impressive red from here." (James Suckling)
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Merlot 77% / Cabernet Sauvignon 23% |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information |
Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & egg fining agents |
Food Matches | Enjoy with slow-cooked or roast meats. Delightful with confit. |
Cellaring Potential | Can age up to 10-15 years |
Origin | Bordeaux |
Appellation | AOC Pessac-Léognan |
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 |
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 |
2021 Domaine de la Motte Chablis Vieilles Vignes
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Complex and full-flavoured expression of Chablis from vines averaging over 50 years of age.
Tasting Notes
More full-bodied, complex, and intense than the regular Chablis from Domaine de la Motte. The nose is very much Chablis with an earthy, chalky element. The palate is rounder, however, with ripe fruit and herbs - the small amount of oak influence in this cuvée gives the wine a rounded aspect with old vines bringing depth and complexity.
Production Method
Low-yielding vines grow on north-facing kimmeridgian and chalky clay soils surrounding the village of Beine. From here Adrien selects parcels from vines approaching a minimum age of 50 years for his Chablis Vieilles Vignes. Harvesting is both by hand and machine 50/50. After a short cold maceration and gentle pneumatic pressing, the wine is racked and fermented in stainless steel for 15 days at 21ºC. Around 10% is fermented in large (600l) oak barrels for 15 days and remains in oak for 8-12 months - the rest in stainless steel. Malo follows the alcoholic fermentation in early January.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines that reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Awards
-
2022 IWSC Silver Medal (2020 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect match for Burgundian cheeses such as Epoisses; slightly creamy, richer meals with chicken or fish; moussaka; spinach and ricotta pie. |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2022 Vila Nova Vinho Verde Rosé
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is a pretty, soft and fruity Vinho Verde rosé made from the local Espadeiro grape.
Tasting Notes
Fresh red berries on the nose, the palate has delicate wild strawberry and zesty redcurrant fruit, off-dry with a soft and appealing finish.
Production
Produced from the red Espadeiro grape which is cultivated here in Vinho Verde (also found in Galicia, northern Spain). The must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel.
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.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Espadeiro |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content
|
11.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | Rose |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matching |
Perfect with simple pasta dishes, salads and white meats.
|
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Origin | Vinho Verde |
Appellation | DOC Vino Verde |
2022 Painted Wolf Teardrop Viognier
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
TPainted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- Double Silver – National Wine Challenge/Top100 wines 2019
- 4 stars, 88 points – Platter 2020
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Now - 2025 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Pairs well with mild Indian curries like korma and tikka masala. It is wonderful with roast pork with a mustard and apple sauce or a creamy seafood dishes. Viognier is a great partner to washed rind cheese. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2022 Rivera Castel del Monte Bombino Bianco DOC Marese
Regular price £13.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%100% Bonbino Bianco grown in Adria in Castel del Monte, the wine is delicious, aromatic and refreshing.
The advanced degree of ripeness of the grapes is balanced by the good acidity typical of this variety, resulting in a wine with intense and complex aromas and excellent drinkability and freshness.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale straw yellow colour
Nose
On the nose emerge hints of white flowers such as jasmine, and fruity white peach and green apple
Palate
On the palate it is full, fresh and fruity, well balanced by a pleasant acidic note.
Producer
Marese Rivera is produced from native Bombino bianco grapes in the territories included in the Castel del Monte Docg recognized in 2011, to seal the great quality of the wines that are produced there. The grapes are harvested at the end of September with an advanced degree of ripeness, in order to balance their natural acidity and express the varietal character to the maximum. The aromas are fresh and fruity with notes of rennet apple and the same sensations are found on the palate where the acidic note makes the sip very pleasant.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Bombino Bianca (aka Trebbiano) |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2-3 years |
Food Pairings |
Well expressed in combination with appetizers and fish-based dishes.
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Puglia
|
Appellation | Castel del Monte DOCG |