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- Shiraz / Syrah
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- 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!
2022 Oldenburg CL White
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This captivating wine captures attention and makes a confident statement, presenting itself as a gentle lemon hue in the glass. A divine citrus character persists on the nose, revealing an exquisite array of fragrances including invigorating lemon zest, delicate elderflowers, and enticing orange blossom. A subtle interplay of honey, luscious lemon curd, and a refreshing, mineral essence complements the aromatic profile.
Palate
On the palate, the fruit flavours shine, supported by a lively acidity that leaves the mouth pleasantly invigorated. Notes of white lilies, star jasmine, and a gentle touch of grapefruit pithiness, derived from a small portion of old vines, contribute to an enchanting tasting experience. The journey culminates with a nuanced vanilla finish that adds a delightful touch to the overall encounter.
Winemaking & Maturation
The Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc in this extraordinary blend is sourced from exclusively cooler climate vineyards that complement the name of the wine. 37% of the wine was matured in concrete eggs, and 67% was matured in older French oak barrels, ranging in sizes from 228L to 300L.
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 post-harvest period had cool and dry weather conditions, disease-free canopies, and an extended hang time for grapes. Adequate irrigation water allowed for reserve build-up. Banghoek experienced a favourable winter with steady cold accumulation and even rainfall, while spring was cool and dry. The growing season was wetter and cooler, slowing down ripening. Summer rainfall resulted in lush canopies, needing vigorous canopy management. Overall, the season maintained a slower pace despite a hot and dry ripening period.
The Range
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Equally impressive as the red. The fruit is of the orange, clementine, mandarin style. Amazingly fresh, clean acidity on the front palate, followed by a little minerality, finishing with a soft creaminess from some oak or lees influence. Fairly long palate, medium-bodied with excellent balance - a good pair of well-made wines. A pair that packs a punch at this price!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 78% Chardonnay & 22% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Food matching | These are a pair of classy wines that deliver poise and flavour to stand up to all manner of dishes and also drink perfectly on their own. |
Type | White Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Winemaking
The bulk of the Pinotage was destalked and fermented in tanks with various staves. Malolactic and maturation was completed on staves. Approximately 25% of the wine was fermented in small open fermenters and matured in small French and American oak barrels. The wine was finished by blending 15% of a Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre blend.
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
Painted 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.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Pinotage, remaining 15% Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre blend |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pinotage is the best possible red wine in the world to pair with Mexican dishes such as Fajitas or that glorious confection of chicken, chocolate, cumin seeds, smoky ancho chilli, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds which is called Mole. It is also very good with other flavoursome American regional specialities such as with Carolina Pulled Pork and smoky Texas B.B.Q beef rib. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2020 Painted Wolf Black Tip Mourvédre
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Background
The Vineyards
The grapes are from Kasteelsig vineyard, owned by Billy (Guillermo) Hughes, and are organically certified. Soil is red Glenrosa with some Oakleaf – shale-rich duplex soils. The vineyards are not irrigated.
Winemaking
The grapes were fermented with natural yeast in open tanks and a small, manually-rotating steel tank (20% whole-bunches). Malolactic conversion and maturation took place in small French and American oak barrels (20% new) for 8 months. Total production 2,800 bottles.
Painted 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
- 2020 Painted Wolf wins trophy for Most Successful Producer Overall at 2019 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
- Bronze at the 2023 IWC
- Double Silver at the NWC
- 4.5 starts Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Mourvèdre 85%, Syrah 15% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
This wine is delicious now but will continue to develop over ten years from vintage. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Try with braised beef shanks, sweet and sour pork, wild mushroom risotto or Mexican-style ostrich in mole, melted cheese toastie or salt-baked Gruyere |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2020 Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Pinot Noir (Zero Sugar and Low Cal)
Regular price £13.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%85 Calories | Zero Sugar | 9% Alcohol | Gluten Free | Vegan Friendly | Certified Sustainable
Sunny with a Chance of Flowers is a healthy lifestyle wine created to make you feel good inside and out. Zero sugar, low calorie, low alcohol and flat-out 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 a family-owned winery in Monterey County, California.
Tasting Notes
Sunny Pinot Noir is a riveting red wine full of juicy berry flavours and pure joy. Sweet black cherries kick off the palate, followed by luscious pomegranate and a hint of toasted oak.
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).
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content
|
9% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 6.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Calories |
85 |
Carbohydrates |
3.4g |
Food Matches | The silky-smooth texture of our Sunny Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with rotisserie chicken, tomato basil pasta and grilled burgers, best enjoyed outdoors on the patio at sunset. |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Monterey County |
2021 Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Guaranteed to charm and captivate, this is a full and fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc led by tropical fruit, kiwi, gooseberry, and golden delicious apples.
The 2021 Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc is their ninth vintage. As the name suggests she is a little charmer and somewhat flirtatious.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is bright and appealing with prominent gooseberry, pear, and golden delicious apple on the nose.
Palate
An explosion of fruit on the palate reveals a medley of tropical fruits, fennel, and some grapefruit coupled with a prominent mineral core. The full mouthfeel captures the purity of Elgin’s fruit, resulting in a well-balanced white wine with good length.
Delightful while young but is expected to show her pedigree and mature with stylish grace and aplomb with further time in the bottle.
Vintage
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.
Accolade
- National Wine Challenge 2020 - Double Gold Award
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pairs beautifully with summer salads, fresh Cape crayfish, and all manner of seafood. Match her with oysters, mussels, seared tuna, kingklip or salmon. The Little Flirt will compliment roast chicken or pork chops with apple sauce. For dessert serve her with apple crumble or simply as an aperitif! |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Bear & Star Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £7.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%With roots in California, Bear & Star was born from the winemaker’s desire to create fruity, high-quality wines for everyone to enjoy.
Tasting Notes
Fresh aromas of tropical stone fruit, lime and grapefruit all marry delightfully on the palate, finishing with refreshing acidity and good length.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Pedro Jimenez |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & no other allergens |
Serving Suggestion | Serve between 10°C and 12°C |
Food Matches |
Delicious served with fresh white fish, or simply well-chilled as an aperitif. |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Central Valley |
2021 Conviviale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Regular price £7.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Rich, robust and chunky pasta red from old vines that over-delivers on both flavour and value.
Tasting Notes
Nose
An intense wine with cherry, ripe plum fruit aromas and warm, earthy spice
Palate
The palate is densely packed with morello cherry, cassis and bramble fruit flavours. Tannins are ripe, giving structure to a substantial wine with a fresh sappy finish.
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. Their 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.
Production
Produced from selected parcels of Montepulciano grapes, from low yielding 30 to 50-year-old vines in the Chieti province of Abruzzo. Fermentation took place in small batches between 28 and 30C using natural yeasts. The skins were left in contact with the fermenting wine for 10 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to Adria’s cellars and matured in a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and French oak barriques for 6-8 months.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Montepulciano |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red wine |
Food Matches | Gragnano pasta with Bolognese sauce |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 2 years |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Abruzzo |
Appellation | DOC Montepulciano D'Abruzzo |
2021 Bellefontaine Chardonnay
Regular price £8.39 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc, this unoaked Chardonnay is light on its feet yet packed with a zesty citrus twist.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Very pure and bright, with an attractive nose of white flowers, warm hay and ripe lemon aromas.
Palate
Zesty acidity is nicely complemented by the richness and peach notes on the palate with a hint of pear.
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,they 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.
They are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in their winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after the 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 the winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Production
The Bellefontaine range has established an international reputation for consistent quality and value. Every year Boutinot winemakers select only quality parcels of wine from different estates and producers, each contributing key components to the finished blend. Bellefontaine wines possess fine aromatics, pure fruit expression, fresh acidity, varietal character and above all a persistent finish. The goal is to create a range of wines of consistent quality that are delicious to drink on their own but that also complement food well. They've blended Chardonnay from Gascony for purity and freshness with Chardonnay from Pays d'Oc for varietal character and texture. By blending these two, they've taken the best from each region to create a harmonious, unoaked Chardonnay.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features | Vegetarian. Vegan |
Food Matches | Classically served with fish or salad, and would be lovely with fresh bread and cheese for an impromptu lunchtime picnic. |
Origin | Vin de France |
Appellation | Vin de France |
2021 Baleia Vinhos Rochas
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Baleia is Portuguese for whale and the striking labels are inspired by St Sebastian Bay, the Whale Nursery of South Africa.
Discover a place of whales and wonder, where wines are born from rocky limestone soil in a remote and unspoilt corner of the Cape South Coast.
Here vines overcome fierce elements to create fruit with singular character and depth of flavour. Beyond evocative wine, Baleia is also about finding harmony between self, others and nature in pursuit of life's perfect equilibrium.
Tasting Notes
Wine from Rock – Made from Tempranillo and Syrah grapes grown in pure limestone soils, that are so hard and rocky that the vine struggles to grow and thus yields a small, concentrated crop. We respect the fruit by making use of amphorae and large wooden foudres in the cellar, which highlights the unique minerality and makes for a tantalizing wine bursting with character.
This rich and full-bodied wine has aromas of blackberry and plum, with a hint of spice. The palate is well-balanced with soft tannins and a long, lingering finish.
Winemaking Philosophy
Wines are made in the vineyard and it is our responsibility in the cellar to trust the work that has been done all year and the terroir in which the wines are grown. We respect the fruit and play our hand very lightly in the cellar so has to ensure that the wines reflect a true sense of place.
Vineyard Philosophy
Baleia believes that living soils = strong roots = healthy vines = perfectly ripened fruit. We believe that through science and meticulous farming with attention to detail, we can produce grapes that truly reflect the terroir in which they are grown.
Vintage Notes
2021 was characterised as a temperate vintage with a dry growing season, resulting in lovely dark fruit flavours. The cool 2019 winter and a year of relatively low stress produced a softer fruit profile which elevates the mineral character in the wines.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 94% Syrah, 4% Tempranillo, 2% Pinot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches | Grilled meats or strong cheeses |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
St Sebastian Bay, Cape South Coast |
Appellation | Western Cape |
2022 Baleia Pinot Noir
Regular price £13.19 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Baleia is Portuguese for whale and the striking labels are inspired by St Sebastian Bay, the Whale Nursery of South Africa.
Discover a place of whales and wonder, where wines are born from rocky limestone soil in a remote and unspoilt corner of the Cape South Coast.
Here vines overcome fierce elements to create fruit with singular character and depth of flavour. Beyond evocative wine, Baleia is also about finding harmony between self, others and nature in pursuit of life's perfect equilibrium.
Tasting Notes
A Pinot Noir with a bouquet of ripe strawberry, cedar leaf and Cyprus with a palate of sour cherry and Turkish delight. Elegant white meat dishes and warm salads pair well with this wine. Serve slightly chilled. This wine will benefit from decanting.
Winemaking Philosophy
When showcasing this wine amongst some of the top winemakers in South Africa, a comment emerged from the discussion: Baleia will have to re-write the Pinot Noir book with that terroir. Working with such extreme minerality, wind and hard, limestone-rich soils require a refined approach. This is a journey of discovery.
Inoculated with selected yeast strains from Burgundy, France. Primary fermentation in open fermenters with manual punch downs at 22-28 °C. After 8 days of skin contact; pressed directly to Foudre, 3rd fill, and 1 new 300L French oak barrel where malolactic fermentation completes naturally. Matured for 10 months in French oak.
Vineyard Philosophy
Baleia believes that living soils = strong roots = healthy vines = perfectly ripened fruit. They believe that through science and meticulous farming with attention to detail, they can produce grapes that truly reflect the terroir in which they are grown.
Vintage Notes
The 2022 Vintage was characterised by heavy winter rains and a wet Spring which resulted in optimum reserve build-up. A drier flowering and ripening period ensured for a decent crop size.
Accolade
- Jancis Robinson 16.5 points
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 12.23% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.17 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | St Sebastian Bay, Cape South Coast |
Appellation | Western Cape |
2022 Ancora Sangiovese
Regular price £8.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Approachable everyday drinking red. The perfect juicy food wine - with pasta, pizza and tomato sauces.
Tasting Notes
Appealing aromas of fresh red fruit and a touch of black pepper spice. A fresh, medium-bodied style with red and black berry fruit characters, and a hint of spice balanced by tangy acidity.
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.
Production
Produced from Sangiovese grapes from the Salento peninsula in southern Puglia. Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks, with six days spent on skins. No oak ageing.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | Ideal with simple pasta tossed in butter and Parmesan or with tomato based sauces. |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 2 years |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | IGT Puglia |
2020 Domaine des Tourelles Skin
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An impressive take on an orange wine from one of Lebanon's oldest wineries. The average age of the vines are 150 years old! Produced from Merweh, an indigenous Lebanese grape variety, given a dose of skin contact followed by maturation in qvevri, this is something different and with real character.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light amber in colour
Nose
The nose rises up out to the glass to greet, with waves of spice, sweet clementine-infused fruit, and what can only be described as a sense of warmth.
Palate
The palate opens up fresh and breezy, with the ripe apple and orange fruit coming through to fill up the mid-palate. While nothing like as grippy as some orange wine there's also a pleasing hit of tannins, helping give the wine real structure and definition.
Production
The grapes were harvested in October. 100% manually with intensive selection in 20kg boxes. Several rounds are needed to obtain perfect ripeness. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in 19th-century made Amphoras for 7 days on skin contact, then followed by malolactic fermentation
Producer
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun and is one of the most highly acclaimed and oldest wineries still operating in Lebanon. It was also the first commercial cellar in 'modern' Lebanon to produce wines, arak and other spirits. This place has history! The Brun family owned and ran the winery up until the last descendant died in 2003 but luckily two local families - the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families - joined forces to buy the property and continue the fine tradition of winemaking.
Today, this Bekaa Valley estate is run by the three Issa children - twins Faouzi and Johanne and their sister Christiane, alongside Emile Issa-el Khoury, son of one of the co-owners. This young and dynamic combination have introduced a handful of practices in the vineyards and cellar including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, no fining or filtering, and only very small amounts of sulphur. These techniques along with fruit from 40 hectares of ancient, organically cultivated and dry-farmed vineyards (among the oldest in the valley) and a winery perfect for hands-off winemaking, make Domaine des Tourelles one of the finest boutique wineries in the Middle East.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merweh |
Country | Lebanon |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Orange Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Cellaring Potential | 2023-2030 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Bekaa Valley |
Appellation |
Bsharreh mountains (at the foothills of the Millennial cedars) |
2023 Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé, Pays d’Oc
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Traditional southern French varieties of Grenache and Cinsault are expertly blended to show the character and finesse in this great house rosé.
Tasting Notes
This luscious and textural blend is very much a food wine; tangy red berries burst from Grenache to meld with gentle spice from Cinsault before the dry and fresh finish.
Production Method
Ripened under the Mediterranean sun of southern France, then harvested at the precise point where ripe fruit and fresh acidity are perfectly aligned, Grenache and Cinsault - two traditional French rosé varieties - are vinifed using the classic rosé-de-presse method. This involves a short maceration followed by gentle pressing to obtain the pretty colour of this sweetly-fruited, carefully balanced rosé blend without extracting unwelcome tannins.
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.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 70% Grenache, 30% Cinsault |
Country | Languedoc, France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.3 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | A really versatile wine that will pair well with a variety of pasta dishes, barbeques and grilled chicken salads. |
Origin | Languedoc |
Appellation | Pays D'Oc IGP |
2022 Ginestet Classique Lussac-Saint-Émilion
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Good value satellite Saint-Émilion.
Tasting Notes
A very classy Claret nose leads on to a ripe, flavoursome Merlot palate, smooth with a pleasingly long finish for such a good value wine.
Producer
For over a decade Boutinot has been in partnership with leading Bordeaux négociant Ginestet, to offer high quality wines from a selection of châteaux in key appellations as well as consistently fine, benchmark Bordeaux wines.
Production
Lussac is a village to the North West of Saint-Émilion, granted appellation status in 1936. Predominately Merlot vines averaging 25 years of age grown on gravelly/clay soil. Grapes are carefully harvested before being destemmed and crushed and transfered to temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation last around 10-15 days, with 7 days maceration.
Sustainability
As both a négociant and a producer of its own wines, Maison Ginestet has long been convinced of the need to work the land in a viable manner and it places substantial emphasis on partnerships with sustainable agriculture-accredited winegrowing estates. Some growers are fully organic, and Ginestet is certified to bottle wines made from organically grown grapes.
In 2006, Maison Ginestet set up an international wine school at its Carignan-de-Bordeaux site. Through the Ginestet Wine Academy, Maison Ginestet shares with its commercial partners the expertise it has gained over more than a century of producing and marketing Bordeaux wines.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Merlot 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Cabernet Franc 5% |
Country | Bordeaux France |
Alcohol content |
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Fantastic with a classic Sunday roast and also good with lamb dishes.
|
Origin | Montagne de Saint Émilion |
Appellation
|
Saint-Emillion Grand Cru |
2020 Bischöfliche DOM Riesling (Dry)
Regular price £14.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Modern and appealing dry German Riesling at its best.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Delicately floral with citrus and light flinty aromas.
Palate
The palate is pure with green apple, refreshing citrus acidity, stony minerality and good length.
Production
The grapes originate from the steep and slatey soils of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. After careful picking and selection, the grapes are fermented in 1000L oak Fuder and stainless steel tanks before blending. The wine rests for a few months on its fine lees to add complexity.
Producer
Bischöfliche Weinguter Trier cultivates approximately 95 hectares of vineyard, among them some of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer's most legendary sites. Almost 90% of production is Riesling, with grapes crushed and pressed at Scharzhof on the Saar and Duisburger Hoffman on the Ruwer.
Wines are then aged in either traditional fuder or stainless steel in their vast vaulted cellars in the heart of Trier, which date back to Roman times.
Notes of Sustainability
The estate has implemented and maintains an integrated management system for quality, environmental, occupational, health and safety, and food safety that is certified by EcoStep.
Awards
- Bronze Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 (2018 Vintage)
Alan's Personal Notes
"This is very good. A solid Riesling characteristics with an added touch of minerality and some herbal & spicy notes. Lovely fresh fruit, balancing acidity, great complexity and good length. All in all a really decent glass of wine 10/10." May 2023
Specifications.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | German |
Alcohol content
|
11.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Pairings |
Serve with fish, asparagus; salads with parma ham and olives.
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Requirements | Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly |
Origin |
Mosel
|
Appellation | Mosel QBA |
2016 Pieter Ferriera Blanc de Blanc
Regular price £38.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%No introductions are required for Mr and Mrs Bubbles themselves. Ann, the owner, and Pieter, the winemaker, at Pieter Ferreira are nothing short of South African legends.
Pieter has always been a fearless boundary breaker when it comes to producing some of the world’s best bubbly – his journey started out with three harvests in Champagne before returning to South Africa where he chairs the Cap Classique Association and is a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild. The Blanc de Blancs 2016 is no exception to his rule of excellence.
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass, the wine smiles at the eye with an enchanting luminous straw yellow colour, enlivened by a fine beady mousse.
Palate
The experience on the palate is a display of classic yeasty tones beneath an ocean of fine bubbles, these being layered with flavours of lime pith, citrus peel and green almond, the wine finishing on a comforting brioche note. The experience is memorable, a Cap Classique focus and precision with a firm, well-integrated mousse and persistent bead – the universal lifeblood of a great bottle-fermented sparkling wine.
Vintage
The Chardonnay was selected from various vineyard blocks in the famous Robertson wine region, some 160km east of Cape Town. Here the region’s unique soils of weathered shale-rich limestone deposits have ensured Robertson’s status as South Africa’s leading region for the growing of Cap Classique grapes.
Viticulture
In the quest for optimum terroir expression of the Cape Winelands, Chardonnay grapes for this Blanc de Blancs are sourced from a diversity of sites located in a spectrum of spectacular pockets of the Western Cape’s geography. Grapes are hand-picked whereafter each bunch undergoes a thorough selection process ensuring only the finest and healthiest fruit is approved to partake in the magical journey of Cap Classique crafting.
Vinification
Whole-bunch press separates the cuvée from the taille, with only the pure, unblemished cuvée portion used to further the process. After settling, most of the beautiful clear juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion set aside to undergo fermentation in traditional French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Artisanale de Champagne (Pièce Champenoise). This oaked component offers complexity and depth, as well as the focus point required to establish the wine’s exceptional status. The various individual parcels are then selected through a rigorous tasting process to choose individual sections for the Blanc de Blancs.
After the initial fermentation, the wine is prepared for secondary fermentation in the bottle. Here the wine is allowed to live on the lees for six years, drawing structure, palate weight and, of course, creating the millions of magical bubbles. The sediment is removed through the traditional process of remuage and dégorgement, after which the bottles are corked and laid down for six months cork maturation.
6 years on the lees adds layers of brioche character and the limey, almondine mouthful of soft and fluffy mousse leaves you wishing you had bought an extra case!
Accolades
- 94pts | Tim Atkin
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pairs deliciously with freshly shucked oysters and other seafood. |
Origin | Robertson |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2018 De Grendel Cap Classique Brut
Regular price £19.80 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale lemon colour with an exceptionally fine mousse.
Nose
Fresh, crisp and crunchy green apple, Asian pears, lemon zest and white guava comes to the fore on the nose.
Palate
Warm brioche and yeast complexity broaden the palate, leading to a long and elegant finish. Rich, velvety and effortlessly elegant, the De Grendel Cap Classique is truly one of our stalwart picks among sparkling wine aficionados.
The base wine is bottled with ‘Liquer de Tirage’ to bring about the second fermentation. The wine is then aged in the bottle for 30 months, to create a deeper complexity. Superbly elegant and multi-award winning.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage was affected by the worst drought conditions ever experienced in the Western Cape. Meticulous irrigation management supplied the precise quantity of water at the correct times to the vines. During such dry conditions diseases are restricted, resulting in the 2018 crop being entirely disease free. Furthermore, it resulted in our winemaking team having to preserve the grapes’ aromatic potential through careful viticultural practices such as limited thinning, managing nitrogen nourishment, allowing adequate plant vigour, appropriate water supply and careful selection of harvest dates.
Viticulture
The well-established Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards are trellised using the VSP system and are located on the slopes of the Tygerberg at approximately 7 kilometres from, and in sight of, the Atlantic Ocean. The 2018 vintage delivered yields varying from 8 to 10 tons per hectare.
Vinification
The De Grendel Cap Classique is a classic blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Grape bunches were whole bunch pressed. After settling and racking, the juice was inoculated and fermented in stainless steel tanks where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The base wine was filtered and bottled with ‘Liqueur de Tirage’, a yeast and sugar mixture which facilitates secondary fermentation in the bottle creating natural carbonation. The wine was aged on the lees in the bottle for 30 months to create that delicious biscuit like richness before ‘dégorgement’ – the process whereby the yeast is removed to leave the wine beautifully clear.
Accolades
- 89 points - Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Chardonnay & 20% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.93% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
This Cap Classique is the ideal drink for all occasions and is the most versatile wine for food pairings. Enjoy it as an aperitif before dinner, with creamy Mascarpone scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and cream cheese canapé or a warm baked apple tarte tatin. |
Origin | Durbanville |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2012 Champagne Mandois Vieilles Vignes Victor Brut
Regular price £48.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A magnificent, carefully-crafted blend: the Champagne is delicate on the nose and shows a creaminess on the palate created by its very fine bubbles. It possesses perfect harmony and long-lasting flavours.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow gold with golden reflections
Nose
Notes of white peach and citrus, then evolved aromas ranging from yellow fruit, toasted brioche and hazelnut.
Palate
Victor 2012 is marked by freshness, delivering whites and citrus fruits. The aerial structure of this champagne persists in the mouth and brings a saline and mineral finish.
This “symphonic” Champagne is essentially composed of grapes from old vines of over 50 years of age growing in Mandois vineyards in Chouilly and Vertus. The low yields produced by these old vines provide both the structure and the balance between concentration and finesse essential to the creation of a fine Champagne.
In addition, in order to develop smoothness and complexity, a proportion of the harvest is vinified in oak barrels in the traditional method used by Victor Mandois over a century ago.
History of Mandois
The “birth certificate“ of the Mandois vineyards dates back to 1735 when the family decided to acquire some vineyards in Champagne. At that time, Jean Mandois, a contemporary of Brother Oudart, possessed and worked a few plots of vines on the hillsides of Epernay. 1860 was a revolutionary year in the long family history. This was the year when Jean Mandois' great-grandson, Victor Mandois, a visionary and trailblazer, took the decision that he would vinify and sell the wines of Champagne in Epernay.
Thanks to Victor's passion for his craft, shared by the ensuing generations inspired by his work, Champagne Mandois is now available around the world and is reputed to be among the great Champagne Houses.
Vinification
- 70% in stainless steel vat
- 30% in oak barrel
Awards
- 93 points - Wine Enthusiast
- Gold Mundus Vini
Specifications
Year | 2012 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Dosage | 5g/l |
Aging | 9 years on lees in 18th centuary vaulted cellars |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Bistro - Scallops with vegetables & Gastro - Bresse chicken with morels |
Villages |
Chouilly, Vertus and the old vineyard of La Côte de Sézanne |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100
Regular price £21.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are 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.
Vineyards
Doña Paula 1100 comes from 3 blocks in our Los Indios Vineyard, which is located in El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley, at 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) above sea level. The sandy loam soil here has great drainage; in some sectors, there are gravel and stone deposits of colluvial origin, always bound by a thick, 70 cm (27.5 in) deep layer of black caliche. Days are warm and nights cold; the average temperature variation is 16 °C (60.8°F), and the average annual rainfall reaches 300 mm (11.8 in). The vines yield 7 to 9 tons per hectare. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.
Vinification
The harvest starts with Syrah in the first week of April, it continues with Malbec by mid-April, and it finishes with Cabernet Sauvignon at the end of the same month. The grapes are hand-picked and then they are destemmed gently, without breaking the berries. Each variety undergoes cold maceration separately, in stainless steel tanks, to extract the primary aromas. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the blend is made, and the aging process is carried out in 20% new French oak barrels, for 16 months.
Awards
- 92 points in the Tim Atkin Argentina Report
- 92 points James Suckling
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
60% Malbec, 30% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | Beef tenderloin, blue cheese and spinach wrapped in pastry, and served with sweet potato purée and roasted pepper coulis. You cannot think of peppers without thinking of Cabernet Sauvignon. |
Dietary Information | Gluten-free and Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation |
Los Indios, El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley
|
Champagne Mandois Brut Origine
Regular price £34.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Hugh Johnson has written that Mandois is a "house to watch" and the Wine Spectator has previously awarded this fizz a terrific 91 points, outperforming some rather more famous rivals...
Tasting Notes
Colour
A pale golden yellow color with a rich perlage
Nose
The nose releases a bouquet rich in fragrance and intensity with ginger brioche, white flowers and fresh plums.
Palate
The flavor is straight and elegant but pleasantly opulent: candied cedar, salted caramel and honeysuckle.
Production
Champagne Brut Origine from Mandois represents the purest and most typical expression of the elegance of this great Maison. Produced from a traditional assembly of the 3 prince vines of Champagne (40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier) from all the crus of the property in the Epernay area, it is further enriched in elegance and intensity by wines of 3 consecutive vintage.
History
The Mandois family have been growers in Pierry, a suburb of Epernay since 1735. Their estate grown fruit still supplies them with 70% of their needs for the 20,000 cases per year that they produce. Claude Mandois believes firmly in the use of barrels for making top-notch Champagne, and his whole range of wines are produced in oak. The Origine is a brand new cuvee from the family that is tank fermented and then aged in old barrels for 6 months before being aged an additional three years on the lees.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Nero, 30% Pinot Meunier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | Can be cellared for 15-25 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dosage | 7g/L |
Food Matches | Wonderful as an aperitif but also with bowls of fruit and sabayon. |
Serving Suggestion | To be served between 6 and 8°C. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2020 Vistamar Single Estate Carmenere
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Intense black fruit aromas, blackberries along with notes of herbs and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
Palate
The palate is rich in fresh red-fruit flavours with notes of tobacco and white pepper. Unoaked.
Accolades
- Tim Atkin MW - 90 points in the 2022 'Best of Chile' Report
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Carmenere, 10% Malbec |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Goes very well with lean meats, duck, turkey and legumes |
Origin | Maule |
Appellation | Maipo Valley |
2021 Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
Pale yellow in color with light green hints.
Nose
This Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc wine has complex and elegant nose offers up aromas of lime, grapefruit, pineapple and pear complemented by floral and mineral touches.
Palate
In mouth it is fresh, well-balanced with a rich acidity and soft body, where citric and tropical fruits reappear with mineral finish that delivers complexity and elegance.
Background
Ventisquero began making wine in 2000. Today, the winery is led by a young, creative team of entrepreneurs who guide us to a single purpose: creating distinctive, high quality wines. They look for innovative ways to communicate with their target audience and to market our products around the world.
Under the guidance of head winemaker Felipe Tosso, the winery was built in the Coastal Maipo Valley, where grapes for their first wines were produced. Three years later, they ventured into the Casablanca Valley and the prestigious Apalta Valley, the source today for Vina Ventisquero's premium wines.
With estate-owned vineyards in Chile's top wine producing areas – Coastal Maipo, Casablanca, Leyda and Colchagua – and extensive research to uncover the secrets of the country's unique terroir, Vina Ventisquero seeks to produce wines of the highest quality and consistency.
Awards
- 2017 Vintage: Commended – International Wine Challenge
- 2016 Vintage: Bronze – International Wine Challenge
- 2007 Vintage: Commended – International Wine Challenge
- 2008 Vintage: Silver – Mundus Vini
- 2006 Vintage: Commended – Decanter World Wine Awards
- 2005 Vintage: Gold – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
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 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
This wine is ideally paired with salads, shellfish, cebiches and mild, white fish in lime or lemon preparations. It goes wonderfully with fresh cheese or cream-based dishes and white meats, but can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. |
Appellation | Valle De Casablanca |
2021 Monsieur Paradis Sauvignon Blanc Pays D'Oc
Regular price £7.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Clear, very pale yellow with faint green highlights.
Nose
Very expressive with notes of white flowers, pineapple, tropical fruit and mineral tones.
Palate
Round and pleasing, fine balance, with notes of lemon and grapefruit.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested when just ripe. They are rapidly pressed and the must is racked at a low temperature for about 12 hours with SO2 and seeded with yeast. Fermented at a low temperature (17 - 19° C). Alcoholic fermentation for 1 week. The wine is fined and stored under inert gas at a low temperature.
Origin
The vineyards of Pays d'Oc are the largest in the world, three times those of Bordeaux and six times those of Australia. Located between the southern Côtes du Rhône and Carcassonne. This is a Sauvignon Blanc (originally from the vineyards of Central France - Sancerre, Pouilly), has adjusted very well to the more southern environment.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 1-2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
A fine wine that goes perfectly well with seafood, white meat and some cheeses.
|
Origin | Located between the southern Côtes du Rhône and Carcassonne |
Appellation | Vin Pays D'Oc |
2019 Ten Minutes by Tractor 'Up The Hill' Estate Pinot Noir
Regular price £46.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Ten Minutes by Tractor started in 1997 with three vineyards in Main Ridge, all ten minutes by tractor apart. Soft and savoury, with impressive length, this is an elegant Mornington Pinot.
Tasting Notes
Perfume and spice dance around licorice, cumquat and lavender notes that are expressed willingly in the glass. The fine mineral tannins groove the palate and complete a well-structured and enjoyable wine, typical of ‘Up the Hill’.
10X wines are sourced from several vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula and are therefore a regional expression of each variety. From shining star Mornington Peninsula winery Ten Minutes By Tractor comes the Estate Up the Hill Pinot Noir. With fruit from four of the wineries impressive vineyard holdings (Wallis, McCutcheon, Spedding and Judd), it is a fresh cool climate Pinot. Made with a blend of whole bunch and whole berry fruit, grapes are harvested by hand and wild fermented. It is matured in a quarter new French oak.
Vintage
Lower than average rainfall and relatively standard temperatures over winter, and cooler temperatures in August and September, led to late budburst (our second latest) and flowering.
However, above-average temperatures and low rainfall during summer meant an early veraison and harvest. The period between flowering and veraison saw our warmest ever average minimum and second warmest maximums. Veraison to harvest was our fourth warmest maximums and our driest (47mm v 136mm average). Five days of above-average temperatures at the beginning of harvest compressed the vintage further. Yields are normal and fruit quality is outstanding.
Fruit was handpicked, fermented on skins in a combination of concrete tanks and stainless steel for 14-21 days. 10% whole bunch fermented & 10 months in a combination of new (18%) and old oak.
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 | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now to 2029 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Roast pork belly and crackling with a fennel salad :: serve at 13- 16 C |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Mornington Peninsula |
Appellation | Victoria |
2019 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Cinsault
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Taking on other Cinsault's throughout the world! This extraordinary old vine wine comes from 50-year-old vines in the Bekaa valley and is wonderfully unique.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose has an exotic mix of ripe fig, bright red cherry and plum fruit with star anise spice, it’s lifted and pronounced.
Palate
The palate has beautifully ripe red fruit characters alongside fig and spice notes. The acidity and tannin perfectly balances the generous flavours and leaves a pure, clean finish.
Production
Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid-19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties. In 2014, Domaine des Tourelles decided to revive this grape by searching out very old Cinsault vines, over 50 years of age and located in Western Bekaa. The grapes are handpicked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for ten days. Malolactic fermentation begins spontaneously. The wine is then aged for 1 year in concrete and then spends a further 6 months in used French oak barrels to round out the tannins. The result is a supple wine that beautifully reflects the terroir of the Bekaa Valley, with an ageing potential of several years.
Producer
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun and is one of the most highly acclaimed and oldest wineries still operating in Lebanon. It was also the first commercial cellar in 'modern' Lebanon to produce wines, arak and other spirits. This place has history! The Brun family owned and ran the winery up until the last descendant died in 2003 but luckily two local families - the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families - joined forces to buy the property and continue the fine tradition of winemaking.
Today, this Bekaa Valley estate is run by the three Issa children - twins Faouzi and Johanne and their sister Christiane, alongside Emile Issa-el Khoury, son of one of the co-owners. This young and dynamic combination have introduced a handful of practices in the vineyards and cellar including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, no fining or filtering, and only very small amounts of sulphur. These techniques along with fruit from 40 hectares of ancient, organically cultivated and dry-farmed vineyards (among the oldest in the valley) and a winery perfect for hands-off winemaking, make Domaine des Tourelles one of the finest boutique wineries in the Middle East.
Awards
- Top 100 2019 The Wine Merchant (2017 Vintage)
- Silver - Sommelier Wine Awards 2018 (2015 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | Lebanon |
Alcohol content | 14% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan, Organic |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Think Mediterranean cuisine - marinated meats, grilled vegetables. BBQs. |
Appellation | Bekaa Valley |
N/V Schloss Gobelsburg Brut Reserve
Regular price £34.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Kamptal DAC region is one of the three top wine-growing areas of the Danube region. The estate was founded in the 12th Century by Cistercian monks, who produced wine until the late 1990’s, when Michael Moosbrugger took over.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Yellow with silver reflections.
Nose
Intense, complex nose showing bready, yeast characters and toast.
Palate
Hints of lemon come trough in the mouth with an overall round palate suggesting barrel-fermentation before crisp acidity on the finish.
Production
The base wine of this sparkling is a selection of varieties (Pinot Noir Riesling Grüner Veltliner from throughout the wine estate and its locations. The grapes from Heiligenstein, Gaisberg, Grub and Lamm are harvested at the right moment, laid in small boxes and immediately pressed, whereby only the heart of the basic wine is used.
After six months of cask storage, it is filled into bottles for the second fermentation. It then rests for two to three years on the yeast, which contributes to a creamy texture, until it is turned slightly and riddled by hand, then degorged.
Producer
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. Schloss Gobelsburg specialises in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and produces authentic and noble wines from different single vineyards, villages, and regional appellations. The winery is a member of the association 'Österreichische Traditionsweingüter', which is working on a vineyard classification project for the Danube area.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 90 points: A hint of straw and fragrant hay appears alongside the citrus notes on the nose. The palate has fresh lively lemony fizz that accentuates the freshness and slenderness of the palate and turns this into an ideal and totally appetizing aperitif.
Gourmet Traveler - 91 points (4/5 stars): NV Schloss Gobelsburg Brut Reserve has an intense, complex nose showing bready, yeast characters and toast. Hints of lemon come through in the mouth with an overall round palate suggesting barrel-fermentation before crisp acidity on the finish. “It is showing hints of development, butter, nuts and croissant,” found Yallop. “Tight structure, ripe and green apple and a thick acid line. A touch of reduction adds interest “
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Dosage | Brut |
Cellaring Potential | 5-10 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matching | Serve at between 6-8C with fish and seafood or on its own as an aperitif! |
Origin | Kamptal |
Lustau Fino El Puerto En Rama Sherry Spring 2021 Release (500ml)
Regular price £19.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Intensely yellow with flecks of gold, it’s almost as if it has captured the sunshine.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, Fino El Puerto En Rama is like a breeze off the Atlantic, bringing with it notes of roasted almonds, hay and citrus.
Palate
Bone dry on the palate, with more briny character and a nutty bitterness in the tail.
Production
Lustau’s Fino El Puerto En Rama Sherry Spring 2021 Release was matured in the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa María. The consistently mild weather here is perfect for maintaining the yeast growth (known as ‘flor’) that gives Fino its distinctive flavour. Having spent five years ageing beneath the flor in American oak casks, it is bottled without filtering, fining or treatment of any kind.
Producers
Founded in 1896, Lustau has been a standard bearer for Sherry for more than a century. For more than the last few decades, it has been applying a boutique concept to its winemaking, building up a selection of some thirty wines from its own Soleras and others chosen from the stocks of the small Almacenista producers, independent Sherry artisans. These are aged in all three of the cities of the Sherry area: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Now Lustau has taken this quality approach a step further, releasing two Finos and a Manzanilla all En Rama. “En Rama” means “from the branch”, the idea being that this is Sherry in its rawest and most natural form, straight from the barrel with no filtering or fining. For us, this is the finest way to drink Sherry.
Specifications
Year | Non Vintage |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | Palomino |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 7.75 units |
Type | Fortified Wine - Dry Sherry |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
It makes a stunning accompaniment to sashimi, tuna tartar, Marcona almonds, preserved lemon and quinoa salads, green olives and anything with capers in it. But we also recommend tasting it side by side with the other two wines in the range, just to experience the Sherry terroir or this collection.
|
Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
Appellation | Jerez |
2019 Michael Opitz Buddy Talk White
Regular price £13.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%No Tricks, Just Wine
Buddy Talk White is a wine for every occasion. Unobtrusive, adaptable and flattering. Organic.
Tasting Notes
The quintessence of the Seewinkel region. Combines the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. A companion for hot summer days, which also gives pleasure in the winter. Simply casual.
Buddy Talk is made from a unique combination of Muskat Ottonel, Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is made with minimal intervention and is the quintessence of the Seewinkel region, combining the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. Tart, crisp and nice citrus and tropical fruit.
Producer
Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Muskat Ottonel 35% Gelber Muskateller 15% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Certified Organic, Vegan and Vegetarian approved, Biodynamic |
Food Matches | As an aperitif with baked cod and a potato salad or simply on its own! |
Origin | Burgenland |
2019 Rapsani Old Vines, Dougos Winery
Regular price £26.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The Rapsani Old Vines shows a lifted and elegant bouquet of macerated strawberries and hedgerow fruits with undertones of sundried tomato, chestnut, pepper and just a hint of meatiness. A wonderfully harmonious wine with fully-integrated and very subtle oak, bright acidity and a great structure. There is a savoury core to this wine and firm yet very fine tannins. Long and rewarding.
History
The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. In fact, the 300l barrels used (Acacia for the Assyrtiko and French/American oak for the reds) are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities of the varieties. The main varieties cultivated here are the indigenous Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Krasato, Stavroto, and Limniona. The last three varieties are local to Thessaly. By law, Rapsani PDO wines must be a blend of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto. The two local varieties (Xinomavro has its home in Macedonia) are used to tame the rustic, tannic character of Xinomavro, which makes for more supple and approachable wines, though never at the expense of character or structure.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
Accolades
- Julia Harding for Jancis Robinson 17 points
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Xinomavro, Krasato, Stavroto |
Country | Greece |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Aging |
18 months in French and American oak barrels and then aged for 6 months in the bottle |
Food Matches | Classic Greek Foods as well as Pizza with ham, sausages, rich and flavourful cheeses, pasta with red, spicy sauces. Serve between 16-18C |
Origin | Mount Olympus, Valley of Tempi |
2020 Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Regular price £16.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A perfect summer drink paired with a wide range of food
Tasting Notes
Colour
Lovely pale yellow colour with green tints.
Nose
Citrus pith and florals on the nose with a clear Sauvignon Blanc lift.
Palate
Initial flavours of citrus and melon, light cool palate at 11.5% alcohol. Grapefruit, finger lime and a zesty acidity adds to the structure.
Vinification
Fruit outside the Hunter Valley is processed to the primary juice stage before transport to the winery in the Hunter Valley for fermentation and blending. This ensures the delicate grape and fruit aromas are preserved. A small percentage (approximately 5%) of this wine was fermented in barrel.
Winemaker Comments
We’re quite proud to introduce this wine as it is the 26th vintage of the blend. The label didn’t get the full Cricket Pitch livery until the 1995 vintage, although the Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was labelled as Cricket Pitch for the 1991 wine released in 1993. This wine is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon, one of the highest proportions of Sauvignon Blanc we’ve bottled. Four regions make up the blend being Cowra 85%, Hunter Valley 5%, Orange 3% and McLaren Vale 7%. This wine also highlights our desire for lower alcohol and weighs in at 12.0% and with plenty of zesty fruit lift.
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.
Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
11.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8,63 units |
Type | White Blend |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | A dozen freshly shucked oysters and a whole baked barramundi for lunch or a spicy Asian laksa for dinner. |
Origin | Hunter Valley |
Appellation | New South Wales |
Exton Park RB|28 Blanc de Noirs NV
Regular price £39.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Expressive, tropical fruit, white pepper & a touch of richness. A limited production wine, with only small amounts produced each year.
Tasting Notes
Our iconic Blanc de Noirs masters an average of 28 Pinot Noir reserve wines from our library, many from our very earliest plantings, to create a complex and sophisticated sparkling wine. Favoured by gourmets and gastronomes, Exton Park’s Blanc de Noirs is a true showcase for the precision of sparkling Pinot Noir.
Colour
Pale gold in the glass
Nose & Palate
The Blanc de Noirs opens with notes of freshly baked brioche and a touch of lime tree blossom, moving to rich rounded fruit and a long, delicately spiced finish.
Made from 100% Pinot Noir from our single vineyard, this expressive and fruity wine is precise, charming and English to its core.
The Winery
Exton Park is a Hampshire sparkling wine producer with a 60-acre single vineyard planted on a south-facing slope in the South Downs National Park. Their first vines were planted in 2003, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier and their state-of-the-art winery was built in 2011. A luxurious, private event space overlooking the vineyard is also under construction and will be opening later this year. With a 60-acre single vineyard, a bespoke winery and a breath-taking promotional facility all on one estate, Exton Park will be able to offer guests an unrivalled English wine experience.
2021 marks the release of their Reserve Blend range. These are traditional method sparkling wines that challenge classic winemaking conventions. They do not rely on a base vintage like other English sparkling wine producers. Over 80% of each blend is composed from their extensive archive or reserve wines.
The number of reserves in each blend is reflected in the name of each wine. For example, Exton Park RB28 Blanc de Noirs is created from a blend of 28 wines. This unique approach has been pioneered by Head Winemaker Corinne Seeling to ensure consistency, quality and complexity with each bottling.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | England |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Residual Sugar | 10.1g/l |
Time of Lees | 3 years minimum |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This famed expression is favoured by foodies. The perfect accompaniment to nuts as an aperitif, fresh or smoked trout, or sushi. |
Origin | Hampshire |
Pierre Moncuit Cuvée Brut Rosé Grand Cru Mesnil N/V
Regular price £45.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Salmon pink, with fine and persistent perlage.
Nose
Fresh and mineral, with notes of red berries and brioche.
Palate
Elegant, clean and juicy, with savory aromas.
History
The Moncuit family has been making superb champagne in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, for more than 100 years. Pierre Moncuit had recognised the intrinsic quality of his terroir and, together with his wife Odile, strove to make the best possible champagnes from his grapes. Nicole Moncuit and her brother Yves, along with her daughter Valérie, are now in charge of the domaine and make sublimely complex, delicate wines from 20 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards. The palate of the Cuvée Pierre Moncuit Delos Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is delicate and refined with citrus fruit and yeasty notes. It is perfect as an apéritif. The vintage Cuvée Millésimée Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs is an outstanding wine, truly representative of the perfect vintage conditions and expressing the full potential of the terroir and the grapes. The Vintage wines are always aged for between 5-10 years. The Grand Cru Brut Rosé is made from 75% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil and 25% Vin Rouge d’Ambonnay
Awards
- The Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru by Pierre Moncuit won the Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial du Rosé 2015
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 75% Chardonnay and 25% Vin Rouge d`Ambonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment but can be cellared for 3-4 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dosage | 8g/L |
Food Matches | Wonderful as an aperitif but also with bowls of fruit and sabayon. |
Serving Suggestion | To be served between 8 and 10°C. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2019 Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
A bright ruby hue in the glass
Nose
Aromatic layers of red fruit and spicy florals with hints of crushed herbs.
Palate
The palate is smoothly textured with flavours of bright cherry, red berries and finely integrated French oak. Mid-weight on the palate, this wine is balanced with refined silky tannins that lead to a long and elegant finish.
Vinification
Grapes for this wine are handpicked at optimal ripeness before being transported back to the winery for processing. Once at the winery the fruit is gently destemmed and then lightly crushed using state of the art processing equipment. Batch fermented according to block and clone in small open-top fermenters, the must undergo a cold soak lasting around 7 days before being warmed and inoculated either with selected yeasts or left to undergo a ‘wild’ ferment using indigenous yeasts found naturally on the grapes.
Once fermentation is complete the wine undergoes a short period of post-fermentation maturation on skins before being pressed directly to a combination old and new French barriques. These barrels are kept cool in a temperature controlled cellar over the winter months, before being warmed in spring, allowing the wine to undergo a secondary malolactic fermentation. Barrels are carefully monitored over this period and once the malolactic fermentation is determined to be 100% complete the final blend is carefully put together before being filtered and bottled in late March
Producer
Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in our breathtakingly beautiful, Awatere Valley vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world's first Maori-owned wine company. Since then we’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Portobello mushrooms, bacon on sourdough bruschetta with roasted garlic and drizzled truffle oil |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2019 Te Awanga Estate 'Wildsong' Organic Syrah
Regular price £16.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%What strikes us is the beautiful lifted floral notes and a lovely punchy mouthful of fruit and earth on the palate. Bright and vibrant in colour, with aromas of raspberries , violets and nutmeg. The palate is silky with great balance and a fine structure. A wine styled for approachability.
Vinification
From a mix of French clones the Syrah was handled similarily to the Wildflower Organic Pinot Noir with a cold soak and hot ferment.
Viticulture
Our Maraekakaho Vineyard is planted on an ancient river terrace that was formed by the Ngaruroro River which now flows around 60 meters below the vineyard. With its headwaters in the Kaweka Ranges to the west of Hawkes Bay, the river has created the landscapes through glacial melts, floods and droughts over the last few hundred thousand years. The old terraces that remain are made up of greywacke (a compressed sandstone) boulders and gravels from the ranges, and a topsoil borne of windblown loess, volcanic ash and humus created by ancient forests and vegetation.
The arrival of the New Year brought with it the long, hot, sunny summer days with moderate-cool nights for perfect ripening conditions, whilst preserving fresh acidity. Superb harvest climatic conditions provided the luxury of optimal picking decisions not hurried by the threat of rain. The result is an outstanding year for our Hawke’s Bay wines. Yields are slightly down, but with exceptional quality across all varieties. Full flavour and tannin ripeness in reds, with moderate alcohol levels. Acid retention and exciting flavour spectrums in whites.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 86% Syrah & 14% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled Meats and Vegetables, Wild game |
Appellation | Hawke's Bay |
2015 Brokenwood IRL Reserve Semillon (11% abv)
Regular price £53.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The ILR (Iain Lesley Riggs - Chief Winemaker) Reserve Semillon is released from the best years and this is a beauty.
Light-bodied and lithe, it is silky, weightless and immensely complex.
Tasting Notes
Colour
At 6 years of age on release, the colour is just starting to show some development with yellow tints complimenting the green edges.
Nose
Lifted almond bread and the floral notes heading to beeswax and toast.
Palate
Lively lime juice, Bickford cordial characters and backed by a superb zesty acidity. The magic of Hunter Valley Semillon on display with texture, fruit weight and great length from a wine that sees no oak.
Vinification
Harvesting all by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts were used for the fermentation, bottled in July. No oak and no malolactic ferment, only stainless steel.
Winemaker Comments
Brokenwood’s 41st vintage got underway a lot earlier than anticipated. The continued dry weather across the eastern half of Australia intensified in early January with a run of above average temperatures including a new January record high of 45.7C in Sydney. Tasmania suffered through bush fires, Victoria and NSW were also on high alert. The heavy rain that disrupted the 2012 red harvest gave way to a typical dry winter and even drier spring when only 92mm of rain fell in the 4 months July to October. La Nina seemed to be on the way out. November, December and the early part of January were also dry, leading to lighter canopies to go with the lighter crop load. Semillon started rolling into the winery on January 16th and well over half was picked before a tropical deluge of 150mm after Australia Day. Guess La Nina wasn’t quite gone.
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.
Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs (ILR) joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production. Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Ratings
- 97Pts James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2019
Awards
- 4 Gold Medals
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Not cheap but a real treat! 6 years old but still very young. Wonderful citric fruit with aromas of beeswax- a classic hunter valley Semillon descriptor. Great weight, wonderful balance and a complexity that will see it evolve for many years yet. Simply sublime and a real star and keeper. Will be interesting to see how it develops!" February 2020
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Semillon |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Asian food, any seafood especially freshly shucked oysters. |
Origin | Hunter Valley |
Appellation | New South Wales |
2022 Marras Los Tros Chenin Blanc
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This wine is bursting with aromatic notes of lemon, apricot and pear.
Palate
On the palate, stone fruit and pear skin flavour characteristics are complemented by a crisp acidity and a round mouthfeel with a refreshing finish.
Winemakers Notes
Marras is the small but mighty label by talented young winemaker Martin Lamprecht, who brings fresh ideas to his current home in the Swartland. This area is a melting pot for hot new talent and South Africa's leading region for liberal winemaking and experimentation. This Chenin Blanc was handpicked and spent 6 months ageing on its fine lees in old 300-litre 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 Notes
"This is really good!! Warm rich stone fruits with wonderfully exhibitive mineral notes and fresh acidity to make it incredibly rich but perfectly balanced with great length and complexity!! Much better value wine than its cape cousins!!"
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Mezze, cold meats and salads |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Swartland |
2016 Mac Forbes Healesville Syrah
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great intro to cool climate Syrah from the cool climate master Mac Forbes.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vivid purple
Nose
Fresh fruit scent.
Palate
Very intense, bittersweet, with crunchy blackcurrant flavours. Pepper and spice on the finish.
Is this a look-alike for Hermitage? Whatever, it’s very convincing. One of Matthew Jukes’ 100 best Australian Wines 2018/19.
The Vintage
In 2017, the warmer conditions offered fruit ripeness with plenty of flavour from the fruit grown on his home block near Healesville. This Syrah is filled with spice and plenty of juicy fruit. It sits well and truly in the cool-climate style, however, there is no shortage of flavour. Lovers of the spicy side of Syrah will find plenty of joy here. Very high quality Yarra Syrah for a modest price.
Alan's Tasting Notes
Such a wolf in sheep’s clothing, iron fist in velvet glove kinda wine, very attractive, super smooth with lots of supple fruit and no real tannins or rough edges. But it’s complex and packs a real punch at the same time!! Stupendous from young Mac - maybe he should spend more time on Syrah/Shiraz!!
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 | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Syrah |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Drinking Potential |
Now until 2024 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2007 Penfolds RWT Shiraz
Regular price £130.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a 'Trial'!
RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavour. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.
"Now into its second decade of release, the 2007 vintage excels. It encapsulates what is now the RWT style... defined with its own personality and style territory." Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker
Colour
Dark Red
Nose
Opulent glaceed fruits - saturated blueberry and satsuma plum elude from a freshly mixed summer berry compote. Stylish cedary oak marries with mixed spices and an element of (Gorgonzola) blue-vein cheese. Aromatically decries Barossa, and Shiraz - but not separately, as per these words!
Palate
Firm, lively & vibrant. Cola and a flavour sensation not dissimilar to a generous longitudinal slice of Blackforest cake, replete with fruits. Tight, finely-grained harmonious oak and lacy, mouth-coating tannins induce a multidimensional 3D palate, tempered by crisp acidity. Awash with flavour, depth & extract. The essence of Barossa Valley Shiraz... oh, and balanced! Convincing ... and out of 2007!
Reviews
Please Note
A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!
Specifications
Year | 2007 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2030 - Penfolds Rewards of Patience VI Edition, 2008. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Duck, red curry 'ice cream', split rice porridge, lychee, tamarind and pineapple |
Origin | Barossa Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
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
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12.5% alc vol
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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
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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 |