- Alicante Bouschet
- Aragonês
- Arinto
- Bobal
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Durello
- Espadeiro
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Loureiro
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Pedro Ximénez
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Trincadeira Preta
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Alicante Bouschet
- Aragonês
- Arinto
- Bobal
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Durello
- Espadeiro
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Loureiro
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Pedro Ximénez
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Trincadeira Preta
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
2022 Showdown ‘Man with the Ax’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £9.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The ‘Man with the Ax’ is the nickname for the King of Diamonds in Poker-parlance, and in California, Cabernet is undoubtedly ‘King’. Rich cassis fruit and a good lick of oak make this a plush, easy-drinking example of why it is so highly prized.'.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Ripe blackcurrant and wild berry fruit on the nose complemented sweet vanilla oak.
Palate
Rich cassis and black cherry fruit on the palate with a soft, juicy, yet long finish. Framed by the subtle American oak.
Production
This wine is sourced from vineyards in the northern part of California’s Central Valley. The region around Lodi and Manteca enjoys significant influence from San Joaquin and Sacramento river deltas, which act as a natural cooling system to the often-searing heat. The effect is to provide freshness to the ripe, fruit-charged Cabernet grapes. Individual Cabernet blocks are vinified separately and then blended to produce a wine that reflects the right balance between fruit and structure. The wine then spends 6 months in oak to provide a broad frame for this rich wine.
Producer
Boutinot has been working with growers in California for over 10 years, finessing our offering from vintage to vintage, increasingly with specific estates sourcing old vine material and site-specific fruit.
The current range of wines are sourced from the warm region of Lodi in Central California, to which Samantha Bailey brings her esteemed palate and decades experience to hone these elements into the brightest wines of The Sunshine State.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"Outstanding - really easy on the palate with loads of smoky blackcurrant fruit, a hint of spice and a glug of vanilla from the oak ageing giving a really well balanced, smooth drinking red!"
Awards
- Silver at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2017 Vintage)
- Silver at Catavinum 2018 (2015 Vintage)
- Silver at the IWSC 2018 (2015 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Almost any red meat, especially served rare, is going to do the trick! |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Central Valley |
2023 Mirabello Pinot Grigio Rosé, IGT Provincia di Pavia
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fresh and appealing style of Pinot Grigio rosé from the Pavia zone of north-west Italy. The addition of early-harvested Pinot Noir grapes and gentle pressing give a delicate salmon pink colour and subtle red berry fruit.
Tasting Notes
Pale coral pink - strawberry and bramble aromas lead onto a delicate, yet juicy palate with red berry characters. Slight creaminess leads to a crisp dry finish.
Production Method
Produced from grapes grown in the Pavia region of northwest Italy. The ripest grapes were selected from mature hillside vineyards and hand-harvested in early September. The extra ripeness allows the dark-skinned Pinot Grigio grapes to develop a pink tinge which is further enhanced by the addition of a small proportion of Barbera and Pinot Noir grapes from the same vineyards. The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness together, and the skins left in contact with the juice for 12 hours at low temperature before gentle pressing. After a slow, cool fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks the wine was bottled young to preserve freshness and aromas.
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. The 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. They source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom they have long-term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"An enticing summer red with lots of upfront strawberry fruit together with more serious red berry notes from the Barbera and Pinot Nero components. Appealing freshness and acidity initially are tempered by a balancing creaminess in the mid and back palate. An altogether well-composed glass of summer rose with perfect balance and poise - enjoy with friends in the garden - perfectly at ease in its own company but will also stand up well with all garden foods." Tasted September 2021
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Grigio 85%, Barbera 11%, Pinot Nero 4% |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan approved
|
Food Matches | Serve chilled as an aperitif or to accompany salads, cold meats such as salami or smoked chicken, or seafood dishes. |
Origin | Lombardia |
Appellation | IGT Provincia di Pavia |
2023 Mirabello Pinot Grigio
Regular price £8.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
A versatile, textured Pinot Grigio sourced from selected vineyards in the Veneto.
Tasting Notes
A fresh dry white with gentle floral and citrus aromas. Crisp and delicate on the palate with orchard fruit and lightly honeyed notes, balanced by lemony acidity and a fresh, dry finish.
Production
Produced from selected Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the Veneto. The grapes were hand-harvested during the first 2 weeks of September. The grapes were crushed and gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle and clarify before cool fermentation at 16 to 18C in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was bottled young after a period of 3 to 6 months ageing on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.
Producer
Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"Our best-selling wine and easy to see why - dry but not too dry, lovely juicy fruit with good length and refreshing acidity - very moreish and a real crowd-pleaser."
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% abv |
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches |
|
Features |
Vegetarian, Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Venezie |
Appellation |
|
2021 Adobe Reserva Carmenère
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Carmenère at its best with bags of fruit balanced by impressive structure.
Colour
Purplish-red colour
Nose
Intensely fruity nose, with standout plum and redcurrant aromas and hints of toast and blackcurrants.
Palate
Smooth, ripe, velvety tannins and good density. An enjoyable and persistent finish.
Production
The Colchagua Valley extends from San Fernando in the north to Chimbarongo in the south. The climate is Mediterranean, and the area receives winds from the south and morning fog. Springs are frost-free, and summers are very warm, which encourages proper ripening. Summers are hot but with cool night temperatures. The soils are medium to very deep, of alluvial origin, and have a silty-loam texture that allows for good vine development. The grapes were handpicked in late April and early May and submitted to a week-long pre-fermentation cold treatment at 8ºC (46ºF) to extract more fruit characteristics. Alcoholic fermentation took place at 25º–28ºC (77º–82ºF) with pump-overs determined by daily tastings through the end of the process. A post-fermentation maceration followed, and then the wine was de-vatted, separating the free-run wine from the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place naturally. 20% of the wine was aged in French oak for 6 months and then blended for a more complex character.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017, and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 (2017 vintage)
- Silver - Sommelier Wine Awards 2016 (2015 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Carmenère |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal served with barbecued red meats and stews, and well-seasoned white and game meats. Also, excellent paired with pasta, such as rigatoni, and ripe cheeses. |
Origin | Colchagua Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle Del Colchagua |
2021 Adobe Reserva Malbec
Regular price £9.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Sumptuous organic Malbec!
Colour
Deep ruby-red in colour
Nose
Vibrant aromas of redcurrant and blackberries, elegantly combined with mild notes of white pepper.
Palate
Medium-bodied on the palate with silky ripe tannins and a long, broad finish. An elegant wine that is easy to drink.
Production
The Rapel Valley lies with the Pacific Ocean to the West, to the east the Andes Mountains, and to the south the province of Colchagua. The climatic characteristics of this valley include frost-free springs and warm summers that allow the grapes to ripen well. Riverbed associated soils, deep alluvial clay loam. Clay provides water retention, which contributes to good grape ripening. 20% in French oak barrels for 6 months.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Bronze - Sommelier Wine Awards 2017 (2016 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | This is a great choice to serve in a cheese and wine dinner party, particularly next to Cheddar, Roquefort, Emmental and Gouda. It’s also an excellent option to accompany different kinds of meats, especially beef, lamb, and wagyu. |
Origin | Rapel Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle Del Rapel |
2022 Domaine Mas Barrau Cabernet Franc
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Cabernet Franc is much under-rated and rarely cultivated outside its traditional habitats of Bordeaux and Loire. At Domaine Mas Barrau in the Gard region of Southern Rhône, Boutinot’s Guillaume (Letang ) and Samantha (Bailey) have worked together with the family of this organic estate near Nîmes to produce a wine that sets new standards for Cabernet Franc.
Textured and luxurious this is a sophisticated Cabernet Franc from Gard. There is a wild 'after the rain' woodland perfume. The palate is incredibly long and layered with bramble fruit, bay and a touch of sweet prune on the finish.
Production Method
Guillaume Letang looked specifically for vines that are south-facing and can achieve the most sunlight to source the Cabernet Franc grapes for this wine. The terroir is full of limestone which gives rich yet soft and lightly acidic wine – this, in turn, gives the drinker a pleasantly sweet sensation on the palate.
Producer
Like all good stories, Boutinot France's is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. After 10 years, the business had grown and Samantha Bailey packed her bags to set up an office in Burgundy. Today, Boutinot has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don't use any single 'model' to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Véran. Drawing on the expertise of our 4 winemakers and network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality to price ratio possible at every price point.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic |
Food Matches | Juicy lamb shanks, rich tomato-based dishes laced with roasted garlic and pepper, marinated steak with mashed potato and green beans or savour it at the end of the meal over a good cheeseboard. |
Origin | Gard |
Appellation | Pays du Gard |
2023 Adobe Reserva Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Unoaked, sunkissed Chardonnay made from organically grown grapes.
Colour
A clear, bright pale yellow incolour.
Nose
Refreshing citrus aromas of grapefruit and lime that intermingle with subtle tropical fruit aromas, especially pineapple, and a touch of herbs.
Palate
On the palate, it is a balanced, fresh and fruity wine, with velvety texture and a persistent, enjoyable finish.
Production
Casablanca Valley can be identified by its closeness to the Pacific Ocean, influenced by the coastal breeze, which moderates temperatures. The land is basically formed by hills that increase in height as it goes east towards the Coastal Mountain Range. It has an alluvial origin, with sandy textures of high permeability, poor and shallow, which causes the valley to have low yields, compared to others. The temperatures are colder and templates, causing a slower ripening in the fruit and, in consequence, great character in flavour and aroma, for white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The grapes come from vineyards that are approximately 12 years old in the Casablanca estate, trellised in simple vertical shoot position, with an average yield of 12 tons/ha. They were hand-picked into bins during the first week of March when they had reached the ideal state of ripeness. The grapes were transported to our Nancagua winery for vinification in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures with selected yeasts, pumpovers, and delicate lees stirring to reach the desired final result. Prior to bottling the wine was fined with adjusted doses of bentonite and cold stabilized to prevent tartaric precipitations in the bottle.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 (2018 vintage)
- Bronze - Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2016 vintage)
- Bronze - IWC 2017 (2016 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal for serving with fish and shellfish, cooked with creamy sauces or butter. Also it is perfect accompanying pasta with seafood sauces and as aperitif, served with different cheese and dried fruits. |
Origin | Casablanca Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle De Casablanca |
2022 Borgia by Borsao Tinto Garnacha
Regular price £7.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Campo de Borja is considered the 'Empire of Garnacha' - the most prevalent grape in the region, which just thrives here. Borsao have years of experience crafting ripe and appealing wines, such as this, from the variety.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright plum and berry fruit aromas
Palate
The palate is rich and welcoming with ripe cassis and bramble characters and soft, approachable tannins on the finish.
Production
Garnacha grown on alluvial soils in the foothills of the Moncayo mountain. Grapes are typically harvested in the first two weeks of October. Temperature controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 22ºC - 25ºC, with a 15 day maceration period.
Producers
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.
Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes, vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.
The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimum acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.
Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry-level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi award-winning Tres Picos.
Sustainability
With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. Much of its vineyard area is planted with Garnacha which traditionally has been bush trained. Until recently, newer plantings were wire trained for easier harvesting, but because of the greater exposure to sunlight of this training method the vines can require up to 50% more water. As a result, all new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water.
Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion; they contribute to a better soil structure, increasing its organic, nutrient and nitrogen content; they improve biodiversity in the vineyard since organic matter is a food source for several macro- and micro-organisms; they often increase the population of earthworms which are good indicators of soil fertility; they improve fauna above the soil, providing habitat and food for beneficial insects; they regulate vine growth, helping to control the yield and quality of grapes and wine; and they reduce the vegetative vigour of vines and thus their susceptibility to grey mould and downy mildew. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
The new cellar is well insulated to reduce the need for cooling systems and to minimise energy consumption; all the chambers are equipped with automatic LED lighting; all of the bottling lines have been designed to reduce noise and to minimise the need to move dry goods and floor stock items; all hot water installations are solar powered; the greater part of the electricity used for illumination is produced by solar panels; and every single drop of rain water from the vast roof is collected and recycled. Planned new offices will also be equipped with solar panels and other energy saving mechanisms.
Awards
- Silver - IWC 2020 (2019 vintage)
- Silver - Sommelier Wine Awards 2018 (2017 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
|
Origin | Campo de Borja |
Appellation | D.O. Campo de Borja |
2022 Vila Nova Vinho Verde
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Great tasting, modern Vinho Verde from the super reliable Vila Nova estate.
Tasting Notes
Floral, citrus and gentle tropical aromas lead on to a palate that is deliciously off-dry with flavours of ripe melon and sherbet lemon acidity. The finish is refreshing with a classic spritz.
Production
Casa de Vila Nova is located in the sub region of Sousa, the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region, in the North of Portugal. The vinho verde vineyards are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds and influence. Soils, microclimate, grape varieties and the unique characteristics of the wine culture, distinguish it from all other wine regions of the world. The grapes are harvested by hand in 20 kg boxes that are quickly transported to the winery where they are destemmed and soft pressed and temperature-controlled fermentation.
Producer
Casa de Vila Nova is owned by the Lencastre family, of aristocratic Portuguese lineage (one of their ancestors became the first Baron of Varzea do Douro in the 1800s). This land has been in their family since the 12th century - the ivy clad tower that still remains from that time is now surrounded by Vila Nova (new house) that was built in the 1700s, and the property was gradually extended over the centuries.
The estate is near the town of Penafiel, close to the eastern border of Portugal's vinho verde wine region, around a 30 minute drive east from Oporto. In the late 1970s the family planted vines over 12 hectares - mainly local Portuguese varieties. In 2008 Bernardo Lencastre and his brothers took over the running of the property, revitalised the vineyards and began making vinho verde and bottling their own wines - the first generation to do so. They now have around 42 hectares of vineyard.
Here, in the Entre-Douro-e-Minho sub-region of Sousa, their vineyards are influenced by winds from the Atlantic Ocean - creating the perfect climate to ripen varieties such as Avesso, Loureiro and Alvarinho.
Awards
- 2019 Vintage - Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 Gold
- 2019 Vintage - Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 Trophy
- 2016 Vintage - Simmerlier Wine Awards 2017 Silver
Alan's Personal Notes
"I can’t remember the last time I drank Vino Verde - probably sometime in the Eighties - but I don’t know why - as this is delightful! Off-dry with ripe fruits offset by a citric minerality making this an extremely enjoyable glass with great flavour and balance. Perfect for the spring/summer weather that’s about to happen- so I’ll be drinking VV a lot more over the next few months!" March 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Loureiro; 15% Avesso, 35% Arinto |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content
|
11% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | White Blend |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matching |
Great as an aperitif - or serve with salads, sushi and grilled fish
|
Cellaring Potential | 1-2 years |
Origin | Vinho Verde |
Appellation | DOC Vino Verde |
2023 Adobe Reserva Viognier
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
High-quality organic fruit is sourced from Emiliana's growers in Casablanca and Colchagua. A delicious, fresh, spicy and aromatic Viognier.
Colour
Pale yellow in colour.
Nose
A nose that presents fruity aromas recalling orange, nectarine and white peach with honeysuckle and jasmine notes.
Palate
The refreshing palate shows this is a wine full of character, with good concentration and balance.
Production
With an average temperature of 22°C and ow rainfall (600mm per year). During summer, this valley presents high-temperature range, having low temperature at night. Alluvial, medium-high depth soil, uniform loamy-muddy texture. Good drainage, moderate permeability and high fertility. Mediterranean with rainy winters, warm, dry summers and a broad oscillation between day and night temperatures, all of which contribute to a good vine development. The soil presents good drainage, high fertility, and tremendous agricultural aptitude. The soils tend to be alluvial in origin of medium depth. The grapes that went into this wine were picked by hand at early-April when the fruit had reached its optimal degree of ripeness. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in stainless steel tanks, in our Las Palmeras winery. During this stage, the temperature was carefully managed to remain cool (around 15ºC) without pump-overs and with delicate lees stirring, in order to reach the desired results. Finally, the wine was fined with bentonite and cold-stabilized before bottling to prevent tartaric precipitations in the bottle.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Alan's Personal Notes
"Immediately attractive, this organic dry white from Chile has attractive stone fruit aromas on the nose, which follow through to the palate and combine with a rich mouth-filling creaminess and mouth cleansing acidity. Fabulously well balanced and absolutely delicious!"
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Viognier |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Due to its soft texture and its complex and concentrated flavours, this wine is ideal for serving with grilled escalopes with a tropical reduction, grilled fish such as Conger with a cream sauce and some desserts such as papayas with cream. |
Origin | Casablanca Valley, Colchagua Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle Central |
2021 Adobe Reserva Gewürztraminer
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow, clean and bright.
Nose
The nose offers floral aromas of jasmine, lychee, and honey notes.
Palate
The floral notes reappear on the palate, along with apricot, and mandarin orange. Medium-bodied with good concentration and a refreshing ripe fruit finish. A Thai fighting delight!
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Awards
- 2017 Bronze at the Sommelier Wine Awards (2016 Vintage)
Production
The Rapel Valley lies with the Pacific Ocean to the West, to the east the Andes Mountains, and to the south the province of Colchagua. The climatic characteristics of this valley include frost-free springs and warm summers that allow the grapes to ripen well. The Rapel Valley viticultural zone is located in Chile’s 6th Region, approximately 160 km (100 mi) south of Santiago and includes the sub-valleys of Cachapoal and Colchagua. The entire zone presents good drainage, high fertility, and tremendous agricultural aptitude. Its climate is sub-humid Mediterranean because the low, even hills of the Coastal Mountain Range to the west allow the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean to penetrate the valley and moderate temperatures. It is highly influenced by the Pacific anticyclone, which results in a concentration of rainfall during the winter months. Precipitation averages 710 mm (28 in) per year. During the summer, the southern and south-western winds result in an ample temperature variation between daytime highs and night time lows. The maximum temperature in January reaches 32ºC (90ºF) and the annual average is 14ºC (57ºF). The grapes that went into this wine were handpicked in April, when the fruit had reached the desired level of ripeness. The fruit came from vineyards that are more than 22 years old the Totihue estate in Alto Cachapoal and the Los Pretiles estate in Alto Colchagua. The vines at both estates are vertically positioned and yield an average yield of 9 tons per hectare. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts in our Maipo Valley winery. The process was carefully managed to maintain temperatures at 15º–17ºC (59º–63º), with gentle aeration and delicate lees stirring to reach the desired results. The wine was fined with bentonite and cold-stabilized before bottling to prevent tartaric precipitations in the bottle.
Sustainability
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017, and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gewürztraminer |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Its sweetness makes this wine ideal as an aperitif served with mild cheeses, ham, and dried fruit and nuts. It is also excellent paired with sushi and fresh fruit desserts. |
Origin | Rapel Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle Del Rapel |
2021 Cave de l'Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Sélection
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classic Picpoul - appealing ripe fruit with a fresh saline lift on the finish.
A crowd-pleaser and a very well-made one!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Delicately perfumed, ripe melon fruit on the nose.
Palate
The palate is weighty and ripe but remains fresh and saline.
Production
Cave de l'Ormarine's vineyards lie at approximately 40 metres above sea level on a chalky clay plateau, rich in Cretaceous limestone and quartz. The vineyards lie to the North of the Lac de Thau and slope towards it. Cyril Payon oversees the production and grapes are carefully selected and picked at different times to capture different flavour profiles. They are de-stemmed and macerated on their skins followed by fermentation for approximately 2 weeks without malolactic fermentation.
Producer
Cave de l'Ormarine is an award-winning co-operative which produces wines from the tiny Pinet de Picpoul appellation in the Hérault. The l'Ormarine cellar was established in 1922 when vignerons from Pinet joined forces and formed a winegrowers' association. Today, the Cave de l'Ormarine is a conglomeration of five separate co-operatives from across the Hérault, each with their own specific terroirs and styles of wine. It is proud to have 470 members farming more than 2,500 hectares of vines.
Its flagship Picpoul wines are fresh and terroir-driven, and hugely influenced by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Etang de Thau, which act as a thermal regulator for the vineyards. In fact, it is said of Picpoul that, "Son terroir, c'est la mer (Its terroir is the sea)."
Cave de l'Ormarine has made significant investment in its winery, and prides itself on the high quality standard and traceability of its grapes.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Piquepoul Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment and up to 2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved; Sustainable practises & Organic |
Food Matches |
Perfect for any al fresco dining situation! Especially lovely with seafood - oysters, myssels and grilled fish & amazing with cheese. |
Appellation | AOP Picpoul de Pinet |
Origin | Languedoc Roussillon |
2021 La Chapelle de Marin, Côtes du Rhône
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%All you want from a proper Côtes du Rhône.
Tasting Notes
With attractive, bramble fruit and floral aromas, the palate is up-front and fresh with warm spice and real depth. This is a classic southern Rhône red; ripe and characterful with smooth supple tannins. Soft and Southern.
Production Method
We source La Chapelle de Marin from three parcels - La Combe d’Antide, Les Sablières and La Beraude – owned by Patrice, a Cairanne neighbour of Domaine Boutinot Rhône. His 40ha of vines, like ours in Cairanne, see plenty of sunshine throughout the year and benefit from both the Mistral wind – which keeps things cooler and disease-free – and higher than average rainfall. Soils are poor with a high limestone content and sandy soils on lower slopes, hence the name of the lower parcel ‘Les Sablières’.The three parcels comprise of 4ha of Grenache Noir, 2ha of Syrah and 1ha of Carignan, 7ha in all. Here vieilles vignes (old vines) are between 60 and 70 years old and, in their old age, are achieving low but concentrated yields of 45hl/ha. Handpicked bunches are carefully destemmed and vinified using traditional ‘minimal intervention’ techniques. This wine is made without the use of oak to retain the pure fresh fruit character.
Producer
Like all good stories, Boutinot France's is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. After 10 years, the business had grown and Samantha Bailey packed her bags to set up an office in Burgundy. Today, Boutinot has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don't use any single 'model' to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Véran. Drawing on the expertise of our 4 winemakers and network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality to price ratio possible at every price point.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Lovely with BBQs; grilled meats, halloumi and vegetables. Herby sausages, pasta with Mediterranean vegetables. |
Origin | Rhône |
Appellation | Côtes du Rhône |
2022 Sierra Grande Merlot
Regular price £8.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Juicy & fresh - a really easy drinking Merlot
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of plums and cherries mixed with peppery spice and a touch of tabacco leaf.
Palate
The palate is juicy and fresh with soft red fruits and a hint of green pepper.
Producer
Our long-standing working relationships with growers enable us to source premium fruit, with the ultimate aim of making excellent quality Chilean entry level wines with true style and character. For Merlot, we work with two families in two different locations for a blend with huge appeal. The first is the Martin Family who are nestled into the Andes Mountains in a western corner of Curico. Their vineyards sit around 500 metres above sea level (masl), a far higher altitude than the majority of Curico’s main valley which lies around 250masl. Vines are between 40 and 60 years old and part of a 45ha estate where peaches and apples are also grown. The vines are unirrigated and the vineyard is cool with a unique rocky mountain soil and glacial streams.
At this elevated height and proximity to the mountains, Merlot enjoys a long growing season with cool evening temperatures. We love the crunchy plummy fruit character which gives us the backbone to this wine. We blend this with grapes from the El Milagro Estate in the centre of the Curico Valley. The warm temperature and fertile soils allows Merlot to flourish here. Grapes are harvested during the coolest part of the day to ensure they reach the winery in prime condition. Temperatures are kept fairly low throughout the winemaking process, to allow the grapes to express their natural fruit characters. No oak is used. The resulting wine is fuller with more body and softer tannins and works really well with the higher altitude component. The biggest strength of this blend is our ability to balance out warmer and cooler vintages with these two different profiles.
Awards
V17 - Silver at the Catavinum 2018
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Great food wine, serve with a juicy steak, savoury lamb casseroles, herby sausages or a char-grilled vegetable lasagne. |
Origin | Chile |
Appellation | Valle Central |
Lunetta Prosecco Spumante Brut N/V (200ml Single Serve)
Regular price £3.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A delightful fizz in a handy pocket-sized bottle - perfect picnic wine!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of stone fruits, particularly peach, and also hints of apple.
Palate
A crisp, light, and well-balanced wine with creamy mousse and delicate apple and pear characters.
Production Method
The Glera grape variety pre-dates Roman times. The grapes for Lunetta are sourced from the hills above Treviso, a traditional growing area for Prosecco. Hillsides with cool, loose soils are favourable. The grapes are harvested by hand in the second half of September. The must from the first soft pressing of the grapes is used - left for 10-12 hours for any sediment to settle. It then ferments in stainless steel for around 10 days. The second fermentation takes place by the Charmat method.
Producer
Cavit is a leading co-operative in the mountainous Trentino region of northeast Italy. The winery began as a consortium of associated grape growers in 1950, with a dedicated winery at Ravina di Trento built in 1964. Today It unites 11 separate cellars and their combined 4,500 grape growers across 7,000 hectares of vineyard, to produce an impressively broad portfolio from an intriguing palette of indigenous and international grape varieties. Trentino has a much higher proportion of wines produced as DOC than any other region in Italy - an average of 80% of the region's wines have a DOC classification, compared to around 30% elsewhere in the country. Remarkably, Cavit accounts for 60% of this region's wine production and they advise and supervise all aspects of this production from the vineyard to the bottle. Their site at Maso Toresella on the shores of Lake Toblino was the historic residence of the Prince Bishops of Trento, surrounded by 6.5 hectares of vineyard. It is one of the most significant 'masi' (rural estates) in the whole of Trentino. They have worked with the San Michele all’Adige Oenological Institute, since 1988, to develop wines of the highest quality. In 1993 Cantina Altemasi was established, also at Ravina, not far from the region's capital of Trento - for the production and maturation of Classic Trentodoc and Charmat Method sparkling wines. Trento Doc was the first Classical Method sparkling wine DOC to be established anywhere in the world after Champagne, and the first in Italy.
A Note on Sustainability
For more than two decades Cavit has adhered to the “Protocol for the Production of High-Quality Wines in Trentino”, marking its commitment to fully sustainable agriculture. It is also a member of SEDEX and is working towards SNQPI (Sistema di Qualità Nazionale Produzione Integrata) certification for its commitment to sustainable agriculture. In addition to using only green energy, Cavit has made major investments aimed at reducing energy consumption. Specifically, it has built three photovoltaic generators that produce part of its energy requirements from renewable sources (more than 800 Megawatts per year), significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
PICA (Integrated Agricultural and Wine-producing Cartographic Platform), is the result of a five-year research project conducted by Cavit in collaboration with MPA Solutions and leading research centers in Trentino: the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM) and the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK).
The PICA platform is a complex system, but it works in a simple way. By networking the 4,500 vine growers of the 11 Cavit wine producers’ co-operatives it collects information and gives advice. The main purpose of this platform is to help the grower to achieve total sustainability. The project comprises of two main areas.
The first defines the choice of the most suitable grape varieties, on the basis of the technical and environmental parameters of the soil; the second involves the creation of an avant-garde system with which agronomists and winemakers can receive specific information concerning each vineyard and the various phases in the cultivation of the vines. In practice, waste is eliminated and the grower has total control. For example, it is possible to regulate the water supply according to the characteristics of the soil and the weather conditions.
Specifications
Year | NV |
Bottle Size | 200ml |
Cultivar | 100% Glera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 2.2 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable |
Food Matches | The perfect aperitif or picnic wine! |
Origin | Veneto, Italy |
Appellation | DOC Veneto |
2022 Percheron Old Vine Cinsault
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Crushed for flavour not colour, this 40 year old unirrigated bush vine wine sucks only from the rocks underground. Bright, expressive and gently savoury on the nose.
Palate
Along with its blushing hue, the palate rewards with fresh pomegranate flavour and acidity, savoury gamey notes, and a bright, beating heart of cherry ripe fruit. Slightly chilled with pink duck, pink lamb or carpaccio of beef, this is a beautifully defined expression of South Africa’s most achingly fashionable varietal.
Production
No irrigation is used on the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricting yield. All grapes are harvested by hand. Cinsault has bewilderingly been overlooked for so long in the Cape but is a grape variety we have proudly been championing for years - so it's great that this voice of the Cape's cool Atlantic vineyards is finally finding favour with wine drinkers.
The vines are mostly 40-year-old bush vines from hidden corners of the Cape. No irrigation is used on the vineyards and very little crop control is needed due to the age of the vines naturally restricted yield. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall in summer months, tempered by cool afternoon breezes and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up reserves. All grapes are picked by hand at optimal phenolic ripeness, followed by a fermentation using delestage in which the juice is oxygenated which brings a lower concentration of tannins and a higher concentration of esters, key compounds that contribute fruitiness. The result is a wine, in which red fruit dominates full off and which is full of juiciness.
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.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Delicious slightly chilled, this Cinsault's bright, earthy notes and acidity marries beautifully with Asian duck dishes, pork belly, stir-fried beef and indeed carpaccio of tuna, beef or game. |
Origin | Western Cape |
Appellation |
WO Coastal Region
|
2021 Soldier’s Block Malbec
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Warm, soft and lusciously lush this is juicy, crunchy and bright.
Tasting Notes
Black aromatic Malbec, with notes of black cherry fruit and flavours of summer pudding. Charming, soft, sumptuous but with a core grip and power that gives it length and the muscles for food.
Production
All the Malbec fruit comes from an estate in the Swan Hill region where there are 5 hectares of Malbec (approximately 12.5 acres which produces 90 tonnes of fruit per vintage). The Malbec are on their own roots and were planted in 2000. With the age of the vines and the harsh growing conditions, the Malbec vines are less vigorous which leads to a more intense colour and flavour. The vines are trained on a two wire vertical trellis, drip irrigation and minimum fertilisation. All the vines are machine harvested at night between mid to late March and grown on red sandy loam soil with limestone clay base. Climate is Mediterranean with summer temperatures between 30 and 40°C. Total vineyard area is 1250 acres. Once the grapes have been crushed pressed and sent to the fermenter, the winery then pumps over 4 times a day. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks at 25°C for three weeks. Malolactic fermentation takes place over 4 weeks. 50% of the blend is aged in French and American oak barriques for 3 months.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Malbec |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2020 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Great with rich and hearty food. Try me with a rich casserole or roasted Mediterranean vegetables |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | South Australia |
2022 Borsao Selección Tinto
Regular price £8.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world, this is an unbelievable wine … any wine retailer worth his weight should be stockpiling this wine next to the cash register ...I don’t understand how anyone can make wines this good to sell at this price… 90 points.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate #203.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Rich, plum and red berry fruit with a touch of spice on the nose.
Palate
Balanced yet concentrated red fruit mingles with darker spice and chocolate characters to give weight and layers to the palate. Plump ripe tannins add grip to this classic style of Garnacha.
Production
From selected 15 to 30-year-old vines grown in low yielding hillside vineyards around 600m above sea level. Soils are stony with some sand. The Tempranillo and Syrah grapes are trellised, but Garnacha is bush vine. Harvest usually takes place in the first two weeks of October. Varieties are vinified separately (22-24º C) in stainless steel with 10-15 days maceration.
History
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.
Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.
The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimium acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.
Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry-level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi-award-winning Tres Picos.
Sustainability
With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. All new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water. Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
Awards
- 2019 Vintage - Silver at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards
- 2016 Vintage - Silver at the 2017 Sommelier Wine Awards
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Garnacha, 10% Syrah & 5% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.2 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Food Matches | A perfect accompaniment to chicken dishes, paella or chorizo. |
Allergy Information | Contains Sulphites & Egg |
Features | Vegetarian Approved |
Appellation | Campo de Borja |
2022 Alabastro Alentejo Red Blend
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fruity, spice Portuguese red - generous, fresh and approachable!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Lifted aromas of blackcurrant and blueberries.
Palate
The palate is bright and well-defined with layers of black cherry, plum, and dark spice, overripe tannins.
Production
A combination of hand and machine-picked grapes are sourced from Alianca's own vineyards in the Alentejo region in the south-east, not far from the Spanish border. Here low yielding, old vines are tended traditionally from plantings on clay soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats controlled at 30 degrees for 6 days with extended maceration on the skins to extract sufficient colour, fruit and tannins. The wine is matured in tank for a few months before bottling.
Producer
One of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. Winemaker Francisco Antunes oversees what must be one of the most diverse ranges in Europe, from the 3rd largest Portuguese rose brand (Casal Mendes) to some of the country's most impressive premium reds from estates in Douro, Dao, Bairrada and Alentejo. Arguably, Francisco's greatest achievements lie between these extremes, a range of mid-priced wines from native varieties, full of character, quite distinctly Portuguese, but at the same time approachable and with fresh, modern fruit.
Sustainability
Although not accredited, since 2015 the Bacalhôa group is regularly audited for the scope of its ethical, social and environmental work, always with a green result. In 2020, it is planning a SEDEX Membership Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) audit of its labour and health and safety policies. It is also planning to fully convert one its vineyards to organic viticulture as soon as possible.
Awards
- Silver at the 2018 Sommelier Wine Awards (2016 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
60% Aragonês, 30% Trincadeira Preta, 10% Alicante Bouschet
|
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features |
Vegetarian, Vegan and Sustainable
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Drink with lamb stew or slow-cooked ratatouille drenched in fruity olive oil.
|
Origin |
Alentejo
|
Appellation |
Vinho Regional Alentejano |
2022 Soldier’s Block Shiraz
Regular price £9.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Soft supple Victorian Shiraz, dangerously moreish by the glass.
Tasting Notes
Bright, aromatic and juicy on the nose with just a touch of naughty bacon fat. True to the varietal, the tiny proportion of Malbec in this blend gives a flowery perfume. This vintage is our brightest, most dangerously drinkable Shiraz to date due to its fine, bright fruit and soft silky elegance.
Production
Our Shiraz is sourced from ancient Victorian soils in order to achieve a wine with greater finesse, purity and structure as well as typical eucalypt flavours and saline finish associated with the area. Picked at night and crushed within an hour of picking before being sent to the fermentation tanks. The Shiraz grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled tanks maintained at 22 - 25ºC to avoid extracting any harsh tannins, with the fermentations pumped over to extract good colour. 20% of the final blend is barrel aged. The winemaker also added 5% Malbec at the end of the whole process - a sneaky technique that gives a mulberry fruit twist on the finish.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2020 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Drink with Moroccan lamb tagine, roast vegetables and hard cheeses. |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | South Australia |
2021 PEMO Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGP
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A super fresh and zingy wine bursting with lively citrus acidity, notes of tropical fruits and a hint of minerality, which gives the wine a lovely balance.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh citrus nose, vibrantly aromatic with lemon zest and tropical fruits.
Palate
The palate is bright with incisive citrus and stone fruit characters balanced by taut acidity - giving an appealing texture and clean, crisp finish.
It’s got beautiful floral notes such as jasmin, with lovely citrus flavours, intertwined with refreshing minerality.
Production
PEMO Pecorino is normally fermented stored in stainless steel, which heightens the fruity palate of the wine. However, PEMO Pecorino spends four months ageing on its lees. This gives another element to the wine, making it more complex. Complexity in a wine is important, and is a sign of good quality.
Producers
The PEMO range of wines celebrates two grapes from Abruzzo – Pecorino (PE) and Montepulciano (MO). These two grapes have been growing in this region since 200 AD. The Pecorino grapes come from Chieti, the capital of the Abruzzo region and one of Italy’s most ancient cities.
- Pecorino is a native Italian grape variety from Abruzzo (not to be confused with cheese!)
- Eat seafood and white fish with PEMO Pecorino.
- Made in a modern way, while respecting local wine-making traditions.
- Originates from the rugged, mountainous Abruzzo region of central Italy.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pecorino |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Perfect with seafood and white fish |
Origin | Abruzzo |
Appellation | Terre di Chieti IGP |
2022 Adobe Reserva Organic Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £8.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is the fundamental organic South American Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes
Colour
A clear, bright pale yellow in colour
Nose
The complex nose presents citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime with a subtle touch of freshly crushed bay leaf
Palate
The smooth palate bursts with citrus freshness balanced by good volume and persistence
Production
Casablanca Valley is hugely influenced by its proximity to the cool breezes which blow in of the chilly Pacific Ocean. The vineyard soils are alluvial in origin, with sandy textures, high permeability, whose shallow depth restricts yield. These cooler temperatures and poor soils, in consequence, give great character in both flavour and aroma, especially for aromatic white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc. The landscape generally consists of rolling hills that rise toward the east and the Coastal Mountains. The poor, shallow soils are alluvial in origin with sandy loam textures, good permeability, and relatively low yields with respect to other Chilean wine regions. Cool climate conditions allow the fruit to ripen more slowly, resulting in grapes with a tremendous concentration off aromas and flavours in white varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and others. The grapes that went into this wine were hand picked during the first week of March, when the fruit had reached the desired level of ripeness. The fruit came from the Casablanca estate, where the vertically positioned vines produce an average yield of 11 tons per hectare. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in our Maipo Valley winery. Temperatures were carefully managed to remain cool, with pumpovers and delicate lees stirring to reach the desired results. The wine was fined with bentonite and cold-stabilized before bottling to prevent tartaric precipitations in the bottle.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 - Bronze (2019 vintage)
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Just WOW! The last Adobe to the VF party - but this is the best-selling varietal for Boutinot. Dry, fresh & clean with wonderful complexity for this price point. Lots of lime & grapefruit citric aromas and flavours. Very well made, well balanced and good length makes this an organic masterpiece for me - real respect for this winery and a wonderful addition to our range - even if we are late to the party!!" November 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with shellfish and lighter fish prepared with lemon, such as ceviche. It also makes a good companion for sushi and pastas with seafood sauces, or to enjoy as an aperitif with fresh chees |
Origin | Casablanca Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle De Casablanca |
2021 Soldier’s Block Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This vibrant Chardonnay exhibits lifted fruit character, bright tangerine fleshiness, textural mouthfeel, a bright palate and a long and foodie finish. The judicious blend of oaked Chardonnay adds palate weight and texture without overwhelming the fruit.
Production
Long-standing working relationships with some key growers enable us to source premium fruit, with the ultimate aim of making excellent quality Australian house wines with true style and character. Grapes are picked earlier than usual to ensure balance and freshness in the final wine. Harvesting took place in the early dawn hours when it’s still cool and calm which helps retain the rich characters within these grapes. Once in the cellar, they are gently crushed to maintain the bright, fresh flavours crucial to the clonal tang. Around 15% of the grapes are sourced from the cooler, sea breeze-influenced Langhorne Creek area. This portion is barrel-aged in French medium toast casks to obtain a more complex, textural and weighty style of wine. It is then added to the greater part of the blend which is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to retain the fresh fruit characters.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Soldiers block is a new (affordable) range to us – and the Chardonnay certainly under promises and over-delivers. I say underpromises as the label is pretty underwhelming and gives nothing away about the beauty of the wine within.
This is made from rich, ripe fruit from Victoria with a percentage matured in French oak which gives a creamy, more textural mouthful. Add to that incredible balance and juicy acidity and you have an overall great wine – a real crowd pleaser and one of our most popular whites which tells me our customers have great palates!" Jan 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Full-flavoured fish such as trout or halibut or chicken in a light creamy sauce. |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | South Australia |
2022 Ananto Organic Bobal Tempranillo
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
A juicy, fruity organic red from Utiel-Requena, showcasing the region's increasingly fashionable, indigenous, Bobal variety.
Nose
Vibrant aromas of blueberry and blackberry
Palate
The palate has juicy plum and spice notes wrapped in supple tannins, offering a smooth, harmonious finish.
Producer
The 67 hectare Finca Fuenteseca estate lies in Utiel Requena, a high, rugged plateau, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level just inland from Valencia. The combination of hot, dry summers, cold nights and poor, limestone soil make the area relatively free of vine diseases and so ideal for organic farming. The entire estate is now dedicated to organic production and producing blends combining indigenous and international varieties.
Production Method
Vineyards are located in the north-west corner of Utiel Requena, 900 meters above sea level. Wines are made from organically grown grapes in vineyards cultivated using natural fertilisers, cover crops, biological control of pests and not using any chemical products that may damage the health of the environment. Grapes are cooled and undergo pre ferment whole bunch maceration before temperature-controlled tank fermentation.
A Note on Sustainability
Along with all its wines being certified organic and vegan, Sierra Norte is keenly involved in projects run by its D.O. that benefit local people and which defend the products of its region. In a wider environmental sense, Sierra Norte is developing a wastewater project by installing a treatment system plant to reuse water, as well as being involved in a photovoltaic solar panel installation project.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 65% Bobal, 35% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic, Sustainable |
Food Matches | Superb with roasts and stews, red meat dishes, small game, cheese or cold meats. |
Origin | Utiel Requena |
Appellation | DOP Utiel Requena |
2023 Camarada Malbec
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A wine with a conscience! It was bottled using only clean and renewable energy. So you can drink this wine and know that it didn’t ‘cost the earth’ (in more ways than one).
Tasting Notes
Nose
Rich and vibrant with notes of blueberry and blackberry on the nose.
Palate
This Malbec is well-balanced with lush fruit flavours of boysenberry and brambles, complimented by hints of dark chocolate, vanilla and spice with a long, spicy finish.
Production
Grapes are hand-harvested at the beginning of March and delivered to the winery in the same day. Stems are removed, then traditional fermentation at 22-24C for 6 - 10 days. Grapes are crushed using gentle pneumatic bag presses. Malolactic fermentation takes place to give organoleptic complexity to the wine. 50% of the wine is aged in new inner-staves for 5 months (70% French Oak and 30% American Oak) and micro-oxygenation.
Did you know?
The province of Mendoza is larger than England!
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Wow - this is stunning - I bought it because it hits a price point between entry toro Pintado/ steakmaket and the more premium la Linda/quinde etc. if ever a wine was needed to demonstrate ‘bang for buck’ - this is it!! Delicious red and black fruits with great balance, complexity and length - this is close to knocking quinde off my ‘best Malbec’ trophy in our range - Almost but not quite but it is much better value!! 17/20 for taste/flavour but 20/20 for value!!" November 2022
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
Features | Vegan, Vegetarian approved & Sustainable practises |
Food Matches | It may be a cliché but this big red will go very well with a medium-rare sirloin steak, served with peppercorn sauce or other grilled meats, and pastas. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Mendoza |
2019 Borsao Blanco Macabeo
Regular price £6.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
Tasting Notes
Colour
A young wine with a pale straw colour.
Nose
Lightly floral aromas with peach and citrus.
Palate
The palate has stone fruit and textural, savoury characters with a fresh and fruity finish.
Production
100% Macabeo grown on alluvial soils in the foothills of the Moncayo mountain. After harvesting, pressing and chilling the must - a short period of skin contact is followed by long slow fermentation at controlled temperature of 22ºC - 26ºC in stainless steel tanks.
Producers
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.
Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes, vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.
The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimum acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.
Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry-level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi-award-winning Tres Picos.
Sustainability
With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. Much of its vineyard area is planted with Garnacha which traditionally has been bush trained. Until recently, newer plantings were wire trained for easier harvesting, but because of the greater exposure to sunlight of this training method the vines can require up to 50% more water. As a result, all new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water.
Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion; they contribute to a better soil structure, increasing its organic, nutrient and nitrogen content; they improve biodiversity in the vineyard since organic matter is a food source for several macro- and micro-organisms; they often increase the population of earthworms which are good indicators of soil fertility; they improve fauna above the soil, providing habitat and food for beneficial insects; they regulate vine growth, helping to control the yield and quality of grapes and wine; and they reduce the vegetative vigour of vines and thus their susceptibility to grey mould and downy mildew. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
The new cellar is well insulated to reduce the need for cooling systems and to minimise energy consumption; all the chambers are equipped with automatic LED lighting; all of the bottling lines have been designed to reduce noise and to minimise the need to move dry goods and floor stock items; all hot water installations are solar-powered; the greater part of the electricity used for illumination is produced by solar panels; and every single drop of rainwater from the vast roof is collected and recycled. Planned new offices will also be equipped with solar panels and other energy-saving mechanisms.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Macabeo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Seafood dishes, tapas and salads and delicious with classic Spanish paella |
Origin | Campo de Borja DO |
Appellation | D.O. Campo de Borja |
2022 Ananto Organic Macabeo
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
A beautifully packaged, organic, Macabeo from Manuel Olmo's meticulous vineyards in Utiel-Requena.
Gently floral and lightly tropical aromas lead to a palate with crisp citrus and white peach characters. A gentle and appealing white - well-balanced with fresh acidity.
Production Method
Vineyards are located in the north-west corner of Utiel Requena, 900 meters above sea level. Wines are made from organically grown grapes in vineyards cultivated using natural fertilisers, cover crops, biological control of pests and not using any chemical products that may damage the health of the environment. Grapes are cooled and undergo cold maceration for 12-24 hours and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 15 days.
Producer
The 67 hectare Finca Fuenteseca estate lies in Utiel Requena, a high, rugged plateau, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level just inland from Valencia. The combination of hot, dry summers, cold nights and poor, limestone soil make the area relatively free of vine diseases and so ideal for organic farming. The entire estate is now dedicated to organic production and producing blends combining indigenous and international varieties.
A Note on Sustainability
Along with all its wines being certified organic and vegan, Sierra Norte is keenly involved in projects run by its D.O. that benefit local people and which defend the products of its region. In a wider environmental sense, Sierra Norte is developing a wastewater project by installing a treatment system plant to reuse water, as well as being involved in a photovoltaic solar panel installation project.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Macabeo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic, Sustainable |
Food Matches | Ideal to accompany pasta, fish, seafood and white meats. |
Origin | Utiel Requena |
Appellation | DOP Utiel Requena |
2021 Domaine Saint Paul Grenache Gris Rosé
Regular price £10.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This certified Organic & Vegan-Friendly rosé is possibly the prettiest pink we have!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale salmon pink color
Nose
It's delicate peachy colour reflects the exotic stone fruit and orange blossom on the nose
Palate
On the palate the wine has a softness and texture that some rosés lack, yet it retains a freshness to the finish. This wine fits perfectly into the centre ground between the more common summer fruit dominated rosés and the more textured white of the south of France.
Vinification
Direct pressing in a pneumatic press, settling after 48 hours at 8°C, alcoholic fermentation after yeasting at 14°C. Racking of wines and sulphating. No malolactic fermentation.
Estate
Domaine Saint-Paul is a fabulous organic estate, located close to Béziers in the commune of Colombiers in the heart of the Languedoc. Their focus is on traditional southern French grape varieties, with a huge amount of emphasis on work carried out in the vineyard to ensure the quality of grapes harvested is absolutely first class.
This hard work has resulted in a trio of exceptional wines.
Made predominantly from Grenache 'Gris' grapes that turn a pale pinky-grey colour when they ripen, this rosé is possibly the most attractive shade of pink of any we stock. Certified organic and vegan friendly.
Soil Type
The soil is mainly made up of limestone marl. There are traces of ancient fossilized mussels and oysters. These light soils allow a deep rooting of the vines which promotes the development and balance of the wines.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache & Cinsault |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | 1-2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic and Vegan Approved |
Food Matches | It will be appreciated as an aperitif or with grilled meats and mixed salads. Serve chilled at 8C. |
Origin | Languedoc Roussillon |
Appellation | Pays D'Oc
|
2021 Les Coteaux Côtes du Rhône Villages
Regular price £9.77 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Each vintage, from our base in Cairanne, we are able to select exceptional Grenache and Syrah from the best Côtes du Rhône Villages to make Les Coteaux, which we then enrich with classified wine from Séguret and Sablet.
Tasting Notes
Immediately impressive, this wine reveals its class from the start. Brambly fruit underpinned by subtle oaky nuances, lovely sweet spice - warm star anise with a touch of cinnamon. This classic Côtes du Rhône Villages is enriched with specially-selected parcels from Séguret and Sablet.
Production Method
Common practice in the Côtes du Rhône is to bottle the best cuvées as a single, named, village wine and the rest as more basic Côtes du Rhône Villages. Boutinot’s philosophy, on the other hand, is to start with the intention of making the very best Côtes du Rhône Villages possible by sourcing wine from the vineyards of named villages, and enriching them with a small proportion of barrel-aged wine from Sablet and Séguret.
Boutinot's Côtes du Rhône Villages 'Les Coteaux' is therefore a selection of the best Grenache Noir and Syrah from some of the 17 named Côtes du Rhône Villages. We source wine from a number of growers with exceptional terroir and so have the flexibility to select only the very best fruit each vintage (rejecting parcels which do not meet our high standards). Mostly unoaked, a small proportion (15%) is part-aged for up to 20 months in a few new, but mostly older, oak barrels to bring depth and subtle notes of complexity.
Producer
Boutinot’s love affair with the Southern Rhône spans thirty years of making wine in the region. In 2010, the relationship was sealed with the purchase of a winery and vineyards above the village of Cairanne. Domaine Boutinot’s seven vineyards are planted with classic southern Rhône grape varieties – old vine Grenache Noir and Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan Noir – and they all sit within the Cairanne Cru boundaries, sanctioned in 2016 when Cairanne was granted its own appellation status.
Working with our vigneron neighbours we are helping to revive traditional grape varieties such as Cinsault and Counoise, and in the cellar we prefer time-honoured winemaking methods such as a long cuvasion aided only by natural yeasts, gentle remontage, manual pigeage and patient maturation in a nursery of French oak barrels.
Awards
- A Bronze Medal in the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegan, Vegetarian
|
Food Matches | A delicious accompaniment to hearty food: grilled meats, meaty sausages with mash or, as would be served in France, with puy lentils; shepherd's pie, mushroom ragoût or simply a good pizza. |
Origin | Rhône |
Appellation | Côtes du Rhône Villages |
2021 Dry River Chardonnay (187ml Single Serve)
Regular price £1.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The rivers of Australia help to irrigate the vineyards. Although water is important; the drier the river the better the concentration of flavours in our wines. We are working in close partnership with a family-owned winery, which prides themselves on producing consistent and good quality wines. After harvest, our wine buyer traveled to Australia to specially select these wines for this range.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light straw in colour
Nose
Dry River Chardonnay displays an enticing nose of peach, citrus and lemon aromas.
Palate
The tropical fruit flavours and luscious mouth feel mid-palate complement each other to deliver a deliciously rounded wine with a crisp and clean finish, balanced nicely by acidity.
Oak Treatment - Aged with French and American Oak Chips
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml & 187ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Serve lightly chilled, it is an ideal accompaniment to smoked salmon or trout. |
Origin | Southern Australia |
2022 Melea Organic Tempranillo
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Background
The creation of Melea Organic was a labour of love for us all. William Long spent years searching for the right winery to supply the organic, vegan-certified and wild-fermented wines, his son Freddie handled the launch and the label features an original bee motif created by his wife, artist Barbara Long, from recycled threads.
Named after a rare species of bee, everything about the range is created with sustainability in mind, from the lightweight bottles to the stone paper labels, made from a by-product of the quarrying process using a lot less water than normal paper. Melea was also the first Spanish wine brand to become a member of 1% for the Planet. Melea has donated thousands of dollars to bee conservation charities since its launch in 2020. Melea Organic also has an Instagram page to share information on the brand’s sustainable values.
The Vineyards
Fruit comes from organically certified, bush-trained, dry-farmed vines in the Cuenca area of La Mancha. The vineyards were planted in 1999 and are at an altitude of 660m with sandy-clay soils, low in organic matter and high in chalk and limestone. This suppresses yields to just 3-4kg per plant, giving greater quality grapes and red wines with the structure to age well. The extreme continental climate means there is a high diurnal temperature range conserving freshness and increasing aromatic intensity. The lack of rainfall reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Production
Fermented with native yeasts, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tank. Fined using vegan-friendly pea protein.
Producer
The family winery is located in Alicante and is a leader in the production of high-quality, organic wines. They are IFS-certified and produce wines with organic and vegan certification.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features | Vegan, Vegetarian & Organic |
Food Matches | Simple Tapas dishes including olives, Manchego cheese and sundried tomatoes. |
Origin | Alicante |
Appellation | VdiT Castilla |
2022 Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fine example of South Africa's signature grape variety.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is both savoury with stone fruits, pear, notes of the local fynbos and a distinct note of oregano.
Palate
On the palate it is delightful to find notes of wild honey often true to naturally fermented Chenin Blanc.
Production
The grapes for Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc are sourced from The Helderberg Ward on the coastal outreaches of Stellenbosch. Old bushvine vineyards (20 - 50 years old), planted in Chenin-friendly soils, have over time found their natural balance and it definitely shows in the wine. The Helderberg and Schapenberg are also known for the large expanses of indigenous flora (fynbos and proteas) and fauna such as caracal, bat-eared foxes, leopards and of course, peacocks.
In fact, four of South Africa's twenty WWF Biodiversity & Wine Initiative Champions (which includes Waterkloof amongst their number) are located on the Schapenberg and Helderberg alone. In addition to sourcing fruit from neighbouring vineyards, there is also a portion of wine from Waterkloof's biodynamic vineyard used in the Peacock Wild Ferment range.
Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced grapes are hand-harvested, then whole-bunch pressed in a horizontal basket press for only the finest juice. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeast in a combination of old 600litre barrels and concrete eggs. The wine then spends a minimum of 6 months on lees before bottling. No additions other than sulphur. Vegan friendly wine.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian & Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
A really versatile wine that will go with a variety of dishes. Try creamy chicken dishes, belly of pork, fresh pasta and carbonara. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2022 Melea Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Background
The creation of Melea Organic was a labour of love for us all. William Long spent years searching for the right winery to supply the organic, vegan-certified and wild-fermented wines, his son Freddie handled the launch and the label features an original bee motif created by his wife, artist Barbara Long, from recycled threads.
Named after a rare species of bee, everything about the range is created with sustainability in mind, from the lightweight bottles to the stone paper labels, made from a by-product of the quarrying process using a lot less water than normal paper. Melea was also the first Spanish wine brand to become a member of 1% for the Planet. Melea has donated thousands of dollars to bee conservation charities since its launch in 2020. Melea Organic also has an Instagram page to share information on the brand’s sustainable values.
The Vineyards
Fruit comes from organically certified, traditionally managed, dry-farmed vines in the Cuenca area of La Mancha. The vineyards were planted in 1999 and are at an altitude of 660m with sandy-clay soils, low in organic matter and high in chalk and limestone. This suppresses yields to just 3kg per plant, giving greater quality grapes. The extreme continental climate means there is a high diurnal temperature range conserving acidity and increasing aromatic intensity. The lack of rainfall reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Production
Grapes were harvested after the second half of September, later than average to ensure full ripeness. Wild yeast fermented at a controlled temperature of 15ºC with clean musts. Fined with vegan-friendly pea protein.
Producer
The family winery is located in Alicante and is a leader in the production of high-quality, organic wines. They are IFS certified and produce wines with organic and vegan certification.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Verdejo, 10% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features | Vegan, Vegetarian & Organic |
Food Matches | Enjoy this wine chilled, on its own, or create a symphony by pairing it with light dishes such as shellfish, poultry or salads. |
Origin | Alicante |
Appellation | VdiT Castilla |
2022 Cape Heights Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £9.29 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Juicily tropical Sauvignon Blanc judiciously sourced from breezy coastal vineyards.
Tasting Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape displays fresh, ripe yellow fruit flavours with a hint of waxy lime, as well as some leafy herbal notes which make for a zippy, racy and deeply quaffable drop.
Production
Boutinot has been refining and redefining its Sauvignon Blanc vineyards over many years and works with numerous Coastal growers to best express the specific terroirs of this region that is influenced by that cooling Atlantic Ocean breeze. The soil type is a variety of decomposed granite, shale, and limestone and the plots are all unirrigated. The winery receives the grapes before midday. They are destemmed and crushed and go into strainers where the free-run is pumped gently to tank. The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks between 11C and 13C. The ferment is likely to last around 10 days. The wine is racked after ferment and then kept on fine lees right up until bottling.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Not the honeyed fruit salad fruits of the wild house Chenin - this is much more citric fruit and searing acidity. Really crisp and fresh and bone dry. It’s got a good balance though for a cheapie - and length isn’t compromised either. A great example of entry-level Sauvignon Blanc." February 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Delicious with brightly-flavoured seafood dishes, Thai salads, citrus dressings or indeed by the glass on its own! |
Origin | Western Cape |
2020 Cape Heights Pinotage
Regular price £7.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%South African Pinotage is definitely in vogue right now as customers flock to get their hands on amazing quality wines at what are still quite remarkable low prices. The Cape Heights Pinotage is no different. If we're honest, we think this wine outperforms many significantly more expensive French counterparts which makes it a complete bargain!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium-bodied red
Nose
Youthful, vibrant and packed with damson and dark berry fruit.
Palate
The palate is rich and full-flavoured with a hint of black pepper and star anise.
Production
Fruit is selected from vineyards in the Swartland, grown on rich granite and shale soils. Harvested at optimum ripeness to ensure fruit-driven notes and soft tannins, the grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 17-22 degrees C.
Pump-over takes place twice daily to wet the cap and aerate the fermenting wine and once daily at the end of fermentation not to extract too many tannins. Wine is fermented down to 5 g/litre residual sugar and pressed before being pumped back into stainless steel tanks. This ensures soft tannins and no-over extraction of any harsh tannins. Malo-lactic fermentation follows and the wine is kept on the lees until bottling to ensure great mouthfeel.
This is a wine that will benefit from big wine glasses or a decanter and serve it at room temperature.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinotage |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Marinated lamb, chargrilled aubergine or portobello mushrooms. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2023 Sierra Grande Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £8.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sourced from a vineyard nestled into the Andes in the Curico region, this Sauvignon Blanc displays the vibrant fruit of Chile's Central Valley but with elegance from its mountain terroir.
Tasting Notes
A fresh and crisp wine with ripe citrus fruit. Packed with lime zest, lemon and kiwi fruit flavours. Think of cool glacial streams and enjoy the refreshing, racy acidity on the finish.
Producer
Our long-standing working relationships with growers enable us to source premium fruit, with the ultimate aim of making excellent quality Chilean entry-level wines with true style and character.
For the Sauvignon Blanc, we work with two families in two different locations for a blend with huge appeal. The first is the Martin Family who are nestled into the Andes Mountains in a western corner of Curico. Their vineyards sit around 500 metres above sea level (masl), a far higher altitude than the majority of Curico’s main valley which lies around 250masl. The higher altitude and proximity to the mountains means evening temperatures drop significantly, allowing Sauvignon Blanc grapes to retain crucial acidity as they ripen. This altitude also ensures there is minimal intervention in the vineyards ie. no chemical sprays or irrigation - only pure glacial streams.
Their old established vines planted on steep slopes means grapes can only be harvested by hand. Once the grapes are picked then crushed, cool fermentation is used to preserve the freshness and fruit aromas. We blend this wine from Curico with Sauvignon Blanc from the German Family in Cachapoal. Here, in a warmer location, the variety gains great aromatic expression and typically we see great varietal character thanks to the correct clones being used along with early harvesting. Wines from this warmer spot usually have a little more body, making the blend with the Martin Family wines a great combination of aromatics, fresh acidity and weight. Possibly the biggest strength of this blend is our ability to balance out warmer and cooler vintages with these two different profiles. The wine is settled in tank for a short period before being bottled early to preserve the wines youthful vibrancy.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
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 |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Quaff with fish and chips, grilled fish and seafood. |
Origin | Chile |
Appellation | Valle Central |
2016 Cave de Turckheim Tradition Gewürztraminer (375ml)
Regular price £6.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Textbook Alsace Gewurztraminer - elegant and harmonious
Tasting Notes
A fantastic balance of ripeness, varietal character and finesse, with a fragrant rose water and lychee nose, lemon aromas and a steely flinty character. The palate is fresh and restrained for an Alsatian Gewurztraminer, with notes of rose petal and faint hints of lemon. Super floral, yet perfectly balanced with honeyed, lemon acidity.
Production
Produced traditionally by winemaker Michel Lihrmann - pneumatic pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation, no fining and light filtration before bottling - to preserve the fruit, aroma and elegance of the grapes. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance whilst retaining freshness and harmony.
Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit-forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long-term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification. The growers are aiming for HVE Level 3 certification in late 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gewurztraminer |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13.% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
Food Matches |
Try with blue cheeses, exotic cuisine such as the lemongrass flavours of Thai food or fish/chicken curries featuring ginger, mustard seed and spice.
|
Origin |
Alsace, France
|
2017 Vistamar Late Harvest Moscatel (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £6.15 Sale price £5.75 Save 7%The modern era has brought us to a point where we live in an over-stimulated, demanding, success-oriented whirlwind, with no time to enjoy the everyday pleasures of life. That is why Vistmar wines were created, wines that offer a new approach to life, a new mood, an attitude that will lead you to venture out and enjoy the simple things that surround us every day.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A straw-yellow wine with golden highlights
Nose
It has great aromatic intensity, with hints of white flowers, white peaches, apricots and quinces.
Palate
In the mouth, it is silky, juicy and fresh. Its flavour is reminiscent of recently picked grapes, blended with figs and dried peaches. It has a long, pleasant and persistent finish, excellently balanced by its natural acidity.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 100% Moscatel Rosada |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 4.5 units |
Type | Dessert White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches |
Roquefort cheese, pâté de foie gras, tarts, cheesecake and desserts |
Origin | Limari |
2021 Uva Non Grata Gros Manseng
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Thick-skinned and wild, Gros Manseng is relatively unknown. For years, it was held in lower regard than its equally obscure parent, Petit Manseng, and blended away anonymously. We've captured its winemaking potential in one of the fruitiest and fun wines you're likely to taste.
Tasting Notes
Zingy, incense-smoked and glorious, this is loud and proud Gros Manseng.
Production Method
Gros Manseng, with its thick skin and small berry size, can both ripen beautifully or over-ripen whilst retaining its acidity and shunning the advances of botrytis, giving both dry and sweet wines. To show this fascinating variety at its best, we've made two wines and blended them together: a bright and zingy Gros Manseng fermented to dryness into which we've blended a smaller proportion of late harvest Gros Manseng, bringing with it a delightful fruitiness and exotic spice.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Today, Boutinot’s French office has recently relocated to Macon, and has over 20 employees who take care of production across the whole of France, covering fresh whites and rosés from Gascony, mineral wines from Burgundy, and joyful varietal wines from Languedoc among others. We don’t use any single model to source our wines; instead, a combination of sources are used, from large-scale, high-quality co-ops to small, family growers and single domaines, as well as our own vineyards in Cairanne and Saint-Vérand. Drawing on the expertise of our four winemakers and a network of partner growers, we seek to deliver the highest quality-to-price ratio possible for every wine.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This was good - it had that lovely exotic aroma & flavour that I always associate with Gros Manseng- along with a touch of residual sugar that always follows. But it’s also got a searing acidity which keeps it fresh, attractive and very drinkable. Many won’t have heard of this grape but it’s definitely one where the adventurers among us will be rewarded with trying out. Very good value and loads of flavour and complexity for the price." Tasted February 2024
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gros Manseng |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This makes for a mega apéritif, otherwise try with stinky cheeses and aromatic middle-eastern and eastern cuisines. |
Origin | Vin De France |
2022 Monte Schiavo Verdicchio Classico Amphora (Organic)
Regular price £9.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fine example of the Verdicchio grape from one of the region's pioneering producers. From estate-grown grapes, a fresh and juicy style with lovely concentration of flavour.
Tasting Notes
Fresh zesty nose with apricot and orchard fruit aromas, and a hint of white flower and citrus. The palate has minerality and texture with ripe stone fruit and grapefruit characters, refreshing lemon citrus acidity, a touch of salinity, and a crisp finish.
Production
The grapes are sourced from Monte Schiavo's own vineyards situated in the communes of Maiolati Spontini, Montecarotto, Poggio S. Marcello and Rosora - at an altitude of 180-360 metres above sea level. Vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to retain fresh fruit characters and aromas.
Producer
Since establishing their winery in Marche in 1976, the Pieralisi family have striven to create the very best from their vineyards. The family’s background was in olive oil manufacturing equipment, but they began to invest in agriculture and also purchased vineyards from the local co-operative. The 350-hectare estate now consists of around 103 ha of prime vineyard in and around Maiolati Spontini, Ancona, the heart of the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – along with 48 ha of olive groves, 24 ha of walnut trees, and other agricultural land. The winery itself is set amongst some of their most prized plots, notably the 20 ha Colle del Sole vineyard.
Under the supervision of Gennaro Pieralisi and his son Andrea, production has progressed from its initial focus on the Verdicchio grape, to include a range of red wines from their own estate fruit (with the exception of their Rosso Conero, which is produced in collaboration with Alberto Serenelli). The success of their manufacturing business has allowed the family to invest heavily in the estate, providing state-of-the-art technology, and they have striven to improve quality and reduce yields.
The appointment of talented young winemaker Simone Schiaffino, and collaboration with renowned Italian winemaking consultant Carlo Ferrini since the 2015 vintage, has added a new depth and complexity to their portfolio. Carlo Ferrini has worked as a consultant with some of Italy’s top estates – to optimise clones, rootstocks, vine density and pruning – in order to create wines that are a true expression of the vineyard. At the same time Simone has revitalised the cellar and added an extra layer of vibrancy and expression to the wines, establishing Monte Schiavo as a producer of top quality, authentic wines.
The ‘Tenute Pieralisi’ range of wines represents the culmination of their project - a top tier of premium wines asserting the individuality of indigenous varieties Verdicchio and Montepulciano.
Sustainability
Tenute Pieralisi are committed to the environment, and to using non-invasive procedures on their land. They believe that the diversified agricultural production on the estate helps to preserve the great local varietal heritage of flora and fauna. This has led to a conversion to organic farming and to the careful use of resources in the winery: introducing low-energy LED lighting and a photovoltaic system to generate electricity from solar energy. They also use environmentally-friendly vehicles for local deliveries, reducing pollutants from emissions.
They are one of the first companies in Italy to have obtained both BRC Global Standard for Food Safety certification (AA grade) and to be registered on the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).
Furthermore, as of the 2019 vintage the estate and wines are certified as organic, and the wines are labelled accordingly.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Verdicchio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches |
Perfect with shellfish and fish dishes but can withstand a creamy sauce and even chicken.
|
Features |
Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Marche |
Appellation |
Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi DOC
|