- Alvarinho
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Frappato
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grillo
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Nosiola
- Parellada
- Passerina
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Alvarinho
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Frappato
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grillo
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Nosiola
- Parellada
- Passerina
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
An 'Aladdin's Cave of Wines await you here!
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 |
2022 The Cloud Factory Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £11.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classically bright and vibrant Marlborough Sauvignon.
Tasting Notes
Perfumed with nettle & ripe tropical fruits which are also evident on the palate along with limey flavours and a rich minerality - classic Marlborough Sauvignon. The wine is sappy fresh, clean and delicious.
Production
Judiciously sourced from 3 vineyard sites between the Waihopai, Wairau and Awatere Valleys. Fruit for this wine comes from vineyards throughout Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. From the coastal vineyard of Rarangi (coastal pea gravels, sand and silts, cooler coastal site) up through the central (old river bed gravels with think fertile top soil) and southern valley vineyards (clay loams over silts and gravels, warm sheltered site ) to the Rapaura area vineyards (stoney river bed soils).
The vines are grown on the VSP trellis system to give optimal cropping to gain maximum flavour during the growing season. Grapes are picked and immediately pressed to tanks for clarification. The fruit was gently pressed, cold settled, racked and cool fermented with selected yeast strains to enhance the unique aromatics & flavours. Each individual parcel was then racked, before being blended together to create this generous full-textured style. The wine was then filtered, and bottled to retain & capture the remarkable freshness of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Producer
Boutinot's New Zealand wines are sourced from vineyards in each sub-regions of Marlborough - the Awatere, Waihopai and Wairau Valleys, as well as the breezier region of Waipara. These valleys have their own micro-climates and terroir which give a unique personality to the vineyards, grapes and finished wines.
Samantha Bailey brings her blending expertise and experienced palate to the fore in expressing the loveliest Boutinot wines from The Land of the Long White Cloud.
Awards
- 2016 Vintage - Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards 2017
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"The flavours were very warm and ripe – taking any harsh edge off the acidity – and also giving a lovely, creamy mouthfeel. It is fairly weighty with good body rather different from the last vintage (2021) which was a lot leaner and more mineral/steely in style. As an everyday style, this hits all the right notes!" July 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Try with white fish, seafood, grilled asparagus, avocado with prawns. |
Origin | Marlborough |
2022 Adobe Reserva Organic Rosé
Regular price £10.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Chile does Provence minus the £££'s!
Refreshing and delicious predominantly from Emiliana's organic vineyards in Colchagua and Cachoploal valleys.
Tasting Notes
A lovely pale and delicate rosé.
Colour
Pale almost Provencal-pink in colour.
Nose
Gentle strawberry and red cherry aromas.
Palate
The palate is medium in weight with fresh summer fruits and a silky yet refreshing finish. Delicate and easy to drink.
Production
The Rapel Valley lies with the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes Mountains to the east, and the province of Curicó to the south. This area is particularly well suited for growing Carmenère, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a transversal valley of Chile’s central zone with unique climatic conditions, including four clearly defined seasons and a unique blend of maritime breezes and Andean winds. The hand-picked grapes were transported to the winery and selected from a conveyor belt to ensure maximum quality. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks for 3 months with selected yeasts. The finished wine was fined using bentonite and cold stabilized to prevent the formation of tartrate crystals and 1 and 0.45 micron cartridge filters were used at the time of bottling.
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.
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 | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 40% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Rosè |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal as an aperitif or with sushi, creamy cheeses, and ethnic foods, among others. |
Origin | Rapel Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle Del Rapel |
2022 Cave de l'Ormarine Duc de Morny Picpoul de Pinet
Regular price £10.89 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vibrant and fresh, a perfect Picpoul!
Tasting Notes
Gently perfumed ripe melon fruit on the nose. The palate is ripe but retains excellent freshness, balanced by a touch of white pepper spice that is very typical of its grape variety. Deliciously long, the finish shows bright fruit and a clean, saline/mineral edge.
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. Ormarine's head winemaker Cyril Payon makes this Duc de Morny cuvée with a premium selection of grapes from 15+ year old vines, harvested at night to retain their aromatic freshness. They are de-stemmed and macerated on their skins followed by a fifteen-day fermentation 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.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Spot on - clean, fresh as a daisy, lovely melon fruit titillated with a touch of pepper and a delightful, saline finish. Perfectly balanced and great for salads, shellfish, and chicken dishes. A bottle of this and a dozen oysters s’il vous plait. Bang on for a tenner - great value - over delivers and proves that coming off the well-worn path pays dividends." September 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Piquepoul Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment and up to 3 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved, Organic |
Food Matches |
|
Appellation | AOP Picpoul de Pinet |
Origin | Languedoc Roussillon |
2021 Novas Gran Reserva Riesling
Regular price £11.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Amazingly delicious organic Riesling from Chile. Fresh limes with a mineral and saline undertones with a hint of developed Riesling kerosene - stunningly complex and a real steal at this price!" Alan's personal notes.
Tasting Notes
Expressive Chilean Riesling with a broad appeal.
Nose
Quietly complex on the nose with fresh lime notes combining with a steely minerality and gentle honeysuckle flora.
Palate
The palate is mid-weight and off-dry with persistent flavours of lime, there is a natural salinity which gives contrast yet lovely balance. It finishes clean with a lingering flinty character.
Production
Vines were planted in 1993 at the Fundo Quitralman, Mulchén vineyard in the Bio-Bio Valley, 500km south of Santiago. Grapes are handpicked then placed in a pneumatic press to obtain the different musts, which were kept separate. Once ferment was complete, the wine was left in contact with its fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 5 months, with periodic stirring (batonnage) before being fined and bottled.
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 2018 (2016 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.2 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Oysters and shellfish, white meats and smoked salmon. Also great with vegetarian dishes and Asian cuisine. |
Origin | Bio-Bio Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle de Bio Bio |
2019 Montresor ‘Urban Park’ Appassimento
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An appealing appassimento style red from the Veneto - produced from classic Amarone and Valpolicella grapes.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright berry and black cherry aromas, and a touch of spice.
Palate
The palate has all of Valpolicella's appealing fresh cherry and ripe bramble fruit, along with added weight and complexity from maturation in oak. Supple tannins lead to a finish of delicate sweetness, offset by fresh acidity.
Producer
The illustrious Montresor family moved from France to Italy at the start of the 19th Century and settled in the Veneto region near Lake Garda. In 1892 Cantina Giacomo Montresor was established in Verona, and remains family-owned to this day.
Giorgio Montresor produces a portfolio of wines which increasingly rival the offerings of the region's more fashionable names - harnessing modern technology to craft the best wines from each site, across their 100ha of vineyard, in Valpolicella and Garda.
Production Method
Produced from Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes harvested from hillside vineyards north of Verona. 'Appassimento' refers to the process by which the grapes are dried for a few months before being pressed and vinified - this technique is more common in the Veneto than elsewhere in Italy. In this instance the grapes are dried for 30 days before vinification, and the wine spends 6 months in oak. The resulting red is rich with some residual sweetness.
A Note on Sustainability
At the end of 2019, Montresor received its organic certification. Some of its wines are already bottled in a lighter weight glass bottle (less than 420g) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during transport, with the added benefit of reducing the amount of glass to be manufactured.
Over the next two years, solar panels will be installed at the winery to provide some of the electricity required in the production process. Alongside this, Montresor is about to install a water purification system to recover and recycle the water used at the winery.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone & 20% Rondinella |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable |
Food Matches | Perfect with mature hard cheeses and blue cheeses. Also excellent with game and mature beef. |
Origin | Veneto |
Appellation | IGT Veneto |
2020 Cabaret Frank No.2 'The Aviary' Old Vine Cabernet Franc
Regular price £10.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A marvellous, lean, moustached celebration of the mighty Cab Franc. Meet Captain Francis Frobisher, otherwise known as CABARET FRANK. A celebration to the marvellous, lean and mighty Cabernet Franc grape variety.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright notes of juicy red fruits are complemented by blackcurrant leaf notes so typical of Cabernet Franc.
Palate
Smooth, medium-bodied and easy-drinking wine that strikes a lovely balance with its blackberry, plum and dark cherry fruit characters coupled with classic varietal leafy tones.
Production
Made predominantly from Old Vine Cabernet Franc (85%), the balance being a harmonious blob of sibling Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested from 'old vines' (45 years) sourced from the single biggest Cabernet Franc vineyard in the world located in Lodi, Central California. The wine has spent just two months on oak to enable the true flavours and characters of the Cabernet Franc (and touch of Cabernet Sauvignon) to shine through.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"Perfect pizza wine - full-bodied and flavoured with sweet cherry fruit and a slight smokiness. Well-balanced and very moreish - and the most interesting packaging - a real handlebar delight!" July 2022
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Good for now and up to 20 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Barrel Ageing | 100% French, 26% New |
Food Matches |
This is a food wine that really lends itself to vegetarian dishes. Try it with grilled eggplant or zucchini, or with meals containing green peppers (capsicums), cabbage, or herbs (particularly sage, thyme, rosemary or saffron). A versatile wine that is also fantastic with tomato based dishes; lighter meats such as turkey or chicken, along with game meats like duck; amd richer beef based dishes like steak or veal. |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Lodi |
2022 Miopasso Nero d'Avola Appassimento Sicilia DOC
Regular price £11.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
Powerful yet approachable!
Tasting Notes
Nose
The bouquet is very intense, with deep notes of dark cherries, damsons and blackcurrants.
Palate
The palate is powerful, yet approachable, with silky smooth tannins, great depth of flavour and layers of complexity.
Producer
Miopasso offers an outstanding selection of Italian wines made with modern production technologies and local grape varieties. By combining resourceful grape sourcing with precise winemaking, this range has built a reputation as an excellent value-for-money option amongst its core of wine aficionados. Enjoy some of the finest Italian wines that money can buy with Miopasso.
Viticulture
The very best Nero d’Avola grapes are selected from Belice and Agrigento on Sicily’s west coast, which are two of the island’s key areas for growing Nero d’Avola. The grapes are very carefully hand-picked and then left to dry to concentrate the grape flavours before undergoing a gentle vinification process with frequent pumping over to extract the maximum amount of flavour and colour from the grapes.
Vinification
A percentage of the Nero d’Avola grapes are dried for 3 to 4 weeks, after which time they have lost around 30% of their weight. As the water in the grapes evaporates, the sugars concentrate and the alcohol level becomes a little higher. The dried grapes are vinified separately from the other Nero d’Avola grapes, then they are blended together. The resulting wine is distinctive, rich, bold and complex, yet highly approachable.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Nero d'Avola |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Match with rich meat-based pasta sauces, red meats and mature hard cheeses |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Sicilia Doc |
Origin | Sicily |
2021 McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Powerful and jammy with refreshing acidity. Each mouthful is redolent of raspberries, strawberries, cherries, watermelon and blackberries laced with vanilla, caramel and hazelnuts. Delicious but not for the faint-hearted!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium-dark purple
Palate
Pleasant ripe red currants and fresh Strawberry immediately come to mind. While after some contemplation caramelized sugar and toast become incontrovertible. The savoury bright red fruits are enveloped in the succulent, juicy wine which possesses soft, supple tannins.
Production
The grapes for our Lodi Appellation 2018 Zinfandel were harvested in September 2018, with an average Brix of 26.2. After 7-9 days of stainless steel fermentation on the skins, the must was pressed and the wine finished fermentation. The wine was then aged, on average, for 4-6 months with a combination of new and used, French and American Oak.
History
In 1990 Ron and his wife Jamie, bought their first vineyard and in 1995 McManis Family Vineyards was formed with the purpose-built winery arriving by the end of the Millennium. Now the McManis family own over 2,600 acres between the Ripon area and Lodi in California’s northern interior region.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 77% Zinfandel, 16% Teroldego & 7% Petite Sirah |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content
|
14.0% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now but will keep |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegan & Vegetarian, Sustainable Farming
|
Food Matches |
Simply delicious and a perfect choice for grilled ribs or burgers. Zinfandel food pairings: chicken wings, spaghetti Bolognese, grilled lamb loin, grilled duck breast. |
Origin | California |
2021 Miopasso Grillo Appassimento Sicilia Blanco DOC
Regular price £11.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fabulous white wine sourced from Sicily
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow with flecks of gold.
Nose
Notes of dried fruits and nuts, with hints of oranges and grapefruit.
Palate
Soft and well-rounded, with touches of honey on the long finish.
Producer
Miopasso offers an outstanding selection of Italian wines made with modern production technologies and local grape varieties. By combining resourceful grape sourcing with precise winemaking, this range has built a reputation as an excellent value-for-money option amongst its core of wine aficionados. Enjoy some of the finest Italian wines that money can buy with Miopasso.
Viticulture
Grillo grapes are grown in the top white grape producing area around Marsala.
The Grillo grapes are hand-picked several times over, some when they have reached the peak of maturity, then others after they have been left on the vines until they have lost the required amount of weight through drying.
Vinification
Following a very gentle de-stemming, they leave the wine to decant for about 24 hours and then fermentation takes place at about 17-18C° for about 12-15 days. The wines then rest on the fine lees for about 3-4 months before bottling.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Amazing! - and a true adventurer's wine. Such a bonus for coming off the well-worn buying paths. Initially, I get saline & honey characters but it’s got so many layers that just keep on giving- nuts, dried fruits, real deep concentration and complexity - a totally unique, complete glass of wine that lingers on your palate. There’s also a real oiliness to it - I suspect from lees ageing. A real "drink less, drink better" example." March 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grillo |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
|
10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches |
Rich fish dishes or roasted white meats |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Sicilia Doc |
Origin | Sicily |
N/V Le Dolci Colline Prosecco
Regular price £10.29 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A hugely popular Prosecco.
Tasting Notes
Fresh and gently fruity fizz from northeast Italy (Veneto) with citrus and green apple aromas. Delicate and lively on the palate with ripe, lightly grapey fruit, zesty acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.
Production Method
From selected parcels of Glera grapes grown northeast of Treviso. Hand harvested at optimum ripeness to give the required balance between aromatics and good acidity. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation in pressure tanks, lasting 4 weeks.
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.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Glera 100% |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Vegan approved |
Food Matches | Serve chilled as an aperitif or with peach juice for the perfect Bellini. |
Origin |
Veneto |
2020 Artesa Rioja Crianza
Regular price £11.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great introduction to Rioja Crianza - vibrant and appealing with plum and berry fruit backed with subtle spice and vanilla.
Tasting Notes
An attractive, modern style of Crianza with lifted aromatics of bramble fruit with some pepper and spice. Substantial on the palate, with plummy fruit, ripe tannins and a gently savoury fresh finish.
Production Method
Made from Tempranillo grapes cultivated in hillside vineyards (600 metres above sea level) in the best parts of Rioja Oriental. The vineyards have clay stone soil with some sandy areas. 80% of the vines are trained in the trellis method and 20% are bush trained. The grapes are chilled for several hours before temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel. Fermentation lasts for approximately 15 days with twice daily remontage. The wine is matured for a minimum of 12 months in American oak, plus one year in bottle, before release. The winery replaces 20% of its barrel stock, with new barrels, each year.
Producer
Bodegas Ontañón is a 5th generation family-owned and run winery in Rioja Baja (now Rioja Oriental). Here Raquel, Rubén and Maria Pérez Cuevas continue their father Gabriel's work to develop Bodegas Ontañón into one of the most highly-regarded wineries in Rioja. Ontañón has vast swathes of vineyard in this part of Rioja. Whilst wine production in the region is typically very dependent on contracts with grape growers, the Pérez Cuevas family has seen fit to invest heavily in the purchase of its own land and vines. Its 250ha is a testament to the importance it places on controlling grape quality.
The family's vineyards sit high in the Sierra Yerga mountains in the prestigious region surrounding Quel, defying misconceptions that Rioja Baja is one of the lesser sub-regions within Rioja. Many of their vineyards are actually planted at altitudes on a par with, or above, those in Rioja Alta and Alavesa; (La Pasada is their highest vineyard at 800m above sea level, planted in 1979 it is used for Reserva and Gran Reserva wines). The hot and dry Mediterranean climate allows for consistent ripening of the grapes with little disease and this has enabled them to pursue organic production across 57 hectares of vines.
Notes of Sustainability
Currently run by the fifth generation of the Pérez Cuevas family to carry on the tradition of grape growing in the southern part of Rioja, they take great pride in maintaining their vineyards in the most sustainable manner possible as it is their land that supports their family’s craft. As well as farming organically and producing a range of organic wines, Bodegas Ontañón employs a range of other sustainable processes.
These include: controlled irrigation systems to reduce water usage and evaporation; planting vineyards in cooler, well-ventilated areas in order to reduce irrigation requirements and phytosanitary treatments; using plant/grass cover in vineyards to improve soil texture, to reduce tractor working hours and to lower carbon dioxide emissions; using environmentally friendly phytosanitary products that break down quickly and harmlessly; planting several hectares of pine forest near the vineyards in Ausejo and tidying and maintaining the oak forest near the vineyards in Quel. The estate plans to install solar panels at its irrigation installations to generate the electricity they require, and it encourages its worker to carpool from its winery to its vineyards to reduce emissions.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Casseroles, red and white meats and mature cheeses. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Awaiting Info |
Origin | Rioja |
Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
2020 Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"
The most sold wine in the Hartenberg portfolio, now celebrating 26 vintages. At a previous Classic Wine Trophy competition ten Gold medals were awarded by the French judges to the 385 red wines. Most estates entered their flagship wines. Due to Hartenbergs' uncompromising approach to standards they felt comfortable entering the pocket-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz. The wine won Gold.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Vibrant red in colour.
Nose
An alluring blend of wild herbs and spices on the nose with hints of freshly picked dark fruits and berries on the palate, ending in a savoury finish.
Palate
Ripe, soft tannins balance well with the lingering finish.
The Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
Accolades
- 2016 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2016 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2015 Vintage 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Vintage 90 points Tim Atkin; 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2013 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2012 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2011 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2010 Vintage 3.5 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide & 90 Points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz/Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Mourvedre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 10 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pizza with all its various toppings (but not too much chilli), all traditionally prepared meat dishes (i.e. stews and grills), grilled or roasted game fish (ideally without a lemon based sauce) or for pudding. Pears in red wine will find a partner with this versatile wine.
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2022 Vila Nova Alvarinho
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Portuguese cousin to the ever-popular Albarino.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright citrus aromas with hints of mandarin.
Palate
Fresh and lively on the palate with citrus characters, textural stone fruit and appealing minerality on the finish.
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 lands 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 the grapes are destemmed then a soft pressing takes place and fermentation in temperature controlled vats.
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
- Bronze - Sommelier Wine Award 2020 (2019 vintage)
- Best Value White - The Wine Merchant Top 100 2019 (2018 Vintage)
- Top 100 - The Wine Merchant Top 100 2019 (2018 Vintage)
- Gold - Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2018 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Alvarinho |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol Content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegan, Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | A good match for chicken salads, fish and sushi. Or perhaps Vietnamese meatballs? |
Origin | Vinho Verde |
Appellation | Vinho Regional Minho |
2021 Nicosia Frappato Bio
Regular price £11.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A really pretty and perfumed example of the Frappato grape from south-eastern Sicily.
Tasting Notes
This organic red has delicious floral and red berry characters and is surprisingly fresh and delicate given the hot climate.
Nose
Delicate and lightly floral aromas of strawberry, redcurrant and wild berries, with hints of aromatic herbs.
Palate
The palate has vibrant red berry characters balancing fresh acidity.
Producer
Is there a more dynamic place to make wine in Italy than on Mount Etna in Sicily? Cantine Nicosia is based at the foot of Etna, on the east coast of Sicily, where Carmelo Nicosia, along with his sons Franceso and Graziano (5th generation), have developed their family business into one of the area's most important wine producers. Their Trecastagni winery is where tradition meets ultra-modern technology.
Trecastagni, at the base of one of the extinguished craters dotting Mount Etna and at an altitude of around 700m, is home to the ancient vineyards of Monte Gorna, with their distinctive lava terraces. The vineyards have been completely restructured and replanted, focusing on the native varieties used for Etna DOC wines: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for the red, and Catarratto and Carricante for the whites. The extraordinary wealth of minerals found in Etna's volcanic soils can be credited with the very rich flavour and unique character of the wines produced here.
Just a few miles from the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula is the lively agricultural center of Vittoria and the Contrada Bonincontro district - home to the large and impeccably groomed Cerasuolo di Vittoria vineyards planted exclusively with Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Syrah.
Production Method
Frappato grapes are grown on sandy soil situated at approximately 200m above sea level. Grapes are hand-picked in September. The grapes undergo maceration and fermentation for approximately 10-15 at a controlled temperature of between 22-24°C. The wine is aged in stainless steel vats and 2 months in the bottle.
A Note on Sustainability
A proportion of Cantine Nicosia’s vineyards are certified organic by SIDEL, and its wines are certified as vegan by the Istituto Certificazione Etica e Ambiente.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Frappato |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable, Organic |
Food Matches | Pairs very well with vegetable tempura, couscous, tabbouleh and Caprese salad. Or enjoy with pasta alla Norma - a classic Sicilian pasta dish with aubergine, ricotta, basil and tomatoes. |
Origin | Sicilia |
Appellation | Terre Siciliane IGT |
2018 Château Haut-Grelot Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £11.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Very well made and incredibly well balanced
Tasting Notes
Château Haut-Grelot was established in 1920 in the village of Les Grelots by the Bonneau family. Today the Domaine is comprised of 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Céline and Julien, who have been awarded the title of “Best Young Talent” in Bordeaux. The vineyards are made up of sandy gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from an ideal microclimate where there is a high level of sunshine and just enough rain. The reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant, and delicate. The Rouge is produced from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and spends some time in oak barrels creating rich, plummy fruit supported by silky tannins.
Colour
Ruby red colour
Palate
Lovely flavors of red berry fruit with vanilla, spicy nuances. On the palate, the wine is round, fruity, and well balanced with a long aromatic finish.
Sustainability
Since 2015, Euralis and Château Haut Grelot have set up a program called OPTIDOSE to reduce phytosanitary products. Their philosophy is to preserve the landscape and ensure the best quality of their wines.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"All the cassis and blackcurrant aromas and flavours we come to expect from quality Bordeaux - but the plum mines of the merlot isn’t far behind in concentration. Like the white, it is very well made and incredibly well balanced with the forward fruit tamed by a mix of vanilla and spice - no doubt from some oak aging.
Extremely silky tannins with good length, finishes this off nicely.
To summarise the Haut Grelot Red & White are a fantastic pair of very well-made and well-balanced wines that show Bordeaux well at this price point - not something you can always say at this price point!" January 2022
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 70% Merlot 30% Cabernet-Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13 % alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites, milk and egg |
Food Matches |
Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry |
Region |
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux |
Appellation | Bordeaux |
2022 La Battistina Gavi
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromatic, zesty nose with notes of apple, lime and white flower.
Palate
The wine has juicy apple and lemon characters, and is textural with attractive minerality. The finish is balanced, with a zesty mouthwatering quality.
Production
The vineyards are south facing and the soil, chalky and mineral, which allows full ripening and excellent drainage. The 35 year old vines are trained Piemonte style on low Guyot trellis, planted with 4,000 - 4,500 vines per hectare and yielding 6600 lt/ha. The whole process of winemaking is undertaken at Araldica's winery, Azienda Agricola La Battistina, in stainless steel tanks. The hand harvested grapes are pressed in a pneumatic press and subjected to a temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel. The wine remains in contact with the lees for 4 months before being fined, filtered and bottled.
Producer
The La Battistina estate consists of 26ha of mature vineyard including 5ha in Gavi del Comune di Gavi. The property was acquired by leading Piemonte producer Araldica in 2002, establishing their reputation as a Gavi specialist, with the largest vineyard holdings in the region. La Battistina (and the neighbouring 20ha estate of La Lancellotta, from which grapes are also sourced) are renowned as among the best sites in Gavi.
The estate consists of eight separate vineyard plots along one prime south-facing slope - the distinct areas producing very different wines. The vineyard has a unique combination of limestone and clay soil which allows full ripening of the local Cortese grape. This, together with vines of average age 35 years, gives complexity and weight to what is one of Italy's most fashionable white wines.
The majority of grapes go to produce the unoaked 'La Battistina', while 'Nuovo Quadro' comes from a small, plot at the foot of the Battistina hill which lies within the Comune di Gavi sub-zone. The 'La Battistina' range is produced by the Araldica winemaking team, overseen by Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese's son Carlo.
Sustainability
Production at La Battistina has obtained the SQNPI trademark - Sistema di Qualità Nazionale di Produzione Integrata (National Quality System of Integrated Crop Management). Wines and vintages that are now fully compatible with this system have a bee symbol on the label, which guarantees that each phase of production has complied with the strict parameters of integrated crop management. In other words, it is sustainable and eco-compatible, certified by an independent third party.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cortese |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches |
Delicious with appetisers and light fish courses. |
Cellaring Potential | 1 year |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Piedmont |
Appellation | Gavi DOCG |
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 |
2022 Domaine de Vedilhan Viognier
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A well-balanced expression of French Viognier.
Tasting Notes
Honeysuckle on the nose; richly textured and nicely balanced with flavours of apricots and a satisfying delicate bitterness on the finish.
Production
Domaine de Vedilhan (pronounced 'Domaine de Ved-ee-ohn') is the estate of the Fayet family, based in the village of Moussan close to Narbonne. Uniquely, a brook runs around the estate which provides much-needed water in this very hot climate, giving the wines their freshness and appeal. Vines are managed using the 'lutte raisonnée' method and terroir is a combination of limestone, sand and sea shale, meaning the vines dig deep for their nutrients and thus produce excellent quality grapes. 50% of the production from this Domaine is used for Boutinot wines. Since 1999, our winemakers have been working closely with the Fayet’s on all aspects of the production, from when to harvest to the exact blend or style of wines. The Viognier was picked early and carefully selected and handled in the winery to maintain its acidity and fresh aromatics, and was vinified without oak.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Alan's Tasting Notes
'This is a gem! A classically French Viognier, with delicious fresh apricot fruit. Beautifully balanced with great texture. Perfect for a summer's evening in the garden, astounding value for a real quality dry, white style. Perfect on its own but will match really well with both Chicken and Pork. Really love it!' June 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Viognier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Delicious with Thai or fusion food, or meats cooked in creamy or fruity sauces. |
Origin | Languedoc |
Appellation | IGP Pays D'oc |
2021 PEMO Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
The wine is soft on the palate and goes down very easily.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of black cherries and violets on the nose.
Palate
A deeply characterful wine, it is really soft and velvety, with red berry fruits, and a smooth, gentle finish. It has noticeable, but subtle and well-integrated tannins which help give this wine a lovely structure and mouthfeel. The wine is soft on the palate and goes down very easily.
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.
- Produced in a modern way, while respecting local wine making traditions.
- Eat anything from barbecued meats to stews to pizza with PEMO Montepulciano.
- Montepulciano is a native Italian grape variety from Abruzzo.
- Originates from the rugged, mountainous Abruzzo region of central Italy.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Medium bodied with red berry/cherry fruits. A bit of spice gives it an extra dimension. Low acidity gives it a real softness and smoothness - a real easy drinker.
No oak characteristics coming through so it’s a fruity, modern, stainless steel style. As montepulciano in this area is pretty prolific these wines were historically used for blending or ended up in the German market. Now production is cut back and wines recognised on their own merits! Got to be one of our best value reds right now!" October 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
|
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
|
10.1 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | Ideal with red meats, stews and pizza. |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 2 years |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Abruzzo |
2020 Domaine de Guillemarine Picpoul de Pinet
Regular price £11.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fresh, zippy with apricot aromas and a saline finish. Drink this and imagine you’re by the sea….
Tasting Notes
Nose
This delicious Picpoul has classic aromas of white flowers and stone fruit.
Palate
Producer
Domaine de Guillemarine has been in the same family for generations and has recently undergone extensive renovations, with an increasing emphasis on lutte raisonnée farming practices. The local speciality Picpoul de Pinet is considered the 'Muscadet' of the south and is produced just metres away from the oyster beds of the Bassin de Thau.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Picpoul is the Muscadet of the South and this one is made just metres from the oyster beds of the Bassin de Thau. This is rapidly becoming my fave white - zippy, racy, refreshing with lots of stone fruit flavours and a delightfully refreshing lemon acidity - would love to try this with a plate of oysters." December 2021
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Piquepoul |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 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 |
Food Matches |
Perfect for any al fresco dining situation! Especially lovely with seafood & amazing with cheese. |
Origin | Languedoc Roussillon |
2016 Vega del Rayo Rioja Reserva
Regular price £11.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Traditional Rioja Reserva
Tasting Notes
Nose
A traditional Rioja Reserva from vineyards in Rioja Alta with a nose of warm black fruit, spice and vanilla notes.
Palate
The palate has ripe plum and damson characters balanced by well-integrated oak, supple tannins and gentle cedary spice on the finish.
Production Method
This wine is produced from selected Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes sourced from 30 to 40-year-old Rioja Alta vineyards whose distinctive stony soils are ideal for the long, even ripening of quality grapes. The fruit is hand harvested in mid-October. Each variety is fermented separately in small tanks using natural yeasts at 28-30° C. After 20 days on the skins the wine is gently pressed and racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The clear wine is then racked to 2nd and 3rd year American and Russian oak barrels for 24 months maturation before blending and bottling.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is good! Everything I would expect from a well made, traditional Rioja - bright fruit - some vanillin and spice from good oak integration and soft, smooth tannins giving a very well balanced and long finish." Tasted April 2024
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo & 5% Graciano |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Lamb and mint kebabs |
Allergy Information | Awaiting info |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
2023 Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Winemaking
This wine was made from ripe grapes picked to deliver a rich flavour and texture. It is made up from 3 different tanks produced in different ways. Approximately 50% of the wine was made with standard tank fermentation, and about 30% being fermented with a small number of French oak staves and the balance a “funky” ferment with lots of lees in the tank and a very slow fermentation to build glycerol and texture in the wine. The final blend was put together from these components.
The Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
TPainted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- 3.5 stars – Platter's Wine Guide 2020
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Yet another triumph from the winemaking genius that is Jeremy Borg. It astounds me how much flavour he gets out of his wines. A real winemaking and blending skill. Beautiful tropical fruit, a soft but constant stream of refreshing acidity and enough wood/lees ageing to give fabulous texture and heaps of complexity & balance for the price point. At £12 this is a real triumph, this mouthfeel and flavour usually costs around £20 - at least. Works well either on its own or with food - just astounded by the flavours, texture and complexity at the price point. Painted Wolf range delivers with every drop." Tasted October 2023
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Complementing such classic dishes as coronation chicken, trout with almonds, or even macaroni cheese. Great value for good everyday drinking with enough class for special dinners, high days, and holidays. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2022 Le Fou Pinot Noir
Regular price £10.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nose
Fuller than Pinot Noir from Burgundy, it has a warm, rich nose with aromas of black cherry compote.
Palate
The palate is nicely balanced with an exciting, savoury streak provided by ripe, tasty tannins.
Production
An unique take on Pinot Noir from two growers' plantings in the sun drenched vineyards of the Southern Languedoc. Picked at optimum ripeness, balancing phenolics and acidity then cool vinified to enhance the fresh fruit flavours. No oak was used to keep this wine as pure and sensual as possible.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Served slightly chilled, Le Fou is lovely with grilled lamb, cold meats, wild mushroom risotto or homebaked ham. |
Region | Languedoc |
Appellation | Pays D'Oc IGP |
2022 Caparrone Abruzzo Passerina
Regular price £10.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'% "Lively, fresh and zingy - the type of wine to awaken your tastebuds and senses on a lazy Sunday afternoon!" Alan's personal notes.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh citrus nose, vibrantly aromatic with lemon zest, sherbert, and grapefruit.
Palate
The palate is bright with incisive citrus and stone fruit characters balanced by taut acidity - giving an appealing texture and clean, crisp finish.
Production
The Passerina grapes are sourced from vines grown on chalky clay soils at Silvi (on the Adriatic coast) and a little inland at Moscufo. The grapes are softly pressed and macerated on skins, at low temperature, for 8 hours. Fermentation is in stainless steel.
Producers
Rocco Pasetti's superbly sited, 30-hectare estate lies in the heart of the Collecorvino district in the hills northwest of Pescara, recognised as one of the best vineyard zones in Abruzzo.
Surrounding the winery, the south-facing slopes of clay-chalk soils, at around 250m altitude, are ideal for the cultivation of Montepulciano, with Pecorino grown on the lower slopes. The cellar was completed in 2004 - carved into the hillside. Rocco's son, Franco Pasetti, is also a winemaker and now works alongside him at the estate.
The Contesa wines are impeccably-made expressions of Abruzzo's local grapes - modern and easy to drink, yet wines of real substance.
Sustainable
Contesa is committed to its sustainability programme and practices an integrated crop management system that is certified under the EU-recognised Sistema Di Qualità Nazionale Di Produzione Integrata (SQNPI) scheme. The Pasetti family is considering a move towards full organic certification.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Passerina |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Perfect with simply prepared shellfish - marinated scallops perhaps! |
Origin | Abruzzo |
Appellation | Abruzzo DOC |
2022 Cicada Blanc by Chante Cigale
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Cicada takes its name from the famed ‘singing cicadas’ of Provence and the wine too sings of the warm vineyards of the south.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Easy-drinking, unoaked and a classic french-style table wine. Citrus and pear aromas on the nose.
Palate
Citrus flesh and nice weight on the palate, quite a ripe, round finish.
Producer
Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.
Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.
Production
An unusual blend of Viognier (30%), Picpoul Blanc (30%) and Grenache Blanc (40%). Sourced from clay limestone soils in Richerenes in the Vaucluse for the Grenache Blanc and Picpoul, with the Viognier sourced in the Northern Rhône (so the wine is classified as Vin de France). Vinified in stainless steel, with a short maceration of one week. Alex Favier then puts the final blend together.
Sustainability
As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
Alan's Tasting Notes
'This is a beautiful find. Loaded with aromas and flavours. Fresh, unoaked but unctous fresh fruit with a persistent and compelling palate. A great value alternative to more expensive Chateauneuf Blanc or Condrieu.'
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 30% Viognier, 30% Piquepoul Blanc, 40% Grenache Blanc |
Country | Rhone France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Coconut flavoured Thai and Vietnamese dishes, or as a delicious foil to barbecued or grilled mackerel. |
Origin | Vin de France |
Appellation | Vin de France |
2022 Coral de Peñascal Ethical Rosé
Regular price £11.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An Organic Wine, Ethically Sourced, Ethically Made, Ethically Committed, 100% Renewable Energy, Suitable for Vegans - oh and delicious too!
Coral de Peñascal is a tempranillo rosé wine produced by Bodegas Peñascal, a delicate and elegant wine made in an ethical way from grapes grown using organic processes and with careful packaging made from ecological materials and an ultra-light bottle.
Tasting Notes
Coral is a delicate and elegant pale rosé produced in Peñascal´s carbon-neutral winery from organically grown grapes, beautifully packaged with eco-friendly materials. Fully committed with the environment, Coral supports projects for the conservation and restoration of coral ecosystems”.
Colour
Pale bright satin rosé
Nose
Intense aromas of redcurrant and raspberry, alongside stone fruits such as peach, over a clean background of white flowers.
Palate
Fresh on the palate, with apricot and peach stone fruits, white flowers and citrus notes of pink grapefruit
History
Coral is an ecological rosé produced at Bodegas Peñascal, carbon-neutral, and presented in a lightweight bottle made of recycled and recyclable materials. Fully committed with sustainability and the environment, with each bottle of Coral you contribute to the restoration and conservation of coral reefs, which represent 25% of marine biodiversity.
Vinification
Awards
- Gold Medal in the Le Mondial Su Rosé 2021
- Silver Medal in Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2021.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Rosé |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan approved, Organic
|
Food Matches |
Perfect for drinking on its own, as an aperitif or with any kind of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect with all sorts of rice and pasta dishes, seafood & white meats. |
Appellation |
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon |
2022 Première The Loire Vouvray
Regular price £12.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic Vouvray, full of flavour and style.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw in colour, with distinctive stone fruit aromas of apricot and peach with a touch of honey. The fruit flavours follow through on the palate with a touch of minerality, leaving a delicate and lingering finish.
Producer
Formed in 1973, Pierre Chainier is both a négociant and the owner of some 250 hectares of vines in the heart of Touraine, from which it sources classic Loire varieties. Its eight Touraine estates include Domaine de la Bruyère in the newly established appellation of Touraine-Chenonceaux. Conversely, Clos de Nouys, its 25 acre Vouvray estate, is one of the oldest in the appellation. Here, vines average 35 years of age in vineyards that were already listed amongst the best sites on geological maps dating from 1907.
Note on Sustainability
For both its négociant arm and its own vineyards, Pierre Chainier seamlessly blends the principles of reasoned agriculture with the most modern winemaking techniques. It encourages sustainable development and official certification for its growers, it uses sugar cane-derived biodegradable “corks”, and it has a comprehensive waste recycling programme.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Pair with roast chicken, or spicy oriental dishes. |
Origin | Loire |
Appellation | Vouvray AOP |
2022 Franz and Friends Grüner Veltliner
Regular price £13.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic, fresh and approachable expression of Grüner Veltliner from its homeland.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic nose with notes of white spice. The palate has stone fruit, green apple and lightly exotic characters - fresh and appealing.
Production
Fruit is selected from some of the best parcels across the Kremstal region, and is vinified in stainless steel to produce a classic expression of the Grüner Veltliner grape.
Producer
The Türk winery is situated in Stratzing, Kremstal - about 10 minutes away from the wine city of Krems, and in a region known for its amazing landscape. Grüner Veltliner is the most important white wine variety in Austria and the absolute passion of winemaker Franz Türk. He collaborated with friends to source the best grapes from across Kremstal, and produce a Grüner Veltliner of high quality and international appeal - Franz & Friends was born!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Pair with roasted vegetable pasta and risotto dishes, or with fried chicken and pork. |
Origin | Kremstal |
2017 Stone Barn Merlot
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A ripe and very approachable Merlot with plenty of fruit and a soft easy drinking finish.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Our medium-bodied Merlot has aromas of blackberry, cherry and sweet herbs.
Palate
Deep garnet in colour, this wine has flavors of black cherries and ripe plum, with just a hint of spice to accent the finish.
Winery
Stone Barn Cellars Winery, is located right off Route 100 in northern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The winery and tasting room are housed in a historic 150-year-old stone German bank barn overlooking the beautiful French Creek.
The California-based family company has been a tradition for over 90 years. The third generation of the Delicat family is involved in the family business and continues the family’s innovative work on wines. Delicato Family Vineyards is a pioneer in the development of environmentally friendly cultivation methods and production methods and their wines are enjoyable, well-made, and represent the best place to produce their place of production. The family-owned company owns 4,000 hectares of vineyards from Monterey’s famous cool San Bernabe vineyard to the sunny mountain roots of Lodi. All the vineyards of the Delicato Family Vineyards are cultivated according to sustainable development methods for sustainable wine-growing practices.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment - an everyday easy drinking wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Beef, Lamb, Pizza and Pasta dishes |
Origin | Chester County, Pennsylvania |
2022 Te Mério Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £11.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%With more texture than aromatics alone, this is a food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright, crisp and aromatic, with generous aromas of cut grass, tomato leaf and asparagus.
Palate
A tangy palate of citrus, bell-pepper, and bay leaves.
Producer
Boutinot's New Zealand wines are sourced from vineyards in each sub-regions of Marlborough - the Awatere, Waihopai and Wairau Valleys, as well as the breezier region of Waipara. These valleys have their own micro-climates and terroir which give a unique personality to the vineyards, grapes and finished wines.
Samantha Bailey brings her blending expertise and experienced palate to the fore in expressing the loveliest Boutinot wines from The Land of the Long White Cloud.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Bright and fresh with good acidity and great texture. It’s more kumquat & guava/passion fruit than light and mineral in style. It says it’s sourced from Nelson on the back label but with this opulent fruit profile, it reminds me more of Marlborough! Either way, it’s a cracking wine and not too harsh on the wallet!" May 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
A great all-rounder with fresh fish, cold cuts and salads.
|
Origin | Marlborough |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2022 Adobe Reserva Merlot Organic
Regular price £10.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Juicy, organic Merlot with fruit and freshness in abundance.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Bright ruby-red colour
Nose
Plum and red cherry aromas and subtle black pepper notes.
Palate
The palate is juicy with ample fruit character. Supported by gently wooded influence giving good structure and rounded tannins. It has a soft palate and a fruity finish.
Production
Rapel Valley is located on the 6th Region, 160 kms south to Santiago. This zone has good drainage, excellent fertility and great characteristics for agriculture, especially for red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. This valley has a Mediterranean climate, it has coastal influence because it limits with the Cordillera de la Costa, which is low. There’s a great concentration of rain during winter (710 mm average) and in summer this valley receives southern winds with morning mist. Summers are very hot and have big temperature fluctuation. The grapes were manually harvested in mid April. Vinification begins with a prefermentation cold soak at 8°C for a week in order to extract the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation takes place between 25°C and 28°C with a pumpover program determined by daily tasting. Malolactic fermentation takes place naturally in stainless steel tanks and 20% of the wine was aged in barrels for 6 months; after this the wine blended in order to obtain 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.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with lean red meats and white meats such as chicken and turkey. Also pairs well with ripe cheeses such as Camembert, Roquefort, Mozzarella, and Gruyere, with goat cheese, and with nuts, walnuts, and dried figs. A pleasing companion to vegetable stews and pastas with mild sauces. |
Origin | Rapel Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle del Rapel, Chile |
2019 Domaine de Grange Neuve Monbazillac (500ml)
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Utterly luscious - fine, balanced and exceptional value
Tasting Notes
A fabulous dessert wine, sweet and luscious with a great backbone of fine acidity for a clean finish. The nose is fresh with classic botrytis marmalade and ripe nectarine. Flavours on the palate are richer: honey with a finishing twist of bitter orange.
Production
Vineyards are based in the heart of Perigord, near Bergerac along the valley of the Dordogne river. Here, on the river slopes, there is a particular micro-climate which favours the development of the botrytis necessary to make this style of sweet wine. Vines average 25 years of age. Grapes are hand harvested at a very late stage of maturity, in three successive 'triage', to ensure that only the most mature grapes are picked. Grapes are harvested in October and November. Grapes are gently put into a pneumatic press and the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine is matured for 24 months.
Producer
Located in Pomport near Bergerac, in the heart of Périgord, Domaine de Grange Neuve belongs to the Pichon and Castaing families, and it has grown from being a small farm with just 4 hectares of vines in 1898 to a vineyard of 70 hectares today. Dedicated to making wine that respects tradition while not neglecting technological advances, both in the cultivation of vines and in winemaking techniques, today the property is still run by three generations of the same family. The vineyard consists of approximately 26 hectares of red grape vines (Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon), and 44 hectares of white (Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc), the average age of which is 25 years.
Sustainability
Domaine de Grange Neuve is constantly working to implement practices that preserve the environment and have a positive impact on climate change, and sustainable development is one of their major concerns. The estate has been certified HVE Level 3 since 2012, regarding this course of action to be wider reaching and of greater impact than “mere” organic practices as it evaluates their impact upon a broader range of environmental issues.
Grange Neuve goes much further than required by the HVE certification, having its own biological water treatment facility, a machinery hangar with a roof covered in solar panels to generate its own clean electricity and a comprehensive waste management strategy - it is a member of the Adelphe programme, it uses eco-packaging and recycles as much of its waste packaging as possible, it uses a minimum amount of consumables, and it uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | 80% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.25units |
Type | Dessert Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
Food Matches | The French would serve this as an apéritif but it is also good with paté or blue cheeses such as Roquefort. |
Origin | South West France |
Appellation | Monbazillac AOC |
2021 Castel del Lupo Pinot Nero ‘Della Quercia’ Organic
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This spectacular Pinot captures all the vigour and character of the small plot of organically-grown 15 year old vines in the La Quercia vineyard where it is sourced. A correct and pure Pinot Noir with real soul and expression.
Nose
Pronounced, warm, ripe, black-fruited, spicy and complex aromas.
Palate
Lively acidity offsets the ripe wild plum and bramble fruit and the palate combines concentration, delicacy and structure.
Production
The Pinot Noir vines are organically-grown in a combination of chalk, clay and silt soils on the rolling hills of Oltrepo Pavese. They are Guyot-trained at approximately 250m altitude, south / south-east facing. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo careful selection. The grapes are macerated on skins for 8-10 days, then undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is bottled in spring.
Producer
Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high-quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.
A Note on Sustainability
A proportion of the cantina’s vineyards are in conversion from sustainable to organic cultivation and will be certified as organic from 2020.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Nero |
Country | Italy |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
|
Food Matches | A great match with rich pasta dishes and middle aged cheeses. |
Origin | Lombardia, Italy |
Appellation | DOP Pinot Nero Dell'ltrepò Pavese |
2020 Elicio Vermentino
Regular price £11.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A brilliant all-occasion wine & one of the purest expressions of Vermentino you’ll find
Tasting Notes
Colour
A strikingly clear pale-yellow colour
Nose
An intense nose of wild citrus and pineapple
Palate
A very refreshing wine with a pleasant acidity. A very crisp, light and flavourful white wine.
The Varietal
Vermentino is a grape primarily found in Italy, which makes this particular bottle of Vermentino from France something worthwhile. Elicio Vermentino comes from the Mediterranean IGP wine region, which consists of land on the southeast coast of France and encompasses parts of the famed Provence and Rhone Valley winemaking regions. An IGP is one of three ways a winemaking region can be named in France that indicates quality and can be found on the label of any wine coming from France.
This is the kind of wine that can accompany you while thinking, reading, writing, or late night working. It’s easy-drinking, doesn't need food, and is relatively low in alcohol.
Specifications.
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Vermentino |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Pairings |
It performs especially well with raw shellfish, Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, pungent Southeast Asian dishes, and shell beans.
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Mediterranean IGP |
2021 Los Cardos Doña Paula Private Collection Malbec
Regular price £11.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Los Cardos means "The Thistles" in Spanish. Their presence indicates an unmistakable sign of good terroir. Also 100% Vegan Approved.
Tasting Notes
Deep violet red color. Spicy and rich with juicy black fruit and a long jammy finish.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested from mid to late March. In the winery, they are first destemmed and softly crushed. A cold pre-fermentative maceration takes place to preserve the primary aromas. Then, the must is cooled and traditional fermentation starts. Post-fermentation maceration lasts between 10 and 15 days. Malolactic fermentation is carried out after maceration.
The Estate
El Alto Vineyard is located in Ugarteche, in the southern part of Luján de Cuyo, at 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) above sea level. The soils range from sandy loam to clay loam, with variable content of stone. The climate typically presents warm days and cool nights, with an average temperature variation of 14 °C (57.2 °F) and an average annual rainfall of 250 mm (9.8 in). The vines yield 12 tons per hectare, and they are grown in espaliers, using drip irrigation. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.
Accolades
- Bronze Medal Winner - International Wine Challenge 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Aged | Oak aged |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, Sustainable practises |
Food Matches | Enjoy alone or pair with red meat, empanadas or pasta. Serve 14-16C |
Appellation | Mendoza |
2019 Fontessa Prosecco Rosé
Regular price £10.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The inaugural Prosecco Rosé - Fontessa has an appealing balance of delicate berry fruit, bright acidity and a refreshing mousse.
Tasting Notes
A fresh and delicately fruity Prosecco Rosé with red berry and floral aromas. Lively on the palate with ripe strawberry and raspberry notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Production
From selected parcels of Glera grapes grown northeast of Treviso, and with the addition on 10% Pinot Noir, also from the DOC region, to give colour and flavour. Hand-harvested at optimum ripeness to give the required balance between aromatics and good acidity. Gentle pneumatic pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Second fermentation takes place in pressure tanks, where the wine spends 2 months on lees.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Glera 10% Pinot Noir |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | Fizz |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Serve chilled - with appetisers, or perfect on its own too. |
Origin | Veneto, Italy |
Appellation | DOC Veneto |
2020 La Vis Gewürtztraminer Trentino DOC
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
A wine of a full and well-structured bouquet, this Gewürztraminer has a deep golden colour and spicy floral scents of cloves and nutmeg. In the mouth, its full and consistent body envelops the whole palate.
Grape
Gewürztraminer is an aromatic grape variety of Alsatian origin, cultivated for many years in small areas of the Pressano hills, where the clay-rich soils are well suited to its nutritional needs.
Vinification
Manual harvesting in late September, soft pressing in an inert environment, static decantation of the must, fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, ageing on the lees for around 5/6 months before bottling
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gewürztraminer |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matches | Fish appetizers, grilled white meat but also good with a light shellfish tempura. |
Cellaring Potential | 2-3 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Trentino |