Festive Fizz We’ve assembled all you need to add a sparkle to your festive fun – a pair of quality organic Chilean sparkling wines and a top-notch grower Champagne. And everything twice to double up the fun. 1. Amulana Organic Sparkling NV, Chile 12% x2 From Santa Emiliana, South America’s largest organic wine producer, comes a real belter of a sparkling wine made in exactly the same way as Champagne (secondary fermentation in the bottle), and even using the classic Champagne grape varieties on Chardonnay (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%). Their organic vineyards are in the cool climate Casablanca Valley, near to the Pacific Ocean which ensures long maturation of fruit and concentrated yields. “Amaluna” means “Mother Moon”, inspired by the vineyards' organic credentials and link to nature. This is a highly approachable wine with lifted floral aromas with hints of pineapple and apricot, all underpinned by a refreshing acidity and familiar toasty/biscuity notes from the lees contact. The fine bead or bubbles make it easy to drink. 2. Amaluna Organic Sparkling Rosé 2020, Chile 12% x2 The same producer as above, but this time a light pressing of the red grapes gives a beautiful rosé colour and a point of difference to your celebrations. The grape mix is Pinot Noir (68%), and Chardonnay (32%), with the same secondary fermentation in the bottle as the white version. It’s a pale rosé with a fine bead, with lovely aromatics including some lifted red fruit flavours, but fear not, this is a grown-up traditional method sparkling with a refreshing acidity and clean finish. 3. Champagne Gremillet Séléction Brut NV, France 12% x2 When you need to bring out the big guns and only Champagne will do, we’ve got you covered with this sophisticated grower Champagne that punches above its weight. A family-owned and run producer in the southern part of Champagne producing stunning quality Champagnes across their entire range. A relative newcomer on the scene having only been established in 1979, they have come a long way with dozens of top awards and medals every year (beating many Grandes Marques) and the Champagne of choice in over 60 French Embassies around the world. The Sélection Brut is a harmonious blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and fresh floral aromas combined with sweet brioche overtones, balanced by peach skin and baked fruit flavours with a crisp finish. Ideal for celebrations or as an elegant aperitif.

Read more less

Festive Entertaining Let’s get this party started! We’ve hand-picked some crowd-pleasers that will suit both your budget and your wine credibility. Forget random supermarket selections, let us deliver you what you need for the winter festive season and beyond. There are 2 bottles of each of the following: 1. Amulana Organic Sparkling NV, Chile 75cl x2 Made the same way as Champagne and using the same grape varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), this Chilean Organic winery is making a fantastic alternative. The talented winemakers of Santa Emiliana have made a delightful sparkler with lifted fruit character and hints of pineapple and apricot, underpinned by a biscuity palate and underlying acidity. 2. Adobe Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2022, Chile 75cl x2 Organic, 91-point (James Suckling) Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned cooler climate Casablanca Valley. The complex nose presents citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime with a subtle touch of freshly crushed bay leaf and white pepper. The smooth palate bursts with citrus freshness balanced by good volume and persistence. 3. Cavit Terraze della Luna Pinot Grigio 2022, Italy 75cl x2 Fear not, with over 35 years of buying Italian wines, we know how to pick out a good Pinot Grigio, and this one has a twist! This wine doesn’t only have a gold medal, but 15% Chardonnay in the blend. Stone fruit, apple and floral nose. The palate shows delicate yet complex floral notes, a rounded mineral character and an attractive green apple leading to fresh lemon acidity on the finish. 4. “Les Volets” Pinot Noir 2022, France 75cl x2 It’s not easy finding good-value Pinot Noir, but we’re proud to stock this one. Like a halfway point between Burgundy and New World styles, it offers a bright ruby red colour, with upfront aromas of freshly picked raspberries and an underlying savoury leesiness. Fleshy red fruits continue to the palate and are joined by fine tannins and juicy acidity - proper Pinot Noir! 5. False Bay “Old School” Syrah 2022, South Africa 75cl x2 One of the best value wines we’ve tasted all year! Made by the talented makers from the top-rated Waterkloof Estate, it seriously rivals a Syrah from the Northern Rhône. Full yet elegant with bramble fruits, lifted berry fruit and some earth and meaty aromas. The palate is structured and well-balanced with fresh red fruit characters, gently spicy notes, fine tannins and a refreshing natural acidity. 6. Tesoro de los Andes Malbec Bonarda 2022, Argentina 75cl x2 Bounding with energy, we love the overt fruit and attractive spiciness of this wine. The nose offers an appealing, mixed spice, bramble fruit followed by dark, damson and savoury overtones on the palate. The finish is smooth, rounded and nicely balanced.

Read more less

12 Wines of Christmas Christmas, a time for indulgence and joy, is upon us. At Tannin and Oak, we understand that the right wine can transform a meal into a memory, and a gathering into a celebration. That's why we've meticulously assembled the "12 Wines of Christmas Case" – a collection designed to enchant and delight you during this festive season. Whether it's a family feast, a quiet evening by the fire, or anything in between, these 12 bottles are here to make each moment one of pleasure. 1. Amulana Organic Sparkling NV, Chile 75cl Top New World fizz made from organic grapes from the cool climate Casablanca Valley in Chile by award-winning winery Santa Emiliana using the same method as Champagne (secondary fermentation in the bottle), this blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir offers a great value alternative to its distant family cousin for social drinks or for making Buck’s Fizz. Great lifted fruit character with hints of pineapple and apricot, underpinned by a biscuity palate and underlying acidity. 2. Champagne Gremillet Sélection Brut NV, France 75cl A family-owned and run producer in the southern part of Champagne producing stunning quality Champagnes across their entire range. A relative newcomer on the scene having only been established in 1979, they have come a long way with dozens of top awards and medals every year (beating many Grandes Marques) and served in over 60 French Embassies around the world. The Sélection Brut is a harmonious blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and fresh floral aromas combined with sweet brioche overtones, balanced by peach skin and baked fruit flavours with a crisp finish. Ideal for celebrations or as an elegant aperitif. 3. Domaine Bardin Sancerre 2022, France 75cl It’s our best-selling Sancerre for a reason! This small family producer is a beacon of quality and tradition, as well as exceptional terroir. They produce stunning and approachable wine found in many fine-dining fish and seafood restaurants in the UK – perfect for your smoked salmon starter, goat’s cheese or to enjoy on its own. Typical green grass and gooseberry aromas, with a “gun-flint” minerality running through. A wine with verve, finesse and vigour that won’t disappoint. 4. Cave de Turkheim Riesling Grand Cru Brand 2018, France 75cl In Alsace, Riesling ranks amongst the best in the world. Grand Cru designation is only designated to less than 5% of Alsace's vineyards and this wine from the “Brand” terroir is something special, and a worthy inclusion to your festive wine collection. Classic Riesling - dry with elegant pear, floral and citrus fruit on the nose underpinned by toasty aromas and a wet-gravel minerality. The palate is broader with rich fruits, a beautiful play of dry and sweet, with a smoky element with an underlying luscious acidity. A versatile wine which will pair well with baked ham, turkey, Camembert or even Sushi if you’re feeling like a change! 5. Domaine de Pouilly Pouilly Fuissé ”Au Clos” 2019, France 75cl Pouilly Fuissé is a highly respected Appellation in the Macon area of southern Burgundy. Known for great value compared to the big guns of Puligny Montrachet, Meursault et al in the Cote d’Or, this example from a small producer using their old vines from their 3 best plots, plus fermentation and maturation in oak barrels, punches well above its weight and is perfect for your festive table. From its golden colour to the honeyed, almond, and citrus notes along with the integrated oak aromas, you know you’re in for a treat with this wine. The palate is rich and sophisticated, well-rounded with a structure that is persistent but allows the fruit flavours to further develop whilst retaining a freshness from the pleasing balancing acidity. A world-class Chardonnay. 6. Hahn SLH Pinot Noir 2019, USA 75cl It wouldn’t be Christmas without a decent Pinot Noir! But rather than go with Burgundy, we thought we’d select a top-end estate grown from a leading Napa producer, Hahn. They were pioneers back the 1960’s and are still a leading force today. This wine comes from some of their top plots in Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County and benefits from oak ageing in small French oak barrels for up to 11 months. Aromas of bright red cherry and strawberry with hints of earth, spices and toasty oak. An explosion of red fruit including strawberry, cherry and raspberry welcomes the palate, finishing with refined tannins and a soft mouthfeel. 7. Domaine La Soumade Rasteau 2021, France 75cl Rasteau is situated not too far from Chateauneuf du Pape and shares similar soil structures, although André Roméro makes gloriously intense fruit-driven Grenache dominant wines that stand out all by themselves. Minimal intervention in the vineyard, hand-harvested grapes with further selection at the winery and careful maturation in a variety of oak barrels add to the magic. This is a winter warmer extraordinaire - perfumed aromas of sweet red and brambly fruits leading onto a full, rich, silky palate with hints of methanol and a nice spicy kick. There is a lovely freshness to the wine, it is well-balanced and the length is persistent. 8. Bodega Bressia Malbec Monteagreol 2020, Argentina 75cl New to our portfolio but already a firm customer favourite. Sourced from a boutique winery owned and run by Walter Bressia and his son, situated over 3000 ft above sea level they hand harvest their 25-year-old vines. 80% of the final blend was aged in French and American oak barrels for 12 months, with no filtration or fining. Pure and powerful, yet elegant and aromatic, this is a deeply compelling Malbec. It exhibits beautiful bright violet aromas, ripe black fruits and hints of cappuccino. Plum and cherry fruit aromas combine with leather and spice notes and hints of violets. The rich plum, cherry, sweet spice, liquorice and violet aromas on the nose are reflected on the palate, along with layers of mineral, fruit and savoury notes, with balanced acidity to deliver a long finish. Very moreish! 9. Tour de Bouscassé Madiran 2021, France 75cl We’ve been fans of Alain Brumont, the Godfather of the Tannat grape variety, and his flagship Château Montus and Château Bouscassé Madiran wines for many years. This new kid on the block is deliberately vinified in a more approachable style with softer tannins, however, it still very much retains the DNA of the estate. It will perfectly accompany a winter casserole, and, consumed together, it’s like a group hug. 60% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied and deeply concentrated, packed with black fruits, cassis, cloves, cedar and savoury notes. The finish just keeps going. 10. Château La Tour de By Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2014, France 75cl The eternal problem with claret is when to drink it. This property has always over-delivered, and we reckon that this 2014 vintage is primed and ready for action. Located north of St Estèphe, and neighbouring Ch. La Lagune, Château Tour de By is a family-owned estate of 94 hectares with vines averaging over 45 years. 60% Cabernet, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot fermented in oak vats the barrel aged for 12 months. Beautiful dark ruby in colour, with an elegant nose. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry. Dense and concentrated in the mouth, with a great finish. The tannins, although still providing some structure, have mellowed nicely. 11. Braida Braichetto d’Acqui 2021, Italy 75cl So, this wine claims to be the ultimate accompaniment to chocolate. Who dares, wins? And we reckon to Christmas pudding too! Produced by a delightful and highly respected family producer of Barbera d’Asti, we chose this as it’s so refreshing and deservedly different to a traditional dessert wine. We’ll let Dr Jamie Goode, Wine Scientist and writer sum up: “This one is pure fun. It’s a sweet red wine with bubbles, offering juicy cherry fruit, with some strawberry richness and a nice bite on the finish. Weighing in at only 5.5% alcohol, this is all about the lovely, sweet fruit.” 12. Krohn Late Bottle Vintage Port 2017, Portugal 75cl Slippers, a cardigan and an open fire are not required! This small port house might be steeped in history, but it has a youthful and quality-driven approach to its wines. Traditional A-grade Port grapes are sourced from Krohn's Quinta do Retiro Novo estate, and from long-standing relationships with neighbouring growers. After fermentation, the wine is aged in barrel for 4-6 years before bottling. Neither fined nor filtered and may throw a sediment. We recommend decanting before serving. Deep ruby colour with spicy black fruit aromas. The palate has vibrant plum and blackberry characters layered with more spice, fresh acidity and firm tannins. A full and rich style with impressive length.

Read more less

Monday 11th December, 7pm - 9pm Waterkloof, one of the most stunning wineries in South Africa, are presenting 6 of their top award winning wines, just in time for you to stock up for Christmas. Not one less than 94 points! Founded by wine entrepreneur Paul Boutinot 20 years ago, Waterkloof embodies the very best natural and biodynamic techniques with minimal intervention learnt from making and purchasing wine from around the world for over 40 years. We recently met up with Paul again at a trade tasting, and were blown away by the latest releases from the estate. His son, Louis Boutinot, International Brand Ambassador and passionate advocate of everything Waterkloof, is looking forward to sharing fruits of the family’s vision, endeavour and future legacy. Find out more about Waterkloof at waterkloofwines.co.za. The tasting will be accompanied by our usual artisan cheeses. Plus introducing some vegan cheese from local Celebrity Plant-Based Chef Bettina Campolucci Bordi. Check them out at www.bettinaskitchen.com or follow on Insta @bettinas_kitchen. Call 07831637298 to find out more.  

Read more less

In all our years in the wine trade, it’s never been more difficult to find good value at everyday prices. Notwithstanding rising global production and transport costs, on an £8 bottle of wine more than 50% is tax alone. But fear not, we’ve been busy these past 3 months and have tasted over 1000 wines to save you from taking a gamble each time you see a wine on offer on the supermarket shelves! So, let’s introduce you to our first collection of sub £10 wines. Each and every one of them we’d be more than happy to drink ourselves and share with friends. Wines with soul by talented award-winning winemakers, that over-deliver at the price, and are true to their grape varieties and region of production. 1. Vila Nova Vinho Verde 2022, Portugal 11% 75cl Bright and zesty with floral, citrus, and gentle tropical aromas lead to a deliciously off-dry palate with flavours of ripe melon and sherbet lemon acidity. The finish is refreshing with a classic spritz but also a welcome creaminess. The Vinho Verde vineyards in northern Portugal are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean winds and influence. Soils, microclimate, grape varieties (this wine is 50% Loureiro, 35% Arinto, 15% Avesso) and the unique characteristics of the wine culture, distinguish it from all other wine regions of the world. Enjoy as an apéritif or serve with salads, sushi and grilled fish. 2. Soldier’s Block Chardonnay 2022, Australia 12.5% 75cl This vibrant Chardonnay exhibits lifted fruit character, bright tangerine fleshiness, textural mouthfeel, a bright palate, and a long and foodie finish. The small element of oak ageing in part of the blend adds palate weight and texture without detracting from the primary fruit flavours. The vineyards are predominantly in the Victoria region. The grapes are harvested in the early dawn hours when it’s still relatively cool and best for retaining the bright fruit flavours. 15% of the blend comes from the cooler sea-breeze-influenced premium Langhorne Creek area. This wine can be enjoyed on its own or will go well with full-flavoured fish or chicken in a light creamy sauce. 3. Terrazze della Luna Trentino Pinot Grigio 2022, Italy 12.5% 75cl Stone fruit, apple and floral nose. The palate shows delicate yet complex floral notes, a rounded mineral character and an attractive green apple leading to fresh lemon acidity on the finish. Gold medal at the Drinks Business Global Pinot Grigio Masters. The name of this wine refers to “terraces of the moon”, the selected hillside vineyards of the Vall dell’Adige in Trentino in Northern Italy where the grapes of this delicious Pinot Grigio are sourced. This wine has more richness and roundness than many Pinot Grigios we have tasted, partly thanks to the 15% Chardonnay within the blend. 4. Adobe Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Chile 13% 75cl The complex nose presents citrusy notes of grapefruit and lime with a subtle touch of freshly crushed bay leaf and white pepper. The smooth palate bursts with citrus freshness balanced by good volume and persistence. Awarded 91 points by James Suckling MW in his Chile Annual Report. Sourced from Organic grapes from Emiliana’s Casablanca Valley vineyard, a cooler climate area renowned for allowing the fruit to ripen more slowly, resulting in grapes with a tremendous concentration of aromas and flavours. Ideal with shellfish and lighter fish prepared with lemon, such as ceviche. Also goes well with sushi and pastas with seafood sauces. 5. Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier 2023, South Africa 12.5% 75cl Vibrant and aromatic with subtle perfumed aromas, white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose. On the palate, it has tight, white, fleshy, stone fruit and fresh citrus flavours balanced by bright and lively acidity. A crisp, incisive finish with a touch of minerality helps deliver a delicious, flavoursome, and characterful wine. Named after the “Percheron” shire horses that are now making a comeback as part of vineyard management in South Africa, once found everywhere in France. This wine is made of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. Grapes are grown on 30+ year-old trellised Chenin and 15-year-old Viognier in the Coastal region, mainly from Swartland vineyards. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoons and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. Part of the Chenin Blanc is wild yeast fermented and kept on the yeast lees for as long as possible in order to achieve a rounded palate with good fruit concentration. Goes well with grilled prawns with plenty of chilli and garlic, whole lemon sole fried in butter and other delicate freshwater fish dishes. 6. Domaine Mas Bahourat “La Petite Parcelle” de Viognier, France 13.5% 75cl Viognier of intense power, character and zest; soft apricots, and honeydew melon with notes of chamomile tea are followed by a rich palate and long perfumed finish. Tasted blind this wine is reminiscent of its significantly more expensive Northern Rhône cousins. This tiny plot of Old Vines Viognier, less than a hectare in size and surrounded by apricot trees, is situated in the Vin du Pays du Gard region, nestled between the Southern Rhône and the Languedoc. The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness to ensure rich and concentrated flavours. The must is cooled prior to vinification to maintain maximum fruit concentration, and no oak is used. Bottled in dark glass to protect the fresh aromatic characters. A delicious apéritif, especially if served with almonds, or try with butternut squash risotto or roast pork with sage.

Read more less

In all our years in the wine trade, it’s never been more difficult to find good value at everyday prices. Notwithstanding rising global production and transport costs, on an £8 bottle of wine more than 50% is tax alone. But fear not, we’ve been busy these past 3 months and have tasted over 1000 wines to save you from taking a gamble each time you see a wine on offer on the supermarket shelves! So, let’s introduce you to our first collection of sub £10 wines. Each and every one of them we’d be more than happy to drink ourselves and share with friends. Wines with soul by talented award-winning winemakers, that over-deliver at the price, and are true to their grape varieties and region of production. 1. Tierra Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Chile 14% 75cl Bursting with red and blackcurrant fruits, this is a really soft and pure Cabernet with gentle tannins and a hint of green pepper on the finish. Cool herby flavours mingle with red fruits and a nice touch of acidity. Easy drinking and uncomplicated. Working in partnership with small growers in the Central Valleys, this wine maintains the ethos of freshness and purity that is sought by flying winemaker Guillaume Letang. A relatively cool short fermentation to preserve fruit aroma with maceration on the skins for only a few days to extract nice colour and minimum tannins. Match with herby meat dishes, sausages or stuffed baked red peppers. 2. Aliança DOC Bairrada Reserva 2021, Portugal 13% 75cl Attractive mixed berry aromas with spice notes. Vibrant plum and black cherry on the palate with liquorice hints, elegant tannins, and finely poised acidity. A medium-bodied, vibrant and wonderfully drinkable glass of red. The grapes are vinified without being totally destemmed and macerated for 5 days in cold temperatures. This wine is all about finesse and approachability. Produced from a blend of traditional local grapes (70% Baga, 20% Tinto Roriz, 10& Touriga Nacional), Portugal never ceases to amaze us with its diversity. Matches well with Charcuterie platters and lamb dishes. 3. Les Volets Pinot Noir IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude 2022, France 13% 75cl Bright ruby red, with upfront aromas of freshly picked raspberries and an underlying savoury leesiness. Fleshy red fruits continue to the palate and are joined by fine tannins and juicy acidity - the foundations of a serious Pinot Noir. About as South of France as you can get, these vineyards are located at the foothills of the Pyrenees and benefit from both the warm Mediterranean climate tempered by the higher altitude and cooler nights. These slower growing conditions suit Pinot Noir well and, made well, wines from this region can bridge the gap between a more traditional Burgundian style and fruit-driven New World style. Enjoyable on its own or try it with a herby sausage casserole or hard cheeses. Best served cooler than room temperature to allow the fruit its full expression. 4. Tesoro de los Andes Malbec Bonarda 2022, Argentina 14.5% 75cl The nose offers an appealing, mixed spice, bramble fruit followed by dark, damson and savoury overtones on the palate. The finish is smooth, rounded and nicely balanced. This is a bold wine and an immediate crowd-pleaser. Tasting dozens of inexpensive Malbecs is an arduous task and we were despairing until this beauty suddenly wowed us with its overt fruit, attractive spiciness, and smooth finish. Argentina is well known for Malbec, but the addition of the lesser-known (originally Italian) variety of Bonarda is very welcome. Grapes were sourced from the Mendoza region, where the warm days and long cool nights provide optimum growing conditions. This wine was vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and no oak was used. Drinks well on its own and loves any kind of red meat, especially if done on the BBQ. 5. Domaine Mas Bahourat Merlot IGP Gard 2022, France 14% 75cl Deliciously ripe fruit with flavours of prunes with a touch of bergamot. The tannins are supple and the finish is fresh - a characterful wine with a sense of place. Approachable and serious all in one bottle. Merlot can often be a bit over-simple, but this has a lot of complexity and some savoury characteristics which makes it adaptable for matching with food as well as drinking on its own. This vineyard is situated on a plateau near Nîmes in the Southern Rhône. The heat of the day is tempered by coastal sea breezes that add a lot of freshness to the wine. Micro-oxygenation was adopted during vinification to ensure minimum intervention and as a result, the tannins are finely textured. Great on its own but goes well with a variety of meat dishes. 6. False Bay “Old School” Syrah 2022, South Africa 14% 75cl Full yet elegant with bramble fruits, lifted berry fruit and some earth and meaty aromas. The palate is structured and well-balanced with fresh red fruit characters, gently spicy notes, fine tannins and a refreshing natural acidity. It punches well above its weight! In the days of a lot of “technical” winemaking, it’s great to see an inexpensive wine have so much care and attention bestowed upon it. Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes, fermented spontaneously with wild yeast (including a portion whole bunch) and then raised in large wooden casks (or foudres). This wine is more than a nod to the Northern Rhône and tasted blind we rated this wine significantly more expensive than the price we’re offering it at. Enjoy!!! Suits spicy dishes, red meats, and rich Mediterranean dishes.

Read more less

Our inaugural curated case for our new website! We’ve been open since 2016, and there are some wines that our customers just keep coming back to time and time again, so we thought they’d make the perfect mixed case to kick things off! 1. Vidal Sauvignon Blanc 2022, New Zealand 12% 75cl Intense aromas of passionfruit and fresh herbs lead into a palate of vibrant, tropical fruit flavours. A distinctive and classical Marlborough style, quite direct and forward. Fruit for this wine was grown in the Awatere and Wairau Valleys where typical warm days and cool nights provide classic flavours, intensity, and definition. Vineyard selection for this wine was based on each site's potential to produce wines that show tropical fruit flavours and generosity – it’s got more about it than so many we’ve tasted at this level! The overt fruit flavours of this wine make it a great apéritif but also goes well with tomato-based dishes such as ratatouille or even a Rogan Josh curry. 2. Pouilly Fumé 2022 AOP Domaine Barillot, France 13% 75cl Aromas of citrus fruits (hints of lemon and grapefruit) with developing floral notes of acacia and lily. The refined palate shows freshness and gives a real sense of place. The fruit is gentle but ever-present, and the flinty mineral character so typical of this region gives a definition to this wine, whilst a delightful roundness develops on the finish. Pouilly Fumé and its neighbour Sancerre in Central France are the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc, and their wines are revered around the world. This wine can be enjoyed on its own but also goes well with seafood, grilled fish, and roasted asparagus. Pouilly Fumé is also the perfect match for the local goat’s cheese, considered the best revered in France. 3. Pouilly Fuissé “Au Clos” 2019 AOP Domaine de Pouilly, France 13.5% 75cl From its golden colour to the honeyed, almond, and citrus notes along with the integrated oak aromas, you know you’re in for a treat with this wine. The palate is rich and sophisticated, well-rounded with a structure that is persistent but allows the fruit flavours to further develop whilst retaining a freshness from the pleasing balancing acidity. A world-class Chardonnay. Pouilly Fuissé is a highly respected Appellation in the Macon area of southern Burgundy. Known for great value compared to the big guns of Puligny Montrachet, Meursault et al in the Cote d’Or, this example from old vines and maturation for 9 months in oak barriques punches well above its weight. Feeling hedonistic? Yes, you can enjoy it on its own, as many of our wine bar customers indeed do, but with food, it’s very versatile. Anything in a buttery or creamy sauce, be it fish, white meat, or vegetables. Mushroom risotto. Seared scallops. Roast chicken. Crumbly cheeses. You get the picture! 4. Hahn Pinot Noir 2021, USA 14.5% 75cl Aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and strawberry are joined by subtle touches of vanilla and toasty oak. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, a soft round mouthfeel, excellent acid balance and notes of earthiness on a long, lingering finish. Some wines do exactly what they say on the label, and this is no exception. What the label doesn’t tell you is that this winery, founded in 1980 and still family-owned and run, has been a pioneer in developing Monterey County as a region for growing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There’s more to Monterey than cheese, Clint Eastwood and abundant seafood. Enjoy on its own or goes well with charcuterie, herb road chicken and hard cheeses. 5. Trustello Primativo 2021 IGT Puglia, Italy 14.5% 75cl Deep red colour with fresh varietal aromas such as blackberry and cherry, which develop and become more complex over time. The palate is well balanced between the soft tannins and gentle acidity. Organically grown Primativo (similar grape to Zinfandel but a bit more savoury) from the sun-kissed Puglia region (the heel) of Italy. This bombshell of a wine is sometimes referred to as a “mini Amarone” and the comparisons don’t end there. First passage harvest is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, then a second harvest is done 10 days later with a traditional vinification, only for the resulting pomace (pulpy residue after crushing) to be used for a secondary fermentation of the first harvest before blending. A lot of work has gone into this wine – enjoy with Charcuterie, Roast lamb and anything with lentils or bacon. 6. Rasteau AOP 2021, Domaine la Soumade, France 15% 75cl Dominated by Grenache (with some Syrah and Mourvèdre), this is a wonderfully ripe, fresh, juicy and succulent wine with black and red fruits. There are ripe and silky tannins on the finish with a hint of spice plus some freshness which adds balance. Rasteau became a “Cru” in 2010, which puts it on the same level as well-known local heavyweights Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas. André Roméro, owner and winemaker, is described by American critic Robert Parker as the superstar of the region and that’s not easy praise to get. Close your eyes and you can imagine yourself in the garrigue of northern Provence whilst you’re back home enjoying a very British Sunday roast. Or any other kind of food, you’ll find an excuse!

Read more less