One of the most prolific winemaking families in Burgundy - Maison Louis Jadot doesn't often miss. This outstanding Volnay is no acception. Premier cru status for a reason.
One of our customer and staff favourites! The 2023 vintage has been well-received for its vibrant and refreshing character, typical of a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Summer 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 bottles
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, Chile 12% x2 bottles
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 bottles
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.
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 12% x2 bottles
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, Chile 13% x2 bottles
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, Italy 12.5% x2 bottles
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, France 13% x2 bottles
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, South Africa 14% x2 bottles
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, Argentina 14.5% x2 bottles
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.
Marqués de Murrieta
An evening of fine wine, Rioja heritage and exceptional vintages, with Gianluca Petruzzi
Wednesday 21st October, 7pm–9pm Tickets £40 per person
**THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT**
Join us at Tannin & Oak on Wednesday 21st October for a special masterclass and wine tasting hosted by Gianluca Petruzzi, Global Export Manager at Marqués de Murrieta.
Gianluca will guide us through five wines, sharing the stories behind the bottles and offering an insight into one of Rioja’s most celebrated estates. From Pazo Barrantes Albariño to Castillo Ygay, we’ll explore the range, character and ageing potential of these remarkable wines, with cheese to share alongside the tasting
Wednesday 21st October, 7–9pmTickets £40 per person (includes five wines and cheese to share)
The wines
White
Pazo Barrantes Albariño Gran Vino 2022
Red
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2022Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2021Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva Tinto 2016Castillo Ygay 2011
We’ll compare two Reserva vintages – 2022 and 2021 – exploring the influence of each vintage and how the wines develop with time, before moving on to the 2016 Gran Reserva and finishing with Castillo Ygay 2011.
A pioneering Rioja estate
Founded in 1852, Marqués de Murrieta helped shape modern Rioja winemaking. Drawing on his experience in France, founder Luciano de Murrieta brought new techniques to the region, with a focus on estate-grown grapes and wines built to develop complexity over time.
That pioneering spirit continues today, combining a deep respect for the estate’s heritage with an enduring ambition to produce exceptional wines.
Whether you’re already a Rioja enthusiast or keen to discover more, join us for an evening of fine wine and conversation, with an expert host to bring each bottle to life.
Find out more about Marqués de Murrieta at marquesdemurrieta.com
Book tickets here online, or call the store on 020 3795 4550.
For more information, call Avie on 07831 637 298.
**SOLD OUT**
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 2024, Portugal 11%
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 2024, Australia 12.5%
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 2024, Italy 12.5%
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 2024, Chile 13%
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 2024, South Africa 12.5%
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%
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.
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 2024, Chile 14%
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 2023, Portugal 13%
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 2024, France 13%
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 2024, Argentina 14.5%
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 2024, France 14%
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 2023, South Africa 14%
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.
