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Alsace and Loire
Lying on the Eastern and Western fringes of France respectively, the beautiful wine growing regions of the Alsace and Loire produce very different styles of wine.
The Germanic influence in Alsace is undeniable. Having see-sawed from French and German control over the years it is also unsurprsing. The wines are usually highly aromatic and distinctive; the rose petal spice of Gewurztraminer, the floral, grapey nature of Muscat through to zesty Rieslings and textured, alluring Pinots Gris and Blanc. The delicious food friendly wines of Alsace may not be everyones cup of tea, but they are difficult to ignore to those looking for maximum expression.
The meandering Loire Valley also produces wines which are wonderfully food friendly. They are also mostly from single grape varieties (like Alsace). The crisply refreshing, seafood friendly wines of Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne) made on the Atlantic influenced western end of the Loire are a great introduction to the region. Further inland, as the influence of the Atlantic wanes, we see more Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc before moving into Sauvignon Blanc country in the famed vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. In between the famous villages there is plenty of value to be had in the wines of Menetou Salon, Quincy and Touraine to name a few. One thing all the wines in common is a beautiful freshness and elegance courtesy of the northerly aspect. They also have ability to be matched with the local delicacies.
Both Alsace and Loire are superb areas to look to for food friendly and characterful, terroir driven wines.
Showing 1–24 of 33 results
2012 Quarts De Chaume, Baumard, Half Bottle
Chenin Blanc
We have a soft spot for the incredible Chenin Blancs from Baumard and gems such as this truly spectacular wine highlight the quality of winemaking at this Domaine. Baumard eschew traditional trellising methods for this part of the Loire and have also flown in the face of tradition by switching excluisively to screwcaps for their range. The Quarts de Chaume vineyard enjoys a superb terroir and a unique situation producing wines of rare elegance. This remarkable wine is wonderfuly textured and manages to comine power and clarity alongside richness and precision. Complex with floral bouquets and notes of citrus and orchard fruit with impeccable acidity, this is a wine to savour.
£32.00
Add to basket2015 Sancerre Le Pente, Emile Balland, Magnum
Sauvignon Blanc
This tiny 6.5 hectare domaine in the Loire was started by Emile Balland in 1999. The Ballands have been making wines in the Loire since 1650 and his father was instrumental in achieving recognition for the young AOC Coteaux du Giennois in the 1980s.The La Pente is a first class Sancerre and the pinnacle of Emile' production. It comes from vines are grown on Emile's finest sites in teh limestone soil of Beauregard, and he only uses the first juice from the pressing is used. After a careful fermentation, the wine is matured for large barrels for 18 months to develop complexityWonderful, textured Sancerre showing restrained tropical fruits, fine minerality and a wonderful length on the finish. We are thrilled to have got our hands on a few magnums of this stunning wine.
£85.00
Out of Stock2017 Pouilly Fume ‘Les Demoiselles’, Domaine Henri Bourgeois
Sauvignon Blanc
The wines from Domaine Henri Bourgeois display the complex chalky and flinty terroir of Chavignol and are a delight once they take on a bit of bottle age. The 'Les Demoiselles' is made from select Sauvignon grapes from Saint-Laurent, the site of the first vines planted in Pouilly-Fume. 85% is fermented in stainless steel with the remainder fermented in oak from the Troncais forest. Aged on fine lees for seven months, this classy wine is losing some of it's up front,classic Sauvignon fruit and showing it's complex, woody notes with quince and pear fruit and an underlying flintiness.
£32.99
Out of Stock2018 Pinot Gris, Domaine Mader, Hunawihr
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
Mader is a tiny, high quality wine producer based in Alsace, in the village of Hunawihr. All the vineyards are grown organically without the use of any chemical treatments and has been certified by Ecocert since 2007.
£18.95
Out of Stock2020 Gamay, Domaine du Haut Bourg, Val de Loire
Gamay
This Loire valley Gamay from Domaine du Haut Bourg is a juicy, vibrant and fresh red with blackberry and blackcurrant fruit on the nose. Fresh and easy drinking, being fruity and smooth on the palate.
£11.95
Out of Stock2021 Carte d’Or, Baumard, AC Coteaux du Layon, Half Bottle
Chenin Blanc
The Carte d'Or Coteaux du Layon from Baumard has a very attractive honeyed nose, with lifted yellow fruits and more golden tropical elements such as mango, guava and pineapple. It has a particularly tropical character and a very fresh feel on the palate, with steely minerality and a zippy background acidity giving invigorating tartness to keep the wine luscious and buoyant. The rounded, approachable finish has good length.
£13.95
Add to basket2021 Gewurztraminer Vielle Vignes, Cattin
Gewurztraminer
The Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer Vielle Vignes is a powerful example of Alsatian Gewurz, showing the rich, distinctive characters of the grape. Ripe tropical fruits like Lychee and Mago mingle with exotic notes and typical spice. Terrific with asian dishes or roast pork.
£18.95
Add to basket2021 Melting Potes, Domaine Serol, Vin de France
Red Blend
The Melting Potes from Domaine Serol is a delicious blend of Gamay Noir (50%), Syrah (43%) and Grenache (7%), made with a combination of estate fruit and also some from friends of the guys at Domaine Serol. 2021 was a disastrous vintage in France so vignerons had to make the best of a bad situation by finding suitable grapes to make wine from. Certified organic, with 20 - 40% whole bunch fermentation, this is a deliciously refreshing red with a lightness of touch. Easy to drink and hugely enjoyable, Domaine Serol have managed to produce a small amount of wine which displays their winemaking skills even in a tricky year.
£21.95
Out of Stock2021 Points Cardineaux Metiss, Bott Geyl
White Blend
The Points Cardineaux Metis from Bott Geyl has typical Alsatian aromatics, a lushly textured palate and wonderful purity of fruit which is underpinned by fine minerality.
£18.95
Add to basket2021 Pouilly Fume ‘Nanogyra’, Loic Cailbourdin
Sauvignon Blanc
The Nanogyra Pouilly Fume (formerly 'Les Cornets') is a wonderful example of elegant, concentrated Sauvignon Blanc from the fossil rich Limestone vineyards of Pouilly-sur-Loire. This terrific wine has a lovely weight on the palate with complex, even slightly exotic, elderflower and hedgerow fruit. This delicious, unoaked white wine shows wonderful purity, is soft and rounded, and has a beautiful balance on the long, mineral-tinged finish.
£28.95
Add to basket2021 Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy
Sauvignon Blanc
The Sancerre Blanc from Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy is vinified slowly in small vats to ensure that the delicate aromas of Sauvignon are preserved. This is a wonderfully elegant expression of Loire Valley Sauvignon which balances fresh cut grass , citrus fruits and delicate minerality perfectly.
£21.00
Out of Stock2021 Sancerre La Pente, Emile Balland
Sauvignon Blanc
This tiny 6.5 hectare domaine in the Loire was started by Emile Balland in 1999. The Ballands have been making wines in the Loire since 1650 and his father was instrumental in achieving recognition for the young AOC Coteaux du Giennois in the 1980s.The La Pente is a first class Sancerre and the pinnacle of Emile' production. It comes from vines are grown on Emile's finest sites in the limestone soil of Beauregard, and he only uses the first juice from the pressing is used. After a careful fermentation, the wine is matured for large barrels for 18 months to develop complexityWonderful, textured Sancerre showing restrained tropical fruits, fine minerality and a wonderful length on the finish.
£42.00
Add to basket2022 Bourgueil, Domaine Des Mailloches
Cabernet Franc
Lively, ruby-red in colour, this wine has a fruity nose with prevailing aromas of red and black fruits. The palate is supple and rich. There's enough acidity and freshness to make this a good match to cooked pork dishes and white meats in general as well as roasts and a simple cheeseboard. Delicious when chilled down a few degrees below room temperature
£14.95
Add to basket2022 Chapeau Melon Blanc, Jeremie Huchet, Vin de France
White Blend
Jeremie Huchet is a fourth generation winemaker in the Loire and considered one of the rising stars in Muscadet. This cracking blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne is spritely, fresh and fruit driven. Terrific with seafood and shellfish or for simple quaffing in the garden throughout summer!
£13.95
Add to basket2022 Riesling ‘Les Elements’, Domaine Bott-Geyl
Riesling
Jean-Christophe Bott is heir to the family tradition dating back to 1795, when his ancestor, Jean-Martin Geyl tended his vines and made his wine. Jean-Christophe Bott has been responsible for Domaine Bott-Geyl since 1993 and he converted the vineyards to be organic in 2000 and then biodynamic in 2002. In the vineyards he concentrates on low yields and in the cellars he oversees the vinification in the most natural and minimalist manner to produce wines with precise varietal character.
£21.95
Add to basket2022 Sancerre Rouge ‘La Louisonne’, Emile Balland
Pinot Noir
This tiny 6.5 hectare domaine in the Loire was started by Emile Balland in 1999. The Ballands have been making wines in the Loire since 1650 and his father was instrumental in achieving recognition for the young AOC Coteaux du Giennois in the 1980s.
£26.95
Add to basket2022 Saumur Elegance, Dom. Vieux Pressoir, AC Saumur
Chenin Blanc
The history of this Domaine dates back to 1892 and they were a key player in the establishment of the Saumur AOC in the 1930's.
£20.95
Out of Stock2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Chatelain Desjacques, Vin De France
Sauvignon Blanc
The Sauvignon Blanc, Chatelain Desjacques is great value, easy drinking Sauvignon from the Loire offering plenty of varietal character, clean fresh fruit and crisp acidity on the finish. Terrific everyday white for lovers of restrained, easy going Sauvignon.
£10.95
Add to basket2022 Touraine Chenonceaux ‘La Long Bec’, Dom. des Echardieres
Sauvignon Blanc
The 'Long Bec' Touraine Chenonceaux is a delicous, soft and complex Sauvignon Blanc from a relatively new appellation in the Loire Valley. Produced by Domaine des Echardieres, this is a wonderfully aromatic Sauvignon with apricot and blackcurrant leaf on the nose and soft, exotic fruits on the palate.
£18.95
Add to basket2022 Tuffeau Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, Domaine Plou, VDF
Chardonnay
The Tuffeau Blanc de Blancs is beautifully refreshing and crisp. Gently sparkling with fine and delicate bubbles, this lovely 'all day' wine is packed with zesty green apple and citrus fruit from start to elegant finish. Perfect for whiling away a sunny afternoon or simply popping to cheer yourself up after a dull day!
£15.95
Add to basket2022 Valencay Rouge, Sophie Siadou & Mary Taylor
Red Blend
Due south of Cheverny, Valencay is best known for it's pyramid shaped Goats Cheese rather than wine, but that don't let that put you off exploring the vinous offerings of this pretty part of the Loire valley. This wonderful, naturally produced red is vibrant, fresh and full of vitality. Made from a blend of Gamay (35%), Cot/Malbec (35%) and Pinot Noir (30%), the wine is fermented with natural yeasts and aged on it's lees for 16 months in older neutral barrels. Delicate and very pretty, with succulent blackcurrant, raspberry and whiffs of spice flowing from nose to palate, this wine is utterly delightful and reflective of the varied flint, clay and silex soils in which the vines are planted.
£21.95
Add to basket2022 Vouvray Cuvee Silex, Domaine des Aubuisieres, AC Vouvray
Chenin Blanc
Produced from several vineyards with Silex (flint) soils, this delicious Vouvray is pale yellow with a very reserved nose. The palate is dominated by minerals, with citrus, apple and lemon peel fruit. Floral aromas balance out the minerality with some lovely balanced acidity coming through on the finish.
£17.95
Out of Stock2022/23 Menetou Salon, Domaine Coquin
Sauvignon Blanc
We are delighted to welcome back this wonderful Menetou Salon from Domaine Coquin. Planted on south west facing slopes with excellent exposure, the vines are tended with the utmost respect for the environment with ploughing and grass cover limiting the excessive use of chemicals.
£18.95
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