2021 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

2020/21 Riesling Feinherb,Weingut Thorle,Rheinhessen

Riesling

The Riesling Feinherb fromWeingut Thorle is a beautifully poised off-dry style of Riesling with a bright yellow colour. The bouquet offers up scents of peaches and apples, limestone and a touch of wild yeasts.  On the palate the wine is medium-bodied with fine intensity of flavour, bright acidity, nice focus and a complex finish.

£15.95

2024/25 Mont Rocher Viognier Vielle Vignes, Pays d’Oc

Viognier

The Mont Rocher Vielle Vignes is a terrific value Viognier. It has a haunting honeysuckle and apricot aroma and rich, almost unctuous palate that also retains freshness.  The finish is crisp, tangy and refreshing.

£11.95

2025 Picpoul De Pinet Mare Nostrum, Caves De Montagnac

Picpoul

The Montagnac cellar was created in 1937 and has grown with vineyards stretching over 7 communes all along the Thau lake in the mountainous foothills of Hérault. Around 2,000 hectares are vinified on 2 different sites, a major part of which is located on clay-limestone soils with some pockets of marl as well. The climate is Mediterranean, dry and hot during summer, but more temperate due to it's proximity to the sea.

£14.95