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

2023 Chablis, Domaine Alexandre, Half Bottle

Chardonnay

Domaine Alexandre is a family business handed down over three generations. Brothers Guy and Olivier run the estate today, which is set over 13 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Chablis. The vineyards are worked with great care and yields are kept low to produce expressive wines with concentrated fruit that are classic examples of their type.

£12.95

2024 Sancerre Croq Caillotte, Domaine Emile Balland

Sauvignon Blanc

The Sancerre Croq Caillotte is a classic example of how it pays dividends to seek out the smaller growers, as this is a top notch, characterful Sancerre showing citrus and apple fruit, perfectly poised minerality and mouth-watering acidity.  Classy and offers terrific value for money. 

£26.95

2021 Reiterpfad Riesling, Hanewald-Schwerdt, Pfalz

Riesling

The Reiterpfad Riesling from the fabulous Hanewald-Schwerdt has flavours of dried herbs, pepper in combination with ripe yellow stone fruits and hints of fennel. Creamy and nutty in the mouth again herbs and fennel, fine acidity with a lot of structure.

£21.50