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

2022 Chablis, Domaine Fournillon, Bourgogne

Chardonnay

This terrific Chablis from Domaine Fournillon shows typical minerality and flintiness coupled with generous, ultra fresh fruit which makes them broadly appealing and superb value for money.

£22.50

2022/23 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

2023 Riesling Sekt Trocken, Hanewald-Schwerdt, Pfalz

Riesling

The Hanewald-Schwerdt Riesling Sekt Trocken has a steely lemon tinged nose with red apple and peach underpinned by zesty lime acidity, resulting in a lovely refreshing style.  This is by no means bone dry though, and with 23grams of residual sugar this a fruitier style that is a great alternative to Prosecco for those looking for something a little different.

£21.00