2022 Syrah, Stefano Amerigh, DOC Cortona

Syrah/Shiraz

Cortona is a hilltop top in Tuscany about 600 metres above sea level, and home to Stefano Amerighi, Italy's finest finest grower of Syrah.  Working biodynamically, Stefano aims to get the very best out of the grape that he loves from the terroir that he adores.  As head of the DOC, Stefano aims to champion Cortona in general as well as his own Northern Rhone inspired wine.  Packed with plush red fruits, minerality and white pepper spice, this lovely wine requries a little more time for the tannins to settle nad become more ingrained, but, as with previous releases, patience will be richly rewarded.

£46.00

2022/23 Loidana Blanc, Marco Abella, DOQ Priorat

White Blend

The Loidana Blanc is a new addition to the fabulous range of Priorat wines from the Marco Abella in Priorat.  This stunning blend of Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll, Viognier and Macabeo is fermented in oak and then lees aged in stainless steel.  This complex white wine shows impeccable balance with exotic fruit notes such as Quince and stone fruits alongside fresher, more mineral characteristics and beautifully poised acidity.  It's not surprising that this wine is so delicious as Marco Abella place a great emphasis on quality, hand-picked fruit frmo their perfectly sited, biodynamic vineyards in and around the famous village of Porrera.

£24.95

2023 Bandol Blanc, La Bastide Blanche, AC Bandol

White Blend

When white Bandol is as good as this it's difficult to see why they don't get as much attention as the Rosés. The Bastide Blanche Bandol Blanc is a terrific blend of  Clairette (58%), Ugni Blanc (22%), Bourboulenc (12%) & Rolle (8%) is packed with white peach and fresh herb characters on the nose. The complex palate is multi-layered and textured yet fresh, finishing with a distinct saline tang.  This cracking wine shows a beautiful balance of power and elegance and should be on the 'must try' list of every adventurous drinker.  

£29.95

2023 Bel a Ciao Vin Orange, IGP Atlantique

Semillon/Sauvignon

It's Bordeaux Jim, but not as we know it! Outlandish winemaker Olivier Cazenave likes to do things a little differently and this Orange Bordeaux is testament to that.  Made with predominantly Semillon that spends two weeks on skins before being run off by gravity into a seperate tank for a further 6 months at 5 degrees Celcius until bottling.  A tiny amount of traditionally fermented Sauvignon and Muscadelle is added to add freshness and a floral edge.  No sulphur was used at harvest and is only used in the bottling process when absolutely necessary. 

£15.95

2023 Chateau La Mascaronne Rose, AC Cotes de Provence, Magnum

Cinsault

Chateau La Mascaronne have always produced good Provence Rosé but since their purchase by Michel Reybier (owner of Cos d'Estournel) in 2020, the property has been producing very, very good Provence Rosé indeed! 

£65.00

2023 Chinon Les Joueurs, Domaine la Chapelle

Cabernet Franc

The Chinon Joueurs is Domaine la Chapelle's was the first wine to be released from this biodynamic Domaine. The grapes are hand harvested from a mixture of different plots, and then fermented in concrete tank with natural yeasts.  The result is a wine that displays immense purity and freshness, giving hints of typical vegetal notes alongside perfumed dark fruits and a lovely vein of acidity.  Balanced, harmonious and a joy to drink.

£23.00

2023 Harmonie Pinot Noir, Charles Frey

Pinot Noir

A light and delicate Alsace Pinot Noir with tempting red fruits such as Cherry and Strawberry and pretty floral notes on the finish.

£23.00

2023 Montlouis Sec Clos du Breuil, Francois Chidaine

Chenin Blanc

Based in Montlouis, Francois Chidaine makes beguiling wines from Chenin Blanc and is largely regarded as the producer who put Montlouis 'back on the map'.  The Clos du Breuil is made from a single parcel of low-yielding vines grown biodynamically on flinty/clay soils.  Grapes are harvested by hand, with a spontaneous fermentation in large, old demi-muid oak barrels.  The wine is then lees aged, without batonnage, for several months. 

£39.95

2023 Olbieta Negre Marco Abella, Catalunya

Grenache/Garnacha

The Olbieta Negre Marco Abella wine produces aromas of strawberry, blackberry and violet with fennel and spices. Smooth, fresh and velvety on the palate with a little bit of structure coming from ageing in French oak for three months.

£16.95

2023 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.

£22.95

2024 Chateau La Mascaronne Rose, AC Cotes de Provence

Cinsault

Chateau La Mascaronne have always produced good Provence Rosé but since their purchase by Michel Reybier (owner of Cos d'Estournel) in 2020, the property has been producing very, very good Provence Rosé indeed! 

£25.95

Can do Sil, Bodegas Carballal, DO Valdeorras

Mencia

Can do Sil is a wonderfully fresh, fruit led blend of Garnacha and Mencia produced from lightly macerated fruit from young vines. The ferment is made in stainless steel and the wine bottled after the spring equinox. It is a lightfooted, violet and blackberry infused wine with elements of mineral coolness. A refreshingly breezy and bright Spanish red with notes of sour cherry, raspberry, violets and sweet spice. It's unoaked and very drinkable.

£11.99