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Turning bare blocks into thriving vineyards, building up a winery and creating many successful wine brands are just some of his many ventures. Based in and around Marlborough, in the sub-regions of Awatere, Waihopai and Wairau Valleys, these individual micro-climates and terroirs provide a unique personality to Ant's wines... and of course, he makes that lovely New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that we are all after right now, with some stock just arrived, so if you haven't ordered yet, this is the time to get in touch!
We are often guilty of focusing on only tasting wine. Alliance Wine went into business to improve the wine that we all drink, as well as share wine knowledge. We are always looking for ways to do more for our customers than just sell wine.
Do we do enough for the on-trade to ensure that the amazing wines that we have find their way to the actual consumer? Is opening bottles at our large tastings enough to introduce a new wine? How would the consumer know about all these “hidden treasures”? How do we help our clients if they don’t have a full team of sommeliers to hand-sell every wine?
We are keen on sharing our tricks to fully understand the role and the value of a good wine list!
As harvest draws to a close in Europe, many Southern Hemisphere regions are heading in to flowering and all the rattled nerves that are an integral part of this most vital juncture in the growing season...
Alliance Wine imports a substantial part of the UK's Rioja, litres well into seven figures every year. We were keen to share some of our UK market knowledge of Rioja by asking Ned Llewellyn, our sales director for off-trade.
"It’s an often used phrase that if you cut someone from Alliance in half, they would ooze smoked paprika and chorizo oil, such is our obsession with Spain. We’re well known for championing the rising stars, the passionate artisans, the terroirists, the drivers of the new Spain. But every journey has a beginning, and like many Spanish obsessives, ours began in Rioja."
Click on the image above, to read more on Alliance Wines' Rioja story and our producers Luis Cañas and deAlto for an insight from Giles Cooke MW for #RiojaWineMonth.
To strenghten the selection, we are pleased to have added the Grande Réserve, Grand Cru in 37.5cl bottles as well as the Grand Cru Rosé in 75cl bottles from André Roger. This family owned domaine, run by Jean-Pol and Marie-Hélène, is located in the village of Aÿ in the Grand Vallée de la Marne. Vines are planted on the famous fossil calcareous and sedimentary soils, with Aÿ being one of only 17 villages classified as Grand Cru and renowned for high quality Pinot Noir production. In the vineyards they remain faithful to the Champagne tradition, whilst at the same time, adopting modern techniques to enhance quality. Their approach of minimal intervention allows the soils to fully express its potential, with great care taken to minimize the use of chemicals and fertilizers. Their Pinot Noir dominant Grande Réserve exhibits the hallmarks of the house style, with reserve wines aged on lees for 15-18 months for added richness and complexity.
Mâcon-Burgy 'Nathan & Valentin has just landed, and what a wonderful wine this is. There's been a clear step up in quality over recent years following Pierre-Yves and Olivier's investment in a new modern winery and increased focus on sustainability. Having received the highest level of the French 'Haute Valeur Environnemental' certification it recognises their efforts in adopting environmentally friendly practices in their vineyards including waste water management, reduced use of chemicals fertilisers and biodiversity conservation.
Situated 10 kms north of Igé, the Burgy vineyards cover an area of 5ha. Purchased by the estate in 2005, the production volume has continued to increase and is very representative of the Mâcon area.
This is a light, fruity Chardonnay, more intense and mineral than the 'Villages', produced in the traditional Burgundian style with a perfect balance of concentration, acidity and minerality. Refreshing and very quaffable. Enjoy!
Domaine des 7 Lieues reflects some of best vineyard locations in the Val de Cher and was sparked when a group of like-minded growers from the Cooperative of Bléré started a collaboration that brought together their heritage and respect for their diverse terroirs. Their Touraine vineyards are spread over 7 municipalities (Dierre, Saint-Martin-le-Beau, Athée-sur- Cher, Bléré, La-Croix-en-Touraine, Civray-de-Touraine and Francueil) all within a radius of 20-35km, which corresponds to 7 leagues … an ancient measurement of distances used in France prior to adopting the metric system … and inspiring the name. The estate demands the highest level of sustainability practices throughout, from the
vineyards, through to the winery, from their employees, to the wider community and has been awarded Level 3 of the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. In the vineyards, growers are encouraged to focus on quality rather than yield and this can easily be recognized in the wines.
Stella Bella Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019 recieved a Platinum Medal and 97 Points at DWWA 2021.
"Breathtaking fresh grass, spring pea, fresh honeydew melon and guava nose. Pure silk on the palate, with an effortless gloss and sheen, slippery white flowers, nettles and lime. Just lovely with a very long finish and lingering acidity." IN STOCK NOW!
New to the portfolio, Electric bee is 100% Primitivo from Produttori di Manduria. Manduria, sitting in the heel of Italy is considered the birth place of the native Primitivo grape.
This focal, quality-driven cooperative, has been dedicated to this grape variety for almost a century. Electric Bee is a fresh, drinkable style of Primitivo; providing the option of serving slightly chilled. With flavours of ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry, the freshness on the palate is encouraged by the lack of oak aging.
This wine is vegan friendly and offers fantastic value for money. The colourful Bee highlights the sustainable approach carried out by this cooperative.
Two new wines, labelled "Comboi" have just landed from our Manchuelan friends at Bodegas Gratias. Comboi is a local Valencian expression used when a group of people come together to party and have a good time, full of enthusiasm and joy, a bit like the wine! Coming from an area of Manchuela that sits outside the DO, from old bush vines (Tardana 70+ years and Bobal 40+ years), there is no irrigation, the grapes are all picked by hand and sorted in the vineyard. These Pet Nat lightly sparkling wines were created "metodo ancestral" with minimal intervention, organically grown grapes and native yeasts and bottled by hand before the sugars have ended fermentation. The fermentation then completes in bottle and the wine is laid down over winter with its lees prior to being disgorged the following spring. Beautiful and refreshing, with delicate bubbles and fresh fruity aromas, these are wines that need to sit in a cold ice bucket and be shared with good friends!
Chanzy is a 80 hectare Estate, divided between Côte Chalonnaise, Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits with their base in Bouzeron. In 2017 Philippe Der Megreditchian purchased this historic Estate and set about a radical overhaul. Appointing Max Blondelle as winemaker, (ex. Winemaker of Domine Chanson) together they reshaped the range into a tighter offering, adding vineyards in Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune due to their purchase of Domaine Pagnotta. Consequently, this means that all of Chanzy’s wines are made with at least 90% Estate-grown fruit, practically unheard of for a Burgundian producer of this size. Chanzy owns 5 Clos including 2 Monopoles, 11 Grands Crus and 16 Premiers Crus. They are one of the few Burgundy producers to achieve Haute Valeur Environnementale level 3; the most highly regarded certification for agriculture in France. Their farming regime demands a holistic outlook that goes beyond organics: ensuring biodiversity, reusable energy and reduced water usage. The vineyards are in conversion to organics and will be certified from 2024 vintage onwards.
We’re delighted to introduce Domaine Capmartin, leading producer of Madiran wines, from the quintessential French village located in the rolling countryside of Gascony. Organically certified, the Estate now employs biodynamic practices due to their total respect for vine and vineyard. Make sure to try their rich, robust Tannat and deliciously dry AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh white wines soon!
We’re delighted to introduce Perelada, one of the most prestigious and highly regarded wine and cava producers from Catalonia. This family-owned Estate was built upon a winemaking tradition that stretches back to the Middle Ages, they produce wines in DO Empordà, which through their hard work and skill they helped create in the 1960s. As well as crafting Cavas, that are enjoyed throughout the world, in Penedés’ capital of Vilafranca del Penedés. Make sure to try these new wines from Perelada!
The rural backwaters of Berkshire aren’t the first place you’d expect to find a vineyard, yet it’s here that new kid on the English wine scene, Mark Darley and his family have chosen to plant 3 hectares of classic sparkling varieties as well as Pinot Gris. Enborne Vineyards, located in the village of the same name, was planted with the intention of producing exceptional English sparkling wine, set apart due to their distinctive terroir and a serendipitous collaboration with respected winemaker, Emma Rice from Hattingley Valley. Planted in 2010 (after the land was almost set aside as an Alpaca farm!), the vision began to take shape. The inspiration for All Angels coming from the local 12th century parish church of St Michael & All Angels. The inaugural 2014 vintage has already started to make some noise, and there’s no doubt that this is a producer to follow.
30 years is a long time in anybody’s life. Spending it with one person, you would be talking about a “pearl” anniversary. Pearls are special and finding them is rare. Spending it with one company is even more rare and special. David Douglas, or as we call him Double D has just celebrated 30 years with Alliance. Joining us way back in the early 1990's, David has been a solid rock of the Scottish Sales team ever since. Quiet, unassuming and most often found with a gentle smile on his face, David is never happier than when out of his bike or with a glass of wine in hand. Thank you for everything David - Here's to the next 30!
We are delighted to reveal new packaging for the entire Quinta da Alorna range. These handsome new labels are now in stock!
Quinta da Alorna, has around 220 hectares of vineyards based in the Tejo region of Portugal, with the vast Tejo River defining their terroir. The vines are dedicated to the production of both native and international varieties, including Arinto, Fernão Pires, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Alvarinho for the whites and Touriga Nacional, Castelão, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tinta Roriz, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet for the red wines.
Alorna’s winemaker, Marta Simões says “We are privileged, our vineyards thrive on soils that give us a unique natural acidity that is expressed in aromatic and sensory freshness. We respect what nature gives us, and we always try to achieve what is common in all our wines – the elegance!”
Tim Atkin MW released his Argentina report last week and we are delighted to share a fantastic review with you. Alejandro Sejanovich, winemaker for Manos Negras has been named Winemaker of the Year. He wrote “There has also been a move towards more elegant, terroir-expressive wines in the last decade – a key figure of this movement includes Alejandro.”. Congratulations Alejandro, this is amazing news.
We’re delighted to introduce Bodegas Emilio Moro to our ever-growing Alliance Spanish portfolio! This bodega is one of DO Ribera del Duero’s leading producers, a family estate at the very heart of the region, with a history that can be traced back three generations, to the village of Pesquera de Duero. They are dedicated to their old Tempranillo vines in the Ribera, though, in 2013 Jose Moro decided to pursue his fascination with another prized Spanish variety, Godello, launching their first vintage from the slate hillsides of D.O. Bierzo in 2018. Make sure to try these new wines from Emilio Moro!
Navigating a sustainable route through the choppy waters associated with a post China, post pandemic world should be the top priority for all. But what will that journey look like and who will plot it? For many in the wine sector, plotting the journey to take over the next few years looks especially challenging. Navigating a sustainable route through the choppy waters associated with a post China, post pandemic world should be the top priority for all. But what will that journey look like and who will plot it? ...............Click the image to continue reading
Copa Jerez has revealed the winner of their 2021 UK competition is River Café in London with their delicious pairing of Equipo Navazos I Think Manzanilla with Butterbean Soup with Mussels and Guanciale Casserole.
River Café will go forward to compete at the international final in Jerez later this year.
The results were announced by chair judge Sarah Jane Evans MW and presented by Fernando Muñoz Naranjo, director at Foods & Wines from Spain in Harpers Magazine.
Copa Jerez is the world’s largest international Sherry Wine event. Finalists from eight countries will face the challenge to win the Copa Jerez while the Forum will feature world-renowned experts from the field of food & wine.
Click the image to read the whole article.
We’re delighted to share the news that Alessandro Campatelli, winemaker for Riecine winery in Gaiole, Chianti has won the "Giulio Gambelli" award. The panel of judges remarked that Alessandro is the oenologist who came closest to the way of "making wine" of the master of Sangiovese, Giulio Gambelli: maximum respect for the raw material, exaltation of the variety, of the vintage, of the characteristics of the territory. Congratulations to Alessandro and to Riecine, we raise a glass of La Gioia to your achievement!
"Luis Cañas was in the right place at the right time. A chance encounter, a good drop of vino and the rest, as they say, is history. Geoffrey Dean has an audience with Luis’ son Juan Luis Cañas who now runs this top producer in Rioja Alavesa, gets an insight into its winemaking philosophy, hears about its rare grape plantings and gets to taste six of the new vintages including three Bodegas Amaren wines, which are only released in the very best vintages." The Buyer.Net Click the image to read the full article.
We have worked with Real Campanhia Velha for a number of years now, they are the oldest wine company in Portugal, having recently celebrated 260 years of uninterrupted port production. They produce the amazing range of Delaforce Port as well as produce a number of Duoro Valley wine brands that we stock. New to our collection is Santhiago, a mouthwatering, easy drinking red blend which is incredible value, and showing the quality that can come from outside the Duoro, in this case Vinho Regional Lisboa.
Javi Revert and Victor Marqués have lovingly crafted the Malvasia grapes into a beautiful rich white wine, with white fruits on the nose, fennel and Mediterranean herbs. Citrus and saline in the mouth with well-integrated acidity and a long finish, we can't wait to try this with some fish with a rich creamy sauce . Historically grown in the Mediterranean region, Malvasia is a loosely used name for some very ancient grape varieties, one of which creates the richest of styles of Madeira, so look out for the same nutty character than can develop on the finish.
We’re delighted to be taking part in Wines from Spain’s virtual trade tasting this year!
This year’s event will include a series of online tastings as well as a digital catalogue of wines that you can request to sample from the comfort of your home.
Alliance are showcasing a number of our favourite Spanish growers, including
Abel Mendoza, Rioja Alavesa:
Bodegas Luis Cañas, Rioja Alavesa:
Cantalapiedra Viticultores, Rueda:
Bodegas Bernabeleva, Madrid:
El Escocés Volante, Aragón:
Celler del Roure, Valencia:
AltoLandon, Manchuela.
Make sure to sign the register by 7th May as places are limited.
We’re delighted to welcome Gavi del Produttori to the Alliance family.
Along the hills of Gavi, Produttori del Gavi overlooks the historic Gavi fortress. The 95 farming members involved in this premium Italian cooperative boast the biggest vineyard holding of Gavi DOCG, containing a number of organically certified vineyards. Situated 40 kilometres from the Ligurian Sea, Produttori del Gavi lies within the Province of Alessandria, a territory that is uniquely characterised by poor calcareous white soils; ideal for growing the native Cortese grape.
What makes these wines so special is the microclimate of the area, where the sea wind that blows from the Ligurian Sea meets the Apennines and its snow. The sea offers good ventilation and permits a long ripening period, encouraging the grapes take on colour, aromas and sugar level increase slowly.
Just in time for the promise of hospitality re-opening, and with hope that the sector will be thriving by the end of the year, we are delighted to introduce you to our 2021 portfolio. Printed copies for your relevant sector will be available from your rep soon. Click the image above to download your copy now. NB: The file is 7mb.
Over a decade’s worth of dedication, travel and experimentation have culminated in the creation of deAlto Rioja y Más, which joins the family of Alliance-owned wineries, Thistledown Wines in Australia and Terres Fidèles in France. deAlto Rioja y Más pays tribute to our long standing love for all things Spanish: the food, the people and of course the wine… This range illustrates the brilliant potential of Rioja, Navarra and La Mancha as well as the quality of fruit that these regions can deliver when respectful, sustainable techniques are maintained.
Chateau de L’Escarelle of one of the most prestigious wine estates in the heart of Provence, with 100 hectares of organically certified vineyards set in 1,000 hectares of beautiful woodland. In the past year this property has made impressive steps to establish itself as a major player of sustainable agriculture in France. In 2016 the estate achieved Haute Valeur Environnementale certification (France’s most stringent environmental certification scheme, level 3), demonstrating their deep-rooted commitment to protecting the natural world. Their vines are planted at up to 500 metres above sea level, hugging the slopes of the Montagne de La Loube and adapting to the estates' clay and limestone soil profile. The terroir’s distinctive character is perfect for creating highly-expressive, elegant Rosé wines.
Jack O’ The Green are a pair of organically grown English wines, harvested and vinified in Rye, East Sussex. The grapes come from our friends at Oxney Estate, who have the largest holdings of organic vineyards in England. After Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier grapes are harvested by hand and vinified at Oxney Estate, they are transported down the road to Tillingham Winery where they are bottled. These wines are ready in time for the Jack O’ The Green celebrations in May, and this custom is beautifully depicted on the labels, with Jack topped with an intricate crown of flora.Oxney Organic Estate is a shining example of English organic farming set in the heart of East Sussex in the charming village of Beckley, 21 acres of their land is planted with vines mixed in with other crops and flocks of four different breeds of sheep. Owners Kristin Syltevik and Paul Dobson take a sustainable and natural approach to every aspect of the operation. From natural disease control to using wood chippings from their coppices as heat source. Picked by hand and transported to the winery next to the vineyard in small 12kg crates. Each parcel was whole bunch pressed and fermented separately. Both wines have good levels of acidity to support their ageing.
We are pleased to have summarised for you. the harvest reports we have received from our suppliers, as well as statistics provided by generic bodies and the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). The Southern Hemisphere Report will be released sometime around June/ July.
From South America’s most talented viticulturist, Alejandro Sejanovich, we bring you Triuno, Organic Malbec from Argentina’s Maipú Valley. TRIUNO is a wine that represents how the three integral elements of our climate - Earth, Water and Sun - come together to form terroir. If anyone knows Malbec it’s Alejandro, he’s sourced this wine from a single vineyard in the highly regarded Barrancas district. Located at 2,500 feet above sea level, the cool desert nights help to retain the fruit’s natural acidity. Wild fermented, gentle extraction followed by 6 months in new French oak, this is wine is distinctively Malbec, as well as being is distinctively Maipu.
All of the fruit that goes into Bodegas Sumarroca’s Cavas is estate grown, from family-owned vineyards. Over 200ha are managed themselves and now, since 2018 vintage, all of their wines will be certified organic. Sumarroca represents 0.4% of the total cava appellation, they are committed to making high quality cavas in a sustainable way. Since 2017 they have reduced their carbon footprint by -29% as well as their energy consumption by -24%. In 2019 they began focussing their efforts on reducing the weight of their bottles.
Pic Saint Loup is Languedoc’s cool kid, a short drive from Montpellier, it is one of the Grand Crus of the region. Claiming the coolest and wettest climate amongst Languedoc’s AOPs, it experiences weather that Syrah adores: cold winters and warm summers. Chateau Lancyre are an outstanding family Domaine from the region, founded in 1968 by two families; Valentin and Durand. This estate lies in the shadow of Pic Saint Loup itself, a hefty mound of limestone creating the foundation for Lancyre’s vineyards. The winery are going to impressive lengths to reduce their carbon footprint, including recycling all waste and utilise local suppliers. They are now in the process of converting their entire vineyard holding to organic, in their 2nd year of conversion.
We’ve recently introduced Esprit De Garrique to the portfolio, a classic blend of Syrah and Grenache, if you haven’t tried it yet, get in touch! Watch the video showcasing their vineyards and how they work, it is in French.... but is wonderful to see.
While we have been confined to our homes 67 Pall Mall has provided much needed entertainment with an extensive series of online Masterclasses with an expert line-up. We’re proud to say many of these masterclasses have been hosted by our own winemakers, and this footage is available for you to enjoy at your leisure, from the comfort of your home.
Fantastic news for Viña Elena Pacheco, Patrick Schmitt writing for The Drinks Business magazine has awarded it Gold in the Autumn Masters & one of his top 3 wines out of the 300 short listed “offering bags of personality for a low price.” With a number of Gold medals awarded to red wines under £10 from Jumilla, if you are looking for a powerfully-flavoured, balanced and brilliant value red, then head to this part of Spain. Among those bargains was this particularly attractive fruity sample from Bodegas Viña Elena, using old bush vine Monastrell from non-irrigated organic vineyards in the far south of the region. Expect lots of bright, youthful fruits, from blackcurrant to red cherries and fresh plums, even a touch of pepper and voilets too, and some fine, mouth-coating tannins to dry the palate after all the ripe fruit.
In one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, Grenache thrives but has not always been valued – until now. Thistledown is committed to showcasing the diversity and beauty of the region through wines which faithfully translate vineyard site to bottle. Thistledown have helpfully created a map to demonstrate this.
Some of you may have had the opportunity to taste this at our spring tastings, back in the days before social distancing and alcohol hand gel became part of our daily lives. If you missed it, do give it a try, this is delicious organic Pinot Grigio and Prosecco from Palmanova, an aptly named star shaped town in the heart of Fruili.
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Some of you may have had the opportunity to taste this at our spring tastings, back in the days before social distancing and alcohol hand gel became part of our daily lives. If you missed it, do give it a try, this is delicious organic Pinot Grigio and Prosecco from Palmanova, an aptly named star shaped town in the heart of Fruili.
Guillaume Gonnet and his team started harvesting yesterday. They picked the white and some of the Syrah. This year looks like a beautiful vintage, very fruit forward after a dry, hot summer. There have been moments of light rain, which has been beneficial to the grapes, adding freshness to the wines and re-energising the vines.
Now it´s time again. The 2020 harvest in Capçanes has started. And in the coming weeks we would like to keep you up to date. What happened so far? Global Warming sends its regards. But this time in our favour. The past winter and spring gave us plenty of rainfall. Incredible and unprecedented 1000 litres / m2 fell well distributed. After years of drought, the ground water level is recovering. Our artificial lake, in fact almost dried up, is today at 98% at its capacity limit. Click the image for more....
The great-grandchildren of Vincente Alvarez-Villamil work hard to maintain the Bernabeleva legacy and today Juan Diez Bulnes takes us on a tour around his beautiful vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos mountains.
Introducing a brilliant new producer from Priorat in Catalonia. Vinicola del Priorat is the only cooperative in Priorat, founded by 140 farmer-producers based in the four beautiful villages of El Lloar, La Vilella Baixa, La Vilella Alta and Gratallop. They work over 300 small plots of land on very steep slate slopes that can exceed 30% gradient. Some plots are over 100 years old, producing a very low yield per vine from traditional varieties, Grenache, Carignan, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon of only about a 1kg of grapes.
Head of Off Trade, Ned Llewellyn shares this delicious Lobster recipe paired with the fantastic Pazo Senorans Albariño.
Thistledown Wines were a big success at the Halliday Wine Competition again. With some highly scored wines by Neil Goodwin MW, we are proud to anounce that they were included in the Best of the Best category with the Advance Release Mattschoss Grenache 2019!
Next to the National Park of Donana, an area of preserved natural beauty, Bodegas Contreras Ruiz champions the rich, full-bodied Zalema grape. Located in the deep south of Spain, on the Atlantic coast close to Portugal, this is the perfect site to grow this local variety organically. Jose Joaquim explains his passion for making complex wines, where this single grape variety is expressed in different ways according to site and soil.
Want to try cooking a delicate and elegant dish? Check out this delicious recipe of Sautéed scallops with mushrooms & spinach sauce, which was paired with a delicious bottle of Viticultores Cantalapiedra Cantayano 2018.
We've been following the 2020 harvest in Marlborough from the Zephyr wine estate for some weeks now… and to summarise what has been coined the vintage of the decade, here's Ben Glover giving an overview of his winery, how he works and what's in store.
Against a backdrop of much noise about the ‘new normal’ and how things will change, Harpers invites industry leaders to a measured debate to assess what structural changes would truly benefit both suppliers and the trade in a post-pandemic world. Fergal Tynan MW is on the panel, please join him for this important discussion over Zoom on Thursday 9th July, at 3pm. Click the image to register.
Hello from Manuel Cantalapiedra in his beautiful Verdejo vineyards in the village of La Seca, Rueda. Today he's going about green pruning his vines ready for the growing season. These white, limestone soils are perfect for growing healthy organically certified vines. Every care is taken in the winery to preserve the structured, mineral- textured nature of Verdejo giving us totally unique and characterful wines. His non-interventionist winemaking shows in the finished wine, regardless of appellation approval. For more on this exciting forward thinking producer check out their profile.
This summer Mont Rocher Rosé has been refreshed. A new blend, 100% Cinsault, makes this bestseller even more delightful. Refreshing, youthful and full of fruit it is a cracking new vintage.
Guillaume Gonnet takes us around his estate based in Le Crau, a beautiful plateau in Chateauneuf du Pape, and one of its most famous vineyard areas. This area is characterised by deep clay soils and river stones, which retain the heat for extended growing environment for his 100 year old Grenache vines. Guillaume upholds an organic philosophy of viticulture and low intervention winemaking – utilising a gravity system, natural ferments and gentle extraction. His wines are a raw and honest mirror-image of this wonderful terroir.
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Guillaume Gonnet takes us around his estate based in Le Crau, a beautiful plateau in Chateauneuf du Pape, and one of its most famous vineyard areas. This area is characterised by deep clay soils and river stones, which retain the heat for extended growing environment for his 100 year old Grenache vines. Guillaume upholds an organic philosophy of viticulture and low intervention winemaking – utilising a gravity system, natural ferments and gentle extraction. His wines are a raw and honest mirror-image of this wonderful terroir.
Our very own Head of Sales in Scotland, Freya gets into some deep conversation with Three Birds Edinburgh about adapting restaurants to our new reality, and finding new ways to trade.
Sitting majestically in the Tejo region, Quinta da Alorna has a wide array of vineyards which are worked in a sustainable and socially responsible way, looking after both the land and the workers. If you have not yet surrendered to the pleasures of beautiful Portuguese wine, now is the time! Watch winemaker Marta tasting this curious blend of Arinto & Chardonnay, a wine full of character and perfect to pair with robust fish dishes.
As Italy starts to open it's doors and shake of the cobwebs from the past few months, Amandine, winemaker from Il Borghetto winery in Tuscany has shared pictures of the beautiful life that has continued in the background. Excuse us while we fill our rumbling tummies with fresh pasta!
During the last weeks we have seen many businesses reinventing themselves to deal with the crisis. With lockdown getting a bit easier we would like to share a message from Miriam Spiers, our Sales Director. Rather than viewing this as a sad end, we are looking at it as a fresh start filled with challenges and opportunities. Keep up all the hard work, we can do this together! Oh, and the elderflower cordial recipe will be available on our website shortly. CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH
While the team at Celler de Capçanes in Montsant work from home they find creative ways to share a bottle of wine. A wonderfully creative video that's full of good vibes, happiness and hope. From winemakers Jürgen, Anna and all the team, we hope you enjoy it!
Nick Stock, Executive Editor, for James Suckling.com has just completed his McLaren Vale report and we’re delighted to confirm that Thistledown is amongst the best producers in the region: 'Today, we can savor some of the finest wines from these old vines in South Australia thanks to producers like Ochota Barrels, S.C.Pannell, Yangarra, Thistledown….' The 2019 vintage has received some fantastic results, including 97 points for This Charming Man Old Vine Grenache and 96 points for The Vagabond and She’s Electric Single Vineyard. Click for the summary of the report.
We feel it's the beginning of summer and Quintas do Homem have captured sunshine in a bottle with their deliious wines from Vinho Verde. Winemaker, Ana Coutinho shares a couple of her favourite recipes to pair with their estate Branco and Loureiro. If you're drooling as much as we are, find out how to make her homemade spinach pesto spaghetti and traditional savoury pastry.
Luisa from our marketing team loves Portuguese wines, and was delighted when we started working with Quinta da Mariposa from Dão last year. Here she is taking on the 30 second challenge, tasting their Branco. Do you know all the grapes in this blend? It's a delicious combination of Malvasia Fina, Cerceal Branco and Encruzado. We couldn't agree more, it is a #musttaste #30secondstotaste
Bodegas Manzanos have shared pictures of their team working in the vineyard during lockdown. Look at those Tempranillo vines grow! With a dramtic skyline overhead in Rioja del Reyno. Spain are in the process of easing lockdown, we look forward to visiting these beautiful vines again! Salud!
Irene Alemany and Laurent Corrio have shared this beautiful video of their family in the winery. They are one of the benchmark winemakers in Penedès, making wonderful wines since 1999. Irene holds a glass of Cargol Treu Vi, made from Xarel-lo, taken from a single vineyard of less than 1 hectare grown in the Garraf mountains, with vines aged more than 75 years. Wild fermented, with extensive time on lees, and aged in French oak barrels that you see in this film, it is a wine with unique personality that we absolutely love. Salud Irene & Laurent!
Simone from our marketing team is bringing the best of British food and Spanish wines together with her attempt at homemade battered fish and delicious Equipo Navazos La Bota 59 Manzanilla Pasada! Who can resist this perfect combo? If you want to try your hand at battering fish at home find her recipe here.
Beautiful colours from Valencia today, Pablo Calatayud shares scenes from Celler del Roure. Life continues at a slow and steady pace. The team are pruning old Mando and Monastrell bush vines ready for the growing season. Salud!
As South Africa eases its lockdown this week, we are reminded that many of its people are left unable to provide for themselves or for their families. Those who were already living hand-to-mouth scenarios have lost their income during lockdown and now rely on charities, such as the HeadStart Trust, for food. Bruce Jack says the soup kitchens they’ve established in rural villages such as Struisbaai and Bredasdorp are pushed to capacity, unable to cope.
The HeadStart Trust has been working in poor and marginalised communities of the Cape for over 10 years. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, HeadStart has shifted the short-term focus of the Trust to Food Relief.
The HeadStart Trust has begun lobbying civil society organisations and government funds to donate financially but they also need your help to support these communities that are a foundation of food security. Click here for more information on how to donate.
Sit back and relax with this comprehensive master class on Grenache with Master of Wine Giles Cooke. Giles discusses the genetic makeup of Grenache as well as his experience working with old vines. He also discusses the importance of careful selection in the vineyard, viticultural practices in the Adelaide Hills where Thistledown is based and his low intervention approach to winemaking.
West London Wine School is excited to now be offering live, online-based wine tastings and courses! We're excited to announce Jimmy Smith will host Florent Baumard from Domaine des Baumard To be held on: Wednesday 27th May 6:00pm – 7:00pm and Wednesday 3rd June from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Join in the fun by clicking the image and taste deliciously aged Chenin Blanc with Florent from the heart of the Loire Valley.
Alex and Rocio from Bodegas Forlong are working hard at the winery and in the vineyard. Look at those vines growing in Cadiz! As you can see they are practicing social distancing from one another but this isn't as easy from their dogs who are eager to help! #inthistogether #winerypets
Today Bryn from our Off Trade sales team reviews three delicious wines from Iona in South Africa - the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Iona are based in Elgin, South Africa. At 420m above sea level, they boast some of the coolest vineyards of the Cape, where the average temperature ranges between 16,0°C to 18,5°C. This climate is ideal for growing Burgundian varieties due to the long, cool growing season allowing gentle ripening of the grapes. Harvest takes place up to two months later than in other areas of the Cape, allowing perfectly balanced wines to be crafted that are light, but not light-weight. But dont take our word for it, listen to Bryn...
Juan Diez Bulnes with three of his horses ploughing in Bodegas Bernabeleva's Viña Bonita vineyard. We want to share this as he says the light and the atmosphere at this point was amazing. Soils are sandy, perfect for gnarly Garnacha bush vines. Juan works organically and with minimal intervention - the picture captures the scene perfectly. ¡Salud! Thank you Juan!
Simone Williams from the team at Alliance Wine goes live with other importers of Mád Winery from around the world, including Master of Wine Heidi Makinen, as they discuss opportunities for Hungarian wine in their respective markets and the situation they face in light of Covid-19. Watch on Facebook.
Gianni Bertolino, owner and winemaker at Olim Bauda is with his tractor preparing a new vineyard for Nizza. The marl soil is comprised of white chalk, clay and sand. Not only is Olim Bauda's Nizza an exceptionally delicious wine, their 2015 vintage was the Top Piedmont reds in Decanter Magazine this year. Excited to see there's much more of it to come! Find out more about this top Piedmont producer.
West London Wine School is excited to now be offering live, online-based wine tastings and courses! We're excited to announce Jimmy Smith will host Andrew Gunn and winemaker Werner from Iona Winery. Find out more.
To be held on:
19/05/20 6pm (UK time) – 7pm SA
26/05/20 6pm (UK time) – 7pm SA
Join in the fun and taste wines from South Africa's coolest winery.
Happy Friday everybody, in case you were wondering what we have been drinking, well here are some of the wines that have been keeping us sane during these times. Watch the #PassTheWineChallenge on IGTV .. just click the image.
Enjoying your isolation? Fancy being creative in the kitchen? Our lovely colleague Alex prepared these two authentic Chilean recipes to pair with the delicious Tinto de Rulo wines and celebrate the recent International Malbec day. Try them at home and let us know if you are a true master chef or just a food delivery slave.
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Enjoying your isolation? Fancy being creative in the kitchen? Our lovely colleague Alex prepared these two authentic Chilean recipes to pair with the delicious Tinto de Rulo wines and celebrate the recent International Malbec day. Try them at home and let us know if you are a true master chef or just a food delivery slave.
Nature goes on!' Ana from Bodegas Gratias shares some wise words as she tends to her Bobal vines. For many of us it is challenging to juggle work and a family during lockdown. Ana carries out necessary work in the vineyard on Sunday, whilst Ivan takes care of the family at home. Gratias Ana & Ivan! Wishing you and the family all the best! Watch the video.
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Nature goes on!' Ana from Bodegas Gratias shares some wise words as she tends to her Bobal vines. For many of us it is challenging to juggle work and a family during lockdown. Ana carries out necessary work in the vineyard on Sunday, whilst Ivan takes care of the family at home. Gratias Ana & Ivan! Wishing you and the family all the best! Watch the video.
Today Ciaron Gray from our wholesale team shares his love for Pazo Señorans with his tasting review of 2018 Albariño and 2010 Seleccion de Añada. These are incredibly special wines from a supplier we're very proud to work with. The Seleccion Añada is unique being aged on its lees in small steel tanks for up to 36 months or so and demonstrates the ageing potential of Albariño, and Señorans in particular, that we think no other producer can mimic. As the sun keeps shining down on us, we strongly recommend you treat yourself to some fresh shell fish and Señorans Albarino. Watch the video!
"Dear all, I hope you and your family are doing well. The confinement period is complicated for all of us and I want to give you some news from Chassagne-Mt. Trade and commercial activity are very calm, although we have a few orders from individuals as well as orders for export. Our sales to restaurants are at a standstill, but overall restaurants only represent a very small part of our sales in France. Click the image to read more.
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"Dear all, I hope you and your family are doing well. The confinement period is complicated for all of us and I want to give you some news from Chassagne-Mt. Trade and commercial activity are very calm, although we have a few orders from individuals as well as orders for export. Our sales to restaurants are at a standstill, but overall restaurants only represent a very small part of our sales in France. Click the image to read more.
Happy International Malbec Day! Andres Vignoni, winemaker at Vina Cobos has sent us this lovely message as he vinifies delicious, juicy Malbec in Mendoza. For many producers in Argentina the harvest has been tough with labour shortages but I think you'll all agree Andres looks happy with himself that he's decided to quarantine himself at the winery! 2020 is reported to be another good vintage. #inthistogether
We have received some lovely photos from Ana and the team at Quintas do Homem in Northern Portugal where it is nice to see that some things are still normal in this topsy turvy world. The vineyards are progressing nicely with Spring in full effect with new growth and buds starting to clearly show. Ana is also hard at work trying wine in tank and evaluating the latest vintage. Cant wait to taste them! Have a good day everyone.
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We have received some lovely photos from Ana and the team at Quintas do Homem in Northern Portugal where it is nice to see that some things are still normal in this topsy turvy world. The vineyards are progressing nicely with Spring in full effect with new growth and buds starting to clearly show. Ana is also hard at work trying wine in tank and evaluating the latest vintage. Cant wait to taste them! Have a good day everyone.
The Stella Bella harvest is complete! Here's a picture of the entire team together at the beginning of March ready for the first pick, including cellar door, winery and vineyard crew. Teddy, the winery dog, was shattered after just a few days of vintage. The Margaret River Wine Assocation has reported low yields in the Margaret River harvest has produced fruit of “exceptional” quality with “divine concentration of aromas and flavours”. We can't wait to taste with you!
Thank you to everyone for tuning into IGTV to see Ned Llewellyn & Arnaud Hereu, winemaker from Odfjell Vineyards, discuss the 2020 vintage in Maipo. Here's a summary of Arnaud's experience, "Spring frosts, a warm summer and drought has accelerated the development of vines and has led to an early start to picking, with a low production in all the Chilean vineyards in comparison with last year. The low yield per vine plus the heat has produced very concentrated grapes with a good quality, and that are very healthy because the drought caused the decrease of disease in the vines. As we continue with the harvest we will probably finish earlier than normal." Salud Arnaud and to all the team at Odfjell!
Katia Nussbaum shares diary entries of her experience of the Coronavirus from her San Polino estate in Montalcino, aptly named her ‘Coronadiary.’ This includes personal trials, tribulations and observations as well as those of her far-flung family and her work family. She has mused with particular acuity on how the coronavirus has affected our world view and what changes it might manage to effect in the future. Click the link to see the free entries on jancisrobinson.com where the full diary entry is available to subscribers.
Work continues as usual for Pazo Senorans in Rias Baixas! Here's Vicky Mareque and winemaker Ana Quintela tending to Albarino vines. They're demonstrating you can still look fabulous whilst practicing safe viticulture! Sending our love to everyone at Pazo Senorans, we can't wait to share a bottle Albarino in the near future
News from our friends across the Atlantic - At Tinto de Rulo in Bio Bio, Chile they have completed their harvest. Tiny, organic plots of País and Malbec, ranging from 70 to 200 years in age, have been picked across Itata and Bio Bio. Jaime, Claudio & Mauricio are looking after their amazing team, keeping them safe during this time. We send our thoughts and best wishes to all of you, and look forward to sharing a glass of delicious País with you soon!
Good morning from Manos Negras! To kick off Malbec month here's winemaker Alejandro Sejanovich getting his hands gorgeously black with freshly picked grapes at the winery in Mendoza. He's tells us the fruit is delicious, well-structured and with excellent concentration. We can't wait to try it! Wishing our friends in Argentina all the best.
Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 has be reviewed as ‘Outstanding’, scoring 95 points in the recent Chianti Panel Tasting for Decanter Magazine.
We work with some incredible winemakers. Here's a charming message from Rosalia and Carmen at AltoLandon in Manchuela. Like many of us, they are adapting to a new way of working life and continue to make the best of it! We send love from the UK and look forward to sharing a glass of delicious Bobal with them very soon! #inthistogether #spanishwine #winemaker #organicwine
Introducing Qupé to our Californian portfolio! Qupé is an iconic Central Coast California winery, focused on cool climate expressions of Rhône varietals and Chardonnay. They practice sustainable farming with some organic production too. Make sure to taste soon! #stayathome #drinkwine
In the midst of a troubled week here’s a snapshot of some beautiful scenes from the Iona Estate in Elgin, South Africa. They’re experiencing another perfectly formed vintage, with super-cool autumnal weather that’s ideal for their estate Sauvignon Blanc. Iona not only farm sustainably, they support a sustainable workforce - the team live and work on the farm with their families, so there’s a great sense of community and promotion of wellbeing. Something we can all get behind. #Inthistogether
We were really touched to get this video and message from Ben Glover at Zephyr Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand. Nice to see that normal life carries on, where it can, and that we are in this together. Can’t wait to taste that Chardonnay.
Bodegas Bernabeleva, Navaherreros Garnacha 2017 was listed in Jancis Robinson top red wines in her write up about Viñateros and given 16.5 points. "Quite gamey and interesting on the nose. Really quite fine and delicate. Very appetising. Maybe not for long ageing but great fun."
Giles Cooke MW shares his thoughts on the 2020 vintage from the Thistledown wine company. "There is no denying the fact that vintage 2020 will always be remembered as the vintage of the bush fires, but we owe it to all those affected to craft the best wines possible from what is turning out to be an amazing ripening season." Click the image for the whole report.
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Giles Cooke MW shares his thoughts on the 2020 vintage from the Thistledown wine company. "There is no denying the fact that vintage 2020 will always be remembered as the vintage of the bush fires, but we owe it to all those affected to craft the best wines possible from what is turning out to be an amazing ripening season." Click the image for the whole report.
We were excited to read that Jamie Goode has spent some time out in the Duoro and written an outstanding review of one of our new Portugese producers, Quinta da Costa do Pinhão, who produce all of their wines with minimal intervention and a wild ferment.
Pilton Cider is the second cider to be added the portfolio to answer to the call for lower alcoholic alternatives to wine. The mere words, Pilton, Somerset, evoke an image of sun dappled orchards in late summer. A truly English scene where cider has been made for generations and is integral to the fabric of the community.
The future just arrived. We are very happy to say the new 2020 Portfolio is now available digitally and will be in printed form soon. Click on the image for the online version.
The first of our new, lower alcoholic alternatives to wine to arrive is Once Upon a Tree Cider. Cider being made exactly the same way as wine – it is just naturally fermented apple juice. And it is naturally lower in alcohol, most between 3% to 8.5%. We have tasted them with many different dishes and all of us are very confident that not only are they a great drink, but they accompany many different foods well too. Simon Day, an experienced winemaker, had some form of epiphany in 2007 while in the corner of an orchard in Herefordshire. He decided to embark on a cider journey with the fundamental assertion ‘We will let the fruit do the talking’. And the approach seems to have borne fruit, if you pardon the pun.
Lembranzas Albariño has won Gold medal in the Berliner Wine Trophy. The worlds largest International "Organisation of Vine and Wine" competition.
Sofia Bosco started Tenute Bosco in 2010 in an attempt to breathe life back into two small vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna. Some of the vines are over 120 years old, and pre-phylloxera, on land recovered 300 years ago from the cooled lava flow following Etna’s last major eruption.
We all need a little 'Funkstille' (radio silence) in our life now and again. Kick back and take a moment to enjoy the silence with 3 labels and one delicious bottle of Grüner Veltliner.
Thanks to it's popularity at launch, Alice from Produttori du Manduria was out of stock for a while. Very happy to say we now have stock again!
There has been a huge spike in interest in Vegan friendly wine, and for many years, our Chilean friends at Odfjell has been producing them, but from the 2019 vintage onwards they will also come with vegan certification on the label.
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There has been a huge spike in interest in Vegan friendly wine, and for many years, our Chilean friends at Odfjell has been producing them, but from the 2019 vintage onwards they will also come with vegan certification on the label.
The true character of a site is only revealed through the work and determination of tending each vineyard with meticulous care and vinifying with minimalist winemaking techniques that fully express the terroir.” – Paul Hobbs . We have understood the philosophy behind Paul Hobbs wines since we started importing them, but now you can listen to Paul Hobbs as he explains the philosophy behind his wines himself.
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The true character of a site is only revealed through the work and determination of tending each vineyard with meticulous care and vinifying with minimalist winemaking techniques that fully express the terroir.” – Paul Hobbs . We have understood the philosophy behind Paul Hobbs wines since we started importing them, but now you can listen to Paul Hobbs as he explains the philosophy behind his wines himself.
are a Valencian producer in a village called Ontinyent. Bodegas Angosto are nurserymen, growing interesting varieties from around the world and selling them onto prestigious wineries. La Tribuna, a red blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Garnacha is also suitable for Vegan diets.