Autumn Portfolio Tasting: What a day!
Despite London’s transport hiccups, the room was packed. Attendance was double last year’s Autumn Tasting, and the atmosphere was electric. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us – your energy proved just how in demand Alliance wines are right now. It was the perfect chance to explore a line-up curated to inspire at this pivotal point in the year: from stellar classics and hidden gems to premium icons made for festive lists.
Inspired by the classics
Our Inspired by… tables hit the sweet spot, setting classics from the Rhône, Loire, and Burgundy alongside standout bottles from South Africa, Australia, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, the US, and beyond. Side by side, they showed that whether it’s an iconic region or a rising star, the magic always comes down to passionate winemakers and unique terroir.
Crowd favourites included:
- Le Clos du Caillou, Domaine de Panisse Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe – dark cherry, blackberry, and herbal lift from one of the appellation’s best.
- Wines of Brocha ‘Solace’ – cool-climate Elgin Syrah with red berries and a peppery kick.
- Domaine le Fay d’Homme Muscadet – balanced, mineral, and saline, from a family-run estate.
- Raats Family Wines, Dolomite Cabernet Franc – Stellenbosch elegance with dark cherry, spice, and herbs.
- Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Côtes du Jura La Poirière – hand-crafted Chardonnay with citrus, delicacy, and a touch of oak.
- ‘Principia Mathematica’, Xarel·lo – wild yeast, partial oak, layers of grass, white fruit, apricot, and nuts.
- August Kesseler ‘The Daily August’ Pinot Noir – juicy cherry, blueberry, and cassis from a Rheingau star.
- Chanzy Mercurey Rouge – crunchy, aromatic Pinot Noir from a leading Burgundian estate with top sustainability credentials.
- Sumarroca Cava Gran Reserva Organic Brut Nature – elegant and complex, with pastry notes from 40 months’ ageing.
- Paul Lebrun, Blanc de Blancs Brut ‘La Signa-Terres’ – a Champagne showstopper with 5 years on lees (yes, there were refills).
- Pazo Señorans Albariño – vibrant, stone-fruited intensity with white flowers, herbs, and fennel.
- La Bastide Blanche, Bandol Rouge – deep and dark Mourvèdre-led blend from a family estate.
- Produttori di Manduria ‘Lirica’ – textured, spice-laced Primitivo from its homeland.
- Bodegas Amaren, Ángeles de Amaren – layered, powerful Rioja with ripe fruit and balanced oak.
- Wines of Brocha, One Man Band Red – Syrah-led blend with bramble, cherry, and cool-climate spice.
- Domaine des Baumard, Côteaux du Layon – unctuous sweet Chenin, bursting with honey, pineapple, and yellow fruit.
More than just tasting
This wasn’t just a walk-around with wine in your glass. It was a chance to spark conversations that connect you with the story behind the bottle, make you rethink a grape or region, or find the next must-have for your list. From festive bubbles to winter reds, inspiration flowed at every table.
The verdict
The feedback was clear: Alliance Wine is at the forefront of premium, progressive wine distribution in the UK. With an unmatched breadth - from Loire to Lebanon, Burgundy to Bekaa Valley, Champagne to Chile - our portfolio is not just deep, it’s dynamic.
If you couldn't make it, you missed an unforgettable day! But the good news? These wines (and plenty more) are ready to land on your shelves, on your lists, and in your customers’ glasses. If Monday was anything to go by, the months ahead are set to inspire.