My favourite wines
These are some of my favourite wines. Typical of their type yet surpassing the norm in quality, character and precision…
Striking Whites
Fresh, Crisp, Lively
The zesty fruits and minerality in these wines make ideal aperitifs and partner fresh fish, shellfish, salad & goats cheese.
- Domaine de Laballe, Sables Fauves, Vin de Pays 2008 (France) £7.99
- Macon Charnay, Cuvee L`Ancienne, Burgundy 2008 (France) £9.99
- Serego Alighieri, Possessioni Bianco, Masi 2006 (Italy) £8.99
- Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2008 (NZ) £10.99
- Pieropan, Soave Classico 2008 (Italy) £11.99
- Chablis, Domaine Billaud-Simon, Burgundy 2008 (France) £15.99
- Pikes Riesling, Clare Valley 2008 (Australia) £12.99
- Menetou-Salon, Domaine Girard Nicolas, Loire 2006 (France) £11.99
- Pouilly-Fume, Domaine Bel Air, Loire 2008 (France) £13.99
- Fiano di Avellino, Mount Veseveo 2005 (Italy) £9.99
Rich, Exotic
The rich, fruity, aromatic & spicy nature of these wines are ideal with spicy Asian dishes (especially Indian curries & Chinese), but they are also a match for our smoked fish (Gewurztraminer and smoked salmon is text book) and flavoursome cheeses.
- Rioja Blanco, El Coto 2008 (Spain) £7.99
- Turckheim Reserve Pinot Gris, Alsace 2005 (France) £7.99
- Hunawihr Reserve Gewurztraminer, Alsace 2007 (France) £11.99
- Lagar de Cervera Albarino, Rias Baixas 2006 (Spain) £11.99
- Queulat Chardonnay Gran Reserva, Casablanca 2006 (Chile) £10.99
- Francois Villard Viognier, Vin de Pays 2004 (France) £20.99
- Saint-Aubin 1er Cru, JC Boisset, Burgundy 2004 (France) £21.99
Elegant, Creamy
These are some of the very finest whites, their subtle rich creaminess and purity of fruit lending themselves favourably to partner the best quality white fish (sea bass, monkfish, Dover sole, turbot etc); alternatively lobster or scallops in cream sauce.
- Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills 2007 (Australia) £20.99
- Pouilly-Fuisse, Jean Claude Boisset, Burgundy 2006 (France) £18.99
- Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, Paul Pillot, Burgundy 2006 (France) £36.99
- Meursault Clos du Cromin, Javillier, Burgundy 2003 (France) £33.99
Gratifying Reds
Joyous, fruity
These wines represent a myriad of flavours and styles, but the one common denominator they all share is natural sweet-tasting fruit. Fruity reds are ideal with the complex flavours served-up with our English Sunday Roast, chicken, turkey & pork with all the trimmings; and during summer, happily, they make ideal picnic and barbecue wines.
- A. Mano Primitivo, Puglia 2008 (Italy) £8.99
- Brampton Shiraz , Stellenbosch 2008 (S. Africa) £9.99
- Beaujolais-Villages, Ropiteau, Beaujolais 2008 (France) £8.99
- Priorat, Mas d`en Catala 2003 (Spain) £10.99
- Ventisquero Pinot Noir, Casablanca 2008 (Chile) £8.99
- Fleurie, Gry-Sablon, Beaujolais 2007 (France) £13.99
- Hollick Pinot Noir, Limestone Coast 2006 (Australia) £10.49
- Wildflower, J. Lohr, Monterey 2009 (USA) £13.99
- Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California 2006 (USA) £19.99
- Shaw and Smith Shiraz, Adelaide Hills 2006 (Australia) £18.99
Rich, Savoury
Savoury flavours can develop in a wine given enough time in bottle (as the fruit abates), or grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Carignan, Mourvedre, Grenache and Pinot Noir can themselves taste savoury, albeit also sweet-tasting when ripe. Flavours of leather, spice, sandalwood, herbs, tobacco, smoke and prunes are not uncommon in this style of wine - all very natural and wholly suitable to strong-tasting roasted meats, especially game and beef.
- Bourgogne, Joseph Roty, Burgundy 2004 (France) £14.99
- Le Loup dans La Bergre, Orliac 2008 (France) £9.99
- L`Excellence du Chateau Cuchous, Rousillon 2003 (France) £11.99
- Montpeyroux, Domaine Saint Andrieu 1999 (France) £14.99
- Finca Los Primos Malbec 2008 (Argentina) £7.99
- Chorey-Les-Beaune, Dom. Tollot-Beaut, Burgundy 2000 (France) £22.99
- Amarone della Valopicella, Tedeschi 2005 (Italy) £31.99
Sweet, Exotic
Why not try a sweet wine in place of dessert, or one to accompany dessert and the cheeses. The smells and flavours can be intense and incredibly satisfying. Wine and food combinations can be matching or contrasting. With sweet-tasting dessert or salty blue cheese, for example.
- Hollick “The Nectar” Coonawarra 2006 37.5cl (Australia) £10.99
- Paul Cluver Riesling Late Harvest, Elgin 2005 37.5cl (S. Africa) £10.99
- Albert Mann Vendanges Tardive, Alsace 2003 50cl (France) £20.49
- Maury 1928 Solera, RoussillonVDN 50cl (France) £19.99 - oos
- Grenache Noir, Chateau de Nouvelles, RoussillonVDN (France) £14.99