Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne and produces some of the finest of all champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year.
The grapes for the Brut Réserve are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, including at least 40% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release.This really is one of the best NV wines coming out of Champagne! Beautiful.
Chateau Larose Perganson
Chateau Grand Village
This Chateau, situated in the Fronsac region of Bordeaux offers exceptional value for money.
It is owned by the Guinadeau family, who also happen to own Chateau Lafleur just down the road in Pomerol - one of THE great Right-Bank Bordeaux estate!
While Fronsac doesn't have quite the same cachet as Pomerol, and hence, can't command the same prices, the attention to detail and love that goes into this wine, is just the same as at Lafleur.
The soils are different here, more clay and limestone than gravel and the proportion of Cabernet Franc differs but it still gives you a snapshot of great Right-Bank Claret at an every-day price.
A perfect, posh dinner party wine; one that is bound to impress your friends and is a great accompaniment to classic roast meat dishes.
JCB No21 Cremant de Bourgogne, J.C.Boisset
40% Pinot Noir , 35% Chardonnay, 20% Gamay, 5% AligotéJean-Charles Boisset was born into a winemaking family in Burgundy and now makes wine all over the World.
Pale and vibrant in colour, this Crémant boasts aromas of citrus fruits, almonds and white flowers on the nose. The palate has refreshing and lifted acidity, coupled with a lovely, rich texture from the lees ageing.
A great value alternative to Champagne, showing
‘La Magendia’ Jurancon Moelleux (37.5cl), Clos Lapeyre
Jean-Bernard Larrieu makes some of the best wines in Jurancon at Clos Lapeyre. This isolated area lies inland in the foothills of the Pyranees and is home to some of the best sweet wines France has to offer (without paying Sauternes prices). Petit Manseng is the main grape for producing these delicious, honeyed wines and it's bright acidity is what makes it so successful; no matter how rich and unctuous the wine, it still feels fresh and mouth-watering on the finish. In case you were wondering, La Magendia means 'the best' in the local Occitane dialect; very fitting, as this is truly stunning.
Perfect with fruit desserts (rhubarb or apple crumble...?) and is a star with blue and rind-washed cheeses.
Beaujolais Villages, Dominique Morel
Dominique Morel of Domaine Gry-Sablon makes deliciously juicy wines from vineyards in and around Fleurie. This is light and fresh but with loads of delicious red fruit flavours and just a hint of savouriness to help it along with food. The perfect wine for a cheese and charcuterie selection; it doesn’t take itself too seriously but has that all-important deliciousness with makes you want to go back for another mouthful (again and again…).
Picpoul de Pinet, La Mirande
Picpoul is having something of a fashionable moment right now, everyone seems to have woken up to the fact that this is one of the most refreshing, delicious, reliable and affordable wine styles around.
This version, from the organic La Mirande estate is pure pleasure, offering real depth and flavour (more than most), whilst still retaining that fresh zippyness that we all love. A versatile food wine and a good fridge stand-by, it goes well will most seafood and salad dishes.
Monbazillac ‘Jour de Fruit’ 37.5cl, Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure
Monbazillac has a long history (known as early as the 14th century) and is one of the world’s great sweet wines; similar in style to Sauternes but usually offering better value for money. Here, Christian Roche is one of the best winemakers and his attention to detail and organic practices shine through in the wines.
Light and juicy, with the sweetness balanced by good acidity, this is a great introduction to dessert wines; perfect as an all-rounder with a cheese board or with fruit desserts.
Cotes de Gascogne, Duffour Pere & Fils,
This family producer based in central Gascony (South-West France), is considered one of the best in the area. Their wines have a depth of flavour which is often lacking here; their philosophy is firmly quality over quantity! This is a blend of Colombard, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc (quite a mouthful!); It’s clean, fresh and modern in style, aromatic with a long, dry finish. Very quaffable and great value.
