Wine Tastings
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
‘Carte Noire’ NV, Champagne Jean-Paul Deville
‘Lo Vielh’ Old Vine Carignan, Clos de Gravillas
Clos de Gravillas is an organic estate based in the tiny hamlet of St Jean de Minervois, deepin the Languedoc countryside. Here, John and Nicole Bojanowski make some of the region's most interesting wines. The Carignan vines that make this wine are from a high gravelly vineyard and are over 100 years old. This gives the wine real character, as if the vines have soaked up the minerals of the earth and the flavours of the surrounding Garrigue.
This is a dark, powerful wine that is a perfect match for slow roasted, herby meats. Unique and beautiful, this is Southern French wine at it's best.
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 Long Bec’ Blanc, Chenonceaux
Luc Poullain bought Domaine des Echardières and its 16 hectares of vines as a going concern in 2000. He was 30 years old at the time. An interesting career path, he studied as an agricultural engineer in Bedfordshire in the early 1990s!
There are seven hectares of Sauvignon Blanc here planted on two different soil types: silex and caillotes – the same one would expect to find in Sancerre and Pouilly. This wine rivals the best of both of those villages.
Luc uses the Touraine-Chenonceaux appellation that came into effect from the 2011 vintage. Named after the famous Renaissance château situated just down the road, the appellation exists for both red and white wine, selected from the best vineyards located on both sides of the Cher.If you love Loire Sauvignon, you have to try this! It has real richness to it that makes it stand apart from others but still finishes crisp and fresh. Delicious with simple grilled fish - dover sole with lots of butter would be ideal.
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…).
Chateau Bellecroix
Château Bellecroix has a long and rich history dating back to the late 1800's. It was purchased in the 1970’s by owner of Château Haut Calens, Albert Yung. Albert has since embarked upon a programme of modernising the entire estate, replanting the vineyards and rebuilding the winery and cellars. Located on the right bank of the Garonne, the clay and gravel soils are ideal for growing Merlot and Cabernet. The 35 acres of vines average 25 years of age and yield healthy, richly flavoured grapes. This wine from the superb 2015 vintage is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a silky-textured, medium bodied Bordeaux with blackcurrants, black cherry, violets and a hint of Cedar box. Finely balanced by lively acidity and smooth tannins.Great value Claret! Goes with roast beef and lamb of course...
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.
