The Estate

Since its foundations in 1731, Bouchard Père et Fils has put together an exceptional vineyard holding along the Côte d’Or. The fact that the firm owns land in some of the most prestigious of Burgundy’s terroirs, makes its objectives an obligation: constant progress towards perfection. A ‘great wine’ demands time and utmost care at every step in its production. This is why the firm calls upon the most suitable equipment (such as the new winery, inaugurated in 2005) and a team that shares the highest standards in terms of craftsmanship and creativity.

Price: €34.50 Special Price: €29.50

CHAMPAGNE HENRIOT

The Henriot family has been in the area since the 16th Century and it was in 1808 that they began to sell what had been until then a very private Champagne. This was the birth of the House which is still today managed by those who bear its name.

From the choice of the grapes to the bottling, the Henriot family is completely involved in the making of the Champagne which is to correspond to their idea of perfection. For nearly two centuries and seven generations, the family has patiently kept its secrets, enriched by tradition and savoir-faire. It is above all at the time of blending, the highlight of Champagne’s tradition, that the House exercises its skill to enhance the character of the grapes which have been rigorously selected from the best vineyards, above all the Chardonnay, which is at the heart of the Henriot blends.

The grapes from each variety, each vineyard and even each plot are vinified separately and ensure an exceptionally vast range of wines to reproduce this inimitable style every year. The cellar master and members of the family will exercise their skill to produce a delicate, subtle mixture to obtain the perfect blend which, several years later, will give birth to the unique Champagne Henriot cuvées, famed for their elegance, refinement and exquisite lightness.

Price: €55.00 Special Price: €49.00

The Estate

Specialists in the vinification of great white wines, Chartron et Trébuchet are a négociant who are every bit as passionate about promoting terroir in their wines as the smallest of domaines. Their wines are representative of the pinnacle of Burgundian viticulture, nowhere illustrated better than in their selection of Premier and Grand Cru wines from the greatest white vineyards of the Côte d'Or.

Price: €74.00 Special Price: €66.00

The Estate

Chateau de Passavant is a famous twelfth century chateau overlooking the River Layon in the heart of the Anjou appellation. The 42 hectares of vineyards are planted primarily to Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, are farmed organically and are located on the gentle schist slopes overlooking the river banks. Francois David and Olivier Lecomte produce only 800 cases of each wine annually. The wines are made in a modern winery that makes a striking contrast with the age-old towers of the family château which dates back to the 12th century.

Awards/Reviews

Lovely natural barley sugar candy aroma but not confected. Delicious well rounded ripe apple and citrus fruits. An elegant Chenin Blanc and delicious with a satin smooth texture. Great as an aperitif or enjoy with haddock baked in a saffron and cream sauce.
- Liam Campbell, The Dubliner Magazine's Wine of the Week (Sep 2010)

Price: €13.99 Special Price: €10.99

The Estate

In the five years the Fabre family has owned Château d’Anglès, they have succeeded in revealing the true potential of this vineyard and now have a range of award winning wines to show for their enthusiasm and commitment. With a lifetime in winemaking, Eric Fabre’s career includes 8 years as Technical Director of Château Lafite Rothschild, as well as taking a much lesser known Médoc to the highest accolades in only 6 years.

Price: €16.50 Special Price: €13.50

The Estate

In the five years the Fabre family has owned Château d’Anglès, they have succeeded in revealing the true potential of this vineyard and now have a range of award winning wines to show for their enthusiasm and commitment. With a lifetime in winemaking, Eric Fabre’s career includes 8 years as Technical Director of Château Lafite Rothschild, as well as taking a much lesser known Médoc to the highest accolades in only 6 years.

Price: €21.50 Special Price: €17.50

Includes:

• 2x Coldigiano, Prosecco Veneto NV
• 2x Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir 2009
• 2x Heritage ‘The Shearer’ Chardonnay, Waipara 2007
• 2x Chateau L'Avocat Graves Rouge 2006
• 2x Chateau L'Avocat Graves Blanc 2009
• 1x La Bascula 'Catalan Eagle' Organic Garnacha Blanca/Viognier 2010
• 1x La Bascula, Catalan Eagle Red 2010

Price: €206.25 Special Price: €165.00

The Estate

William Fèvre make some of the world’s favourite Chablis. The only Chablis producer to win four stars in the prestigious Bettane et Desseauve. Fèvre own 15% of the total Grand Crus in Chablis. Their policy is minimalistic intervention: let the grapes and terroirs talk. Their state of the art winery enables them to define the different character of each plot.

Topography

Chalky clay, marl and marly limestone from the Kimmeridgian era. Located on either side of the Serein River. Rich in minerals and oyster fossils, giving the mineral character typical of the wines of Chablis.

Price: €39.50 Special Price: €32.00

The Estate

A project between winemaker Joaquin Galvez and US importer Aurelio Cabestrano, El Molinet is a wonderful example of how incredibly important good site selection is. Despite popular belief that Valencia is too hot of a region for Tempranillo, the La Vina Co-operative widely planted it on many different sites. At the higher altitude sites (up to 900m) Tempranillo ripens slower, and at the lower sites the sea breezes also help to keep the vines cool, allowing for the development of incredible aromatics. Fifteen percent Cabernet Sauvignon is added for extra complexity and stylistic continuity, as well as a six month ageing in oak.

Awards/Reviews

- 90 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Aug 2008)
- 90 Points, Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (Sep/Oct 2008)
- 89 Points “Best Buy”, Wine & Spirits Magazine (Jun 2009)
- 89 Points, The Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2009)
- Ten Best New Wave Spanish Wines, Decanter Magazine (Jul 2009)

Price: €12.99 Special Price: €10.79

The Red Wines

2x Coquard, Cabernet Sauvignon
2x Emiliana, Merlot
2x Las Colinas del Ebro, Syrah/Garnacha
2x Ancora, Sangiovese
2x Hooded Plover, Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot
2x Chateau Saint Florin, Bordeaux Rouge

Price: €123.75 Special Price: €99.00

The White Wines

2x Coquard, Sauvignon Blanc
2x Emiliana, Sauvignon Blanc
2x Las Colinas del Ebro, Garnacha Blanca
2x Ancora, Pinot Grigio
2x Hooded Plover, Chardonnay/Semillon
2x Perlage, 'Sora Loc' Prosecco  (organic)

Price: €123.75 Special Price: €99.00

The White Wines

1x Coquard, Sauvignon Blanc
1x Emiliana, Sauvignon Blanc
1x Las Colinas del Ebro, Garnacha Blanca
1x Ancora, Pinot Grigio
1x Hooded Plover, Chardonnay/Semillon
1x Perlage, 'Sora Loc' Prosecco  (organic)

The Red Wines

1x Coquard, Cabernet Sauvignon
1x Emiliana, Merlot
1x Las Colinas del Ebro, Syrah/Garnacha
1x Ancora, Sangiovese
1x Hooded Plover, Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot
1x Chateau Saint Florin, Bordeaux Rouge

Price: €123.75 Special Price: €99.00

The Estate

We scoured SE Australia this year for a suitable juice with which to put together our first own-label Australian blend. We toured NSW, Victoria and S Australia exploring and tasting in the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Heathcote, Bendigo, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Mount Benson, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and more. The diversity of styles from region to region and the quality of wines, most of which we haven’t seen on the Irish market, is very encouraging. On a negative, thousands of acres of vineyards, chiefly in Hunter Valley, are being dug up. A legacy of some of the big brands in their search for quantity to meet market demand. After this trip, we are much more conscious of regional wines.

Our entry level Hooded Plover (Reservas and single regionalised varietals to follow) are a reflection of the quality of wines available at this level if we search hard enough. The grapes are sourced in NSW.

Vintage Report

The lead up to the 2009 vintage represented normal timing with regard to the ripening of different varieties until a heatwave in late January, when the grapevines simply shut down to protect the quality of the fruit. As weather patterns moderated closer to harvest, with minimal rainfall, the grapes ripened more steadily. The fruit arrived at the winery with excellent clean fruit flavours. Overall, the yields were slightly less than expected but the quality of the fruit was very pleasing with pronounced varietal characters

Vinification

To maintain fruit freshness, harvest took place in the cool of the night. The grapes were immediately crushed and must-chilled. The juice was drained with only the premium free fun juice being used in order to bring out the freshest, purest flavours of the grapes. State of the art technology was used to clarify the juice prior to fermentation in order to retain the maximum amount of fruit freshness. The resulting juice was then racked for fermentation using an aromatic yeast to enhance the wine. Fermentation was carried out between 10-15oC for 15 days. The wine was stabilised and filtered and bottled early to retain the natural fruit freshness.

Price: €10.50 Special Price: €8.40

The Estate

We scoured SE Australia this year for a suitable juice with which to put together our first own-label Australian blend. We toured NSW, Victoria and S Australia exploring and tasting in the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Heathcote, Bendigo, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Mount Benson, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and more. The diversity of styles from region to region and the quality of wines, most of which we haven’t seen on the Irish market, is very encouraging. On a negative, thousands of acres of vineyards, chiefly in Hunter Valley, are being dug up. A legacy of some of the big brands in their search for quantity to meet market demand. After this trip, we are much more conscious of regional wines.

Our entry level Hooded Plover (Reservas and single regionalised varietals to follow) are a reflection of the quality of wines available at this level if we search hard enough. The grapes are sourced in NSW.

Vintage Report

The fruit quality obtained this vintage has been very good despite challenging weather conditions. Above average rainfall in late January and early February was followed by a warm March ensuring the fast ripening which meant the reds were able to reach full ripeness. Overall, the grape flavour profiles developed faster than that of the baumé levels, allowing the winemakers to craft wines with fresher varietal characteristics and lower alcohols.

Vinification

The fruit was machine harvested in mid March to ensure it retained its integrity and structure. Grapes were de-stemmed and crushed into fermenters then immediately inoculated with a yeast strain designed to enhance colour and varietal character. Fermentation progressed for approximately 6 days at 25oC. Shortly before ferment finished, draining and pressing occurred. Primary fermentation concluded in stainless steel with induced malolactic fermentation following. The wine was stablised at 4oC then racked and coarsely filtered, then aged on French oak for 3 months. The parcels of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were then blended to create this soft, easy to drink wine before being filtered again and prepared for bottling.

Price: €10.50 Special Price: €8.40

The Estate

Situated in Friuli, north-eastern Italy, Banear carefully integrate traditional methods passed down from previous generations with modern technology.

In the vineyard

Codroipo. High iron content, stony, poor and demanding reddish, mainly flattish soil.

In the winery

Traditional method. The grapes pass through the stalk-removing wine press. The temperature of the must is continuously checked during fermentation and maintained at 18°C for 7-9 days. After that the must lays over lees all over the winter.

Price: €10.99 Special Price: €9.99

Swallows' Tale - The story behind the label

Flying in adverse conditions, these wines go from strength to strength. Sales have more than quadrupled initial predictions and continue growing. Both Alkie van der Merwe of Major’s Hill and Anthony Tindal look forward to the annual blending session in February/March. Anthony also now has the position of Assistant Winemaker to Major’s Hill: we think it’s more of an ancilliary role though Anthony swears to the contrary, despite returning to Ireland well tanned and rested. We can look forward to fortified Pinotage and Balsamic Vinegar in future years, thanks to their efforts. In 2010, Ed Miller MW of La Bascula, introduced Anthony to a group of vineyards producing stunning wines in Breedekloof. Anthony was allowed to practise his alchemy resulting in the production of our first Fairtrade Swallows’ Tale wines. There are many exciting plans in the air for Swallows’ Tale; constant good quality being a priority and the production of a wine that is really enjoyed without all the commercial ‘bull’.

Fairtrade

FAIRTRADE exists to improve the position of poor and marginalized producers and workers in the developing world. A percentage of the proceeds from Swallows’ Tale will contribute to the costs of a new crèche.

Price: €10.99 Special Price: €9.99

The Estate

Steve and Paula Black began the pursuit of a dream when in 2003 they purchased a 110-acre vineyard located in the Dundee Hills AVA region of the Williamette Valley and created The Four Graces. In 2005 they purchased the Doe Ridge vineyard in the newly created AVA of Yamhill-Carlton, a 90 acre site that has been carefully planned and dedicated to non-invasive and biodynamic farming. They are committed to making rich, complex wines where the fruit is elegantly expressed alongside the unique terroir components of the Williamette Valley. The wines are luxuriously produced in small lots using traditional techniques coupled with the most modern technology available.

Awards/Reviews

- 89 Points, Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar 

Price: €31.50 Special Price: €29.99

Terroir and Cultivation

“Finesse, elegance and above all a silky texture that cannot be found elsewhere.” 

Such are the historical qualities that long ago made Fleurie’s reputation for excellence. These qualities are sought by Villa Ponciago for Fleurie la Réserve. It is an outstanding wine which reflects the search to rediscover the great terroir wines of the Fleurie Cru.

Fleurie la Réserve is a selection of the finest parcels on Villa Ponciago’s slopes; Sous le Parc, with its very sandy mid-slope soils, contributes elegance and floral notes, Montgenas, with its deeper soils and southern exposure, gives structure and richness; 

La Brirette, with very thin soils on the southwest side of the Poncié hillock, offers mineral notes, finesse and very fine tannins, finally; 

Les Carcans, at the top of the Poncié hillock, receives the sun throughout the day and brings very deep, concentrated aromas.

Soil Characteristics

Pink granitic crystalline rock, typical of Fleurie (monzonitic granite), deriving from the disintegration of the parent rock in the form of stones, gravel and sand. Rare traces of clay at the bottom of the slopes and in the parcels with the gentlest gradients.

Vinification

Parcel-by-parcel vinification in small tanks (60 hl). Thorough destalking to remove the Gamay’s very green stalks. Cold maceration, then a long fermentation (8-12 days) to allow the terroir aromas to emerge. Gentle treading by foot.

Price: €19.50 Special Price: €16.50

Could there be any part of the wedding planning process that's more fun than a wine tasting party in the comfort of your own home? We don't think so, and that's why we offer this excellent value sampling case! Here's what you do:

Step 1: Pick any five wines (your choice of whites and reds) and one of the two organic Proseccos. We'll put your selection together for only €49 and leave the rest up to you!

Step 2: Once you get the wines wrap them all in newspaper - if nobody knows what they're tasting there will be no preconceptions!

Step 3: Invite around some friends and/or family and hold your very own wine tasting night!

Aside from being a really fun way to spend a night, you'll get a very accurate picture of what wines will work for you. Let us know if we can be of any help in shortlisting your selection.

Price: €10.50 Special Price: €8.25