2019 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £19.95 Save £-19.952020 Stephen Vincent, Pinot Noir
Regular price £19.80 Save £-19.80ABOUT THE WINE
Stephen Vincent and his two business partners have combined decades of experience with working for household names such as Robert Mondavi, Louis Roederer & La Crema to create their own affordable but premium tasting wines. Stephen Vincent sources their fruit from some of the coolest pockets of the North Coast, which helps keep the alcohols in their wines low and maintain the refreshing acidity, but always delivering quality, reflecting the delicious qualities the Californian sun provides. Friarwood is proud to be the exclusive importer of these affordable gems from California.
TASTING NOTES
Sourced from some of the most famed regions for Pinot Noir, such as Russian River Valley and Sonoma County, this wine offers brilliant balance. Every sub-region was fermented individually, then married through blending. The wine shows the typical attractive notes of Pinot Noir, with mushrooms, tarragon, strawberry, sour cherry nd raspberries, but with the slight ripe sunny edge of California. This Californian layer providing expressive pomegranate and mocha notes and soft, silky tannins, sets it apart from red Burgundy. Aged in 15% new French oak barriques for 13 months.
FOOD PAIRING
Guinea fowl, kidney & liver pie, haggis and are especially ideal for Sunday roast and a quintessential choice for the Thanksgiving table.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Stephen Vincent offers some of the best quality-to-price ratio for any American wine which could be found in the UK.
2014 Bodegas Francisco Casas, Camparron Reserva
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60ABOUT THE WINE
Founded in 1942 by Francisco Casas Gomez, Bodega Francisco Casas remains a family-run winery, with the fourth generation now in charge. In 1965 the family bought a new cellar in Morales de Toro, the heart of the Toro region. Their vineyards cover more than 10 hectares in the surrounding region. The climate in Toro is continental, with extreme contrasts in temperature during winter and summer; there is a longstanding winemaking tradition in this area, predating even the Ancient Roman era. Eduardo Casas has recently taken over the Bodega, the latest generation to shape the Casas legacy.
TASTING NOTES
Dark fruit berry colour. Cherry, kirsch, prune and fruit compote nose. Incredibly smooth finish, with a refreshing herbal note.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with lamb and beef casseroles, and strong, hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Bright and youthful, 2014 was another superb vintage for Toro, Rioja and Ribera del Duero. These latter two regions may be more fashionable, but Toro has the history, the vineyards and increasingly also the technical expertise to more-than match them for quality.
2019 Domaine des Masques, Rouge Cuvee Essentielle
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.602020 Tres Palacios, Family Vintage Merlot
Regular price £19.50 Save £-19.50ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
This wine has 10 months in oak barrels and a further 7 months in bottle before release.
TASTING NOTES
Intense red with violet tints, this wine has aromas of black pepper and cloves, along with notes of mocha and toasted coffee which are integrated into a base of black fruit. The fruit continues on the palate. Overall a round, velvety, easy to drink, complex and balanced wine with a long and spicy finish. Has potential to age for up to 7 years and is best served at 16 - 18 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal to accompany pasta, semi-ripe cheeses, chicken, stews and casseroles.
2020 Tres Palacios, Family Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £19.50 Save £-19.50ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
This wine is made from some of the oldest vines on the vineyard, producing a low yield of high quality grapes.
TASTING NOTES
Aged in oak for 10 months, with a further 12 months in bottle before release, this wine has an intense red colour, with aromas of red fruits. The oak is well integrated, leading to a smooth and complex wine with some freshness on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal to accompany red meats, stews, and cheeses.
2020 Tres Palacios, Family Vintage Carmenere
Regular price £19.50 Save £-19.50ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
This wine has 10 months in French oak barrels and has aging potential for up to 7 years.
TASTING NOTES
An intense purple colour, the nose is intense and attractive with ripe black and red fruits, mixed with spicy notes and touches of chocolate and tobacco. The wine has a rich structure with a thick, yet balanced body and soft velvety tannins that give it great volume and persistence. Best served between 16 to 18 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
Best served with pasta dishes and semi-ripe cheeses.
2020 Domaine des Trois Cellier, Cotes du Rhone Le Sentier des Terroirs
Regular price £18.70 Save £-18.70ABOUT THE WINE
In 2007 Marceau (Marc) Cellier decided to retire and hand over his vineyards to his three children (Ludovic, Julien and Benoit) and Nathalie (Ludovic’s wife). They are the 8th generation of the Cellier family to work the vine and to make top class Rhone wines. Domaine les 3 Cellier was thus born on August 1st, 2007, with the breakup of Domaine Saint Benoit. The Cellier family retained 13.4 hectares of wines, all within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
TASTING NOTES
Bright, pungent aromas of black cherry, plum, white pepper and a hint of cigar-box. Rich kirsch on the palate, framed by smooth tannins. Supremely drinkable.
FOOD PAIRING
Best with grilled pork or chicken; an excellent wine for a summer barbecue.
2011 Chateau du Cayrou Chateau du Cayrou
Regular price £18.70 Save £-18.702016 Vega Caledonia, Rioja Crianza
Regular price £18.70 Save £-18.70ABOUT THE WINE
Part of the ambitious Bodegas Najerilla, established in 1975, located in High Rioja in Bajo Najerilla Valley. With some vineyards over 50 years old, the winery produce grapes of excellent quality thanks to their strict selection and consistent quality control techniques. Thanks to three generations of committed winemakers, Vega Caledonia wines are highly recognized in Spain for honouring their historic region and their authentic flavour profiles.
TASTE NOTES
12 months in French and American oak, followed by 1 year in bottle, delivered a beautifully classic Crianza. Ruby red in the glass with expressive dark fruit and wood on the nose. The palate offers cherry and dark berry fruit, great body and rounded tannins.
2020 Saxenburg, Guinea Fowl Red
Regular price £18.10 Save £-18.10Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESA blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Cabernet Franc & 18% Merlot. This classic Bordeaux blend shows an abundance of dark fruit aromas like blackcurrant, plums, and crushed blueberries, supported by whiffs of freshly roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. The palate is beautifully weighted, with a dense but finely grained tannin structure. A delightful New World red blend with elegance and balance.
FOOD PAIRINGSouth African Biltong may be an obvious choice, but game meat such as venison as well as grilled t-bone steak will be compatible with this ripe but elegant blend.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
2019 San Patrime, Nero di Troia
Regular price £16.90 Save £-16.902020 Baglio Inca, Nero D'Avola
Regular price £16.90 Save £-16.902021 Judeka, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Regular price £16.80 Save £-16.80ABOUT THE WINE
Judeka is a young winery producing excellent wines in the heart of Sicily. For owners Cesare and Valentina, wine is a passion they have had since childhood, when the grandparents used to press grapes at home, in a garage. They use organic techniques to produce exceptional wines.
Their Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the only Sicilian wine which can boast DOCG Certification. It is a wine that strongly expresses its territory of origin, through a perfect synergy between the strength, structure, and the fruitfulness of the Nero d’Avola with the elegance, delicacy and floral qualities of Frappato.
TASTING NOTES
A fruitful medium bodied red wine made of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato. The Nero d'Avola provides the fruit, while the Frappato provides a freshness and acidity which balances the wine. Excellent on it's own or paired with food - the choice is yours! Serve between 10-12 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
The strength of this wine is its versatility - it goes with all kinds of dishes, from fish, to meat and cheeses. It is particularly well suited to Japanese food such as okonomiyaki.
2021 Bodega Monteviejo, Festivo Malbec
Regular price £16.60 Save £-16.602017 Kelman, Tinto Blend
Regular price £16.50 Save £-16.502020 Tres Palacios, Gran Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £16.00 Save £-16.00ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
TASTING NOTES
Intense red in colour, on the nose you'll find red fruit and rasberries, as well as delicate touches of pepper, cassis and slight notes of tobacco. On the palate, the fruit and pepper return, along with a good presence of tannins leading to a long finish. This is an easy drinking wine with potential to age for up to 8 years. Best served around at 18 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with red meats, stews, semi-ripe cheeses and spicy dishes.
2020 Tres Palacios, Gran Reserve Carmenere
Regular price £16.00 Save £-16.00ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
TASTING NOTES
A deep and intense violet red colour, this wine has aromas of black and red fruits, along with spicy notes that mix harmoniously with touches of chocolate and tobacco. This is a silky, round and exceptional Carmenere.
2022 Domenico Fraccaroli, Valpolicella DOC Grotta del Ninfeo
Regular price £15.10 Save £-15.10ABOUT THE WINE
In 1958, Domenico Fraccaroli embarked on a journey to craft exquisite wines from local varieties in a picturesque corner of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Expanding the family legacy in 2002, his son, Tiziano Fraccaroli, acquired the Grotta del Ninfeo estate in Verona's town of Lavagno, allowing the family to diversify their offerings with the captivating wines of Valpolicella. Today, the torch is carried by the third generation, Domenico and Luca, who remain steadfast in their devotion to the family tradition.
TASTING NOTES
This hidden gem of an Italian red captivates with its vivacious profile of tart red cherries, luscious dark currants, and succulent strawberries, delicately intertwined with savoury Italian herbs. A delightful balance of vibrant freshness and well-rounded tannins renders this wine irresistibly smooth and enjoyable.
FOOD PAIRING
Elevate your dining experience with a luxurious pairing of melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef carpaccio, an indulgent black truffle-infused risotto, or a sophisticated duck and porcini mushroom pappardelle, each dish beautifully complementing the wine's charm and elegance.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The finesse of Valpolicella contrasts strikingly with the robustness and intensity of Amarone. This light, cherry-accented wine can even be savoured with a slight chill, offering a refreshing twist to your palate.
2021 San Patrime, Primitivo
Regular price £15.10 Save £-15.102018 Chateau Vignol Red
Regular price £14.80 Save £-14.802022 Reguta, Pinot Nero
Regular price £14.30 Save £-14.30ABOUT THE WINE
Founded in 1928, Reguta has been a prominent name in the Friuli ever since the region became famous for its world-class Pinot Grigio. It’s a unique region with a cooler Mediterranean climate, strongly influenced by the Bora wind contributing to dry and ideal growing conditions. Friuli and the surrounding regions are the only place in Europe where the Pinot family of grapes can be considered almost indigenous and traditional, with a long history, ever since they were brought from Burgundy by Venetian traders over two centuries ago. With fresh and crunchy fruit characters, they are expressions of Pinot’s which guarantees to please everyone at the table.
TASTING NOTES
Fragrant red berries of strawberries, raspberries, bramble berries and red cherries with an herbaceous lift of freshly cut sage and rosemary. Fresh and complex.
FOOD PAIRING
Pasta and pizza with tomato sauce, as well as roasted chicken and roasted lamb dishes. Versatile and easily paired with most regional Italian dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A light and refreshing wine, easy to drink.
2020 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Merlot
Regular price £13.10 Save £-13.10ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled in the Hérault region near the Mediterranean Sea, Domaine de Mont Auriol boasts a rich history as a former Royal Estate. The property has been in the Sarret family for an impressive thirteen generations. Among the estate's 350 hectares, 110 are dedicated to vineyards that cascade down south-facing hills overlooking the Golfe du Lion. The estate employs organic and biodynamic practices, avoiding herbicides and using organic fertilizers. The 2020 vintage is aged 22% in oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
Admire the enticing ruby hue, which unveils a subtle bouquet of toasted cocoa and spicy pepper. On the palate, the silky tannins intertwine with exuberant notes of dark berries, offering a harmonious experience.
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful on its own, it also pairs beautifully with roasted pork, succulent venison, or sumptuous dishes adorned with rich sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An exceptional value wine, Mont Auriol captivates with its drinkability and versatile potential for enjoyment.
2021 Bodegas Francisco Casas, Camparron Novum
Regular price £13.00 Save £-13.00PRODUCER NOTES
Founded in 1942 by Francisco Casas Gómez, the bodega is still a family run winery, with the fourth generation now in charge. The vineyards cover more than 10 hectares, surrounding the cellar. The climate is continental with influence from the Atlantic and the River Douro, there are extreme contrasts in temperature during winter and summer. There is a great winemaking tradition in this area, which predates the Roman era. Eduardo Casas has now taken over the Bodega to continue the next generation of the Casas legacy.
TASTING NOTES
Dark red berry colour. Jammy fruit, light tannins and well-balanced acidity. The palate expresses ripe cherry notes with a dry finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with meaty dishes with a bit of spice such as spice Chorizo. BBQ dishes or wild game will match perfect with the body of the wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Fresh, fruity, light and youthful, this wine is well-suited to being drunk lightly chilled.