2017 Roebuck Estates, Classic Cuvee
Regular price £35.80 Save £-35.80ABOUT THE WINE
Roebuck Estates are one of the newer players on the English wine scene (oldest vines planted in 2006), now spanning over 200,000 vines across four sites in the beautiful county of Sussex. With various soil types and plantings, including Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, the team has plenty of elements working in their favour to create award-winning, classic English sparkling wines. Despite being somewhat new, their estate is earning some much-deserved critical acclaim, winning several awards, including Best in Show, Decanter 2020. An estate on the rise!
TASTE NOTES
A refined sparkling wine bursting with citrus fruit and baked apples, perfectly balanced by rich toasted notes. Partial fermentation in the finest French oak casks, followed by long lees ageing for a minimum of 36 months, gives this wine additional richness, depth and complexity. The bubbles are delicate and linger on the palate.
2012 Benjamin Bridge, Brut
Regular price £35.25 Save £-35.25ABOUT THE WINE
In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time-proven techniques, expertise, and most importantly to its acclaimed, distinctive wines. Located in the Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia, the vines benefit from the moderating influence of the Bay of Fundy, resulting in a climate remarkably similar to that found in Champagne.
TASTING NOTES
In the glass, pale golden colour with a light straw hue. On the nose, suggestions of freshly squeezed lime juice are complicated by hints of smoke and sea minerals. On the palate, notes of baked green apples and natural almonds lead to a long invigorating finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled salmon and rice, clams spaghetti with creme fraiche, pancakes and strawberries.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A product for those who love champagne but are adventurous enough to try something else.
2022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
The estate was created in 1926, in the heart of the village of Vergisson. Today the 4th generation of the family Guerrin cultivates their terroir with the same passion and rigour as their great-grandparents before them. The estate covers a total area of 14 hectares split between more than 35 small plots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs gives each of their wines a very distinct character.
TASTING NOTES
A captivating bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and a hint of almond melds effortlessly with the wine's subtle oak influence. The palate is marked by a refined balance of fruit, minerality, and delicate oak integration. As it evolves, the wine reveals flavours of nectarine, lemon zest, and a touch of brioche, culminating in an elegant, satisfying finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes' shines when paired with dishes that emphasize its complexity and depth, such as pan-seared sea bass with a lemon herb sauce, chicken and wild mushroom fricassée, or a grilled vegetable and goat cheese tart. Its harmonious character also makes it a delightful choice for sipping as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Hailing from a prime location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson, this wine benefits from the fresh, mineral character imparted by the east winds. The careful balance of flavours, achieved through lees-stirring (batonnage) and barrel-ageing, showcases the essence of Pouilly-Fuissé in this outstanding expression.
2021 Domaine Alain Gueneau Sancerre Blanc 'La Guiberte'
Regular price £28.40 Save £-28.402020 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Saint Veran 'Le Clos Vessats'
Regular price £26.80 Save £-26.80NV Champagne Gruet, Selection Brut
Regular price £25.40 Save £-25.40ABOUT THE WINE
The Gruet Champagne House has been in Champagne since 1670, although the family only began making wines in their own right in 1975, under the auspices of Claude Gruet, producing 2500 bottles in their first vintage. He is currently working 20-hectares of vineyard, producing wines from their own grapes as well as from grapes purchased from other carefully selected growers, to produce around 2 million bottles a year in total.
TASTING NOTES
Light yellow colour, with delicate bubbles. Aromas of white peach with a rich burst of citrus fruit coming through on the palate. Delightfully drinkable!
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal as a glass to celebrate or with light appetisers as well as seafood.
2023 Les Quatre Tours, La Colline, Provence Rose
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.70ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque Les Quatre Tours estate. As the setting that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this idyllic region has been home to the production of exceptional, rich, and opulent wines for over a century. Les Quatre Tours' 2022 La Colline is their Certified Organic, higher-end rosé, embodying the essence and vibrant colours of southern France.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant, blush pink hue captivates the eye, while the nose delights with a lively bouquet of zesty grapefruit, tangy green apple, and luscious red fruits. Revel in the impeccably balanced, refreshing taste as fruity notes of pomegranate, sun-kissed strawberries, and succulent grapefruit waltz across the palate. A dry finish, accentuated by a refined minerality, leaves an unforgettable impression.
FOOD PAIRING
While exceptional as a standalone treat, this luxurious Provence rosé also pairs beautifully with sumptuous dishes like seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, or a refined lobster risotto—each dish harmoniously elevating the wine's exuberant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This sophisticated rosé makes a stunning aperitif for your next soirée or an elegant companion to refined hors d'oeuvres.
2022 Les Quatre Tours, La Colline, Provence Rose
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.70ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque Les Quatre Tours estate. As the setting that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this idyllic region has been home to the production of exceptional, rich, and opulent wines for over a century. Les Quatre Tours' 2022 La Colline is their Certified Organic, higher-end rosé, embodying the essence and vibrant colours of southern France.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant, blush pink hue captivates the eye, while the nose delights with a lively bouquet of zesty grapefruit, tangy green apple, and luscious red fruits. Revel in the impeccably balanced, refreshing taste as fruity notes of pomegranate, sun-kissed strawberries, and succulent grapefruit waltz across the palate. A dry finish, accentuated by a refined minerality, leaves an unforgettable impression.
FOOD PAIRING
While exceptional as a standalone treat, this luxurious Provence rosé also pairs beautifully with sumptuous dishes like seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, or a refined lobster risotto—each dish harmoniously elevating the wine's exuberant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This sophisticated rosé makes a stunning aperitif for your next soirée or an elegant companion to refined hors d'oeuvres.
2022 Les Vignes de Tracey, Pouilly Fume
Regular price £23.60 Save £-23.60ABOUT THE WINE
A brand produced by the co-operative Caves des Pouilly-sur-Loire, who receive and vinify the harvests of independent growers from throughout the region.
TASTING NOTES
The signature smokey chalkiness is evident from the get-go, as the tart green limes, green apple and gooseberries take over to reveal a racy and fresh palate. A great example of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
FOOD PAIRING
Baked ratatouille with goat's cheese and oysters Rockefeller.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Co-operative producers in both Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre play an important role in maintaining the high standards of these appellations, setting the bar for quality and consistency.
Also available in 2017 Half Bottle
2021 Jean Pierre et Alexandre Ellevin Petit Chablis
Regular price £22.10 Save £-22.10ABOUT THE WINE
For as far back as they can trace their history, the Ellevin family has always been making wine. In 1975, Jean-Pierre Ellevin and his wife started to develop the family domaine; in 2003, their son Alexandre follows their footsteps and joins the family business. The estate covers 16 hectares, planted exclusively with Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Pale yellow colour with an expressive, exotic, ripe fruit nose and a well-balanced, rich, mineral, passion fruit palate. Long finish with marvellous minerality and intensity.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with appetisers or light fish but very enjoyable on its own.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an excellent wine from a small, quality-focused domaine.
2021 Cave de Ribeauville, Riesling Collection Vendanges Manuelles
Regular price £20.30 Save £-20.302022 Jean Pierre et Alexandre Ellevin Chablis
Regular price £13.90 Save £-13.902020 Charles Deloire Pouilly Fume
Regular price £12.70 Save £-12.70ABOUT THE WINE
The vineyards of Deloire are spread out over the slopes bordering the right bank of the Loire. The rich limestone soil is particularly well-suited to vineyards, and an ideal south-western exposure ensures a perfect ripeness, while exposing the vineyards to the winds blowing up the valley from the Atlantic, which convey the classic 'gin-flint' minerality to the wines of Pouilly-Fumé.
TASTING NOTES
Citrus and soft, sweet gooseberry aromas, with an odd hint of blackcurrant. A crisp, mineral wine with a complex yet genteel palate and a long lingering aftertaste. The mineral edge of Pouilly-Fumé serves only to add freshness to this exceedingly enjoyable Sauvignon blanc.
FOOD PAIRING
Very much an aperitif wine - there is sufficient minerality for white fish, but this is best enjoyed as a refreshing treat on a warm day.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Pouilly-Fumé tends to exhibit a more bracing character than its neighbour Sancerre; in this wine, however, that edge has been toned down to create a more subtle, palate-pleasing experience.
Also available in 2022 75cl Bottle.