2020 Domaine Nudant, Ladoix Chardonnay
Regular price £47.20 Save £-47.20ABOUT THE WINE
Winemakers in Burgundy since 1453, the current generation of the Nudant family manages some 16 hectares of small parcels dotted throughout the Cote d'Or. Vineyard work is all carried out by hand, in the spirit of minimal intervention. The vines for this Bourgogne are situated in the village of Chorey-les-Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
With just the smallest touch of oak character, this is a retrained style of Bourgogne. A wine to enjoy in its youth.
FOOD PAIRING
Chicken and root vegetables, and delicately flavoured cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Easy-going Chardonnay, from a village better known for red wines. 10 000 bottles produced.
2019 Reva, Barolo
Regular price £105.10 Save £-105.10ABOUT THE WINE
The Reva winery, established in Monforte d'Alba in 1867, embarked on a modern journey in 2013 under the ownership of Czech Republic native Miroslav Lekes. He enlisted Gianluca Colombo as oenologist and devotedly pursued the perfection of the wines crafted on the intimate 7.5-hectare estate, with an emphasis on sustainability. The current team, comprising young and professional winemakers, cherishes both tradition and innovation, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to preserve the pristine quality of the harvested fruit. Their goal is to employ cutting-edge techniques that accentuate the vineyard's efforts and the expressiveness of the diverse wines and their varietal traits. While uncertified, 100% organic vineyard practices are employed, and the grapes for this Barolo are handpicked from meticulously chosen vineyards in Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Serralunga d'Alba, and Grizane Cavour. After spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 30-35 days, this Barolo matures in oak barrels for an additional 24 months.
TASTING NOTES
This exquisite Nebbiolo, adorned in a captivating garnet hue, is a sublime embodiment of this distinguished grape. The nose presents an enchanting interplay of verdant aromas, black cherry, velvety vanilla, delicate dog rose, and a whisper of tobacco. A full-bodied yet refined red, it offers a tantalizing blend of red berry fruit, morello cherry, clove, and peppery undertones. This delightful fusion of intensity and finesse is enveloped in soft, embracing tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Indulge in a harmonious culinary experience by pairing this exceptional wine with an opulent osso buco, a lavish truffle-infused risotto, or a refined duck confit, each dish impeccably complementing the wine's intricate nuances.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The Réva Estate is something to behold, with scenic pools and terraces, it is more than just a winery, but a destination to visit and stay in the picturesque wine heaven that is Piemonte.
2018 Chateau Nouret Cru Bourgeois
Regular price £46.00 Save £-46.002014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.552022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru La Maréchaude
Regular price £38.50 Save £-38.50ABOUT 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
Hailing from the Pouilly-Fuissé premier cru vineyard La Maréchaude, this mellow yet flamboyant 100% Chardonnay is a true expression of its distinguished terroir. The nose unveils a sophisticated medley of ripe stone fruit, touched with nuances of blooming white flowers and toasty hazelnuts. On the palate, it is a symphony of balance and subtlety, combining a graceful minerality with a refined structure. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation in French oak barrels, with 20% new, followed by lees-ageing complemented by regular batonnage.
FOOD PAIRING
A gastronomic delight, this wine partners beautifully with a pan-seared sea bass served with a creamy leek fondue or a slow-roasted chicken with hazelnut and herb stuffing. An artisanal goat cheese tart with a salad of fresh greens, topped with candied walnuts, also makes for a harmonious pairing. Standalone, it serves as an enchanting aperitif that sets a sophisticated tone for any gathering.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
La Maréchaude, positioned at the northern edge of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, is famed for producing Chardonnay of distinct elegance and finesse. The vineyard's unique location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson and white limestone soils imbue the wine with a refreshing mineral character, beautifully offsetting the richness derived from lees-stirring and barrel ageing. This is a stellar expression of Pouilly-Fuissé's potential.
2022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 'Sur la Roche' 1er Cru
Regular price £38.50 Save £-38.502020 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey Red
Regular price £35.80 Save £-35.802012 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Regular price £33.75 Save £-33.75ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Sociando-Mallet is located in the commune of Saint-Sevrin-de-Cadourne, in the north of Pauillac. Its 85 hectares of vineyard are very well situated with an amazing view on the Gironde estuary. The estate dates back to 1633 when it belonged to the Sossiando family, of Basque origin. In 1969, after the succession of several owners, including a naval captain by the name of Mallet who added his name to the estate, Jean Gautreau took over the estate which had become extremely neglected, despite its excellent location, and included less than 7 hectares of vines. Through new plantings and purchases, and extensive investment in the winemaking facilities, Jean Gautreau expanded the vineyard-area to 85 hectares, and cemented the reputation of Sociando-Mallet as a superb estate capable of challenging classified growths in terms of consistency and quality.
TASTING NOTES
Deep and dark, with lovely, concentrated flavour. Herb-tinged and peppery, with cassis on the palate and a long, earthy finish. This is a classic; and as such will reward ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with roasted meats and vegetables, creamy dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Likely best from 2020; although it will reward the impatient if given time in the decanter.
2019 Bodega Monteviejo, Petite Fleur Blend
Regular price £28.00 Save £-28.002018 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Savigny les Beaune 'Les Goudelettes'
Regular price £259.00 Save £-259.00Also available in 2019 75cl Bottle
ABOUT THE WINE
The second generation now manages this Domaine, founded by Antonin in the 1960s. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, they own vines throughout the Cote d'Or, including parcels in some of the finest Premier and Grand cru vineyards. Harvest is by hand, with initial sorting in the vineyard; no more than 50% new oak is used, and the wines of the Domaine have a classic freshness and purity to them.
TASTING NOTES
Coming from their home village. Pretty gold-rimmed ruby in colour; bright red fruit with very fine, elegant tannin. Excellent ageing potential.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with roasted meats or a more classic pairing, confit duck.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Long fermentation takes 15 days in wooden open vats. 15 months of barrel ageing.
2017 Bodegas Torrederos, Ribera del Duero Crianza
Regular price £24.40 Save £-24.40ABOUT THE WINE
Situated in Ribera del Duero - home to one of Spain’s most sought after and applauded wines. Founded in 1999 by Serafin and Jose Mari - Torrederos Winery owns more than 100 hectares of Tempranillo planted vineyards. Vines are situated in a maximum radius of 5 km from the winery, facilitating continual production quality control. You can expect excellent value for these true expressions of Spain's most iconic grape.
TASTE NOTES
12 months in 70% French Oak and 30% American Oak gives this Crianza wonderfully complex yet approachable notes. Deep ruby red color with a pleasant, aromatic nose. Medium-bodied with smooth tannic structure, bursting with dark fruit, cherry and balsamic notes.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with grilled burgers, meat-lovers pizza or chorizo.
2019 Cascina Ebreo, Rosso
Regular price £23.80 Save £-23.80ABOUT THE WINE
In 1991, Peter Weimer gave up corporate life in Switzerland and moved to Piedmont, purchasing Cascina Ebreo. They released their first vintage in 1996, and have since won great acclaim for their unusual, expressive wines.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, red fruit, slightly jammy, on the aromas, with a savoury edge. The palate shows the same red fruit, fresher, with a hint of wet earth, balanced acidity and soft, dusty tannin which coats the palate on the finish. Very impressive; this drinks like a wine double the price, and has the potential to last ten years in the bottle - but it'll be drunk long before then.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with charcuterie and hard cheeses, or with tomato-based pasta dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
While the producer prefers to avoid the term ‘natural’ for his wines, these are certainly minimal intervention, in both the vineyard and the cellar. Farming is organic, with some biodynamic practices, and the only addition in the cellar is a minimal quantity of sulphur dioxide.
NV Deutz, Brut Classic
Regular price £23.00 Save £-23.00One of the oldest members of Champagne's prestigious Grandes Marques houses, Champagne Deutz of Ay, France, has been making distinctive champagnes marked by finesse, elegance and complexity since 1838. The house has upheld the traditions of fine Champagne making handed down through five generations. Owning a significant portion of its own vineyards, Deutz selects only top rated grapes from 275 acres of vineyards in the finest crus of Champagne. The wines are slowly and carefully aged in the chalk-walled cellars far beneath the historic village of Ay.
The colour of the wine is an intense gold with fine effervescence that signifies long maturation on the lees. On the nose, the wine initially displays notes of hawthorn and white flowers, which are followed by aromas of toast, marzipan and ripe pears. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and elegant with the freshness of Chardonnay and richness of Pinot Noir. Overall, the wine is well-rounded with a fruity finish.
As an aperitif or with fish dishes salmon, turbot, John Dory, poultry and white meat.
Brut Classic represents the distinctive Champagne Deutz style of elegance and finesse, which has made Deutz one of the most respected of all Champagne houses. The non-vintage Champagne is matured according to traditional methods from a blend of several vintages from twenty of the best crus until it reaches a perfect balance of flavour.
2016 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien), Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Regular price £36.65 Save £-36.652015 Chateau Nouret
Regular price £22.50 Save £-22.502015 Chateau Potensac, Chapelle de Potensac
Regular price £21.20 Save £-21.20ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Potensac is named for its location on top of the Potensac plateau. Owned by the Delon Family the estate is planted with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the area, the aim being to produce a softer, more approachable wine. This is the second wine of the estate, made by the same team as Leoville Las Cases.
TASTING NOTES
An attractive, medium-bodied wine for early-drinking. Red cherry and plum fruit, with a hint of mint and dark spice.
FOOD PAIRING
Robust dishes; winter stews and game.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent value from a very drinkable Bordeaux.
2022 Vina Costeira, Tambora Albarino
Regular price £20.30 Save £-20.30ABOUT THE WINE
Viña Costeira's bold claim of being the finest winery in Spain is not without merit. Established in 1968 by a group of forward-thinking pioneers who recognized the potential of Galicia's indigenous grape varieties, the winery has since blossomed into one of the region's largest producers. Dedicated to preserving both ancient vineyards and cherished traditions of Galician wine-making, each bottle embodies the spirit of its heritage.
TASTING NOTES
This fresh Albariño is a lively and invigorating expression, bursting with vibrant tropical fruit aromas. The palate is delightfully crisp and clean, showcasing bright citrus notes intertwined with ripe red apples. The finish is refreshing, leaving a lasting impression of pure enjoyment.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine is an ideal companion for a range of seafood dishes. Consider pairing it with pan-seared scallops over creamy risotto, garlic butter prawns, or a classic seafood paella garnished with fresh herbs for a sublime gastronomic experience.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The musical bars on the label represent the hymn of Galicia, symbolising the rich cultural heritage and passion infused into every bottle of this exceptional white.
2019 Chateau Cailleteau Bergeron, Rouge
Regular price £20.20 Save £-20.20