2021 75CL Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 white
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.802022 Guillopees, Sancerre Cuvee Henri du Vernoy
Regular price £29.20 Save £-29.20ABOUT THE WINE
The history of Guillopées begins in 1963, when some vine growers joined forces to face up the economic challenges of the time, creating a quality-focused co-operative cellar in the heart of Sancerre. It remains the only co-operative in the appellation, producing wines with all the classic minerality and poise for which the appellation is revered.
TASTING NOTES
This wine portrays a wonderful classic style of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre - white blossoms, citrus fruits, followed by beautiful acidity, a rich palate and a lasting finish.
FOOD PAIRING
To be served as an aperitif, with fish, shellfish, white meats or goat's cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Classic Sancerre, ideal drinking with a platter of light snacks on a warm day.
2021 Domaine Alain Gueneau Sancerre Blanc 'La Guiberte'
Regular price £28.40 Save £-28.40A family run winery: along with Alain, his children Elisa and Dominique invest their time and energy in order to produce the wines of exceptional quality from their terroir. Their estate is comprised of 16 hectares of AOC Sancerre vineyards, planted on the steep slopes that surround the village of Sury-en-Vaux.
TASTING NOTES
Pale yellow in colour with green and golden highlights. Hints of tomato leaf, menthol and nettle developing into elderflower, citrus and thyme. On the palate, it is well-balanced with strong lemon and grapefruit flavours. The finish is long, with notes of pear.
FOOD PAIRING
It makes a wonderful accompaniment to fish, smoked salmon, white meats and goat's cheese and can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A soft style of Sancerre, with less of the traditional bite than most - which only makes it more delightfully drinkable.
2022 Charles Deloire Pouilly Fume
Regular price £23.80 Save £-23.80ABOUT 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 2020 Half Bottle
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
2017 Nittnaus, Beerenauslese Exquisit
Regular price £23.30 Save £-23.30ABOUT THE WINE
Gebrüder Nittnaus winery lies on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl in the heart of Gols, at the centre of one of the largest wine-producing communities in Austria. The family has owned vineyards for more than 300 years and has been running their own winery since 1986. They cultivate 57 hectares in Gols, spread out over more than 70 different vineyard parcels. Almost two-thirds of this area is planted with red wine, primarily indigenous varieties. They cultivate their vines in accordance with organic agricultural principles. The latest generation of Nittnauses, Andreas and Hans Michael, is now responsible for running the winery.
TASTING NOTES
Brilliant yellow-straw colour with visible viscosity. Luscious peach and tropical fruit aromas are well defined. A rich entry leads to a sweet, medium-bodied palate with balanced acidity. Intensely fruity. A balanced, lovely style.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect for a fruit-based dessert, excellent with foie gras.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Beerenauslese means late-harvest berry selection: berries are hand-picked, selected grape by grape for perfect health and ripeness.
2018 Nittnaus, Sauvignon Blanc 'Obere Wies'
Regular price £22.70 Save £-22.70ABOUT THE WINE
Gebrüder Nittnaus winery lies on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl in the heart of Gols, at the centre of one of the largest wine-producing communities in Austria. The family has owned vineyards for more than 300 years and has been running their own winery since 1986. They cultivate 57 hectares in Gols, spread out over more than 70 different vineyard parcels. Almost two-thirds of this area is planted with red wine, primarily indigenous varieties. They cultivate their vines in accordance with organic agricultural principles. The latest generation of Nittnauses, Andreas and Hans Michael, is now responsible for running the winery.
TASTING NOTES
Bright lemon, grapefruit and gooseberry flavours, with a juicy palate and delicate spice on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with seafood or fresh, crumbly goat's cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The cool winds which blow from the eastern shores of the Neusiedler See provide an ideal climate for Sauvignon blanc, an increasingly popular varietal in this part of Austria.
2022 Totara, Premium Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £20.30 Save £-20.30The Totara winery, based in Marlborough, is named after a New Zealand native tree revered by Maori and European settlers for its strength and durability. Their vineyards stretch from the stony alluvial soils of Marlborough's Wairau plains and Awatere valley to the climatic extremes of Central Otago's Gibbston Valley and Cromwell Basin. This diversity enables Alan Peters-Oswald, who joined the Totara Wines team as a winemaker in 2010, to capture the best characteristics of these spectacular regions and produce wines that are true reflections of their terroir.
TASTING NOTES
Clean, fruity aromas typical of New Zealand Sauvignon: lime, green apple, gooseberry, pink grapefruit, mango and passionfruit. This complexity carries through to a bright, well-defined palate, aromatic and refreshing: medium body, juicy acidity and a flavoursome finish with a hint of zesty herbaceous notes.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine would be perfect as an aperitif, with salads, fresh goats' cheese, feta, Asian-style seafood dishes, Thai green curry, and lightly smoked salmon or fish and chips.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A delightfully zesty wine, with a little extra weight from time on the lees.
2016 Chateau Rieussec, Les Carmes de Rieussec
Regular price £19.20 Save £-19.20ABOUT THE WINE
Château Rieussec was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984. Traditional Sauternes techniques are used and the harvests are carried out with selective pickings depending on the ripeness of the grapes and the evolution of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Les Carmes de Rieussec, the Second wine from Château Rieussec, is produced from young vines of the estate.
TASTING NOTES
The wine gives off candied apricot, citrusy and white peach aromas enhanced by a light honey hint on the nose finish. The wine offers an unctuous, quite ample and balanced palate, which finishes on a vibrant note.
FOOD PAIRING
Consider cheesecake of all kinds (no chocolate), almond tart, lemon tart, and custards. Also great with savoury dishes such as Roquefort or Livarot cheese and foie gras or terrine with caramelized onions. Herb-roasted poultry or spicy Asian are a good bet too.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an example of how great Sauternes can be super versatile when it comes to pairings.
2020 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.