2022 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £13.10 Save £-13.10Situated in the Herault region, close to the Mediterranean Sea, the Domaine de Mont Auriol once was a Royal Estate and has belonged to the Sarret family for thirteen generations. Of the 350 hectares of the estate, 110 hectares are planted with vines. The vineyard is spread across a chain of hills that face south over the Golfe du Lion. The vines grow on the canopy. No herbicides are used, but organic fertilizers with biodynamic culture. A mechanical harvest is carried out and total de-stemming. Maceration is made in stainless steel, concrete and fibre glass vats. All wines benefit from being bottled at the domain using our own on site plant.
TASTING NOTES
Mesmerising pale colour with green tints. The elegant mouth gives pink grapefruit and citrus.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal as an aperitif, it will go well with crustacean and raw fish. A must try with corn of cob.
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.
2018 Domaine des Masques, Blanc 'Essentielle'
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhône winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Harvested a little earlier than the Exception, to preserve the fresh fruit-character of the wine. Vinification is in sealed vats to limit exposure to oxygen. Delicate citrus, peach, apple and pear aromas; fresh yet full-bodied on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, also perfect with grilled fish. A lovely wine with a cold lunch-spread.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The reductive (oxygen-free) winemaking allows for the bare minimum of sulphur to be used in this wine.
2021 Nittnaus, Gruner Veltliner Selection
Regular price £19.70 Save £-19.70Gebrüder 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
Light yellow colour wine with intensely fragrant, but delicate herbal aromas. Elegant and juicy palate with fruits reminding us of gooseberries. Spicy, yet delicious and harmonious finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with Thai and Vietnamese dishes, light appetisers or grilled salmon.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The Neusiedler See is a remarkably shallow lake, the remnants of an inland sea. The waters warm the surrounding region in winter, preventing serious winter-frost damage for the vines which hug the shorelines.
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.