NV Guillopées, Sancerre Cuvée Henri du Vernoy Rose
Regular price £12.80 Save £-12.80ABOUT THE WINE
The history of Guillopees 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
A blend of their top vintages, giving this rose a distinctive and pleasing character! Bright and refreshing on the palate, with a delicate, slightly spicy nose.
FOOD PAIRING
This rose has enough structure and character to be enjoyed with food. Delicious with light canapes, veggie skewers or salmon burgers.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A dry but flavorful rose. 100% Pinot Noir gives the wine a deeper salmon hue.
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.
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 Monte Tessa, Montelpuciano d'Abruzzo
Regular price £13.30 Save £-13.302018 Chateau Vignol Red
Regular price £14.80 Save £-14.802022 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 Chateau Vignol, White
Regular price £15.70 Save £-15.702022 Les Quatre Tours, Estrelia, Provence Rose
Regular price £16.00 Save £-16.00ABOUT THE WINE
Situated between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence - the painters' paradise as portrayed by Van Gogh and Cezanne, Les Quatre Tours has been producing a palette of superb wines, rich and generous as the colours of the south of France for over a century.
TASTING NOTES
A luminous, blush pink hue enchants the eye. The nose is delightfully vibrant, showcasing a medley of zesty grapefruit, crisp green apple, and succulent red fruits. Savour the expertly balanced, enduring refreshment, as fruity notes of red currants, sun-ripened strawberries, and juicy grapefruit dance upon the palate. A dry finish, underscored by elegant minerality, leaves a lasting impression.
FOOD PAIRING
Exceptional as a standalone indulgence, this Provence Rosé also pairs exquisitely with artfully charred vegetable kebabs, a colourful Mediterranean quinoa salad, or a delicate prosciutto-wrapped melon, each masterfully complementing the wine's vibrant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent as an aperitif at your next garden party, or with light canapes.
2022 Villa Folini, Prosecco Rose DOC
Regular price £16.35 Save £-16.352017 Kelman, Tinto Blend
Regular price £16.50 Save £-16.502019 Castra Rubra Dominant White
Regular price £17.85 Save £-17.852020 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.
2021 Judeka, Etna Rosso DOC
Regular price £20.50 Save £-20.50ABOUT 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 their grandparents used to press grapes at home, in a garage. They use organic techniques to produce exceptional wines.
Made from very fine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from low yielding vineyards, both young and old. The grapes are macerated until the end of fermentation. The wine then continues its life in wood until bottled roughly one year after harvest.
TASTING NOTES
Rich dark fruit flavors, hints of chocolate, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Drunk young it is a distinguished wine. Fresh, fragrant, beautifully slender and with a fine grip, it has a natural polish and stage presence. And, in aging it gathers richness and complexity.
2022 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Le Champ des Grillons Rose
Regular price £46.00 Save £-46.002018 Agriturismo Colognole, Chianti Rufina
Regular price £21.50 Save £-21.502022 Domaine Devillard, Le Renard Pinot Noir
Regular price £22.10 Save £-22.102022 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
2021 Reva, Dolcetto d'Alba
Regular price £23.80 Save £-23.802022 Domaine Bonnardot, HCDN Coup de Foudre Rouge
Regular price £26.40 Save £-26.40PRODUCER NOTES
Domaine Bonnardot is a family-owned vineyard with three generations of experience in soil working and a passion for producing high-quality wine while respecting the terroir and nature. They completed their conversion to organic farming in 2021 after three years of testing, and continue to experiment with sowing, tillage, and the use of herbal teas and essential oils. They also prioritize promoting biodiversity by maintaining dry-stone walls, hedges, woods, and bee hives
TASTING NOTES
"Coup de Foudre", meaning 'love at first sight', is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, derived from several parcels in the Hautes Côtes de Nuits that average about forty years old. Maturation in 'foudres', or large old tanks, imparts the wine with a unique character. Expressive on the nose, this cuvée emanates a charming blend of floral (violet) and fruity (small red fruit) notes with a slightly peppery finish. The palate is both fresh and pleasant, marked by light tannins and a very good balance. Its thirst-quenching nature speaks to the playful maturity of the wine.
FOOD PAIRING
An adaptable partner to many dishes, this wine shines with grilled red meat such as flank steak with chimichurri sauce, or poultry dishes like roast chicken with Provençal herbs. Its light and fruity style also makes it a fascinating companion to spice-infused dishes like Thai red curry or Moroccan tagine. For an unconventional pairing, serve it as an aperitif with a platter of assorted hard cheeses and dried fruits.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This "Coup de Foudre" cuvée is a testament to the Bonnardot family's unwavering commitment to showcasing the expressiveness and versatility of Pinot Noir. Its lightness, fresh fruitiness, and delicate tannins make it a beautifully unique addition to its portfolio. With its reasonable keeping potential of 2 to 5 years, this wine offers an accessible introduction to Domaine's range while also providing an interesting option for collectors and enthusiasts.
2022 Pierre Mayeul, Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Regular price £26.90 Save £-26.902022 Domaine Nudant, Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Regular price £28.50 Save £-28.50ABOUT 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 Ladoix-Serrigny.
TASTING NOTES
Fresh, fruity, juicy Pinot Noir, with intensity derived from low-yielding old vines. Red fruit aromas, with bright strawberry and cherry on the palate, and a subtle hint of savoury spice on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
White meat, like chicken, and grilled root vegetables. Veal would also pair very well – try this with saltimbocca.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Easy-going, flavoursome Bourgogne rouge, from vines over 50 years of age in a village at the northernmost point of the Côte de Beaune. 10 000 bottles produced.
2018 Tokar Estate, Pinot Noir
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50ABOUT THE WINE
Since 1995, when Mr. and Mrs. Tokar stumbled across the location that would become the estate, their small boutique winery has been a pioneer of the Yarra Valley ‘Golden Mile’ of high-quality, family-owned producers. The small boutique estate practices sustainable farming on a beautiful vineyard which was originally intended to be little more than a hobby! Now, with the second generation working alongside them, the Tokar’s attention on detail both in the vineyards and in the cellar is showing results, with numerous inter-national accolades and awards.
TASTING NOTES
Bright red core with a light crimson hue. Fragrant ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas stream out of the glass followed by a mix of dried herbs, forest floor and light spicy cedar. Delicious ripe cherry and strawberry flavours have a juicy supple feel and savoury edge. Nice bright finish with velvet like tannins and a moreish ripe red berry aftertaste.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent accompaniment to a roast duck dish, complementing the natural fattiness of the duck. Also great with hard cheeses, such as Manchego and Comte.
2019 Madame Veuve Point, Rully Rouge
Regular price £31.20 Save £-31.20ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Madame Veuve Point is the unique story of a woman winemaker whose wines won the Grand Prize at the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair, and have continued making excellent Burgundy wines ever since. Now, Géraldine Point is the latest generation of the family to pick up the torch and continue a hundred year old wine making tradition.
Graced by a Château which has been in the same family for six centuries, a church with an elegant steeple, beautiful homes and parks, Rully (pronounced Ruilly) is a very old wine making village. This Pinot Noir extends over the slopes composed of brown or limestone soils with a slight clay texture, yielding wines which compete with the best of the nearby Côte de Beaune wines.
TASTING NOTES
The cherry red appearance with a dark garnet tint gives way to a bouquet of black (cassis, blackberry) and red fruits (cherry), liquorice, lilac and gentian. The freshness is evident and the blended tannins complete a beautiful long-lasting finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Pair this with roast poultry or in a sauce (such as coq au vin), meats such as liver, sweetbreads and kidney, also in a sauce or simply pan-fried. Risottos, pastas with meat sauce and poultry are also excellent choices.
2019 Madame Veuve Point, Rully Blanc
Regular price £34.20 Save £-34.20ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Madame Veuve Point is the unique story of a woman winemaker whose wines won the Grand Prize at the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair, and have continued making excellent Burgundy wines ever since. Now, Géraldine Point is the latest generation of the family to pick up the torch and continue a hundred year old wine making tradition.
Graced by a château which has been in the same family for six centuries, a church with an elegant steeple, beautiful homes and parks, Rully (pronounced Ruilly) is a very old village. This appellation produces mostly white whines. The white Chardonnay vine is able to express itself perfectly in these climates with rocky limestone and clay soils. The slopes are sheltered by a part of the mountain of la Folie and have an ideal Southeastern exposure. Its high altitude (230 to 300 meters) forces the winemakers to be more patient in awaiting the harvest than in nearby Côte de Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
This Rully Blanc has a golden color with green highlights in the glass. It has a fine nose with notes of “flowering shrubs” such as acacia, hawthorn and honeysuckle along with notes of fruits like lemon and white peaches. It has a fruity palate, with a lively, round flavor which is full-bodied and very slightly woody. In aging, its color will evolve toward buttercup and notes of honey, quince and dried fruit will be revealed.
FOOD PAIRING
With its beautiful fullness in the mouth, this wine is the ideal with tender-fleshed delicacies such as pan-fried river fish, sea fish in a white sauce or warm shellfish. It is an ideal accompaniment to hard cheeses such as Comté, with which it shares its fruitiness. It will elevate poultry in cream sauces. It can also be drunk as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
To really amplify its aromatic elegance, try decanting before serving!