2023 Reguta, Ribolla Gialla
Regular price £15.30 Save £-15.30ABOUT THE WINE
Founded in 1928, Reguta Winery is located not far from the Roman town of Aquileia and from Palmanova, a historic fortress city founded in the 16th century by the Venetians, in the municipality of Pocenia. The company today boasts 250 hectares of vineyards, which are located near the sea, ventilated by sea breezes and with mainly clay soil rich in mineral salts. They grow a variety of native grapes making excellent Friuli DOC wines.
TASTING NOTES
Straw yellow in the glass, the nose is delicate and well expressed with tinges of wild flowers, herbs and grapefruit. In the mouth the wine is extremely drinkable, slightly sour, fresh and with elegant mouth feel.
FOOD PAIRING
Cold appetizers with sour or sweet sauces, soups, above all creme soups, vegetables main courses and fish dishes.
FOOD PAIRING
Lesser known than it's close neighbour Pinot Grigio, the ancient grape variety Ribolla Gialla makes exceptional fresh and vibrant white wines.
2021 Vega Caledonia, Rioja Joven White
Regular price £15.50 Save £-15.50ABOUT THE WINE
Part of the ambitious Bodegas Najerilla, established in 1975, located in High Rioja in Bajo Najerilla Valley. With some vineyards over 50 years old, the winery produce grapes of excellent quality thanks to their strict selection and consistent quality control techniques. Thanks to three generations of committed winemakers, Vega Caledonia wines are highly recognized in Spain for honouring their historic region and their authentic flavour profiles.
TASTE NOTES
Classic white Rioja! Lean, citrusy aromas with a touch of honeydew. Palate is fresh, bursting with acidity and notes of peaches and apples. The finish is persistent and crisp.
2022 Domaine Saint Peyre, Picpoul de Pinet
Regular price £16.10 Save £-16.102021 Bodega Monteviejo, Torrontes Festivo
Regular price £16.60 Save £-16.60ABOUT THE WINE
In 2001, a famously perfectionist Bordeaux chateau-owner, the late Catherine Péré Vergé, embarked upon a new venture in Mendoza, Argentina, and founded Bodegas Monteviejo. With the assistance of Michel Rolland as a consultant and Marcelo Pelleriti as winemaker, the attention to detail shown at her most famous estates of La Gay and La Violette in Pomerol was transplanted to the new world. The estate boasts over 100 hectares of vineyards in Mendoza, planted at high density to control yields, producing exceptional quality and intensity wines.
TASTING NOTES
Captivatingly fragrant bouquets, enriched by an intricate medley of zesty citrus nuances. The palate delights in a crisp and refreshing essence, boasting luscious pear and apricot, sun-kissed peaches, and a whisper of honey, all intertwined with a signature ginger undertone unique to the variety. Fermentation in stainless steel safeguards the varietal essence while limiting oxygen exposure, yielding a luminous and harmonious wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Allow the enchanting notes of Torrontes to elevate your experience with delectable shrimp ceviche, an exotic Moroccan tagine, or artisanal herbed goat cheese to achieve a genuinely transcendent pairing.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Torrontès is a distinctly Argentine grape variety, related to Muscat, but genetically distinct. The grape benefits enormously from the extreme altitude of most Argentine vineyards, which provide warm, dry daytime conditions, and cold, crisp nights which heighten the naturally low acidity of the variety, and create the balanced palate which makes this wine so charming to drink.
2021 Judeka, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Regular price £16.80 Save £-16.80ABOUT 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 the grandparents used to press grapes at home, in a garage. They use organic techniques to produce exceptional wines.
Their Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the only Sicilian wine which can boast DOCG Certification. It is a wine that strongly expresses its territory of origin, through a perfect synergy between the strength, structure, and the fruitfulness of the Nero d’Avola with the elegance, delicacy and floral qualities of Frappato.
TASTING NOTES
A fruitful medium bodied red wine made of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato. The Nero d'Avola provides the fruit, while the Frappato provides a freshness and acidity which balances the wine. Excellent on it's own or paired with food - the choice is yours! Serve between 10-12 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
The strength of this wine is its versatility - it goes with all kinds of dishes, from fish, to meat and cheeses. It is particularly well suited to Japanese food such as okonomiyaki.
2020 Baglio Inca, Nero D'Avola
Regular price £16.90 Save £-16.902021 Marques de Arviza, Verdejo 'La Mision'
Regular price £17.50 Save £-17.502021 Bodegas Torrederos, Verdejo
Regular price £17.50 Save £-17.50ABOUT 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
Highly aromatic nose dominated by aromas of white fruit, citrus and a touch of fennel. Crisp yet full palate followed by great acidity on a long, crunchy finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with fish tacos or grilled octopus. Can also stand against aromatic spices like dill and coriander.
2014 Bodegas Francisco Casas, Camparron Reserva
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60ABOUT THE WINE
Founded in 1942 by Francisco Casas Gomez, Bodega Francisco Casas remains a family-run winery, with the fourth generation now in charge. In 1965 the family bought a new cellar in Morales de Toro, the heart of the Toro region. Their vineyards cover more than 10 hectares in the surrounding region. The climate in Toro is continental, with extreme contrasts in temperature during winter and summer; there is a longstanding winemaking tradition in this area, predating even the Ancient Roman era. Eduardo Casas has recently taken over the Bodega, the latest generation to shape the Casas legacy.
TASTING NOTES
Dark fruit berry colour. Cherry, kirsch, prune and fruit compote nose. Incredibly smooth finish, with a refreshing herbal note.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with lamb and beef casseroles, and strong, hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Bright and youthful, 2014 was another superb vintage for Toro, Rioja and Ribera del Duero. These latter two regions may be more fashionable, but Toro has the history, the vineyards and increasingly also the technical expertise to more-than match them for quality.
2014 Chateau Brane Cantenac, Baron de Brane
Regular price £21.75 Save £-21.752021 Weingut Stenner, Spatburgunder Hechtsheimer
Regular price £22.50 Save £-22.50ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Weingut Bernhard Stenner, located on the outskirts of Mainz in the heart of Rheinhessen, is known for its commitment to traditional grape varieties and premium vineyard sites. Under the guidance of Malenka Stenner, a fourth-generation vintner with a degree in viticulture from Geisenheim, the family business is set on an exciting trajectory. Having also served as the Mainz Wine Princess in 2016, Malenka works in perfect harmony with her father, Bernhard. Their shared passion for winemaking is evident in every bottle they produce, as Malenka infuses each wine with her distinctive signature.
TASTING NOTES
Having aged gracefully in used barrique barrels, this Pinot Noir radiates character. It presents a blackberry hue in the glass and evokes memories of a joyful evening by the campfire with friends and freshly toasted bread. The palate unfolds with dark forest fruits, coupled with a smooth finish and delicate dark chocolate – offering an experience that's both intense and refreshing. It can be enjoyed in summer, slightly chilled, for the ultimate pleasure.
FOOD PAIRING
This versatile Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Consider serving it with a duck breast with a blackberry and red wine sauce to enhance its dark fruit notes or with a beetroot and goat cheese tart for a delightful contrast. It also complements hearty mushroom risotto or a rich dark chocolate and raspberry tart. Enjoy it slightly chilled during summer barbecues alongside grilled vegetables and smoky tofu skewers for a vegan-friendly option.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Contrary to popular belief, German Pinot Noirs offer a much more decadent fruit character than their French counterparts and almost always offer superb value for exceptional quality.
2018 Domaine des Masques, Chardonnay Cuvee Exception
Regular price £24.40 Save £-24.402018 Domaine Devillard, Le Renard Chardonnay
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.702022 Capanna, SanGioBi
Regular price £25.60 Save £-25.602021 Pierre Mayeul, Bourgogne Chardonnay
Regular price £26.90 Save £-26.90ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
The bouquet reveals an enticing fusion of crisp green apple, citrus blossom, and a whisper of minerality. Delicate oak ageing imparts hints of crème brûlée and toasted almond. This inviting Chardonnay is medium-bodied with a creamy texture and invigorating acidity. Tastes of juicy pear, lemon zest, and a touch of flintiness establish an elegant equilibrium, culminating in a smooth, enduring finale.
FOOD PAIRING
Experiment with this Chardonnay by serving it alongside cauliflower and Gruyère cheese gratin, where the nutty flavours will enhance the wine's fruity and creamy characteristics. Alternatively, try a pan-seared halibut with a citrus and herb salsa, or a Moroccan chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives. This versatile wine also pairs beautifully with a rich butternut squash risotto.
2020 Capanna, Rosso di Montalcino
Regular price £28.00 Save £-28.002021 Jean Pierre et Alexandre Ellevin Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaucoupin'
Regular price £32.60 Save £-32.60ABOUT 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 joined them. The estate covers 16 hectares, planted exclusively with Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant golden hue captivates the eye. The nose is alluringly expressive, revealing elegant hints of citrus, sweet pea, and a lively zest. On the palate, indulge in a refined and velvety texture, enhanced by an exceptional yoghurty framework. This wine offers a seamless blend of vibrant minerality and a lingering, graceful finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Unveil the exquisite potential of this Chablis 1er Cru when savoured alongside a delicately poached sea bass, a luxurious lobster risotto, or a vibrant beet and goat cheese salad, each masterfully complementing the wine's tantalizing nuances.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A delightful 1er Cru, a little softer than the Vosgros from this producer.
2018 Ribeauville, Riesling Grand Cru 'Osterberg'
Regular price £33.80 Save £-33.802020 Domaine Fillon, Chablis 1er Cru “Les Beauregards”
Regular price £34.30 Save £-34.302022 Domaine des Trois Cellier, Chateauneuf du Pape blanc "Cuvee Insolente"
Regular price £35.30 Save £-35.302017 Cascina Ebreo, Sinche Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £37.90 Save £-37.902014 Domaine Loic Mahe, Savennieres 'Les Fougeraies'
Regular price £38.70 Save £-38.70ABOUT THE WINE
Having worked as a consultant for other wineries, Brittany-born Loïc couldn't wait to start his own, and so in 2011 he purchased 11 hectares spread between Savennières and La Franchaie, Certified organic and non-interventionist, Loïc prefers to let the effects of the seasons and terroir dominate the character of his wines. Grapes are exclusively picked by hand, with careful sorting to ensure quality fruit. Fermentation is slow, using natural yeasts and minimal sulphites, with maturation in oak barrels or small tanks.
TASTING NOTES
A Savennières of pleasure that combines the power of the terroir with a beautiful structure. Very dry, yet generous, with an unctuous character balanced by fresh acidity and impressive complexity - apple and pear fruit, with a hint of nuttiness and a touch of earth on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with fish, especially where they are cooked in powerfully flavoured sauces, but it will also be a good match with white meat (chicken, pork, veal) and creamy sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With a white of this complexity it is advisable to decant 30 minutes to an hour before serving; this wine will age beautifully for up to 15 years from vintage.
2020 Domaine Nudant, Ladoix Rouge
Regular price £39.10 Save £-39.10ABOUT 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
An underrated gem of a village in the Cote de Beaune, Ladoix is famed for providing a stunning balance of tart red fruits and riper black fruits, a rarity for reasonably priced elegant red Burgundies. The first whiff of cranberries, raspberries and heirloom strawberries is captivating immediately. What comes next is the elegant savouriness of sage, rosemary and sautéed chestnut mushrooms. The light, but velvety tannins linger on the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Confit quail legs with roasted butternut squash, and sage butter gnocchi.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An off-piste appellation which offers excellent value from some very impressive vineyard sites.
2015 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £40.45 Save £-40.45