wine-info
France: The Rhône
Northern Rhône
The narrow valley of the Rhône south of Lyon is the spiritual home of Syrah. Here the vineyards crawl up the steep slopes, largely on the west side of the river. As Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas become steadily more expensive, we continue to champion the cause of St. Joseph, which shares similarly sparse soils derived from decayed granite.
Southern Rhône
The valley of the Rhône broadens out east and west of Orange, offering a huge hot, dry, windswept - the infamous Mistral - area perfect for the vine. The flat plain produces largely Côtes du Rhône, whilst the better villages - e.g. Cairanne or Sablet - or appellations - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise - lie all, or in part, on the hills.
Southern Rhône reds are based on at least two-thirds Grenache, blended with any combination of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Carignan and others. Whites are fast improving, with modern, fresh styles based on Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Clairette.
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Our Favourite Selection
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Product Code: AUM108
Domaine de l'Aumonier, Touraine Sauvignon, 2008
“Our best selling white wine for the last five years. Pale yellow. Fresh, lightly floral scent. Lots of flavour - lime and ripe grapefruit - and good...”
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Product Code: DEL608
Delta, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, 2008
“Mid raspberry, pale and slightly smudgy look. Enticing aromas of fresh oak overlaying creamy blueberry and red cherry fruit. Bright, juicy attack....”
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Product Code: COW305
Domaine Le Couroulu, Vacqueyras, Vieilles Vignes, 2005
“80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, made from two parcels planted on the plateau amidst the garrigue by M. Ricard’s grandparents. Guy says this is the best...”
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Product Code: JAC132
Jacquesson, Champagne, Cuvée 732, NV
“Quantities at Jacquesson are tiny, but quality is widely acknowledged as being extremely high. Cuvée 732 is based on the 2004 vintage and sourced...”
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Product Code: DAU107
Saint Daumary, Pic Saint Loup, Voilà Le Printemps, 2007
“60% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 10% Mourvèdre. Scent of black cherries, and that cherry note continues on to the palate, with hints of...”
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Product Code: CAE207
CarinaE, Malbec, Reserva, Mendoza, 2007
“Oaked, mainly in old barrels. Deep purple. Seductive creamy oak nose. Really ripe and fleshy wine, brambly fruit given substance and ageing potential...”
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Product Code: GUH608
Domaine de la Guicharde, Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Autour de la Chapelle, 2008
“The apricotty perfume of the Viognier is to the fore, with a waxy pear note of the Marsanne. This is so fresh and zippy, delivering the pretty...”
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Product Code: PN310
Great New World Pinot
“A mixed case including two bottles of each of the six wines listed, with a discount of 10%”
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Product Code: MAB108
Mas des Brousses, Chasseur des Brousses, Vin de Pays d’Oc, 2008
“60% Merlot with Grenache and Cinsaut, a wine with Bordelais style from the garrigue. Leafy and herby scents. Black plum and berry core, spiced with...”
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Product Code: Spicedoz
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Product Code: HON108
Honoro Vera, Jumilla, 2008
“Made at Bodegas Juan Gil from 100% Monastrell, organically grown in the mountains north of the city of Murcia. Deep, youthful purple. Very bright and...”
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Product Code: LEN10
Lenten Restraint
“A case of three bottles of each of these four wines, with a discount of just over 10%; a mixed dozen intended simply to put decent, fresh, really well-made wines into your home for daily drinking,...”
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