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: CHX308
Cape Chamonix, Pinot Noir Reserve, Franschhoek, 2008
“Soft colour. Perfumed, with red fruit overliad by coffee oak. Both juicy and velvety, this is a really classy Pinot with (by Cape standards)...”
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Product Code: FIC508
Domaine Olivier Fichet, Mâcon-Villages, Terroir de Burgy, 2008
“Young Olivier Fichet’s unoaked Chadonnay comes from his 6 hectares of vines in the excellent terroir of the northern Mâconnais near...”
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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: MEE107
Meerlust, Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, 2007
“Strong gold tone. Fascinating fragrance: lightly honeyed, and almost herbal, like a Vermouth. Caramel attack, very smooth, with a palate 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: 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: 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: MUD508
Mud House, Swan Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2008
“Intense, almost musky scent, with notes of ripe melon and basil. This is very young: initially tight, it benefits from time in the glass to show its...”
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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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