wine-info
The Southern Cone, October 2009
In the seven years of Stone, Vine & Sun's existence we have never set out an entire list by grape variety, but it just seemed the sensible thing to do now, given the facts:
• Many wine drinkers do have decided preferences for specific varieties
• The vast majority of wines from Chile and Argentina are labelled by variety
• There’s a purity to the expression of grape varieties here, especially in Chilean wine
• The red blends we offer from Chile and Argentina tend to be based on the principal grape varieties of each country
Those principal grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon for Chile - where it makes up over a third of all plantings - and Malbec, just as dominant in Argentina. There’s logic in this: these varieties thrive and produce great results, so we major on them: there are eight Cabernets or Cabernet based blends on pages 8-9, and the same number of Malbecs or Malbec blends on pages12-13. Trust us, the top wines on these pages really are beautiful, ageworthy examples of New World, but world-class, winemaking.
There is so much more though in this list: from Torrontès, Bonarda and Carmenère - not so well-known grapes, that deserve a wider audience - to the classic varieties of the great French regions, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot. Now the Southern Cone can supply almost all your needs, from sparkling - our first Chilean fizz is already going down well - to sweet (see p.5). Finally, and most important, the wine of these two countries continues to offer terrific value.
Simon Taylor - October 2009
Our Favourite Selection
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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