Old World Collation Dozen
Two bottles of the wines below at 5% discount.
In Stock Now
Inside the case you'll get...
Diamant, Cremant de Loire, NV
An easy-drinking, light, perfectly clean and fresh sparkling wine from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay - produced in the same way as Champagne (i.e with a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the fizz). Ripe, gently appley fruit, lightly creamy, with a little structure too. Easy to like, and wins encouraging feedback. Now-2026Sparkling wine has been produced in Saumur in the same way as Champagne (i.e with a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the fizz) since the early...
ColourWhite
StyleSparkling
RegionLoire
Sub RegionAnjou-Saumur
GrowerCaves de la Loire
Grape VarietyChenin Blanc & Chardonnay
VintageNV
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeDIA1NV
Loire Valley
In early February I undertook our annual visit to the wine fair in Angers, escaping the snow which engulfed much of the UK during that week.
This is the yearly opportunity for the vast majority of vignerons in the Loire valley to show off their latest offerings to the rest of the world. The early season’s weather in 2008 was not kind, with variously frost, hail and torrential...
Discover More
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most-widely planted varieties in the world.
Arguably not the most characterful grape, hence its common ageing in oak, yet at its pinnacle in Burgundy it produces some of the greatest (and certainly most expensive) white wines in the world. Look out for unoaked Chardonnay, it can make a pleasant change, and usually goes down very well with all those people who...
Discover More
Domaine de l'Aumonier, Touraine Sauvignon, 2023
From organically farmed (and certified) vines, this is a long-established best-seller here, admired for its overt fruitiness – so there are tropical fruit notes alongside the more typical citrus flavours. Plenty of volume and mouthfeel. This makes a relaxing aperitif. Now-2025
ColourWhite
RegionLoire
Sub RegionTouraine
GrowerAumonier
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc
Vintage2023
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
MethodBiodynamic
CodeAUM123
Loire Valley
In early February I undertook our annual visit to the wine fair in Angers, escaping the snow which engulfed much of the UK during that week.
This is the yearly opportunity for the vast majority of vignerons in the Loire valley to show off their latest offerings to the rest of the world. The early season’s weather in 2008 was not kind, with variously frost, hail and torrential...
Discover More
Sauvignon Blanc
Origins
- Probably in Bordeaux region
- Parent of red grape Cabernet Sauvignon (established by DNA analysis)
Characteristics
- Vigorous plant, so can be too leafy and overproductive
- Aromas and flavours described as: herbaceous, grassy and nettley; Gooseberries; but can also show more tropical fruits...
Aba de Trasumia, Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2023
From the tiny Moraima co-operative, and part sourced from ancient trellised vines, this is as refreshing as the Atlantic Ocean which laps the Rias Baixas. Sweet lemon and apricot with a fine vein of acidity come together brilliantly. With the merest hint of salinity, this is open and easy to enjoy on any occasion and terrific with a platter of fruits de mer. Now-2025
,
ColourWhite
RegionRias Baixas
GrowerAba de Trasumia
Grape VarietyAlbarino
Vintage2023
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeTRA123
Chateau Beauregard Ducasse, Graves, 2020
From the far south of the Graves near Langon, a splendidly suave and traditional Bordeaux, now being run by son Albert with help from his father and uncle. 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon; and about 20% in barrels. Deeply hued. Youthful but already delicious and interesting: red cherry and berry heart enlivened by a hint of liquorice. Lovely ripeness without heat. Graceful, with just the right support of gentle tannins and restrained Graves character. Now-2028
The previous...
ColourRed
RegionBordeaux
Sub RegionGraves
GrowerBeauregard Ducasse
Grape VarietyMerlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage2020
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeBDU820
Château Beauregard Ducasse
Graves
Jacques Perromat’s sixth generation family estate lies at Mazères near Langon at the southern end of the Graves, with about 50 hectares of gravelly vineyards on limestone sub-soils hacked out of the surrounding forest from 1850.
This is as far removed - and not just in distance - from the grand estates of the Haut-Médoc as possible: here the...
Discover More
Cabernet Sauvignon
The most prestigious red grape?
Origins
- Bordeaux region, as a natural cross of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc (established 1997 by DNA analysis)
- Was known as Vidure or Petit-Vidure
- Spread throughout left bank of Bordeaux, supplanting white grapes
Characteristics
- Fairly easy to grow: hardy, buds...
Artisan Wines, Sankt Laurent Pure, Burgenland, 2020
Franz Schneider’s Pure wines are aged in 2,000-3,000 litre, old (and therefore neutral) acacia vats. Sankt Laurent (or St Laurent) is a genetic offspring of Pinot Noir. Frank scent of crushed black fruit; and then sappy, blackberry and sour cherry flavours. Open and juicy, with splendid aromatics for a wine at this price and a lightly peppery finish. Perfect for drinking with a light lunch, for example charcuterie or chicken. Now-2027
ColourRed
RegionBurgenland
GrowerArtisan Wines
Grape VarietySankt Laurent
Vintage2020
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureScrewcap
CodeART120
Artisan Wines
Artisan Wines, Burgenland
The artisans
The vineyard is owned and managed by Franz Schneider and Ulrike Schmied
Franz Schneider worked as an aeronautical engineer before taking over his family’s tiny (just 7 hectares) vineyard holding dispersed around Halbturn in Burgenland at the far eastern edge of Austria, south-east of Vienna and just a few...
Discover More
Sankt Laurent
Sankt Laurent / St Laurent
St Laurent (sometimes written in French as Saint Laurent or in German as Sankt Laurent) is a highly aromatic dark-skinned wine grape variety.
Like many great traditions, its origins shrouded in mystery, St. Laurent is believed to have resulted from a crossing of Pinot noir with an unknown second parent.
Color of berry skin:...
Discover More
Begali, Valpolicella Ripasso, La Cengia, 2021
2/3 Corvina and 1/3 Rondinella, crafted in the Ripasso style by which the wine is left on the skins of the desiccated grapes used after the production of Amarone for about 10-12 days to promote a second fermentation, giving enhanced texture and alcohol. La Cengia is the name of the subzone of Valpolicella where the vineyard for this wine lies.
Such an enticing perfume of sun-warmed, black fruit. Supple, not over-ripe, with lovely freshness and aromatics. Flowers on the palate. Very...
ColourRed
RegionVeneto
Sub RegionValpolicella
GrowerBegali
Grape VarietyCorvina & Rondinella
Vintage2021
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeBEF221
Begali
San Pietro in Cariano, Veneto, Italy
The Begali family - father Lorenzo, son Giordano and daughter Tiliana - farm 10 hectares just east of Lake Garda.
Although small, this is a top Valpolicella estate, having won numerous Tre Bicchieri awards in the Gambero Rosso guide. Furthermore Begali are one of the thirteen "Famiglie Storiche", historic familes of Amarone, an...
Discover More
Here’s the full tasting note for...
Old World Collation Dozen
Two bottles of the wines below at 5% discount.
Great choice of good-value wines in the January sales. The website is really easy to use to make up an order. Delivery, as is often the case, was within 24 hours and, as usual, was well-packed.Read More
I've bought a couple of cases recently, and many more in years gone by, and have really enjoyed their selection. They have a good range of interesting wines from some classic and some more…Read More
Judging by the wines I have had, someone is doing a very good job in selecting the wines to put before the public, and at a very fair price. Delivery from online purchases as also been quick and…Read More
Great company with good service and good prices. Highly recommended.Read More
One of my favourite independents. Been enjoying these special wines for more than 10 years. Always interesting choices, and always great value in the sales!Read More
This was yet another quick and painless transaction, as I have come to expect from SV&S.Read More
