1 2007 Marques de la Villa Malvasia,
Toro,Spain £5.95
The winery,
situated in Zamora (Toro ) was founded by local vine-growers as a
co-operative in 1974. This wine has outstanding aromatic flavours,
with a fresh, rounded dry white, with lively citrus and tropical
fruit aromas and ripe peachy fruit balanced by crisp acidity. Serve
chilled as an aperitif or with starters, fish or white meats.
2
2007 Sylvaner, Cave de Turkheim,
Alsace £7.95
Jean Michel Lihrmann uses
no fining and light filtration before bottling - all to preserve
fruit and aromatic qualities and elegance. His philosophy is to make
wines with good acidity and fruit balance. This Sylvaner grape is
delicate and wonderfully aromatic and has been aged in Acacia
barrels, hence the name . Luscious white peach, delicate citrus fruit
aromas and a crisp dry finish make this a wine of real finesse and
elegance. Lovely served quite chilled, simply on its own, or with
fish or poultry dishes.
3
2006 Clos de Nouys Sec, Vouvray,
France £11.50
This rich, honeyed wine
from 100& Chenin blanc is a dream. On the palate it shows light,
nutty and apricot flavours, which are balanced by good acidity and a
crisp, clean finish. Ideally matched with grilled fish, seafood and
summery poultry dishes. This is Vouvray without tears, showing
ripe apple and lemon fruit flavours, hints of honey and beeswax, and
a dry but juicy finish with a lovely supple texture. It's ready to
drink right now, but has the backbone of acidity to keep it fresh for
years to come.
Dry Whites
5 2008 Ca di Ponti, Sicily,
Italy £4.95
Fresh dry crisp wine from
an area that produces 10% of Italy`s total wine production and more
than all of Australia. Catarrato is the second most planted vine in
Italy and is one of the world's six most planted vines
6 2007 Monte Arcos,
Viura/Chardonnay £5.20
Pale lemon yellow in
colour. Aromatic in a fleshy, peachy fruit way. Laced with an
interesting savoury, herbal, nuttiness. Generously pleasing on the
palate, a very friendly drink. Try with calameres or pulpo a la
gallega.
7 2008 Cortese Piemonte,
Araldica £5.30
A
delightfully crisp and fragrant white from the hills of north-west
Italy, this is a great value wine with a vibrant herby, citrus
character and a crunchy mouthfeel. The Cortese grape variety is
better known as being the prime ingredient in one of Italy's most
famous whites, the steely, perfumed Gavi di Gavi from the Piemonte
region. This wine is grown on the steep hills of Monferrato in
Piemonte and the grapes are picked early to retain all their
characteristic lemony zip. With its grassy aromas, crisp, tangy
flavours and modest alcohol at 11.5%, the wine as, ''the perfect
antidote to heavy alcoholic New World whites''.It also makes a great
match for fresh, light food such as a shellfish platter or Caesar
salad
8
2008 Ancora Trebbiano, Abruzzo,
Italy £5.50
Most Trebbiano is bland
and boring, this is very good value.A bright, shiny, unoaked white
with ripe peach and citrus fruit characters and an enticing almondy
mid-palate. The finish is fresh with a shot of racy, zesty
acidity.The perfect accompaniment to fish and light, creamy pasta
dishes
9
2007 Piquepoul, Pasquiers,
Languedoc
£5.95
Piquepoul is a rare,
ancient French grape Its blend of refreshing acidity and aromatic
fruit flavours of citrus and peach, make it a fantastic, full-bodied
wine to enjoy with food. It is particularly well suited to seafood
because it has more floral flavours than a mineral wine, like a
Sancerre.. It has been called the Muscadet of the south of France. It
is the wine that is usually served with oysters that can be found
along the coasts of the Languedoc.Serve very cool between 6 and 8°C
to accompany all seafood, shellfish and fish. It can also be served
as an aperitif, either alone or with a touch of crème de
cassis (blackcurrant) or crème de mûre
(blackberry).Picpoul Blanc (also spelled Piquepoul Blanc) is one of
the lesser-known Rhône varietals. It is one of the thirteen
permitted varietals in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
11
2008 Chenin Blanc, Paarl Heights, S.
Africa £5.50
A crisp, dry white wine
with a delicate lemon colour, displaying intense floral, guava and
citrus aromas and succulent tropical fruit on the palate. Unctuous
and mouth filling with a long finish. Excellent with seafood and
poultry dishes
13
2008 Bellefontaine Sauvignon, Languedoc,
France £5.95
Classic Sauvignon Blanc
nose with herbaceous notes, yet with underlying ripeness. Rich citrus
character on the palate is livened up by zesty acidity
and a lingering finish. Drink on its own well chilled or with simple
snacks and delicate fish dishes like sole or plaice; or try with
goats cheese
14
2007 Verdicchio Ruviano, Monte Schiavo,
Marche £5.95
This is the perfect wine
for patnering fish.Light, fresh and with delicate fruit flavours and
hints of grass from the Marche region on
Italy's east coast. Super drinking with a good finish and makes for
delightful drinking by itself or will happily partner light dishes.
Should
be served at a temperature of 7-9 ° and it's perfect with fish
and "risotto with fish". Also it can be approached with
white meat.
More fruit weight than the
average Pinot grigio. A fresh, dry white with ripe peach and citrus
fruit flavours, which are balanced by crisp acidity plus a hint of
honey and nuts on the finish. Ideal chilled as an aperitif, or try
with seafood, fish dishes and salads
16
2007 V.ermentino, la Masquerade,
Languedoc
£6.65
An ancient Languedoc
variety, Vermentino Many believe that the Vermentino grape originally
came from Spain and was later spread along the northern coasts of the
Tyrrhenian, where it's still grown in abundance. We find it in the
French Languedoc-Roussillon area, on Corsica (where
it's the most widely-grown grape), and in Liguria, Tuscany and
Sardinia. Iis intensely aromatic, reminiscent of white lilac or
lilies. The palate has a lovely soft creamy texture with good length,
weight and power in the finish. It also makes a refreshing
alternative to sauvignon or pinot Grigio
17
2007 Domaine de Maubet, Cotes de
Gascogne £6.65
A
blend of Colombard, Ugni Blanc Gros Manseng & Sauvignon produce a
zingy, fresh white with citrus aomas that Aromatic, dry white wine
with stacks of lively fruit. Perfect on its own or with delicately
flavoured foods, e.g. salmon, chicken etc
18
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, False Bay , S.
Afr £5.95
What happens when a French
winemaker is sent over to help improve S. African wine making. I am
sure that there were a few fireworks but the result is very ,very
good. Fresh, crisp aromatics with lifted green fruit, ripe apple and
floral aromas. Flavours of greengage, citrus acidity and a fine,
mineral finish Really fantastic value.
19 2008 Wild Yeast Chenin, False
Bay, S. Africa £5.95
Fine mineral Chenin
characters with gentle ripe apple aromas, honeyed aromatics and
delicious greengage and citrus lemon acidity on the long finish. A
wine with great finesse and style. This is now
becoming more popular than the Sauvignon
20 2008 Adobe Sauvignon blanc,
Chile £6.95
Fresh citrus aromas with
hints of gooseberry on the nose.The palate displays green apple
flavours with a crisp, refreshing finish. A quality wine from an
organic, wildlife filled vineyard
A medium to full bodied
dry white that can be used as a wine with lunch or dinner , as social
or tasting wine, to uncork together with friends , as a festive wine
for special occasions. Bodegas Antaño was created in 1988,
when a number of eminent Spanish restaurant-owners joined forces to
produce their own wine. However, one of the partners, José
Luis Ruiz - founding father of the popular Spanish cafe chain "José
Luis" - bought up all the shares. He just wanted to make his
wine passion a reality Goes well with.crustaceans and shell-fish,
Poached or steamed fish, White meat, Poultry , Grill and barbecue
22
2008 Gavi la Battistina, Piemonte, Italy
£7.95
Made from the
Cortese grape and fresh and unoaked. Aromatic, zesty, sherbety nose
with apple and pear fruit, and a hint of minerality. Juicy, weighty
fruit with a zippy, citric acid mouthwatering feel creating a
refreshing, satisfying finish. Delicious with appetisers and light
fish courses
Fuller Whites
24 2008 Tabali Viognier,
Limari Chile £7.95
Although
first planted vines in 1549 and an important source of wine during
colonial times. This aromatic and subtle Viognier presents aromas of
citrus and floral notes. On the palate gentle floral, honeyed and
citrus flavors mingle with a soft rounded texture and great purity.
26
2007 Domaine du Pre Baron Sauvignon, Touraine,
France £8.25
A classic gooseberry,
grassy nose with crisp lemony acidity on the palate and a touch of
minerality providing a clean, dry finish. Also a great vintage and
this is the best he has Made Great as an aperitif. Perfect with fish
or a creamy seafood dish. Also matches goats cheese brilliantly.
28
2007 Verdicchio Pallio di San Floriano,
Marche,Italy £8.95
Many experts regard the
Verdiccio grape as having the class and style to take on chardonnay
for giving full flavours. This has lees ageing. No filtering or
clarifying. Bottle aged for 4 months before release Richly textured
white with aromas of ripe fruit, particularly apple, pineapple and
apricot. On the palate, fresh citrus and mineral characters give way
to an attractive nutty, savoury finish. An extremely, well balanced
wine showing good depth and complexity.
30 2008 Circumstance Sauvignon blanc,
Stellenbosch, S. Africa £9.75
Circumstance Sauvignon
Blanc is produced from windswept south-west facing, low yielding
slopes of Schapenberg Hill. Strong winds churn up the vineyards with
regularity Remarkably elegant, the 2008 vintage shows refined
minerality at the core, also exhibiting sophisticated complexity
balanced with slivers of green pepper, asparagus and sea salt
freshness. An exceptional white wine choice with fresh oysters.
20% of the wine has been
barrel fermented in new French oak barrels with 5 months ageing prior
to bottling .A rich, dry white with ripe pear fruit and almond
aromas. The palate is plump, soft and expressive, with a good texture
and nutty, herbal finish. Try with a flavoursome seafood risotto
topped with fresh basil and grated parmigiano or fish such as trout,
monkfish and snapper cooked in ginger and coriander
34 2007 Orballo Albarino, Rias
Baixas,Spain £9.95
Very bright and pale lemon
in colour. Forwardly fruity citrus aromas blend harmoniously with
fragrant mountain herbs and a sweeter baked apple note. Generous on
the palate with a weighty leesy texture, with the ripe fruit balanced
by a refreshing smack of acidity. Also described as sexy, fresh,
peachy, almond-edged fruit with a stony subtlety that masks its
power, and that typical albarino acidic 'prickle'
37
2007 Soave Pra, Veneto,
Italy £10.95
Using 100% of the
oddly named Garganega grape. Fresh, flowery and lightly yeasty nose.
The palate is light and juicy, showing zesty 'leesy' intensity and a
hint of almonds. Crisp, incisive and minerally finish. Good with a
goats cheese, basil and roasted red pepper salad; asparagus or
delicate fish sprinkled with lemon juice.It is an example of a
top-notch producer turning out better and better Soaves that make a
mockery of the industrial swill that comes from some huge firms.
38
2008 Ninth Island Sauvignon Blanc, Tasmania,
Australia £10.75
Very
light gold, very aromatic and bright, fresh fruit with fresh figs,
gooseberry, kiwi fruit and melon; green pepper and grapefruit combo
too with medium body, fresh acidity and long aftertaste; the finish
is sufficiently dry for seafood or with grilled white fish,
shellfish, and summer salads. A good friend, Steve Day described this
as If I wanted a
textbook version of the Sauvignon Blanc grape to teach students the
typical aromas and flavours of the variety, I couldn't do better than
pick this wine. An intensely aromatic, crisply balanced, dry white
that is bursting with fruit flavours. The bouquet is reminiscent of
canned peas, blackcurrant leaves, greenhouse tomatoes, freshly mown
grass, fennel, green peppers, asparagus and passion fruit,
intermingled with a musky hint of cat's pee. The zesty, citrus palate
abounds with tropical fruit flavours, passion- fruit, kiwi,
gooseberry and more of that asparagus. The unique Tasmanian
microclimate enables Pipers Brook to produce a Sauvignon similar in
style to the most impressive versions from New Zealand. This is a
white that jumps out of the glass and grabs your attention.
40
2007 Chablis, La Colombe, Chablis,
France £11.50
Typical of what decent
Chablis should taste like - not a trace of oak, pungent and flinty on
the nose with a tad of creamy fruit underneath, this gets richer as
the mineral characters give way to riper buttery sensations but then
cut back by a long crisp bite. The kind of wine that gets nicer as
you go along.I suppose a classic combo would be smoked salmon or
chunky king prawns, but be a bit more daring - the balance of
concentrated creamy fruit and steely acidity could do wonders for
vegetarian Indian, more exotic Chinese or even Thai food as long as
it's not too strong on the chilli front.
42
2006 P Bouree Bourgogne blanc,
Burgundy,France £12.95
There are tons of
Bourgogne blancs many much cheaper but none are
as good as this. Chardonnay grapes sourced from Gevrey Chambertin and
Auxey Duresses. Fermentation in foudre followed by transfer to 1 year
old French barriques (Berthiomieu) for 12 months. During this time
the barrels are rolled to stir up the lees - this happens 4 times a
year after which the wine is left on its lees for a further 3 months.
Mid yellow colour with ripe stone fruit, opulance and minerality on
the palate. The oak is integrated on both the nose and palate giving
texture and broadness of style and a long, intense finish. Good with
sea food, fish, poultry and cheeses.
43 2006 St Veran, Domaine Clos de
Chevigne £13.50
St
Véran includes the area Pouilly Fuisse. This superlative wine
from an underrated Burgundy appellation This is an attractive,
generous, yet precisely focused white Burgundy to drink this year or
next. 100% Chardonnay was used in careful vinification, the wine was
aged in a large 50hl French 'foudre'. Just 2,000 bottles of this wine
have been released. Stunning pear and citrus aromas, together with a
pronounced minerality lead to a clean, bright and crisp finish. A
remarkable wine which can be appreciated for its power, finesse and
purity.
44
2005 Domaine de la Motte, Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy
,France £15.95
The lime-rich soil of the
area suits Chardonnay very well; on the one hand low fertility
naturally limits yields to an absolute maximum of 50 hectolitres per
hectare, on the other it is said to impart distinctive mineral
characters to the wines. The grapes are sourced only from this
'Premier Cru' site and are pressed gently and fermented at low
temperature to conserve elegant aromas. It spent several months
ageing on the yeast lees to add extra complexities and a brief period
in oak barrels to soften the wine and give it richness.
La Motte's wine is quite
rich and rounded with hints of toasty oak, buttery fruit then classic
mineral tones and acidity balancing on the finish.A classic combo
would be smoked salmon or chunky king prawns, but be a bit more
daring - the balance of concentrated creamy fruit and steely acidity
could do wonders for vegetarian Indian, more exotic Chinese or even
Thai food as long as it's not too strong on the chilli front.
“The appeal of
this classic Chablis 1er Cru draws you in with its rich, inviting
scent. On the palate, crisply refreshing steely acidity kicks right
in to give the minerally fruit real lift and intensity of flavour.
It's all shot through with a sharp spear of acidity to act as a foil
for seafood and shellfish", Anthony
Rose, The Independent
47
2007 Meursault Vallet Freres, Burgundy, France
` £29.95
Just sheer class. One of a
handful of producers in the Cote d'Or who
continue to use ultra-traditional winemaking techniques. Grapes are
selected from vines of a minimum 15 years of age; after pressing the
juice is decanted then fermented in open wooden casks using only
natural yeasts and no temperature control. The white wines are left
on their lees for an extended period and put into French oak barrels,
where they mature for a minimum of two years with racking off two or
three times a year (to gently remove natural deposits). They don't
have a fancy bottling line here - usually a pipe is inserted into
each barrel which is joined to four taps, and the wine flows by
gravity straight from barrel into the bottles without any filtration
and just a candle to check that it's clear!Meursault lies between the
villages of Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet and produces some of the
world's greatest white wines. The Mersault has rich green-gold colour
and heady, lightly oaky but seductive nutty bouquet; the palate is
pretty fat and buttery but cut with toasty hazlenut flavours and long
mineral balance. Perfect with poussin or guinea fowl cooked in
saffron, herbs and olive oil; or lobster thermidor or rich bisque.
Bubbles
161 N.v
Mas Macia Cava Brut ,
Spain
£7.95
Mas Macia is produced with
the three classic grape varieties: Macabeo, Xarel lo and Parellada,
using the traditional Cava method. The finished Cava has very small,
fine, persistent bubbles, which are a result of the low temperatures
in the wine cellar where fermentation takes place and appropriate
levels of carbonic acid during the secondary fermentation. The wine
is matured for 24 months before bottling to enhance the complex,
fruity aromas. A fresh and nicely creamy Cava with delicate, complex
flavours of apples and stone fruits and some nutty, yeasty notes from
time on the lees. Good acidity and a clean, pure finish. Excellent on
its own as an occasion wine or try with salted almonds and other
tapas.
Mas Macia Cava Brut NV
came joint first in Wine International's Cava & Prosecco Tasting
- August 2005, scoring a high 94 out of 100 points. It was also
highlighted as particularly 'Good Value' along with a couple of other
wines in the tasting. Please see some of the tasters comments
below: 'Earthy, but with a smoky, buttery intensity. Quite dark,
ripe and broad, but with good acidity. CM. 94 Points.' 'Long, rich
and satisfying on the finish. RJ' 'Good weight and depth of fruit
with a pleasant mid-palate, sweetish lemon fruit and a good length.
DS.' Wine International, Cava & Prosecco Tasting, August 2005.
163 N.V Lunetta Prosecco
Spumante £7.75
Lunetta Prosecco Spumante is made exclusively from Prosecco grapes
cultivated in the Veneto region, in the hills north of Treviso,
between the river Piave and the Prealps. The Prosecco grape
flourishes in the fresh, loose hill soils in this area and the
average yield is 90 hl/ha. The grapes are harvested by hand in mid
September . A deliciously light and fruity Prosecco with hints of
apple and peach on the nose and a fresh, softly sparkling palate.
Serve chilled as an aperitif or celebration wine. Also goes well with
Italian panettone
165 2006
Taltarni Brut Tache, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia
£11.95
A blend of Chardonnay 52%,
Pinot Noir 41%, Pinot Meunier 7% go into this incredible colourd
wine. Tache is a French word meaning 'stained' and refers to the rare
winemaking method used since 1985 by Taltarni to create this fine
rose-coloured sparkling wine. It's amazing delicate samlom pink
colour is achieved by adding a dash of red wine liqeur to the
finished tirage wine at disgorgement. Created from a blend of the
three classic sparkling wine varietals sourced from our cool climate
vineyards in Victoria and Tasmania.
An engaging salmon pink
colour enhanced by a fine persistent bead. The wine expresses an
assortment of fresh fruit, turkish delight, rose petal, apricot
blossom and luscious white peach aromas complemented by complex
nougat and yeast aromas. Layered with elegant red berry fruit and
nutty savoury flavours. The wine had great length, finishing clean,
dry and refreshing. An ideal aperetif or serve with fresh prawns,
sushi, oysters, soft cheese or fresh ocean trout. Works equally well
with fruit salad, rhubarb tart or a croissant for breakfast.
Matthew Jukes Top 100
Australian Wines 2006 "This is joyous. Kir-Royale stained,
rose wine. Unashamedly tarty, but all the better for it, Tache is a
basque and stockings in a glass".
167 2004 Franciacorta
Saten £22.95
Same process as Champagne
but uses 100% Chardonnay grown in a warmer region than France thus
giving better quality grapesThe alcoholic fermentation is carried out
in stainless steel tank at controlled temperature between 16 and 18
°C with selected yeast. 10% of the base wine finishes alcoholic
fermentation in used barriques and matures there for 5 months. Tirage
is carried out in spring time of the following year. The wine has 36
month of ageing on the lees. Dosage add is 7 grams/litre of sugar.
Saten has a lower pressure ( less than 4,5 atmospheres) and this is
responsible for its distinctive softness. Beautifully elegant and
complex with a delicious creamy texture. An intruiging interplay of
peachy fruit, subtle mineral qualities, a buttery brioche character
and a hint of almond and honey. Mellow, fine, long and sophisticated.
Brilliant
168 N. v
Champagne de Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut Tradition,
France
£28.95
Made from a blend of 50%
Pinot Noir 25% Chardonnay 25% Pinot Meunier. Grapes are pressed in
traditional vertical presses to minimise skin contact, phenolic
colour extraction from the red varieties, all of which results in
clearer juice. Only first pressings are used in the blends
(Cuvees) in order to produce the best quality wines. Champagnes
are matured for up to three years as opposed to the
legal 15 months set by the governing body in Champagne
(CIVC). Underground cellars dug deep into the chalky soils provide
naturally cool year round storage conditions (11C). Wines are
allowed to rest for at least six months after disgoregment to allow
the wines to settle and achieve perfect harmony.
Mid golden colour with
some savory, nutty aytolytic characters on the nose. The palate is
clean and crisp with a delicious citrus acidity making it perfect to
serve as an aperitif. 20% reserve wine is used in this NV blend to
add richness and depth, plus the wine is left for 3 months after
disgorgement to allow for its components to marry, resulting in a
perfectly integrated and rounded champagne.
A blend of Pinot
Grigio 85%,& Pinot Nero 15% give this delightful wine a slight
spritz and a gentle 11.5% alcohol. Drink by itself or with light
nibbles
50 2008 Circumstance Cape Coral
Mourvedre, S. Africa £7.95
The delicate, pale Cape
Coral Rose reminds of the roses from Bandol in the South of France.
Beautifully dry with flavours of red berries and raspberry. Herby
flavours become more pronounced as the wine ages. The delicate fruit
on the palate ends with a tight, dry finish. The colour inspired the
reference to Coral.Great with fresh seafood and it even complements
spicy foods.
52
2007 Senor de Sarria No 5 , Navarra,
Spain £9.95
This has to be our
favourite Rosado in Spain. Great weight of fruit and character ideal
drinking with food or by itself. Winemaker, Jesus Lezaun, is
something of a specialist in Rose wine production and this is one of
the best Roses you'll taste. It has a bright and intense cherry red
colour, open and varied aromas and a powerful berry character plus
hints of strawberries and wild flowers. This wine is rich and
textured with good acidity making it fresh on the palate but with
huge concentration and a beautiful red fruit finish. Ideal as an
aperitif or with light meals, pasta, vegetable stews or fish. Crack
open a bottle whilst cooking and carry on throughout the meal.
54
2007 Taltarni Brut Taché, Pyrenees, Victoria,
Australia £11.95
A brilliant sparkler from
a blend of Chardonnay 52%, Pinot Noir 41%,
Pinot Meunier 7% Tache is a French word meaning 'stained' and refers
to the rare winemaking method used since 1985 by Taltarni to create
this fine rose-coloured sparkling wine. It's amazing delicate samlom
pink colour is achieved by adding a dash of red wine liqeur to the
finished tirage wine at disgorgement. Created from a blend of the
three classic sparkling wine varietals sourced from our cool climate
vineyards in Victoria and Tasmania.
An engaging salmon pink
colour enhanced by a fine persistent bead. The wine expresses an
assortment of fresh fruit, turkish delight, rose petal, apricot
blossom and luscious white peach aromas complemented by complex
nougat and yeast aromas. Layered with elegant red berry fruit and
nutty savoury flavours. The wine had great length, finishing clean,
dry and refreshing.
An ideal aperitif or serve
with fresh prawns, sushi, oysters, soft cheese or fresh ocean trout.
Works equally well with fruit salad, rhubarb tart or a croissant for
breakfast. One comment was"This is
joyous. Kir-Royale stained, rose wine. Unashamedly tarty, but all the
better for it, Tache is a basque and stockings in a glass".
