The January 2012 newsletter is now available.
The January 2012 newsletter is now available. Simply click on the link below:
If you are not on the mailing list all you have to do is type your email address into the 'Receive our Newsletter' box on the right and click on send then confirm your choice. The newsletter contains information about five special packs including a special Champagne selection for summer celebrations.'Grower Champagne' now available
There is much discussion in the social media about the rise and rise of 'grower Champagnes'. These are Champagnes, usually from small vineyards where the person who tends the vines also makes the wine. Most of the producers used to sell their grapes to the major Champagne houses but have now decided to make their own. Many of them follow strict organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard.
We have been fortunate to source a range of wonderful Champagnes from an
emerging talent in the southern region of Champagne known as the Cote des Bar.
His name is Roland Piollot from the domaine Champagne Piollot and he is gradually converting the property to
organic and biodynamic viticultural practices.
His offerings are diverse and delicious. He adds complexity to his Champagne by combining base wine from different vintages and also by using three different grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). The result is a crisp, flavoursome and eminently drinkable dry Champagne of considerable elegance. He also makes a semi-sweet version of the same Champagne which goes very nicely with cheese and desserts.
He also makes two rose-style Champagnes which result from the winemaking technique used. The grapes are crushed by foot and then left for up to five days to macerate before the juice is extracted. This results is a deep pink wine with raspberry and strawberry overtones. The Cuvee Rose Brut is a fresh lively Champagne with cherry, strawberry and raspberry overtones. The Rose Robert Piollot has added complexity as it has spent time in oak casks.
Finally, his vintage Champagne (2006) is a complex drink with a pale golden colour and aromas of dried figs, plums and quinces that is a delight to drink.
The Piollot Champagnes represent amazing value for money given the care and attention paid to the health of the vines and the making of the wine.
Gamay Sans Tra La La sold out!
As we reported recently, we have just received our largest ever shipment of the Domaine de la Garreliere Gamay Sans Tra La La. Unfortunately it arrived and it disappeared very quickly!
We are in the process of ordering another shipment and we will let you all know when it is about to arrive.
We have also received some of the other wines from this biodynamic producer including their excellent Le Blanc which is a pure Sauvignon Blanc.
Recent arrivals from France
We have had lots of new arrivals recently including the cru Beaujolais wines from Jean-Paul Brun of Terres Dorees, the new range of wines from Domaine de la Cadette and Domaine Montanet-Thoden in Vezelay which includes their popular Les Saulniers Chardonnay and the stunning Melon de Bourgogne. We also have received a shipment of the beautiful Gaillac Doux from Causse Marines in Gaillac. This delightful slightly sweet wine is perfect for dessert and to match with cheese.
