We specialise in supplying wines from a small number of winegrowing countries and regions [...]]]> An established and specialist independent online wine merchant who is brave enough to try something a little different (e.g. Austria & Switzerland, Israel) and an old favourite (Beaujolais Nouveau) where he is probably the leading independent for all Beaujolais Wines.

We specialise in supplying wines from a small number of winegrowing countries and regions in the world; our particular specialities are Austria, Switzerland, and the the French region of Beaujolais – but we offer quite a lot more besides these. One of our particular highlights is our outstanding range of Austrian Dessert Wines – undoubtedly the best in the UK. We specialise mainly in wines from smaller family producers – who generally make wines of character and individuality – but we also deal with the occasional co-operative or larger firm where we feel the quality and range are good.

As a founder member of the Association of Small Direct Wine Merchants (ASDW) he offers tastings at their regular events and elsewhere

UK Delivery=£8.95

Nick Dobson Wines     38 Crail Close, Wokingham RG41 2PZ (office)t: 0118 9771545

Fleurie from Ch Raousset

Joseph Barnes Wines has a tasting of Fleurie – one of the best Beaujolais Cru wines from France – a great opportunity to taste proper Beaujolais rather than the gimmicky “Nouveau” – a different wine in all respects in my opinion.

Having [...]]]> Fleurie Tasting This Saturday! (11 April 2009)

Fleurie from Ch Raousset

Joseph Barnes Wines has a tasting of Fleurie – one of the best Beaujolais Cru wines from France – a great opportunity to taste proper Beaujolais rather than the gimmicky “Nouveau” – a different wine in all respects in my opinion.

Having visited the region recently I can recommend it for a visit – delightful scenery and some great wines – although there are distinct “terroirs” the “villages” are quite close and winemakers will often have plots in several different appellations.

Chateau de Raousset, Fleurie, ‘Grille Midi’ 2007:

A superb Fleurie from the 12 hectare Chateau de Raousset situated in Chiroubles – but with vineyards spread over 2 other districts – Fleurie and Morgon – in the Beaujolais region of Burgundy.

This is from Gamay vines grown on pink granite and has a lovely floral nose of violets and roses with flavours of cherries and apricots. A perfect Sunday lunch wine with beef, chicken or game

Joseph Barnes Wines, 13 Market Row Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1HB
Telephone +44 (0)1799 528019 Facsimile +44 (0)1799 528019
Email info@josephbarneswines.com

For one week only, we are offering 15% off a large selection of wines from our main list. This is no ordinary sale and these [...]]]> Online French specialists Leon Stolarski Fine Wines offer new classics from Languedoc, Roussillon, Southern Rhone and Beaujolais (and South West France, Loire, Alsace…..) and have a special offer available:

For one week only, we are offering 15% off a large selection of wines from our main list. This is no ordinary sale and these are not bin-ends, but represent genuine reductions on 60-odd of the very best wines from our core list. But hurry – this offer ends on 31 March 2008!

You can download their sale price list HERE – but hurry as the sale only lasts until 31 arch 2008!

What sets The French Wine People apart from the dozens of other smaller French specialists, apart from a nicely designed website?

Some of the more eclectic wines include a Savagnin from the Jura, [...]]]> Based in Matlock in Derbyshire, The French Wine People are importers of wines from across the regions of France.

What sets The French Wine People apart from the dozens of other smaller French specialists, apart from a nicely designed website?

Some of the more eclectic wines include a Savagnin from the Jura, a good range of aged Armagnac’s and Cognacs and I notice, of all things, a Cave amongst the sparkling/Champagne listings. The dessert wine section has a few non-French infiltrators – the Brown Brothers range from Australia and stickies from Germany and California.

Nice to see a pink Sancerre and unusual blends from Cabardes too.

Prices range from £4.50 right up to £100 plus for the top Clarets but generally sit below the £15 mark. The range is not huge but does appear to be very selective and personally chosen.

Postage is ‘at cost’ working out at £9.95 per parcel fro most of the UK but is free within 20 miles of Matlock.

The French Wine People
Hopton Courtyard
7 Snitterton Road
Matlock
Derbyshire DE4 3LZ

Several branches of Oddbins have or are in the process of being converted to the Nicolas brand (Henley-on-Thames, [...]]]> The Nicolas chain, is a French company owned by Casel, the same parent company of Oddbins. They have only recently broken out from their London heartland and now list 51 stores in the UK.

Several branches of Oddbins have or are in the process of being converted to the Nicolas brand (Henley-on-Thames, Beaconsfield for example); a shame in my opinion as the range is vastly smaller and, apart from a smattering of New World wines, is nearly exclusively France focused.

The website, has an English language version, (I dread to think what they mean by “Caution ! We do not go up the goods in the floors !” though) with prices listed in Euros.

All the French regions are covered – Champagne, Rhone, Alsace, Bordeaux etc – with good ranges across the board, although nothing from Pic St Loup is listed. Several pages of fine wines and Armagnac’s are available if you are feeling flush, while at the other end of the scale there are many special offers.

Each wine has basic details attached – a brief suggested food match, grape composition and perfunctory tasting notes (simply full bodied and the like). One indication of a wines popularity are the user votes. A pop-up box allows a grading of 1-5 grapes. I do wonder how many people can be bothered to go back and vote on a wine once consumed mind.

Many of the cheaper wines are listed with a six bottles minimum purchase, more expensive products are not restricted. Delivery to the UK costs 1 to 6 bottles : 19 EUROS TTC which I assume means multiples of 6 bottles attract the charge. No mention of free delivery with large orders.

The on-line wine list appears broader and more in-depth than the UK based stores. While not familiar with the wines listed the new store opening near me will be an excellent opportunity for exploration. Keep an eye on Spittoon for specific wine tasting notes.

What marks out The Winery is the individual wines listed. Each is personally sourced and imported with almost all being exclusive to [...]]]>

What marks out The Winery is the individual wines listed. Each is personally sourced and imported with almost all being exclusive to the company. The wine list is packed with ‘unknowns’ – Mittnacht-Klack from Alsace, Tarlant Champagne, Wild Hog from California and Cheveau from Burgundy.

Strengths are in France – each region well represented by wines worthy of exploration, plus Spain, California and Italy. There is a superb list of dessert wines, mostly from Germany. New Zealand and South America are absent and Australia is poorly represented by just one producer though.

Unlike many London independents the wines are more than affordable with most coming in at under £20 a bottle. Delivery, if you can’t make it to either of the stores, costs £10 per case of 12, or free with 3 or more cases. Sadly no online ordering.

(pull)The Winery At Liberty 2nd Floor Liberty
Regent Street
London(/pull)