We concentrate on top-domaine wines from Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Southern France, working very closely with such sought-after winemakers as Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Jean-Marie Fourrier, Gérard Gauby and Daniel Ravier (Tempier), amongst [...]]]> A&B Vintners claim to be one of the leading independent specialist wine merchants with a focus on specific areas of France:

We concentrate on top-domaine wines from Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Southern France, working very closely with such sought-after winemakers as Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Jean-Marie Fourrier, Gérard Gauby and Daniel Ravier (Tempier), amongst many others.

Such focus allows us to visit the regions and growers on a regular basis, in the cellar and the vines. As a small team, we are all very familiar with the wines upon which we stake our reputation and the personalities who make them. In short, we sell the bottles we enjoy and drink ourselves at home.

This is a merchant for those afficionados who know their wines and are prepared to pay premium prices for premium wines. The 2010 Wine List is on the website, but online ordering is not offered and is probably not appropriate for such select wines.
But the site does offer some great content on the selected growers, including videos of discussions with winemakers in the atmospheric surroundings of their cellars.
UK Delivery = £18.00

No tastings currently offered
A&B Vintners Little Tawsden, Spout Lane, Brenchley Kent TN12 7AS   t: 01892 724977

Taste the best of the Burgundy 2007 vintage from over 12 Domaines presented by 7  of Burgundy’s top producers in the beautiful grounds of Ashe Park House near Overton, Hants.

There are not so [...]]]> Independent wine merchant Caviste is holding a Burgundy Festival at Ashe Park House in Hampshire on Saturday 9 May 2009.

Taste the best of the Burgundy 2007 vintage from over 12 Domaines presented by 7  of Burgundy’s top producers in the beautiful grounds of Ashe Park House near Overton, Hants.

There are not so many opportunities to taste good Burgundy, or to get to meet top producers -  and although there is a modest charge (£10) this is refundable against any orders placed on the day.

Caviste was established in 2003 by winemaker David Thomas,with three Hampshire shops, based in Overton, Stockbridge and Newlyns Farm Shop, near Odiham. The range showcases the best that winemaking has to offer – from established classic producers to the emerging stars of the New and Old World.

Their list celebrates the small, independent producer, with many wines discovered whilst in the vineyards of the world’s most exciting wine regions.
Caviste
9 Winchester Street, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3HR

T: 01256 770397
Jasmine House. High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6H

T: 01264 811123
Newlyns Farm Shop, Lodge Farm, nr. Odiham, Hampshire  RG29 1HA
T: 01256 703130
E:info@caviste.co.uk

The Winery in London W9 is holding a pre-Valentine tasting on 11 February 2009 at Clifton Nurseries

Our theme is silk and lace, which means there’ll be plenty of Pinot Noir, beginning with our two sparklies – a pink from Cantina di Casteggio in Oltrepo Pavese, south of Milan and the classic, Pinot-heavy [...]]]>

The Winery in London W9 is holding a pre-Valentine tasting on 11 February 2009 at Clifton Nurseries

Our theme is silk and lace, which means there’ll be plenty of Pinot Noir, beginning with our two sparklies – a pink from Cantina di Casteggio in Oltrepo Pavese, south of Milan and the classic, Pinot-heavy Champagne by Thierry Forget in the Montagne de Reims.
The Pinot theme climaxes with the trinity of Burgundy, Germany and California. How will Thomas Nelles from the Ahr Valley in Germany and the enthusiastic (if slightly absent-minded) Guy Davis from the Russian River Valley in California stack up against Burgundy, Pinot¹s spiritual home?
Other features will be a Rose from the Negrel family in Provence, a biodynamic Chenin Blanc by the bear-like Jo Pithon from the Loire and a dry Riesling from Franken by Graf von Schonborn (that¹s the one in the mad bottle).

The Winery, 4 Cli

fton Road, London W9 1SS

Tickets are £20 each and can be booked by calling 020 7286 6475. Spaces are limited.

Their aim is to encourage an honest and informal approach towards wine. They have [...]]]> Self-confessed Burgundy fans Jason Haynes and Sam Clarke set up Flint Wines (named after a dog!) in 2006 since when they have expanded their offerings to include other regions of France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Their aim is to encourage an honest and informal approach towards wine. They have no intention of compromising on the quality of the wines they buy and sell but they are anxious to make the whole process as accessible and unpretentious as possible. Wines are there to be drunk and enjoyed and whilst certain bottles inspire a degree of deserved reverence, it’s important to remember that wine, like food, is just part of what contributes to great social occasions.

The website is good, with a “Tasting Bench” where they share some extensive tasting notes from recent tastings – written to inform rather than promote sales – and written with passion!

But it is clearly Burgundy which drives them:

“It is very difficult to précis what Burgundy is all about; there’s so much to say and words generally fail to convey its complex appeal. However, one can but try!
The region of Burgundy runs north to south, stretching from Chablis all the way down to Mâcon. Its epicentre, which envelops the beautiful town of Beaune, is descriptively termed the Côte d’Or, the Hill of Gold, and incorporates a series of small villages that play host to hundreds of different vineyards. These vineyards coat the hillside and provide a continually evolving backdrop to the landscape as they ebb and flow during the changing seasons. Burgundy in February looks very different to Burgundy in September.
It is a wondrous region that the captures the heart of anyone who visits it. It is not just the magnificent wines that delight but the people, the food and the way of life.
The best way to understand Burgundy is to go there. See the famous vineyards and spend time in some of the region’s fabulous restaurants, eating the food and drinking the wines. The complex system of vineyards and classifications will suddenly all make sense, hopefully!

Tastings offered.

Online ordering not available
Flint Wines 38 De Laune Street, Kennington, London SE17 3UR t:0207 582 2500

It is our 25 year anniversary of [...]]]> The Wine Cave, part of the Angel Inn at Hetton, North Yorkshire celebrates 25 years this year, and is featuring wines from 1983 for a tasting. Although probably better known for their selection of fine Burgundies, this special offering features some fine Bordeaux and one northern Rhone!

It is our 25 year anniversary of owning the Angel Inn this year and to celebrate we are holding a number of exciting events, the first of which is a 25 year old wine tasting lunch.

I have spent the last 12 months sourcing a number of 1983 wines and on Saturday 12th April we will be tasting 5 of them with lunch. Two wines with the starter course and two wines with the main course followed by a 1983 Sauternes with pudding!

The wines will be:
1983 Lafleur St Emillon Grand Cru
1983 Chateau Rouget Pomerol
1983 Clos Du Marquis St Julien
1983 Cote Rotie Jaboulet Aine
1983 Bastor Lamontagne Sauternes

The cost of the event is £45 per person and starts at noon on Saturday 12 April 2008.
Call 01756 730263 NOW to reserve your place.

The Wine Cave at the Angel Inn, Hetton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6LT
Tel: 01756 730415 | Fax: 01756 730363 | email: info@winecave.co.uk

Almost next door was the second treat at Roberson Wine [...]]]> On numerous visits to various exhibitions at London’s Olympia in West Kensington I would indulge in 2 diversions – firstly the Bristol car showroom (368 Kensington High St) where James Bond- style sports cars were on display looking fine, polished, elegant and very desirable!

Almost next door was the second treat at Roberson Wine Merchants (348 Kensington High Street W14) which provided a welcome break from the usually frantic atmosphere of the exhibition hall. This was always a delight with an impressive range of wines – yes some very classy and expensive Burgundies and Bordeaux, but always some interesting discoveries from both the New World and Old World – and usualy some keenly priced binends. I never left without a couple of bottles to manhandle on the train home together with the piles of literature you tend to amass at exhibitions.

Fifteen years ago we began the business of building up what we believe to be the finest place to buy wine in London. From the start, we knew the ingredients; a range of Bordeaux and Burgundies unparalled in all of the city, wines imported from undiscovered producers of fantastic quality and people with the knowledge and enthusiasm to champion the cause of good wine.

Today we continue to believe in the same things. As High Streets are slowly being transformed into one faceless chain we believe there is an ever-growing need for the individual and specialist store. Roberson remain passionate advocates of wines from all over the world that offer value, character and substance. As an independent we are under no obligation to buy any particular producer’s wines. We don’t offer big brands of no discernable merit other than a large marketing budget; we simply choose wines that we like, wines that speak of place and individuality.

The shop, although in modern building, nevertheless has a cool and peaceful atmosphere with stone floors and a basement where they hold regular tastings usually about once a fortnight

Good informative website with online ordering and offers.
UK Delivery = £6.95

Tastings offered

Roberson Wine Merchant.  348 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NS Tel 020 7371 212
(nearest Tube: Kensington Olympia)

Waitrose will be featuring 13 specially sourced small parcel wines from a wide range of less well-known appellations like Quincy, Bergerac, Provence and Lirac and the [...]]]> The French Wine Festival at Waitrose (online and in its stores) runs from 26 March to 27 April 2008 and will feature a total of 48 wines.

Waitrose will be featuring 13 specially sourced small parcel wines from a wide range of less well-known appellations like Quincy, Bergerac, Provence and Lirac and the wonderfully unusual Pierre Boniface Domaine des Rocailles Apremont de Savoie 2007 and La Bastide Blanche Bandol 2005 Provence.

Some highlights:

Champagne Taittinger Rose NV, save £7, £38.99 – £31.99 (A delightfully fresh and youthful pink champagne with mouth-wateringly delicate flavours of crushed wild raspberries and red cherries, perfect forearly summer as an aperitif or with strawberries. )

Vouvray AC Champteloup Vieux Vauvert 2006/07 Vouvray, 20% off, £5.99 – £4.79 (A fine, medium Chenin from the tuffeau terroir properties around the towns of Vouvray and Rochecorbon, famous for the production of these deliciously soft-textured, waxy wines.)

Bergerac AC Domaine des Eyssards Bergerac Rouge 2005 25% off, £5.99 – £4.49 (Another brilliant wine from Pascal Cuisset of Domaine des Eyssards in Bergerac. A traditional Merlot / Cabernet Franc blend yet with a soft,almost modern generosity in the mid-palate.)

Mercurey AC Blanc 2006, Philippe Hardi, 20% off, £13.99- £10.99 (A Burgundy Chardonnay using a combination of modern cool-ferment vinification followed by malolactic in barrel where the wine stays for a year, with regular lees stirring, to achieve theunmistakeable classic Burgundy signature with some modern fruit expression.)

Quincy AC (Loire) Domaine de la Pierre qui Danse 2006 Quincy, 20% off, £8.99 – £7.19. (Simple delicate, grassy style from this Domaine with its pretty name, the land of the dancing stones.)

Apremont de Savoie AC Pierre Boniface Domaine des Rocailles 2007, 20% off, £7.49 – £5.99 (a refreshing citrus acidity and a light grapefruit flavour.)

Lirac AC Domaine du Joncier 2005 Rhône, save 1/3, £8.99 – £5.99 (The Domaine is run by the charming Marine Roussell, who featured last year in Oz and James’ Great Wine Adventure. The wine is dense and beefy, with a good deal of brooding rich fruit and great concentration.)

Bandol AC La Bastide Blanche 2005 Provence, 25% off, £11.99 – £8.99 (Hugely impressive example of this most remarkable of appellations using the traditional Mourvedre grape as the backbone to the wine. …it encompasses the spice and complexities of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan as well as the black, damson fruit of Mourvedre andSyrah.)

Minervois AC Château Maris Organic Syrah 2006, 25% off, £7.99 – £5.99 (An extremely lively Syrah from the irrepressible Bertie Eden at his Biodynamic estate in the Minervois. This is full of bright and peppery raspberry fruit, with a twist of liquorice and is a highly drinkable style.)

Waitrose Wine Direct

From Vineyards Direct is the brainchild of David Campbell and Esme Johnstone who write that their intention is to offer [...]]]> The aim of From Vineyards Direct is simple – to bring you very special, high quality wines at prices well below traditional outlets, and to provide you with the highest level of service possible.

From Vineyards Direct is the brainchild of David Campbell and Esme Johnstone who write that their intention is to offer a small number of delicious drinking wines, principally from France, but not exclusively, imported direct from the growers and delivered to your door at the click of a mouse.

“We aim to be 20% or more cheaper than through traditional channels.”

The wine list, when we looked, numbered 38 products. Mostly hailing from Burgundy the wines include bottles from Spain and Italy too. There are a range of mixed cases too.

While delivery is free in the UK the minimum order quantity might put you off, especially as the range is so small – Minimum total order is 2 cases (24 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for the UK and 5 cases (60 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for Northern Ireland.

Finally, there is a company prepared to speak to women as wine connoisseurs and not winos. Finally, there is a company prepared to [...]]]> Women of Great Britain prepare for a collective sigh of relief, as wineSight introduces its stylish and sophisticated range of French wines, under the Sublimelle brand, targeting stylish and sophisticated ladies.

Finally, there is a company prepared to speak to women as wine connoisseurs and not winos.
Finally, there is a company prepared to call time on a male-dominated wine market.
Finally, there is a portfolio of high quality French wine targeting women who appreciate wine for what it really is – a pleasure to be enjoyed and experienced.

A team of professionals combining wine know-how and marketing expertise with export knowledge created Sublimelle by wineSight to address the individual preferences of women without relying on patronising and over-familiar marketing messages. There is no need for the jokes, images of distressed housewives or lingerie, which are so readily relied upon by other alcoholic drinks brands squarely aimed at women. Instead, wineSight prefers to let the wine do the talking.

Following numerous taste tests with women, 25 wines from key regions across France such as Bourgogne, Languedoc and Alsace, have been selected from an original list of 400, which were pre-selected by wineSight’s expert Frederic Auriol who has 20 years of wine industry experience. Sublimelle carries colourful but subtle labels providing straight-talking details such as brief tasting notes, food matching, and information about the origin of the grape variety.

The dumbing down of wine for women has thankfully come to the end of the line with the introduction of the Sublimelle range. Over the past year or so, brands for women has focused on making wine lower in calories, lower in alcohol and lower in flavour, despite the fact that more and more women have become interested in trading up to a higher quality glass of wine as a well-deserved indulgence.

We’ve all heard the statistics pointing to women buying and consuming more wine than men in many countries around the world. Studies have also proven that many women prefer smooth, supple and subtle wines offering a delicate combination of flavours, while men, especially before reaching ‘expert’ levels, tend to prefer full-bodied wines.

For women, the scent of the wine is crucial, while men focus on the palate. Women tend to seek the full wine experience: who we’re with, what we’re eating, and how we feel. Yet, the market continues to be dominated by brands aimed at men, alongside a handful of wines for women, many of which fall short of the mark when it comes to style, taste and finesse.

wineSight appreciates that there is no need to over-complicate matters: the French produce excellent wine; British women like to treat themselves to a delicious glass or two, and are impressed by taste rather than wine snobbery.

Currently, the wines are available for sale online at http://www.chateauselect.co.uk/SublimelleIntro.htm with no minimum order. Since the company’s arrival in Great Britain in November 2007, wineSight has developed relationships with some of the leading bars and restaurants in London, which are keen to capitalise on women’s increasing interest in higher quality wines on their night out.

wineSight aims to plug the huge gap in the on-trade market for stylish and sophisticated products for women that are free from snobbery and jargon – without the patronising marketing pitch. The brand Sublimelle is also proving popular with leading hotel chains and airlines as a way of reaching female customers with an exclusive and targeted offering. wineSight plans to be involved in a series of events more specifically dedicated to women from fashion shows to networking lunches and business conferences.

Now he has turned that passion into a unique business with Hand Picked Burgundy, offering select bottles from his favourite French region via the internet.

Peter, 44, formerly made his living [...]]]> For almost 25 years Peter Sidebotham has been enjoying fine red Burgundy wine, a tipple which inspires a singularly passionate loyalty among devotees.

Now he has turned that passion into a unique business with Hand Picked Burgundy, offering select bottles from his favourite French region via the internet.

Peter, 44, formerly made his living as a sales and marketing expert with ICI on Teesside. Some years ago he foresaw the decline of chemical manufacturing in the UK and, with one eye on a future change of career, studied for and passed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s advanced certificate with distinction.

Earlier this year he opted for voluntary redundancy, and straight away set to converting vineyard dreams into vocation – Hand Picked Burgundy was born.

“My aim is to be a reliable source of good quality red Burgundy that is ready to drink,” said Peter, who lives near Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

“The vast majority of Burgundy offered for sale by traditional merchants is far too young. If they do offer older wines, many merchants provide only a list of wines, without commentary or tasting notes.

“By its nature, Burgundy is complex, making it difficult to know what wines are going to taste like – let alone which are better, and when they will drink well.”

Peter’s aim therefore is to offer only wines that are ready to drink.

Each offering has been personally tasted by Peter (tough job!) and given comprehensive ratings based on the three-dimensional criteria of fruit, flavour and body.

These ratings are backed up by detailed tasting notes as well as second and third opinions provided by renowned Burgundy experts and writers

What’s more, Peter offers further advice on how to serve the wine to get the best from it.

“With red Burgundy, even wines from the same vineyard can be totally different, so it can be incredibly difficult to know what a bottle will be like, without years of study and tasting.

“I want people to be able to choose with confidence and drink with pleasure.”

Fuelling a passion for fine Burgundy is not cheap – bottles on offer from Peter’s climate-controlled cellars range from £15 right up to £400 each, but for the discerning drinker, he hopes to offer the perfect choice.

The range currently includes more than 100 different wines from nearly 50 different producers, and Peter plans to steadily increase the range up to about 300 wines.

A choice of wrapping and presentation options opens up the range to gift buyers.

Having spent months developing and fine-tuning the web site – hpb-wines.com – Peter is now looking to target Burgundy lovers across the country.

Burgundy Wine – Once you’ve tried it you can’t go back!

Once you’ve got a taste for Burgundy wine you can’t really go back. Burgundy wines [...]]]> While the Wine Cave does list a smattering of wines from around the world and most regions of France it is Burgundy were this merchants specialism lies.

Burgundy Wine – Once you’ve tried it you can’t go back!

Once you’ve got a taste for Burgundy wine you can’t really go back. Burgundy wines offer structure, complexity, charm and a smoothness, that no other red wine anywhere in the world can compete with.

The Burgundian wines are imported direct mostly from small concerns with several being exclusive to the Wine Cave. Plenty to explore in the red and white wine listings but there are various pre-mixed cases for those in a hurry or wishing for a sample mix. There is a Chablis tasting case for £68, a Nudent Burgundy case at £130 and a selection of wines from Domaine Leflaive for £79.50.

Each wine is listed with a brief tasting note and provided with a bottle picture (it is important to me to see exactly what I am buying!) while the background copy is punctuated with atmospheric vineyard images.

Minimum purchase is six bottles (a half case) unmixed. I couldn’t find details of delivery charges.

The Wine Cave
The Angel Inn
Hetton
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 6LT

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