Independent wine merchant Dorjes of Warwick always finds some truly interesting wines from around the World qnd will be offering an extensive selection to taste at the Grand Christmas tasting on 10 November 2010.

This year’s tasting will be at The Granville in Barford and as usual we’ll presenting more than 80 wines, [...]]]>

Independent wine merchant Dorjes of Warwick always finds some truly interesting wines from around the World qnd will be offering an extensive selection to taste at the Grand Christmas tasting on 10 November 2010.

This year’s tasting will be at The Granville in Barford and as usual we’ll presenting more than 80 wines, Champagnes and ports, with experts on hand to answer any questions and offer advice. This year we’ll also be introducing a range of great quality spirits at very competitive prices, perfect for fending off the cold as winter sets in. Not only that, but we’ll be joined by Ian Sparrow from Hook Norton Brewery who will be offering the opportunity to taste their complete range of delicious bottled ales.

Proprietors Alistair and Jayne aim to introduce the most beautiful wines in the World! And the search includes wines from THAILAND!

Tickets  £10 (refundable on orders over £100 taken on the night), either from the website, or by telephoning 01926 430550.

Dorje’s Wine Limited, Unit 4, Rigby Close, Heathcote Industrial Estate, Warwick, CV34 6TH

t: 01926 430550 e: info@dorjes.co.uk

Of the 72 [...]]]> Writing on his blog Jim’s Loire, Jim Budd mentioned the number of ‘out of stocks’ in the Loire section and finished the post with
“Looking further at the Oddbins site, the number of wines that are ‘currently unavailable’ is rather alarming, unless the company has just had a very successful weekend.

Of the 72 Champagnes listed – 27 are available.
Of 20 Australian Cabernet Sauvignons listed – 3 are available.
Of 32 Australian Shiraz listed – just 2 are available.”
Chatting, of the record, with a branch manager the situation in the stores is reminiscent of the dying days of Unwins.

“To say that there is a supply problem is putting it mildly. We keep getting reports that wine will be arriving and small parcels are arriving in drips and drabs but nothing substantial.
I’m quite concerned, seems that they’re clearing stock rather then stocking up but we’ll see.
According to them [new owners Henry and Simon], Castel left them in the shit but we never seemed to have these supply problems with them. We have even run out of cigarettes! I know of one shop that has only 50 BOTTLES of Australian wine in the entire shop. Oddbins is also haemorrhaging accounts like crazy because there are not even the basic wholesale lines in the warehouse!! I mean what kind of operation are they running? If their goal is to be retail only, they are doing a good job of getting rid of accounts. They’re doing a much faster job of running Oddbins into the ground then Castel ever did. To say moral is low would be an understatement. “
Let us hope the new owners live up to the high expectations laid on them at the time of buying Oddbins from Castel and that the manage to ride the credit-crunch wave. Oddbins certainly has the potential to return to its glory days as the maverick, quirky, much loved high street wine merchant. Fingers crossed it does so soon.

Posted by
Andrew Barrowarb@andys-scribblings.co.uk

web :http://www.spittoon.biz http://www.spittoonextra.biz http://www.thefoodielist.co.uk

contributor:Guardian’s Word of Mouth

10% off all Champagne – use the special code Champers

8% off all Sparkling Wines – use the special code Sparkling

And spend more than £200 and get a £25 discount [...]]]> Online wine merchant Vin Vino is offering some interesting discounts until 31 Dec 2008 when you use some special codes on the order:-

10% off all Champagne – use the special code Champers

8% off all Sparkling Wines – use the special code Sparkling

And spend more than £200 and get a £25 discount using code vino25 – see whats on offer at Vin Vino Direct Ltd

The old rule that red wines should be served at room temperature is one of the most treacherous pieces of wine lore, unless you happen to like your rooms at a [...]]]> Joanna Simon in the Times (10 Aug 08) makes an impassioned plea to avoid the British tendancy to serve red wines too warm:-

The old rule that red wines should be served at room temperature is one of the most treacherous pieces of wine lore, unless you happen to like your rooms at a penitential 16C-18C. A few big, young, tannic reds, especially those designed to be aged, may taste rounder and more supple at 18C-20C, but the vast majority begin to lose their freshness and clarity of flavour at these temperatures. They will still be drinkable, but not as good as they could be or as the producer intended.

This idea arose from pre-central heating days and cold cellars, when reds were often needed a bit of acclimatisation before drinking. And as with most decent wines one of the keys is to avoid dramatic temperature change. It has probably become one of the myths about wine – i.e.  that all serious wine drinkers indulge in a respectful ceremonial which also includes decanting and allowing the wine to breathe.

But visit any vineyard and see what temperature the winemaker serves his samples for tasting – he is, after all, trying to present his wines at their best. This is especially true of most everyday wines (the great majority of wines are drunk young), and wines which today emphasise fruit character above the elements of “structure”, “depth” or mineral/vegetable.

Whilst a light, fruity Beaujolais can be served “chilled”, most reds will benefit from being served at the sort of temperature of the empty spare bedroom.

The issue of wine temperature has also been raised recently with a survey which showed that many shelves in supermarkets and chains were too hot or too close to bright light or vibration – all factors which can damage or at least change the wine. However, as most supermarket stock turns over quite quickly this may not be a severe problem.

Wine is an organic product, and betwixt winemaker and drinker there are numerous forces which can change the character and taste of the wine, so that what you get to taste may not be quite as the winemaker intended – sometimes this works to your advantage, other times not. I recall one winemaker in the Loire Valley who refused to ship wine in mid-summer, and she was probably right. Once loaded onto a lorry (uninsulated and with tarpaulin side curtains) the journey to the wine merchant can take several days (one consignment took 8 days from South West France) and may involve other collections and waiting for ferry or customs clearance – potentially in blazing sunshine and high temperatures.

The obverse is that white wines are often served too cold – straight from the fridge – which whilst refreshing, does not always allow the scents and flavours of the wine to reveal themselves.

Experiment a little next time you open a bottle and see how the wine changes.

Offering a whole host of vinous delights to taste and an opportunity to meet, in person, winemakers from all around the world. [...]]]> Oddbins and Nicolas come together for their annual wine fair on 17th & 18th May 2008 to be held at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club in west London.

Offering a whole host of vinous delights to taste and an opportunity to meet, in person, winemakers from all around the world.
It’s the perfect occasion to sample the Oddbins & Nicolas ranges of wines, in a professional yet fun environment, with the chance to learn more about the products on our shelves and the people behind them.

The event includes masterclasses on “Discover Argentina”, Bruichladdich whiskies, d’Arenberg winery (McLaren Vale, South Australia), Bordeaux, Champagnes and Anakena Ona winery (Chile)

Among many others, highlights at this year’s event include: d’Arenberg, Dashwood, De Bortoli, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Pernod Ricard, Paragon Vintners, Chapoutier, Montana, Lindauer, Cellar Trend, Masi, Cave de Tain, Gerard Bertrand, Taylor’s Port, Cillar De Silos El Quintalal, Jourdan Bordeaux, Cordoniu Wines, Bruichladdich Distillery, Inverhouse Distillery

Book your tickets (£25 11am – 5pm) ONLINE

We are located and run from offices in the heart of Spain. Spanish wine is our [...]]]> You would hope that sourcing your wines from their country of origin would guarentee the very best selection. I have no experience of the wines available from Spain in a Bottle but the range at least looks interesting.

We are located and run from offices in the heart of Spain. Spanish wine is our passion and we are dedicated to offering our customers some of the finest wine this country has to offer. All the varieties on offer are authentic, traditional wines created with the most modern of wine making techniques. Our wines are highly recommended and we believe the huge selection of Reds, Whites and Roses will delight every palate. Our selection really does reflect what Spanish people are choosing and drinking here in Spain. These are the wines the people of Spain not only drink but covet. These are the wines the Spanish seek out and keep for themselves. Indeed, these are the wines that define a country.

Prices on the site are listed in Euros, which doesn’t really help us non-Euro Brits. But the range – reds, whites and cavas spread across all the regions – certainly looks interesting.

Sadly though the delivery charge might put many people off ordering. With a minimum order of 6 bottles the delivery charge to the UK is the equivalent of £17 while a 12 bottle purchase will be just over £20. Ordering wines in the UK normally sees a delivery charge of under £10 a case.

See www.spaininabottle.com/

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.

Currently they list 10 wines ranging in price from £6.95 for a Chenin Blanc up to the estates top cuvee Paulina’s Reserve 2003 for £16.95. The wines are of great [...]]]> Just one range of wines available from Great Wine Online as this is the UK outlet for the Rickety Bridge Winery of South Africa.

Currently they list 10 wines ranging in price from £6.95 for a Chenin Blanc up to the estates top cuvee Paulina’s Reserve 2003 for £16.95. The wines are of great quality – 2000 vintage of the Shiraz won the Regional South Africa Rhône Varietal Over £10 Trophy with Decanter’s wine awards (there are on to the 2003 vintage now).

“With a cellar policy of minimal interference, Rickety Bridge Winery is one of the most progressive boutique wineries in South Africa, producing a distinctive range of high quality, hand-crafted, award-winning wines in limited quantities. Owned and operated by the winery’s owner, Great Wine Online shares the winery’s aims to provide the highest standards of excellence in all it does, and to make it easy for consumers to buy Rickety Bridge wines in the UK.”

There are currently three mixed case special offers available at £65, £88 or £106 – great value in saving 25% off the normal retail price.

Great Wine UK Ltd
18 Marcham Road
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 1AA