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A slightly sweet one here but it's been flying off of our shelves over the last few weeks. What is if about this beautiful juice that's drawing you back I wonder?
Michele Chiarlo founded his winery in 1956 with one clear vision: acquire the best crus in Piedmont to make wines that express the essence of the territory.
Located in Calamandrana in Monferrato, Michele Chiarlo makes wines from some of Piedmont’s most prestigious crus: Cannubi and Cerequio in Barolo, Asili and Faset in Barbaresco and Rovereto in Gavi. The winery also owns one of the most beautiful estates in the region, La Court, where they grow grapes for Barbera and Nizza DOCG, the newest appellation of Barbera that earned DOCG status in 2014.
The winery only vinifies native Piedmont grapes. Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cortese and Moscato turn into single-variety wine. Certified by VIVA Sustainable Wine in 2011, Michele Chiarlo follows integrated and sustainable agricultural practices, closely monitoring their environmental impact at all stages of production.
Michele Chiarlo 'Palas' Moscato d'Asti 2017 @ £10.95 - Buy it here!
The Moscato d'Asti Palas has a fresh, fruity and elegant bouquet with notes of sage and tropical fruits. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by a citrus edge and a slight petillance.
A great producer using a fantastic grape will always produce something amazing. These guys just stand out a bit! Cheers!
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Not many people can say no to a Margaux and ours is a particularly beautiful expression of this revered region. Some information is headed your way!
In 1932, Château Angludet was one of six châteaux to be promoted to the rank of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The estate then passed into the hands of Paul Six for a period of nearly twenty years. Six was an industrialist who preferred to devote more time to his business activities than his vines and the vineyard consequently suffered neglect.
From 1953 on wards, Mr Thomas, the new owner, embarked on a major replanting programme but the harshwinter of 1956 destroyed all the young plants. Economic difficulties prevented the replanting of the lost vineyards, which were replaced by barley and wheat. In 1960, Angludet's vine covered a mere 7 hectares.
In 1961, Diana and Peter Sichel, the parents of the current generation of Sichels, bought the estate after falling in love with this unique site. Since then, Château Angludet has been the seat of the Sichel family.
La Reserve D'Angludet, Margaux 2014 @ £28.95 - Buy it here!
Réserve d'Angludet offers deliciously seductive aromas of sweet plums, ripe dark berry fruits and black cherries. The palate is rounded and supple with a smooth mouthfeel, balanced oak and a fine, elegant finish. Smooth with slightly gamey flavours and cedar oak tones, this is a classic and elegantly styled Bordeaux.
Believe us when we say this is all you will be needing this year! Beyond amazing. Cheers!
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Sometimes you need an alternative. Something which fills the void but has something different about it. Our Souverain from Henriot is a champagne with vigour. Like an old friend only easier and more inviting... Time for a read I think.
The son of a wine grower, Laurent Fresnet has won the International Wine Challenge “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” award for two successive years, in 2015 and again in 2016. He won the special award «The Len Evans Trophy, for consistency over 5 years» in 2018. Laurent arrived for the harvest in 2005 and now encapsulates the Henriot House style in every champagne, with a true expression of terroir. Henriot is a Chardonnay dominant Champagne house, producing some of the finest blancs that are precise, elegant and luminous. Laurent Fresnet favours a spirit of collegiality in all decisions involving the wine growers and collaborators of Champagne Henriot.
Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV @ £39.95 - Buy it here!
On the nose, the Champagne offers magnificent, vivacious character. Citrus fruit aromas are followed by a cavalcade of floral bouquets, elderberry and vine blossom. Delicious brioche notes and the simplicity of lightly toasted bread and roasted almonds. Well balanced and harmonious on the palate, summoning flavours of brioche, together with crunchy cherries and the sun kissed blush of white peach. Clean on the finish, with all the freshness of just-picked walnuts.
Doesn't it just sound amazing? You won't believe how good this is until you give it a try. Cheers!
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Time for another wine of the day and this time we head to Italy for the one-of-a-kind Brunello di Montalcino.
Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2008 @ £42.95 - Buy it here!
"One of the clear highlights of the vintage, the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with black cherries, violets, cloves, menthol, licorice and tar. The 2008 stands out for its impeccable balance and layered, highly expressive personality. A translucent, mid-weight, silky finish is totally striking. Once again, Fuligni made one of the more refined wines of the village. In 2008 there is no Riserva. All the best of the lots made it into the straight bottling. If I had to bet on a 2008 Brunello that might surprise on the upside in a few years, Fuligni would be near or at the top of my list."
Antonio Galloni 92/100
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023+.
Probably your last chance to get your hands on this utter dream of a wine as only a few bottles left. Cheers!
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Christmas! Let me take some of the stress away in a couple of ways. One for a loved one and maybe one for you too?
The house of Pol Roger is among the long-established and traditional family enterprises in the Champagne region of France. It was founded in January 1849 in the town of Aÿ by the 18 year old Pol Roger under the single name of Roger. In 1851, the company moved to Épernay where they still reside to this day. In the beginning, they did not own vineyards and produced exclusively for other large houses like Perrier Jouët or Moët & Chandon. However, by 1855 Pol Roger had acquired his own vineyards and decided to produce sparkling wine under his own label. He decided to focus on Brut Champagne since this was the kind the British preferred.
Pol Roger Brut Champagne NV @ £39.95 - Buy it here!
It is full, rich yet fresh, and loved by those who prefer a richer Champagne style. Pol Roger is beautifully balanced with great depth of flavour. It exudes class and is perfect for really special occasions.
This is the drink of Christmas. Nothing else will do! Cheers!
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Time for another wine of the day. This time we're going to have a look at this: Bellavista Vendemmia Brut 2011. Honestly you're about to be blown away as this will be your new tipple.
Those original vineyards, of extraordinary quality, are located on the Bellavista hill, so named for its splendid position, which looks out over Lake Iseo and the entire Po valley, all the way to the foothills of the Alps. Looking to the future, Vittorio Moretti devoted special attention to the acquisition of new vineyards, which now comprise a total of 198 hectares in the "Franciacorta" wine production area.
In 1981 Vittorio Moretti met oenologist Mattia Vezzola, who in that same year joined the company. His role proved pivotal to the definition of the Bellavista style. In 2007, Mattia Vezzola's key contribution was recognized by the Guide to Italian Wines, issued by Gambero Rosso-Slow Food, which honored him as “Oenologist of the year”.
Bellavista Vendemmia Franciacorta Brut 2011 @ £36.95 - Buy it here!
Bellavista Brut is a vibrant green gold colour with an exuberant yet fine mousse. The nose has finesse and complexity. Crisp floral notes of hawthorn, wormwood and bay leaf support ripe white fruits. Dry and elegant on the palate, with ripe fruit and touches of incense. The silky texture and firm backbone are balanced perfectly with fresh acidity. Floral hints and white fruits linger on the finish.
You will never regret giving this stuff a go. It is in a world of its own. Cheers!
