Made by multi-award winning winery Vina Almirante in Rias Baixas in the North-West of Spain. The 'Pionero' Albariño is simply fabulous. Galicia's primary grape variety, Albarino has a thick skin to protect it from mildrew, caused by the cool wet climate. An excitingly fresh and elegant wine, made for seafood or simply to enjoy by itself.  "Juicy, clean and zesty on the finish, and chiseled in terms of structure and acidity. Very nice Albariño for the price". Wine Enthusiast. 

Taste

Citrus, green apple and pear with a light spritz and a fresh mineral finish.

Aromas of apple, fresh hay, pineapple and natural vanilla draw you in, while the palate is lively and fresh, with citrus, pineapple and pithy lemon flavours. Juicy, clean and zesty on the finish, and chiseled in terms of structure and acidity. Very nice Albariño for the price. Wine Enthusiast. 

Wine Press

90 Points - Decanter (2011)

"The nose has a complex combination of grapefruit, herbs, citrus and green fruits alongside creamy, waxy notes. Green fruit driven palate with lovely richness on the fore and refreshing acidity. The finish is long with a grassy, mineral lift on the end."

 

About the Producer

In 2000, a group of winegrowers dreamed of what is now Viña Almirante, led by families who live by and for wine.
We were inspired by the historical past of Portas (Galicia / Spain) and the legacy of the geographer Domingo Fontán, an illustrious ancestor of our region who allowed us to understand that from emotional cartography we could make blatantly personal wines.

Located in Portas (Galicia) in the Umia valley on the banks of the Chaín river, Vina Almirante sits in an enclave with its own geographical and meteorological conditions that largely mark the character of the vineyards. They also have a small percentage of vineyards in the heart of Val do Salnés, a reality that allows them to work with many possibilities to be able to vinify very personal wines. Portas, is synonymous with history, origin and culture. In the 12th century, history reveals that King Ferdinand II of León donated the first known Albariño plantation to the Cistercian monks, the 'Paradisus' estate, in Santa María de Portas.

 

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast - From 15-20 year old vines, this Petit Chablis has all of the characteristics of great quality Chablis despite its more humble appellation. Aromas of quince and lemon are laced with white flowers and hints of crushed stones, simply beautiful. Intoxicating perfumes of summer flowers and fruit fill the nose. Its character has traits of oysters and shells. A Chablis aroma couldn’t be more authentic than this.

 

About the Producer

Domaine Charly Nicolle was created with less than one hectare in 1979 by Robert Nicolle and Josette Laroche, who can both trace their history from winemaking families in Fleys back to the late 19th century. Since the creation of the domaine, they have increased the size of their vineyards bit by bit, and currently the domaine produces wine from 20 hectares of vines. In 1999, they were joined by their 20 year old son Charly, who had just graduated from the lycée viticole. Today, Charly is officially in charge of the domaine together with his wife Lucie, but Robert is still out in the vines nearly every day. The largest holdings of the domaine are in AOC Chablis, located for the most part around the village of Fleys. The vinification is on the lees in stainless steel tanks, which produces a house style that is both fresh and vibrant, but also rich on the mid-palate.

Taste

Winemakers tasting note: Hues of yellow and white gold with hints of pale green compose a brilliant, bright and clear robe. Intoxicating perfumes of summer flowers and fruit fill the nose. Its character has traits of oysters and shells. A Chablis aroma couldn’t be more authentic than this.

Awards

91 Points - International Wine Report. (2018 Vintage)  "Aromas of quince and lemon are laced with white flowers and hints of crushed stones. The palate is nicely textured and framed by a lovey combination of minerality and bright acidity which provides lift and energy through the finish. This is drinking beautifully today."

90 Points - CellarTracker - This exceptional Organic wine exemplifies the finest expressions of the Sauvignon Blanc grape grown in Sancerre. The harvest is done entirely by hand for better sorting and greater respect for the grapes (less oxidation with a crop that arrives whole). The harvest, once arrived in the cellar, is sorted manually, de-stemmed and transported on carpets to avoid any crushing. This is a blend of 50% grapes grown in clay-limestone soil which gives the wine its richness and power and 50% grapes grown in the stony, calcareous "caillottes" which gives it freshness, vivacity and fruitiness. 

About the Producer

Since 1991, the Domaine has developed vines on 20 ha of sloping and fallow land belonging to the Sancerre appellation as well as 3 ha in Menetou-Salon. Planted on 35 plots, the vines are present on the three great Sancerrois terroirs and exclusively on hillsides facing south and southeast.  The land is representative of the typicity and diversity of the Sancerre region and is distributed on 10% Flint, 50% Caillottes and 40% on the white soil, which allows great blending complexity and elegant subtlety.

The wines are exclusively made from Sauvignon for whites and Pinot noir for Reds and Rosés. Bottling is done at the estate from May following the harvest for the whites and from August for the reds.

Wine Press

93 Points - Decanter (2015)

"Restrained grapefruit aromas but the nose is not overly expressive, yet the palate has a lightly creamed presence of fruit, citrus, a little peach, with some phenolic depth to it as well. This has real charm, with considerable texture and structure."

Environmental Impact

Sensitive to environmental concerns and a passion for quality, the Domaine no longer use weed killers and as few pesticides as possible on the farm.

The harvest is done entirely by hand for better sorting and greater respect for the grapes (less oxidation with a crop that arrives whole). The harvest, once arrived in the cellar, is sorted manually, de-stemmed and transported on carpets to avoid any crushing.

When you need a really good bottle of Pinot Grigio, it does not get better than this ! Made from winemakers who have produced wines since 1956, this wine is straw yellow in colour, fruity and fine on the nose; on the palate dry, full with a balanced acidity. Very good as aperitif, it goes very well with fish and white meat dishes. Serving temperature 10-12° C. Make sure you stock up on this, because you will hardly find anything better than this. Amazing value for money. Delivers every time!

Taste

Straw yellow in colour, fruity and fine on the nose; on the palate dry, full with a balanced acidity. Very good as aperitif, it goes very well with fish and white meat dishes. Serving temperature 10-12° C.

 

About the Producer

It was in 1956 when 11 Trentino farmers combined forces to create the Cantina Sociale in their city. The notarial deed, registered on the 17 October certifies: “the company purpose is the moral and economic improvement of the members by promoting, through appropriate initiatives an increase in wine production by providing for the process and sale of their common product”. Now as back then, their intuition was clear: unity is strength. The creation of a cooperative like the wine cooperative allowed even small producers to face the market and make a profit. This is what a wine cooperative is in our opinion: a place to defend and promote the area and its products thanks to the union of those who live and work in the area every day. The original idea was a winner and the increase in the number of members and the quantity of grapes produced and delivered bears witness to this fact. As early as 1960 the original site in via Verdi was abandoned in favour of a new site in via Fermi, where the Cantina Sociale di Trento remained until 2009. Today the new site is in via dei Viticoltori, in an area surrounded by vineyards to the south of the city. Even in this new phase of its history the Cantina Sociale di Trento chose to keep up with the times and the territory it operates in. Built in accordance with sustainability criteria it meets the needs required by today’s standards: production that is compatible with the environment and aimed at continuous quality improvement.

Attention Riesling lovers! Here comes your new favourite. It has everything you want in a dry Riesling, plenty of fruit, steely minerality, honey and great ageing potential which comes with those infamous petrol notes we all love.  Ideal as aperitif, it fits very well with fish dishes, also shellfish, steamed vegetables and Asian cuisine. Serving temperature 8-10° C.

 

Taste

Straw yellow with green hues. On the nose hints of mature fruit, apricot and peach, in particular. On the mouth the wine is elegant, with a good acidity, balanced by a pronounced and complex minerality. With the ageing the wine shows some characteristics typical of this variety: the fruity and lightly floral notes combine with tertiary aromas, which give more complexity to the wine. Ideal as aperitif, it fits very well with fish dishes, also shellfish, steamed vegetables and Asian cuisine. Serving temperature 8-10° C.

About the Producer

It was in 1956 when 11 Trentino farmers combined forces to create the Cantina Sociale in their city. The notarial deed, registered on the 17 October certifies: “the company purpose is the moral and economic improvement of the members by promoting, through appropriate initiatives an increase in wine production by providing for the process and sale of their common product”. Now as back then, their intuition was clear: unity is strength. The creation of a cooperative like the wine cooperative allowed even small producers to face the market and make a profit. This is what a wine cooperative is in our opinion: a place to defend and promote the area and its products thanks to the union of those who live and work in the area every day. The original idea was a winner and the increase in the number of members and the quantity of grapes produced and delivered bears witness to this fact. As early as 1960 the original site in via Verdi was abandoned in favour of a new site in via Fermi, where the Cantina Sociale di Trento remained until 2009. Today the new site is in via dei Viticoltori, in an area surrounded by vineyards to the south of the city. Even in this new phase of its history the Cantina Sociale di Trento chose to keep up with the times and the territory it operates in. Built in accordance with sustainability criteria it meets the needs required by today’s standards: production that is compatible with the environment and aimed at continuous quality improvement.

Organic Wine. Verdejo is the flagship variety of Rueda and this indigenous Spanish grape offers a crisp and refreshing white wine with green apple and citrus fruit. Notes of green apple and citrus aromas which are complemented by peach, apricot and with pleasant floral nuances of hawthorn and acacia, well combined with a balsamic finish of fennel, hay and aniseed. It is very well balanced with crispy acidity. If you like Sauvignon - you must try this wine. Beautifully balanced and very enjoyable.

Taste

Notes of green apple and citrus aromas which are complemented by peach, apricot and with pleasant floral nuances of hawthorn and acacia, well combined with a balsamic finish of fennel, hay and aniseed. It is very well balanced with crispy acidity. Very powerful with a good expression of Verdejo that lasts long. Hints of herbal and spicy aromas with presence of grapefruit and lime.

About the Producer

In 2007, a young entrepreneur named Eduardo Poza embarked on an ambitious product to reestablish the identity of the Verdejo grape. Silvia Gracia Gonzalez joined Eduardo as technical director and vineyard manager. 

With his twelve years of experience, she has used technology to truly optimise the Verdejo variety. Paramount to Silvia and Bodegas Verdeal is that sustainability is practiced throughout the entire wine-making process, both in the vineyards  as well as in the winery. Controlling the entire process from growing to harvest, Silvia ensures the excellence of the entire process, from the growing of the grapes, their maceration through to the low temperature fermentation and the contact with the lees afterwards.

91 Points Wine International Report - The Château, which continues to maintain the look of a 17th-century farmhouse was built in 1658, making it one of the older chateaux in Saint-Émilion that is still in use today. This Micro vineyard is owned by the Artigue family, surrounded by the Crus Classés of Barde Haut and Clos de Sarpe, located in the heart of the vineyards of Saint-Emilion on the famous clay-limestone plateau. A young, and great value wine with  fresh notes of dark fruits plums, blackcurrant and blackberries. Dark chocolate on the palate shows that the tannins are well-balanced and the finish is long and satisfying. This Saint-Émilion is packed full of lovely fresh fruit. Beautiful now and will age beautifully. A fantastic value for money wine  

Taste

The 2020 vintage is a great value, approachable Saint-Émilion with some fresh notes of dark fruits plums, blackcurrant and blackberries. Dark chocolate on the palate shows that the tannins are well-balanced and the finish is long and satisfying.

About the Producer

The property is owned and run by Bernard Artigue his son Antoine since 2009. Bernard Artigue manages the Right Bank estate today. In 2007 Mr. Artigue hired Stephane Dernenoncourt and his team as consultants. This change made a dramatic and positive difference in the vintages to come.

In the cellar, the work is divided into parcels and the winemaker intervenes as little as possible, to best express the specificities of the terroir. Prior to becoming a vineyard and winery, Château Galeteau started out as a farm in the 1600s. At the time, the estate was better known for the production of agricultural products.

In fact, the chateau, which continues to maintain the look of a 17th-century farmhouse was built in 1658, making it one of the older chateaux in Saint-Émilion that is still in use today.

Awards / Points

91 Points Wine International Report

 

92 Points Cellar Tracker - From the fabulous 2018 Bordeaux vintage this lovely wine from the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary on the opposite bank to the prestigious appellations of Margaux & St Julien. Benefiting from the cool sea breezes and river minerals from the Gironde, this superb Merlot dominated wine is beautifully fresh with layers of exotic spices. A real gem from an under-valued appellation and fantastic vintage.

About the Producer

The de Lagarcie family are wonderful ambassadors of the Blaye appellation. The current owner and winemaker, Benoit de Lagarcie loves his soils and knows his land. He observes the sky each day to reflect upon the climate of tomorrow and listens to his partners, his markets and his consumers to enable him to make the best wine possible.

A property owned and farmed by the de Lagarcie family since 1989, this tiny 4 hectare property stands on superb terroir. Standing by the Gironde estuary, the grapes are kept in perfect shape by the sea breezes, and the temperature fluctuations between night and day bring all of the fresh fruitiness needed for this superb wine. A southern exposure brings the sun needed during the day to bring the grapes to superb maturity.

It is very interesting to observe on a map of Bordeaux, that the Blaye appellation is a mirror image of the Margaux and Saint Julien appellations. Whilst the terroir is different because of the separation by the Gironde river, the climate and proximity to the river minerals are the same.

Taste

Wine Press

87 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"Young and earthy, this wine is dominated by black-currant fruits and solid tannins that will open. The solid structure shows well against the wine's potential of fruitiness."

90 Points - International Wine Report (2016 Vintage)

"The 2016 Château Crusquet de Lagarcie begins with aromas of begins with aromas of cherries and spices are woven together with wet stones and tobacco. On the palate this is medium-plus with a silky texture and notable depth through the finish. This is drinking nicely today and should offer a drinking window that spans over the next few years."

90 Points - International Wine Report (2015 Vintage)

"The 2015 Château Crusquet de Lagarcie Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opens to inviting aromas of red cherries which are woven together with Asian spices, pepper and tobacco with hints of floral and cedar. On the palate this is medium-bodied and well structured with flavors of fresh red and dark fruits which are laced with exotic spices that expand through the wine. Shows notable length on the finish. This should continue to drink well for better half of a decade."

93 Points - International Wine Report. In the heart of the minuscule 1000 hectare Fronsac appellation, tucked in between Châteaux Dalem, Haut Carles and Beausejour, lies this hidden jewel on the banks of the ambling Dordogne river. The microclimate here, created by the rolling hills of clay and chalk situated by the mineral rich river have an effect on the Merlot grapes which gives them stunning acidity. Plump, soft plummy black fruit flavours, medium to full bodied and a gorgeous satisfying mouthful. A must try great quality and value Bordeaux from the lesser known appellation region of Fronsac.

About the Producer

It was apparent from an early age that Olivier Goujon was destined to be a passionate and involved winemaker. He began spending his summers and all of his spare time working in the family vineyards at the age of twelve as well as helping his friends in the Loire with their harvests. As every consumer will drink the wines away from the property, it is important to Olivier & Thierry that tastings happen under the most realistic conditions. Comparative tastings with a second winemaker also take place to give a third independent and honest opinion. Great terroir, leading to stunning acidity of the Merlot grapes, is evident in the still vibrant 2003 tasted against a number of Saint Émilions and Pomerols which are now well past it. Olivier leaves wild grasses to grow among the vines for the simple reason that the blend of clay and chalk is optimum for holding water. Leaving the grass means that principally if it rains just before harvest, the grapes do not become bloated and diluted.

Wine Press / Awards

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2019)

"While this wine is obviously young, it is possible to discern the outlines of richness and dense black fruits. Licorice shows strongly against black-currant flavors and powerful tannins that will soften."

93 Points - International Wine Report (2019)

"The 2019 Château du Bergey Fronsac 'Cuvée Tradition' is an excellent showing in this vintage. It offers aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries laced with spring florals, tobacco, toast and exotic spices all coming together in the glass. On the palate this is medium-bodied and nicely structured with velvety tannins that lead into the long, polished finish. This is drinking excellent in its youth, but should also evolve nicely over the course of the next decade."

93 Points - International Wine Report (2018)

"The 2018 Château du Bergey is absolutely fantastic. It instantly begins to impress as it displays a gorgeous dark inky colour, followed by inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, exotic spices, tobacco, violets and hints of liquorice all taking shape and emerging from the glass. On the palate this possesses gorgeous full-bodied richness with beautifully polished tannins support the layers of ripe dark fruits that build up to the supple finish. This is fabulous today and should go on to offer a drinking window that spans over a decade long."

Terry Kirby - The Independent - Friday 30 October 2020 (2018)

"The lesser known Bordeaux appellations can be a fabulous source of reds that can be much better value for money than the big name appellations and chateaux. One of the best I’ve come across recently is the Chateau Du Bergey 2018 (£14.95 perfectcellar.com) from the small Fronsac appellation, a merlot dominated blend, with plump, soft plummy black fruit flavours, medium to full bodied and a gorgeous satisfying mouthful. It’s worth buying a few bottles as this is very likely to improve with a few years in the cellar."

94 Points International Wine Report. Lalande de Pomerol is no longer the poorer cousin of its prestigious neighbour Pomerol, and this Domaine Des Mimosas, from a 5th generation winemaker, located on the opposite bank of the Barbanne river to Pomerol, is a wonderfully ripe and full bodied blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Dark dusty ruby colour. A bright, juicy and attractive French red with a playful interplay of fruit and savoury tones. Great balance and depth with a supple finish, this is a drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next decade. 

Taste

Dark dusty ruby colour. Fruity, savoury aromas and flavours of spumoni gelato, caramelised nuts, cola float, and Castelvetrano olives with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body, chewy tannins, and moderate oak. A bright, juicy and attractive French red with a playful interplay of fruit and savoury tones.

About the Producer

This tiny property stands on the banks of the Barbanne river – which explains the significant percentage of gravel in the soil. On the opposite bank is the appellation of Pomerol to which the river carries iron from the subsoil, adding a note of truffle to the Merlot. Thanks to the gravel the Cabernet Franc grows beautifully here hence the high percentage in the blend. The ensemble of the terroir, skilled oak aging and manual harvest means that the wine is ripe, fruity and full-bodied. After a couple of hours in a decanter, the oak fuses with the fruit resulting in a stunning bouquet. Vinification happens in cement tanks which are slightly porous like oak and add a touch of elegance. 

The Niarfeix family has vineyards divided into three appellations, Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, and Montagne Saint Emilion, for a total area of 14 hectares. They arrived from Corrèze (in central France) to Bordeaux and have owned Château Chêne Liège since 1896, acquiring their other properties like Domaine des Mimosas in the decades that followed. This is a family of winemakers since 1896, making this the 5th generation of winemakers. They were born and raised on the family properties, knowing each parcel like the back of their hand. Today, their pursuit of excellence has led them to viticulture with no chemical products, producing a wine that is as natural as possible.

Wine Press

94 Points International Wine Report 

"The 2018 Domaine des Mimosas is a absolute success in this vintage. It begins with aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and blueberries are joined by spices and a lovely fresh violet character. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied, with beautifully polished tannins and wonderful freshness. It continues to impress as it shows fantastic overall balance and depth as it comes to an end with a long supple finish. This is outstanding today and should go on to offer years of drinking pleasure ahead."