FRRCAP02
£26.65
Simon of Domaine Capmartin has dusted off the historic traditions of Madiran and Pacherenc de Vic-Bil into a new, more progressive age.
He has set about significant changes amongst the vines and in the winery leading to his own unique versions of these truly exceptional AOP wines. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon is now striving further with his sights firmly set on Biodynamic certification. Natural, low intervention winemaking are the watchwords. No added sulphur, all wild ferments and aiming for light tannins makes for previously unknown modern, fresh and delicious Madiran Tannat. The unique white blend of AOC Pacherenc de Vic-Bilh, made in part with the rare and cherished Petit Corbu variety, is wonderfully complex and a food friendly wine that will no doubt inspire sommeliers.
Punchy and ripe plum and dark berry flavours. This has plenty of depth on the palate, with a spicy finish alongside well balanced tannins.
£90.80
The "other" wine made by Ch. Palmer, first made 1998 the grapes come from different plots than those of Ch. Palmer and with a different blend Alter Ego is produced (and marketed) as very much it's own thing alongside Ch. Palmer. Generally the Alter Ego has slightly more Merlot than "normal Palmer, but the 2020 vintage is actually the other way round, with this being the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated version.
"Chocolate shavings and smoked coffee bean on the nose, it's a vintage where you can't get away from the tannins, but here they have sinew and juice, like the best translation of the tannins in the year. This has real purity of fruit (very low SO2 addition at Palmer), together with the gourmet touch that you want in Alter Ego. 45% of overall production. 3.73pH. Survived mildew better than in 2018 because of experience in dealing with the conditions. August 15 to 29 for the harvest. A yield of 31hl/ha." Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)
£14.29
£13.45
A gorgeous ruby red colour. The nose is intense and deliciously seductive. Red fruit such as cherry and redcurrant stand out, then spicy notes dominate the very agreeable finish. Supple, well-balanced, with extremely fine tannins and good length, its individual touch and its notes of garrigue underline the fresh fruitiness of the palate. This is a vintage and a blend that perfectly matches our vision of what a red Languedoc should be: Mediterranean in character, bright, fruity, and lip-smackingly delicious.
£16.25
Gautier Marion is the fifth generation of the family to manage Domaine de la Couvette, tucked into the gently undulating countryside of Southern Beaujolais. If you could picture what a quintessentially small French producer should look like then Gautier's property would come very close. He takes great pride in making wines in the traditional carbonic macerated style using his trusty, old concrete vats, which he uses to age the wines as well. Respecting not only the winemaking traditions, but also their 11 hectares of land and the vines that are up to 50 years old, they demonstrate their commitment by making a fully organic Beaujolais.
Light yellow in colour the wine has a fruity, floral and mineral nose, and citrus notes. An elegant subtle Chardonnay that is supple, balanced and delightfully fruity.