Connolly’s and Arch 13 “At home”
In an attempt to ease the desperation of self-isolation, (and, let’s be honest, try to keep the tills ticking over) Connolly’s and Arch 13 are bringing their whole experience to a dining room (lounge/kitchen/bedroom/bathroom/garden shed – whatever floats your boat frankly) near you.
Our entire wine, spirit and beer list is at your disposal and can be found online at www.connollyswine.co.uk alternatively, we have a range of ready made mixed cases to remove at least one headache. Local deliveries will be made free of charge and, in the style of 10 year old schoolboys the world over, we’ll simply ring the doorbell and run away (abandoning your order on the doorstep – obv).
The Easy Drinkers
1 bottle each of the following:
Pinot Grigio, Allamanda – our exclusive, own label Pinot Grigio – crisp, light and refreshing
Sauvignon Blanc, Makutu – classic Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, full of tropical fruit flavours with a zesty freshness on the finish.
Chenin Blanc, Cape Heights – impressive entry-level Chenin with floral and citrus notes and a richness on the finish.
Casa Solera Bonarda/Malbec – ripe and juicy, bursting with blackberry fruits and hints of spice.
Rioja, Manzanos Tempranillo –refreshing Rioja with bright cherry fruit flavours and hints of oak.
Santa Lucia Merlot – medium bodied with hints of plum and spice
All 6 bottles for £48.99 inc VAT and local delivery
The Even Easier Drinkers
Chateau les Tuileries – white Bordeaux has been about as fashionable as my wardrobe in recent years which is a crying shame as there are some wonderful wines around. This Sauvignon/Semillon/Muscadelle blend, underpinned with some light, toasty oak is a peaches and cream delight.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay, Sileni Estates – Kiwi Chard with citrus and nectarine flavours backed up with sweet oak and lees stirred complexity.
The Emily – still one of my favourite rosés, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this is almost (but not quite) bone-dry with delightful, red fruit characters and a zesty acidity on the finish.
Malbec Roble, Los Haroldos - classic, rich, intensely fruity Malbec from high altitude vineyards. Ripe fruit, smoke and chocolate on the nose with fleshy blackberry fruit.
Chateau Haut Philippon Bordeaux Rouge – From vines over 35 years of age, this wine has warmth and a classic but easy drinking character.
Touriga Nacional, Terra d’Alter – jaw-droppingly good red from Alentejano in southern Portugal; Touriga Nacional is one of the principle grapes used in Port production and this is full of those rich, spicy flavours but (of course) without the fortification and sweetness.
All 6 bottles for £69.99 inc VAT and local delivery
Sauvignon Blanc & Friends
1 bottle each of the following:
Sauvignon Blanc, Makutu – classic Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, full of tropical fruit flavours with a zesty freshness on the finish.
Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine la Serre – Crisp and dry. Citrus aromas of grapefruit and lemon with a floral hint. Melon and peach on the palate with an intense minerality.
Petit Bourgeois – from our favourite grower in Sancerre this is Sauvignon Blanc grown some 40km north of the appellation; bone dry and mouth-wateringly crisp it is one of our favourite whites.
Monte Schiavo Verdicchio Classico - fresh citrus and peachy aromas with hints of passion fruit. The palate has abundant pineapple and tropical fruit characters, balanced by zesty acidity and a ripe yet crisp finish.
Vinho Verde Alvarinho, Este - made from the traditional premium grape Alvarinho from the classical sub-region (Monção) by the Spanish border. A dry wine with tropical fruit, complexity and power.
Silver Myn Sauvignon Blanc, Zorgvleit – Gooseberry, green apple and sweet melon on the nose. Clean, crisp acidity with tropical fruit on the palate.
All 6 bottles for £61.50 inc VAT and local delivery
Robust Reds
1 bottle each of the following:
Malbec Roble, Los Haroldos - classic, rich, intensely fruity Malbec from high altitude vineyards. Ripe fruit, smoke and chocolate on the nose with fleshy blackberry fruit.
Vina Marro Crianza Rioja – With fourteen months of oak-ageing followed by over a year’s maturation in bottle this classic Rioja is soft, lush and elegant. It`s full of expressive mature fruit with delicate spice notes.
Touriga Nacional, Terra d’Alter – jaw-droppingly good red from Alentejano in southern Portugal; Touriga Nacional is one of the principle grapes used in Port production and this is full of those rich, spicy flavours but (of course) without the fortification and sweetness.
Roccialta Chianti, Azienda Uggiano - Fresh and appealing on the nose with plenty of ripe red fruits and a hint of spice. Fresh and juicy sour cherry characters on the palate, richly-flavoured, with supple and abundant red fruit balanced by vibrant acidity and ripe tannins.
Patria Nueva Cabernet Sauvignon – Intense nose of dark cherry, strawberry, cedar and liquorice. A juicy and round on the palate with firm tannins that combine well with dark fruits, prunes and roasted nuts with toasty finish.
Cotes du Rhone Domaine de la Bastide – Punchy spicy palate with hints of red and cassis fruit.
All 6 bottles for £65.00 inc VAT and local delivery
You really should have been there………………
There are tastings and then there are tastings and last month we served up the most phenomenal Italian Masterclass in the company of Michael Palij, Master of Wine, who steered us through some of his most recent discoveries (notably a Sardinian quartet which provided all the evidence you need of the revolution taking place in the island’s vineyards and cellars).