(2025) This is a 'Pet Nat', bottled under a crown cap with 18 months on the lees, an 'ancestral method' wine that saw a single fermentation to create natural bubbles. Just off dry, it's a real charmer with just 10% alcohol, pretty and juicy fruit and a fine line of acidity to keep it fresh and appetising. Enjoyed this.
(2025) This is a 1.5 litre bag in box, the wine stated to stay fresh for six week after opening, and containing the equivalent of two standard bottles. It's part of a range of alternative packaged wines that includes a 250ml can of Côtes du Rhône also reviewed, though I have to say the quality of this Villages wine is superior. It has the bright, red and black, juicy berry appeal but adds a creaminess and much more depth. On the palate in particular the smooth ripeness of the fruity and the density (note also 14.5% alcohol) gives a big, Chateauneuf-style presence here. Bring on the barbie for this one. Price for a 1.5 litre bag in box. Watch the video for more information.
(2025) Miguel Torres (the man) has a deep felt commitment to sustainability and environmental causes, and this wine from a small new range is the first time his Chilean wines have been shipped to the UK in bulk, for local bottling. For many producers that's a cost-saving measure, but I believe the 40% saving to COâ‚‚ emissions that it brings is a driving force. The wine is also packed in a lightweight bottle for onward transport. That's the main point of interest here really: don't get me wrong, it's a punchy and well-balanced Sauvignon with plenty of grassy freshness and juicy peach and tropical fruit, but the message behind it is the main reason it's featured as Wine of the Week. Watch the video for more information.
(2025) The Old Vines Reserve comes from 30-year-old vineyards planted with the Mendoza clone of Chardonnay, and sees just a little more oak than the regular Chardonnay - but still only 35% new oak. It has a nuttiness and a little hint of honey on the nose, some buttered toast in the background and ripe and nutty apple fruit edged by lemon rind. In the mouth it marries quite substantial weight and fruit density with a lightness from the modest 13.5% alcohol and squeeze of orange and lime acidity to brighten.
(2025) This is pretty much dry with just 4g/l of residual sugar, a blend of 65% Pinot Noir with the balance made up of Pinot Gris and Grüner Veltliner, all picked at the same time and co-fermented. It is a little deeper in colour than many without being dark, and it has an attractive nose that marries vinous red berries with a touch of leafiness and hint of lime. In the mouth I really like the velvety density of the mid-palate fruit: not heavy, but supple and succulent, the hint of sweetness playing against good acidty and a tiny nip of tannin to give it a bit of extra mouthfeel.
(2025) Fresh and candied pears spring to mind on first sniff of this, a little spicy orange peel note comes through. The palate has plenty of fruit concentration and texture, again ripe pear and a touch of something creamy, but cut by zesty acidity. It's a really nice example this, in a richer style that pays a passing nod to Austria, but finishes with brightness and a frisson of energy.
(2025) There's a burgeoning sense of richness and intensity in this Pinot Gris, something like melon skins or lime peel that gives an impression of phenolic ripeness. In the mouth a tiny bit of residual sugar helps with that sense of richness, but the fleshy peach fruit runs into that fruit skin grippiness and texture again to give this some heft. Well balanced by its clean, tangy acidity into quite a long finish.
(2025) With its transparent, garnet colour and enticing aromas of swirling smoke and strawberry, this instantly appeals. Spicy, with pomegranate and roasted aromas, the palate follows with such a lively, soft, autumnal melange of cappuccino, pulpy red berries and truffle, pert and pretty summer fruits marrying with well judged cherry pit acidity in the finish. A sheer delight
(2025) Coming in from a single block of Riesling and made with 15g/l of residual sugar, this Kabbinet style wine is a delight. Showing a little more petrol/wax than the dry Riesling aromatically, there's a lovely filigree character of lime and floral aromas that is beguiling. I get something very reminiscent of ripe Ogen melon too, and have that on the palate; that hint of the tropical in amongst the shimmering cirtus and juicy nectaring ripeness of the acidity. Absolutely delicious.
(2025) The driest of the range of Rieslings on show here with only around 4g/l of residual sugar, and another lovely 2024 example. Sherbetty, limey and shimmering in the glass and on the nose, the searing core of citrus acidity drives this wine into a mouth-watering place, just enough of a hint - a mere hint - of sweetness to blunt that keenly honed edge, in a textural and quite luscious yet pin-sharp wine.
