{"title":"Organic Wine","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re not talking Michael J Fox and hover boards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Back to the future winemaking’ is a growing movement of forward thinking winemakers who truly understand how their vineyards and eco systems work. Employing age old techniques without the habitual use of chemicals and mechanisation to produce the natural wines of our future. Creations of quality not quantity, from healthy earth and happy grapes. Organic Wine, Biodynamic Wine and Natural Wine.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"b-bos-i-2018-blank-bottle-overberg-south-africa-75cl","title":"BBos I 2018 - Blank Bottle - Agulhas \u0026 Overberg, South Africa 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Clothes maketh not the man; judge my wines on what’s in the bottle, not the varietal on the label.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly individual small production wines, each with its individual story, each made from specifically selected parcels of grapes from around the South African Cape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“People like to label me. Some say I’m a winemaker, an ideas guy, a marketer, a surfer, an actor, a garagiste, a negociant, an entrepreneur. I prefer not to carry a label. To be honest, I wouldn’t know what to label myself. It’s like my wine, BLANK Bottle… it’s just a blank bottle. You can’t judge it by the label; it takes drinking a whole bottle to get to know the wine.” Pieter H. Walser\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Blank Bottle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916362104892,"sku":"5e873d83aba5e","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/B-BO5-I.png?v=1590857040"},{"product_id":"b-i-g-2015-blank-bottle-south-africa-75cl","title":"B.I.G 2017 - Blank Bottle - Western Cape, South Africa 150cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Clothes maketh not the man; judge my wines on what’s in the bottle, not the varietal on the label.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly individual small production wines, each with its individual story, each made from specifically selected parcels of grapes from around the South African Cape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“People like to label me. Some say I’m a winemaker, an ideas guy, a marketer, a surfer, an actor, a garagiste, a negociant, an entrepreneur. I prefer not to carry a label. To be honest, I wouldn’t know what to label myself. It’s like my wine, BLANK Bottle… it’s just a blank bottle. You can’t judge it by the label; it takes drinking a whole bottle to get to know the wine.” Pieter H. Walser\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Blank Bottle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916362137660,"sku":"5e873d846ddbf","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-61.png?v=1588502172"},{"product_id":"biologico-prosecco-nv-bernadi-veneto-italy-75cl","title":"Biologico Prosecco NV","description":"","brand":"Cantina Bernardi - Veneto, Italy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916363350076,"sku":"NVBRPSBF","price":17.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/bioprosecco.png?v=1591620277"},{"product_id":"cuvee-du-chat-vdf-2018-chateau-cambon-marie-lapierre-beaujolais-france-75cl","title":"Cuvée du Chat VDF 2020","description":"","brand":"Chateau Cambon\/Jean-Claude Chanudet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916367151164,"sku":"18CBCDCF","price":19.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/cuveeduchat.png?v=1588502792"},{"product_id":"echappee-rouge-merlot-chateau-de-bel-bordeaux-france-75cl","title":"Echappée Rouge Merlot NV - Chateau de Bel - Bordeaux, France 75cl","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePerhaps the most radical winemaker in Bordeaux? Undoubtedly this is the antithesis to what we’ve become accustomed to seeing from this most  traditional of French wine regions. Olivier Cazenave and his wife Anne discovered Château de Bel on the banks of the Dordogne in 2003. They have since  expanded its vineyards to eight hectares, as well as taken on the farming of those of friends and family elsewhere in Bordeaux, with one-third of a  hectare in Pomerol and two hectares in Montagne Saint-Émilion. Since 2016, all Olivier’s own vineyards are certified biodynamic. His wines are at turns classical, experimental, natural and never shying from controversy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEchappée - meaning an 'escape', such as a romantic getaway, or in cycling a 'breakaway' - is Olivier's multi-vintage house blend, the red version a mixture of a few recent vintages of Merlot from the biodynamic vineyards of Château de Bel. Olivier makes his wines non-vintage partly to create a reliable house style (as in Champagne), partly to distance the wines from what can sometimes be an unhealthy obsession with this or that vintage in Bordeaux.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chateau de Bel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916368134204,"sku":"FR513\/NV","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-72.png?v=1588502351"},{"product_id":"el-alto-2011-vidal-soblechero-pagos-de-vilavendemia-rueda-spain-75cl-1","title":"El Alto 2011 - Pagos de Vilavendemia - Rueda, Spain 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost have dismissed Rueda as a one stop shop for cheap whites and the occasional aspirational made Verdejo. We had, so it was with trepidation that our mate Ben (Carte Blanche Wines) motored down to La Seca just east of the village of Rueda to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeet Vidal and his sister Alicia on a tip off from a friend that these were some of the best white wines in Spain. Not just Rueda, but Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBen visited every parcel of vines, most over 100 years old, all bush trained (the rest of Rueda is\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enow given over to trellising for machine harvesting), each parcel a different make up of soil exposure and variety (Viura and Verdejo with a plot of Tinto Fina). They even have a team of falcons to mitigate unwanted intruders set on picking off riper fruit!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Vidal is a man who treats his vineyards with the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esame reverence one expects to find in Burgundy. But the wines. I confess I was expecting something good, I know these varieties, but I was still sceptical. The first wine, drawn from a 600 litre Damy barrel and coming from the Buena\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVista vineyard, located in the north of the region by the river was a complete jaw dropper. And so it went, cuvée after cuvée, then the bottled wines (these are released after 4 years in bottle, so we are on 2011 now) and each one as\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emagical as the next. Only 700 bottles of each finca are produced and each one fermented differently from the next.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pagos de Vilavendemia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916368363580,"sku":"VI8611WA","price":31.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/elalto.png?v=1591619641"},{"product_id":"pagos-de-villavendimia-escribiente-2015","title":"El Escribiente 2016 - Pagos de Vilavendemia - Rueda, Spain 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost have dismissed Rueda as a one stop shop for cheap whites and the occasional aspirational made Verdejo. We had, so it was with trepidation that our mate Ben (Carte Blanche Wines) motored down to La Seca just east of the village of Rueda to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeet Vidal and his sister Alicia on a tip off from a friend that these were some of the best white wines in Spain. Not just Rueda, but Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBen visited every parcel of vines, most over 100 years old, all bush trained (the rest of Rueda is\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enow given over to trellising for machine harvesting), each parcel a different make up of soil exposure and variety (Viura and Verdejo with a plot of Tinto Fina). They even have a team of falcons to mitigate unwanted intruders set on picking off riper fruit!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Vidal is a man who treats his vineyards with the\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esame reverence one expects to find in Burgundy. But the wines. I confess I was expecting something good, I know these varieties, but I was still sceptical. The first wine, drawn from a 600 litre Damy barrel and coming from the Buena\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVista vineyard, located in the north of the region by the river was a complete jaw dropper. And so it went, cuvée after cuvée, then the bottled wines (these are released after 4 years in bottle, so we are on 2011 now) and each one as\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emagical as the next. Only 700 bottles of each finca are produced and each one fermented differently from the next.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vidal Soblechero Pagos de Vilavendemia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916368691260,"sku":"VI8216WA","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/White-11.png?v=1591619677"},{"product_id":"je-taime-mais-je-soif-muscadet-vincent-caille-muscadet-france-75cl","title":"Je T'Aime Mais J'Ai Soif' Muscadet NV","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"blog-makers-content text-md mt-md fw-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the heart of the appellation Muscadet Sevre et Maine, at le Fay d’Homme near Monnières, the Caillé family have been winegrowers for 5 generations. Vincent Caillé, who took over the family vineyard in 1986, is part of a new generation of wine-growers who decided to pursue a policy of uncompromising quality. With the stubbornness of passion, he produces Muscadet Sevre et Maine of quality and expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-makers-more more-container text-md color-grey mt-sm fw-normal is-open\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-content mb-sm\"\u003eOn different type of soils and geology (gneiss, gabbro and orthogneiss), Vincent works the land with tillage or natural grass. Grown organically since 1996, the vines blossom on living soils that have recovered their wild tulips, a protected species affected for a long time by chemical treatments in the region. Vincent Caillé is one of the few winegrowers from Nantes to produce organic Muscadet, a true priesthood due to the oceanic climate and the propensity of Melon to welcome mildew. In the cellar, he vinifies his wines in the traditional way with indigenous yeast and long ageing on lees (particles and sediment from the winemaking process) for soft, round complex wines. His wines, with angelic prices, are of remarkable density and sensitivity that restore the image of a resurgent appellation.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Le Fay d'Homme (Vincent Caille) - Loire, France","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916391727164,"sku":"VC07NVWA","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/soif.png?v=1588855739"},{"product_id":"krov-steffensberg-gege-2012-staffelter-hof-mosel-germany-75cl","title":"Kröv Steffensberg GeGe 2012 - Staffelter Hof - Mosel, Germany 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first mention of the Staffelter Hof estate and house was found in documents dated 862 AD. It has been in the current family however since 1805, when they bought it from Napoleon's government. Quite a few of the oldest estates in the region began their journey in a similar fashion. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince then, the winery has been handed down from generation to generation of the same family. It was primarily a bulk wine production until the late 50's when current winemaker Jan Klein's grandfather took over the winemaking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJan Mattias Klein took over from his father in 2005 as winemaker (aged 28). He continued to make classic Rieslings for a few years but in 2010\/2011 started to change his thinking towards the future of the winery, and generally the future of the planet. He converted all of the vineyards to organic, and moving to a more minimal style of winemaking, which also included reducing the level of SO2 used in the winemaking (Germany is known for very high levels due to residual sugar and potent acid). The viticulture has been 100% organic since the 2012 vintage, and the estate is now certified as of 2014.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Staffelter Hof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916392415292,"sku":"SFH004","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/White-35.png?v=1588693976"},{"product_id":"kydonitsa-barrique-2017-ktima-ligas-pella-greece-75cl-1","title":"Kydonitsa Barrique 2019 - Ktima Ligas - Pella, Greece 75cl","description":"","brand":"Ktima Ligas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916392480828,"sku":"LG0719WB","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-20.png?v=1588500127"},{"product_id":"moscato-passito-dore-nv-ca-ed-balos-piedmont-italy-37-5cl-1","title":"Moscato Passito Dorè NV 50cl","description":"","brand":"Ca’Ed Balos - Piedmont, Italy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916396216380,"sku":"IT351H\/NV","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/dorepassito.png?v=1588691485"},{"product_id":"prosecco-47","title":"Organic Prosecco DOC NV - 47 AD - Veneto, Italy 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eBrothers Christian and Andrea Tombacco are the third generation of their family to produce wine in the Veneto, their farm having been founded by their grandfather Batista in 1899.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir vineyards are farmed organically and to explain the name of their winery ‘47 Anno Domini’ they sit on the Via Augustus, a Roman route connecting Venice to the plains beyond the Brenner pass, which was completed under the rule of Emperor Claudius Augustus in 47 AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are Prosecco wines made in traditional fashions, including the tappo spago cork closure, a symbol of their desire to move forward while never forgetting their heritage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"47 AD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916398247996,"sku":"IT61\/NV","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/47ADprosecco.png?v=1588690465"},{"product_id":"riesling-x-sylvaner-2016-domaine-de-beudon-valais-switzerland-75cl","title":"Riesling x Sylvaner 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDomaine de Beudon is owned by Marion Granges with the support of her daughters and grandchildren. Marion is an ambitious woman, passionate about agriculture, her heritage and home; she began her career as a horticulturist then found her way into viticulture. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMarion’s husband Jacques, who sadly passed away in 2016 after a bad fall in the vineyards, purchased the property in 1971, the year before they married. A small family farm, located on the steep hills of the Swiss Alps, it can only be reached via cable car or on foot. The 6 hectares of vines are nicknamed the “vineyard in the sky” which is unsurprising when you learn they are located at an altitude of up to 890 meters above sea level! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe local village is Fully, which is located in the Canton (State) of Valais close to the French border. Winemaking has been a long standing form of agriculture in this region due to the influence of the Rhone river that flows through it. Steep slopes are a great advantage in cooler vineyards sites and here the slopes are STEEP! As a result everything has to be done by hand; the rocky, granite soils aiding drainage and providing warmth for the vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe property gained organic certification in 1989 and then biodynamic in 1993. Marion is determined to see all of Valais convert to organic and biodynamic before she leaves this world stating “...nature makes everything for us. We have everything at hand”. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDomaine de Beudon understands and respects the time and care essential to farming ecologically. All their land is farmed biodynamically, wines are made using wild yeasts and fermentation is spontaneous and slow, usually producing wines of lower alcohol. The varieties are a mixture of those indigenous to the area including: Riesling, Sylvaner and Petite Arvine. The whites are clean and complex with a great balance of aromatic fruit and nutty undertones. The red’s a little more understated, light and perfumed and with a much more meaty, savoury character on the palate. All wines are bottled unfiltered. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProduced in tiny quantities, is it rare to get your hands on these incredible wines from such a dedicated family, in such a wild location!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Beudon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916401459260,"sku":"BE0816WB","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/beudonsylvanerxriesling.png?v=1588615559"},{"product_id":"rue-du-sorbier-brut-nv-a-levasseur-champagne-france-75cl-1","title":"Rue du Sorbier Brut NV","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDavid Levasseur is a steadfast nonconformist. His micro-grower Champagne house, which was established by his grandfather in the 1940s and which assumes its name from his father Albert, produces little more than 30,000 bottles per year from solely his own 4 hectares of vineyards spread over 18 plots around the villages of Cuchéry, Fleury-la-Rivière and Châtillon-sur- Marne. These are organically farmed and certified for their high environmental value. Crucially the Marne valley is a vital source of the wider region’s Pinot Meunier, as the minor blending grape thrives in the local area, and it is on Meunier that David unusually bases most of his wines. Here in the heart of the Montagne de Reims national park, David has embarked on a sensory journey to shine a light on the hidden terroir in Champagne.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A.Levasseur - Champagne, France","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916402245692,"sku":"FR503\/NV","price":43.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/White-42.png?v=1606916435"},{"product_id":"samurai-shiraz-free-run-juice-south-australia-75cl","title":"Samurai Shiraz 2020","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSamurai Shiraz is produced by The Unfiltered Dog, managed by Free Run Juice, a company based in Australia who manage and allow smaller producers to use their expertise and facilities they need to make and distribute their own wine.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Free Run Juice","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916402507836,"sku":"20SAMSHF","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-18.png?v=1588500038"},{"product_id":"saperavi-zurab-topuridze-guria-georgia-75cl","title":"Saperavi 2019","description":"","brand":"Zurab Topuridze","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31916405227580,"sku":"19ZATZSF","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/zurabsaperavi.png?v=1588602059"},{"product_id":"pineau-d-aunis-irredutible-2019-clos-roussely-loire-france-75cl","title":"Pineau D’Aunis ‘Irredutible’ 2019 - Clos Roussely - Loire, France 75cl","description":"\u003cspan\u003eVincent Roussely is the fourth generation of the family to make wines at this beautiful 8 hectare vineyard site in the heart of Chenonceaux on the Cher River. I met him earlier in the year in the Loire and was struck by his enthusiasm and his dedication to the family plot. I love this region so it was an easy decision to make to import the wines once we had tasted together. Since 2007 he has farmed his vineyards by hand tractor and horse and, as a result, has seen the health of his vineyards, swards and grapes improve immeasurably, which naturally has a direct influence on the wines he produces. Planted mainly to Sauvignon Blanc, the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone with pockets of Silex where his oldest vineyards are situated, many of which are over 80 years old. In smaller parcels he also has some Cot, Pinuea d’Aunis, Cabernet France and Gamay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Cellar is underground, dug into a tuffeau tunnel underneath the vines, and has been used for vinification of wine for over 250 years when the Clos belonged to the original castle in Angé.. New inox fermentation tanks have been put in place located in carved out recesses in the soft stone. Ferments are spontaneous and naturally very slow. Certain parcels are fermented and raised in 400 litre ‘Futs’ of French oak, depending on the vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL'Escale is a young vine Sauvignon grown on clay silt soil over limestone from several parcels. It is pressed in a pneumatic press and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. once MLF is completed the wine is kept on the fine lees for a few months prior to bottling. It is the fresh, racy wine which is clear vibant and thirst quenching. The Chenonceaux is selected form a parcel of 85 year old vines which are planted on lighter clay with silex over tuffeau. The vines are densely planted and worked solely by hand. Fermentation is made in small, custom made stainless steel pots, where the wine is left for 11 months on the lees (some gross lees are left in the tanks) prior to bottling. It is a classic style, textured, peach infused and wild on the palate with a mineral coolness driving it forward. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCanialle is a juicy, 50% Carbonic, 50% whole-bunch fermented Gamay from the younger vines. It is raised in stainless steel and bottled 6 months after harvest. It is juicy, full of energy and sappy acidity and shows of the vintage fruit palate well. 'Irredutible' is a new style of wine for Vincent, one where he chooses not to add sulfites and ferment in amphora. Pineau d'Aunis is at home here and the old vines produce quite concentrated wines which are given weight by the vintage but elegance by careful pruning and canopy management. It has a brisk, woodland air to it, with cherry scent and spice, with a palate that is is well bound to the tannin and acidity and opens up beautifully with a carafe. (and a little time in the fridge too).\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Clos Roussely","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32292409966652,"sku":"RS0619RA","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/irreductible.png?v=1594236067"},{"product_id":"bandito-skin-chenin-2018-testalonga-swartland-south-africa-75cl","title":"Bandito Skin Chenin 2018 - Testalonga - Swartland, South Africa 150cl Magnum","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat started off as a means of earning some cash for beer money seems to have got a little bit out of hand for Craig Hawkins. Having spent years travelling and working harvests with a who’s who of vignerons (Tom Lubbe of Matassa, Dirk Niepoort, Eben Sadie, etc) Craig and his wife Carla have now made a corner of Swartland their home where they produces some of the most sought after wines in world. Craig makes around 12 cuvees, using a variety of grapes under two labels: El Bandito and Baby Bandito. In the vineyard Craig is fiercely organic and flirting with biodynamic, while in the cellar he is as hands off as possible.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen he started his project Craig was very much in the left of left field. And this was not just because he was based in the wild west of Swartland where young growers who wanted to discover themselves gravitated. Craig has never been part of the mainstream, even in Swartland, but that is because he is not imitating anyone. He has a clear idea of what he wants to do, which is to make wines for his own satisfaction and to his own taste, rather than track the market. It is important to note that as his own taste has evolved so has the style of the wines. His independent and uncompromising approach has not always endeared him to South African authorities and he has been shunned by various critics and wine writers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Testalonga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32427662671932,"sku":"18TGSCGM","price":69.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/skincontactchenintestalongamagnum.png?v=1606169732"},{"product_id":"mangaliza-harslevelu-2019-testalonga-swartland-south-africa-150cl-magnum","title":"Mangaliza Harslevelu 2019 - Testalonga - Swartland, South Africa 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTestalonga El Bandito Mangaliza, A super fresh, Natural, floral, rich, complex Harslevelu. made by the man, myth and legend Craig Hawkins, using the Hungarian grape variety called Hárslevelü . This is the grape most commonly associated with Tokaji wines from Hungary and gives the wine its floral, peach and pear notes, as well as depth and smashability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCraig Hawkins aka the original wine bandit is the rolling stone of South African natty and the winemaker at Testalonga wines. Testalonga has gone from strength to strength in recent years and couldn't be in a better place right now, having just released a new vintage to the world. Craig, wife Carla and 4 dogs are now located in Bandits Kloof in Piketberg, the northern reaches of the Swartland. He finally has his own dedicated winery with plenty of space and a steady supply of incredible grapes from well-farmed vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Testalonga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32427683348540,"sku":"19TBMMGF","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/mangaliza.png?v=1610442775"},{"product_id":"muller-time-sandersstruck-2019-staffelter-hof-mosel-germany-75cl","title":"Muller Time Sandersstruck 2019 - Staffelter Hof - Mosel, Germany 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first mention of the Staffelter Hof estate and house was found in documents dated 862 AD. It has been in the current family however since 1805, when they bought it from Napoleon's government. Quite a few of the oldest estates in the region began their journey in a similar fashion. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince then, the winery has been handed down from generation to generation of the same family. It was primarily a bulk wine production until the late 50's when current winemaker Jan Klein's grandfather took over the winemaking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJan Mattias Klein took over from his father in 2005 as winemaker (aged 28). He continued to make classic Rieslings for a few years but in 2010\/2011 started to change his thinking towards the future of the winery, and generally the future of the planet. He converted all of the vineyards to organic, and moving to a more minimal style of winemaking, which also included reducing the level of SO2 used in the winemaking (Germany is known for very high levels due to residual sugar and potent acid). The viticulture has been 100% organic since the 2012 vintage, and the estate is now certified as of 2014.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes come from a vineyard called ‘Paradies’ where limestone and clay dominate. The Muller Thurgau clones here have wider bunches, with more space between bunches as well as between individual berries. This leads to less disease overall, and reduces the need for sprays.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe name is a take on the slogan ‘It’s Miller Time’ whilst Sanderstruck is a Bernie Sanders reference. Also a little nod to Black Flag on the label.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Staffelter Hof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32427755733052,"sku":"SFH015B","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Sanderstruck.png?v=1606253858"},{"product_id":"prunecchio-2019-fattoria-di-sammontana-tuscany-italy-75cl","title":"Prunecchio 2019 - Fattoria di Sammontana - Tuscany, Italy 75cl","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMade by Daniele \u0026amp; Dario, the fourth generation at this biodynamic Tuscan estate. Within the range they make a balanced mix of traditional Sangioveses along with experimental wines vinified in clay amphoras.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll of the grapes are estate-grown and located all around their property. The soils are pretty consistent around most parcels - limestone and an alluvial influence, very stony, gravelly, a soil where not much else but their vines and olive trees can thrive. The farming has been organic since the first generation in the 1860’s (though officially certified since 2012), and biodynamic across all 16 hectares since 2012.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrunecchio is made with 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Trebbiano, 5% Malvasia.  All of the grapes are estate-grown and located all around their property. The soils are pretty consistent around most parcels - limestone and an alluvial influence, very stony, gravelly, a soil where not much else but their vines and olive trees can thrive. The farming has been organic since the first generation in the 1860’s (though officially certified since 2012), and biodynamic across all 16 hectares since 2012.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fattoria di Sammontana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32530140364860,"sku":"SAM003B","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/prunecchio.png?v=1610480328"},{"product_id":"chateauneuf-du-papes-font-de-crau-blanc-2017-graveirette-rhone-france-75cl","title":"Chateauneuf du Papes Font de Crau Blanc 2017 - Graveirette - Rhone, France 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter completing his viticultural and winemaking studies at Beaune, Julien Mus returned to his family domaine on the outskirts of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Until then the grapes from the domaine had been sold off to the local co-op.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe domaine consists of four hectares of AOC Côtes du Rhône and six hectares of Vin de Pays designated vineyards around Courthezon, to which Julien has added a small plot of AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located between the two iconic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChâteauneuf estate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eont de Michelle and Vieux Télégraphe, near the south-eastern border of the appellation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulien is still honing his winemaking style, but his wines all have very pure, expressive fruit and have already attracted attention and high\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003escores from the “\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine Advocate.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis Côtes du Rhône is 100% Grenache and is evocative and powerful, with dried fruit and rich pruneaux notes and benefits from the wonderful balance of this vintage. Ju de Vie is a blend of\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esouthern Rhône varieties produced from younger vines in concrete tanks and we have added Lou Ravi, a new wine, produced from Viognier that grows around the cellar and raised in steel tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de la Graveirette","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32530444091452,"sku":"GR6917WA","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/fontdecraublanc.png?v=1612300065"},{"product_id":"xarello-fermented-in-amphoras-2019-loxarel-penedes-spain-75cl","title":"Xarello Fermented in Amphoras 2019 - Loxarel - Penedes, Spain 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor more than four generations, the most important thing for the Mitjans family, located in Vilobi del Penedès 50 kms west of Barcelona and some 600 metres above sea level, has been the care of their vineyards with the aim of achieving the best quality for their wines and sparkling wines. The name Loxarel is an inversion of the variety they seek to perfect, Xarel-lo, the actual estate is called Masia Can Mayol. Now a new ethos has crept into the process, one that works on biodynamic lines and incorporates as much of nature as is possible in the winemaking process, down to using goats to de-leaf the vines. The estate has a strong line in Cava production, producing one cuvée that is laid sur latte for 10 years. It is not even disgorged, which makes for a fascinating wine, and one which everyone should taste if possible. What particularly intrigued us where the white wines, produced from Xarel-lo, Macabeu and Parellada, with one cuvée being fermented an aged in amphora. These wines have a freshness, ‘top notes’ that seems so rare from these varieties, and lack the earthy, slightly hard, nature of other wines we have tasted. In short they are fresh, aromatic and clean as a whistle, but with real charm and character.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Loxarel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32530469683260,"sku":"LX0519WA","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/loxarelamphora.png?v=1611331992"},{"product_id":"end-grain-2019-tillingham-sussex-england-75cl","title":"End Grain 2020","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTillingham is a young winery near Rye in East Sussex.  Ben Walgate, head honcho, is no stranger to the world of wine, having previously been Chief Executive of Gusborne, one of the of the UK’s leading sparkling wine producers. He’s now gone rogue and heads up on of the most left-of-centre and simultaneously traditional estates in the UK.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome Farm, Tillingham HQ, dates back to the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury and boasts vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock. Since taking over the vineyards, Ben has worked tirelessly to restore vitality to the soil through the use of biodynamic preparations, cover crops such as mustard, vetch and radish , and copious amounts of compost. This is all to produce the highest quality fruit possible and wines with real distinction.  Since then Ben has planted 10,000 plants comprising thirteen grape varieties (so far). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's Ben’s choice of fermenting vessels that has provided the most significant point of difference. After meeting John Wurdeman, the American artist so central in helping to revive the fortunes of Georgian orange wine through his involvement in  the Pheasant’s Tears winery, Ben was convinced of the alluring possibilities of using Georgian qvevri as a fermenting vessel. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tillingham","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32570250199100,"sku":"20TILEGF","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/endgrain_6cc9b936-2fe3-4a45-bda5-c5cb68314044.png?v=1603903272"},{"product_id":"totes-organic","title":"BAG TOTES ORGANIC","description":"","brand":"Wine Freedom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32595601260604,"sku":"TOTE1","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/TotesOrganic_6655f488-384b-4e2e-8648-a805ca8992ea.jpg?v=1627065919"},{"product_id":"chardonnay-2018-ancre-hill-monmouth-wales-75cl","title":"Chardonnay 2018 - Ancre Hill - Monmouth, Wales 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRichard Morris is a man of vision planting his vines over 15 years ago consisting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay intended for use in sparkling wine, 6 hectares in total. There is also now Triomphe, enough for 1000 bottles, and Albarino. The vision Richard had was first to become organic and subsequently biodynamic, but also to recognise that his son David was the person who could carry this legacy on. David trained at Plumpton, worked at Nyetimber and then out in the vineyards for several producers in Calce, epicentre for orgainc viticulture, in Rousillon France. He is a friend of Thomas Teibert (Domaine de L'horizon) and a studious viticulturist, so passionate and dedicated that when you meet him it is suddenly easy to believe the biodynamic wines can be made in this corner of Wales.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cellar is constructed of compressed straw bales and lime render to allow it to breath. They clean all their water using natural filtration pools (around which grow the plants used for the biodynamic preparations), have their own gyro-pallets, Nomblot eggs, Nomblot cubes, Damy barrels, Stockinger foudre and a few stainless steel vats. A seriously impressive operation and rendered totally real by David’s razor focused attitude and vision. The sparkling wines are very impressive, and the still wines have freshness and lightness of touch with complexity and real style. This is Wales, not Burgundy, but David has coaxed impressive character and drinkability from his fruit, and all without the use of chemicals. This is a truly visionary estate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ancre Hill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32609482375228,"sku":"18AHCHAF","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/ancrechardonnay2018.png?v=1607795630"},{"product_id":"qvevri-white-2019-tillingham-sussex-england-75cl","title":"Qvevri White 2020","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTillingham is a young winery near Rye in East Sussex.  Ben Walgate, head honcho, is no stranger to the world of wine, having previously been Chief Executive of Gusborne, one of the of the UK’s leading sparkling wine producers. He’s now gone rogue and heads up on of the most left-of-centre and simultaneously traditional estates in the UK.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome Farm, Tillingham HQ, dates back to the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury and boasts vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock. Since taking over the vineyards, Ben has worked tirelessly to restore vitality to the soil through the use of biodynamic preparations, cover crops such as mustard, vetch and radish , and copious amounts of compost. This is all to produce the highest quality fruit possible and wines with real distinction.  Since then Ben has planted 10,000 plants comprising thirteen grape varieties (so far). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's Ben’s choice of fermenting vessels that has provided the most significant point of difference. After meeting John Wurdeman, the American artist so central in helping to revive the fortunes of Georgian orange wine through his involvement in  the Pheasant’s Tears winery, Ben was convinced of the alluring possibilities of using Georgian qvevri as a fermenting vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tillingham","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32609486176316,"sku":"20TILQWF","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/QVEVRITillingham_39ed628f-e101-41de-a292-8aa7d0754140.png?v=1605727445"},{"product_id":"valautin-garnacha-2018-ca-di-mat-sierra-de-gredos-spain-75cl","title":"Valautin Garnacha 2018 – CA’ di MAT – Sierra de Gredos, Spain 75cl","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCurro Barreño and Jesús Olivares will be better known in the UK as the founders of Fedellos de Couto, the label under which they produce some of the most sought after Ribeira Sacra. This project sees a return to home roots and wines produced from some of the most spectacular vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos. Here, located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. The altitude, granitic sandy soil and ancient vines, collude to produce some of the freshest and appealing wines made from Grenache in Spain. These factors, allied to the pair’s undoubted skill and preservation of nature within the vines and cellar, serve to make this one of the most exciting new Spanish agencies, and we are thrilled to introduce them to the UK market. The estate has 20 hectares of 30-80 year old vines which are cultivated organically and include Garnacha, Albillo and Moscatel. Much of the vineyard land is under recovery and this is being undertaken slowly to ensure the old vines have a chance to recover, rather than replanting. It is a continental climate, with altitudes between 700 and 850 metres asl and annual average at rainfall 600 mm and annual average temperature 13,7 º C. Wine making is along the minimal intervention path, indigenous yeasts, cold smooth macerations and the use of whole brunches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eValautin Garnacha is from the village of San Martin de Valdeiglesias. Several small parcels on red granite are selected and the fruit has a gentle 90 day macerations with whole brunch. Ageing is for one year, 50% concrete and 50% old French 500 litre barrels. Fuente de los Huertos is old vine plots on shallow granitic soil with a high quartz level at 800 metres and on a NW orientation. Ageing is for one year in 50% concrete and 50% 500 litre wood. Finally Andrinal is from the oldest vines at 850 metres in Andrinoso on red granite. Whole bunch ferment for 60 days and raised in concrete and oak.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CA’ di MAT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32615303675964,"sku":"CM1618RA","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/valautingarnacha_674ab7fc-c3db-4a96-88ee-308027449347.png?v=1606211881"},{"product_id":"mar-y-muntanya-rouge-2018-domaine-de-lhorizon-languedoc-france","title":"Mar y Muntanya Rouge 2018 -  Domaine de l'Horizon - Languedoc, France","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Mar I Muntanya’ means ‘Sea and Mountain’, and the surreal label hint that this is a ‘fun’ rather than a ‘serious’ wine, though don’t let that make you doubt how well it has been executed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade in Beaujolais style. A bright, charming, fruit-forward wine, light in alcohol with pure, attractive aromatics, expressive and Mediterranean in character. The nose is a profusion of fruit, carbonic in style, while the palate express more complexity and refinement. The texture is soft and pleasantly round.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de l'Horizon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32615600586812,"sku":"FHORIZONR18B01","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/marimuntanya_2.png?v=1607793471"},{"product_id":"big-salt-2019-ovum-oregon-usa-75cl","title":"Big Salt 2020","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn House and Ksenija Kostic both have day jobs so they're able to take risks with Ovum. For example, they focus solely on whites rather than more lucrative reds. \"They are unveiled, so raw,\" explains House. \"You can't hide anything. I think whites are a better conduit for terroir (the expression of a vineyard site) than red wines.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere a larger winery might ferment whites quickly in large, temperature-controlled steel tanks for a consistency of style from year to year, the goal at Ovum is to reflect the vintage, no matter what it brings. So the techniques are old-school: House and Kostic allow fermentation to happen spontaneously and linger for months, in neutral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(old) oak barrels. The resulting wines are richly textured and deeply layered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name \"Ovum\" is a reference to the perfect natural shape of the egg, and the life cycle a wine takes, from grape to bottle. And, yes, for all you wine geeks out there, these guys do have one of those au courant egg-shaped concrete fermenters. \"There is a special convection that occurs in the concrete egg during fermentation that\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003econstantly stirs the lees,\" House explains. \"The natural energy and heat generated by the yeasts make the sediment move in a circular fashion, making, in my experience, wines on the most mineral end of the spectrum.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHouse and Kostic have made it their mission to find the state's best old plantings of overlooked varieties like Muscat and Gewurztraminer. Their explorations have led them to highlight different vineyards, often in unexpected regions, with each vintage. \"There are parts of southern Oregon we find very compelling,\" says House. \"I just got an\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ee-mail from someone who has plantings of Riesling, farmed organically in the Umpqua Valley since 1979. Where has this fruit been going until now? It has been blended.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ovum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32624068624444,"sku":"20OVBSLF","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/bigsalt_e8cf6b54-66a4-4200-9fd6-3f82ef41156d.png?v=1606326988"},{"product_id":"evolution-white-lucky-no-23-sokol-blosser-oregon","title":"Evolution White Lucky No.9 - Sokol Blosser - Oregon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvolution Lucky No. 9 is both complex and approachable, with an intensely aromatic and flavourful blend of white varietals that create a wine with depth of interest and versatility in pairing. Spicy and floral on the nose, this wine is lush and tropical on the palate, with a soft and round sweetness that is tempered by a burst of citrus, leaving the finish clean and crisp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBill and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in 1971 in the Dundee Hills. Back then there was no Oregon wine industry. Now Dundee, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, is the epicentre of Oregon Pinot Noir. They're fully certified organic, and even keep the insect population in check with a resident flock of bluebirds - biodiversity at it's best!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sokol Blosser","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32624386211900,"sku":"20SKEV9F","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/White-19_ff9e8249-0143-49cf-b531-27531a2f523d.png?v=1606340640"},{"product_id":"evolution-big-time-red-9th-edition-sokol-blosser-oregon-usa-75cl","title":"Evolution Big Time Red 9th Edition - Sokol Blosser - Oregon, USA 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBill and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines in 1971 in the Dundee Hills. Back then there was no Oregon wine industry. Now Dundee, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, is the epicentre of Oregon Pinot Noir.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSokol Blosser estate vineyards are farmed organically and receivde full USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) organic certification in 2005. Local organic straw, organic cow and horse manure, grape pomace from the crush and organic rock phosphate contribute to the composting. The insect population is kept in check by a resident flock of bluebirds.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe vineyards have been certified “green” by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology, an international certification).  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd the underground barrel cellar, built to US Green Building Council standards, became the first winery in the country to earn the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Default\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt;\"\u003eIntroducing Evolution red. This Syrah-based blend (with some Montepulciano, Sangiovese and the nine Evo white grapes) reveals aromas of cherry and red plum, notes of ripe raspberries, a hint of cinnamon, and has a finish that’s long and juicy. It contrives, without apparently contriving, to be pleasurable and serious, the sort of wine designed to light your (barbecue) wine. It’s a friend to grilled meats, barbecued chicken, Italian red sauce dishes, pizza, cioppino and even a fine ratatouille. The label alone is worth the price of admission. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sokol Blosser","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32652073500732,"sku":"NVSKER9F","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-30_db58fa7d-4d64-474e-be41-b1caefd3eb86.png?v=1607770767"},{"product_id":"copy-of-chenonceaux-sauvignon-blanc-2018-clos-roussely-loire-france-75cl","title":"Chenonceaux' Sauvignon Blanc 2020 - Clos Roussely - Loire, France 75cl","description":"\u003cspan\u003eVincent Roussely is the fourth generation of the family to make wines at this beautiful 8 hectare vineyard site in the heart of Chenonceaux on the Cher River. I met him earlier in the year in the Loire and was struck by his enthusiasm and his dedication to the family plot. I love this region so it was an easy decision to make to import the wines once we had tasted together. Since 2007 he has farmed his vineyards by hand tractor and horse and, as a result, has seen the health of his vineyards, swards and grapes improve immeasurably, which naturally has a direct influence on the wines he produces. Planted mainly to Sauvignon Blanc, the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone with pockets of Silex where his oldest vineyards are situated, many of which are over 80 years old. In smaller parcels he also has some Cot, Pinuea d’Aunis, Cabernet France and Gamay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Cellar is underground, dug into a tuffeau tunnel underneath the vines, and has been used for vinification of wine for over 250 years when the Clos belonged to the original castle in Angé.. New inox fermentation tanks have been put in place located in carved out recesses in the soft stone. Ferments are spontaneous and naturally very slow. Certain parcels are fermented and raised in 400 litre ‘Futs’ of French oak, depending on the vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL'Escale is a young vine Sauvignon grown on clay silt soil over limestone from several parcels. It is pressed in a pneumatic press and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. once MLF is completed the wine is kept on the fine lees for a few months prior to bottling. It is the fresh, racy wine which is clear vibant and thirst quenching. The Chenonceaux is selected form a parcel of 85 year old vines which are planted on lighter clay with silex over tuffeau. The vines are densely planted and worked solely by hand. Fermentation is made in small, custom made stainless steel pots, where the wine is left for 11 months on the lees (some gross lees are left in the tanks) prior to bottling. It is a classic style, textured, peach infused and wild on the palate with a mineral coolness driving it forward. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCanialle is a juicy, 50% Carbonic, 50% whole-bunch fermented Gamay from the younger vines. It is raised in stainless steel and bottled 6 months after harvest. It is juicy, full of energy and sappy acidity and shows of the vintage fruit palate well. 'Irredutible' is a new style of wine for Vincent, one where he chooses not to add sulfites and ferment in amphora. Pineau d'Aunis is at home here and the old vines produce quite concentrated wines which are given weight by the vintage but elegance by careful pruning and canopy management. It has a brisk, woodland air to it, with cherry scent and spice, with a palate that is is well bound to the tannin and acidity and opens up beautifully with a carafe. (and a little time in the fridge too).\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Clos Roussely","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32668827516988,"sku":"RS0420WA","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/chenonceaux_3cab3dd9-d2ad-461b-bfac-c7ecd38538ae.png?v=1608747497"},{"product_id":"vom-kalk-2019-weninger-burgenland-austria-75cl","title":"Vom Kalk 2018 - Weninger - Burgenland, Austria 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-makers-content text-md mt-md fw-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eJust as each wine grower is a unique individual, so too are their vineyards. Franz Weninger insists on expressing the different soil types found throughout Burgenland and uses Blaufrankisch as the vehicle with which to do this. Firstly, it is important to encourage biodiversity, to work organically and also biodynamically. Variety instead of uniformity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Weninger family’s winemaking roots can be traced back to 1828, when the name first appeared in the records of Horitschon, a small town in Burgenland Austria. In 1997, not long after Hungary started opening up after the Communist era, Franz’s father acquired some plots close to the town of Balf in Sopron - a historic winemaking region that lies a few kilometres east of the family’s Austrian home. Before the existence of a border between Austria and Hungary, Sopron was considered to be the heart of the region, and is thought to be the likely birthplace of the now famous Blaufränkisch and Kékfrankos grape varieties. Here, the cool winds descending from the Sopron mountains are tempered by the warming influence of Lake Neusiedl, a shallow lake that acts like a radiator, dissipating store warmth during the autumn months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"blog-makers-more more-container text-md color-grey mt-sm fw-normal is-open\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-content mb-sm\"\u003eVines are planted on loam, slate, mica and lime. Franz views the soil as the origin, the fermentation the birth and the ageing in the cellar as the education of the wines. Thus, he treats these soils with respect and with pride, too.  In terms of the climate Lake Neusiedl to the east brings warmth (a shallow lake that acts like a radiator, dissipating store warmth during the autumn months); the Bucklige Welt (hills) to the west brings cool temperatures. The Illyrian climate sometimes sends in storms from the south. The Sopron Mountains in the north and the Kőszeg Mountains in the south provide protection. But this is generally a warm region, propitious for red grape varieties. But Franz is looking for balance rather than extraction – which brings us back to the farming. Holistic growth and vines in harmony with nature are the goals; organic-biodynamic cultivation is the method. The biological activity of the soil (micro and macro-organisms) bring the wine’s provenance to the glass. The need for cellar work is minimised because everything is in balance.  At Weingut Weninger, all vineyard work is adapted to the plant with respect to the rhythm of the seasons and the moon. Protecting the natural balance in the vineyard, with the aid of biodynamic preparations and the use of homeopathic teas, enables them to harvest healthy and vibrant grapes. (The horsetail and nettle are collected in the immediate surroundings of the vineyards).\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Weninger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32716068651068,"sku":"18WNVKRF","price":16.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/vomkalkred.png?v=1612979376"},{"product_id":"tu-vins-plus-aux-soirees-2020-mas-del-perie-fabien-jouves-cahors-france-75cl","title":"Tu Vins Plus Aux Soirees 2020 - Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves - Cahors, France 75cl","description":"\u003cspan\u003eMas de Périé is run by the young Fabien Jouves and located on the Haut Plateau south west of Cahors in Trespoux Rassiels. The soil here is complex clay and Quercy Limestone, a brilliant white tufo style limestone that is soft and very permeable. There are incidences of gravel here and there and this serves to produce wines with more immediacy and freshness. The theme continues but there are also areas of Sidérolithique, a complex blend of sand, chalk, clay, and mineral. Where this can be found, so the wines develop more complex deeper tones. The vines are managed along biodynamique principles. The fruit is handpicked and selected at the winery prior to ferment in inert oak and concrete depending on the cuvée and maceration is usually by pigeage for around 30 days. The resulting wines are neither filtered or fined, and Fabien’s 5 years in Bordeaux have lent him the skill to manage the tannins extremely well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wines have two distinct characteristics. First they are as pure as can be, with a direct expression of the terroir and variety, holding focus and balance whilst still portraying the classic deep inky Cahors style. Second, these wines are drinkable. I know this sounds a little basic, but they have freshness, life and restraint. They will age, for sure, but to drink them now is no chore. How many Cahors can you say that of?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFabien is obviously world famous for his Mas del Perie wines, super fresh terroir tuned wines from malbec grown on the high Quercy plateau, but as many of you will know, he also has his own side project producing wines which not only have the ultimate thirst quenching characters, but have a message to give. These wines are produced with limited cuvaison, no added SO2 and are typically Vin de Soif made for drinking in the year after harvest. This vintage, 2016, the range is a little reduced, but the favourites are all here.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32743608385596,"sku":"FJ0321RA","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/tuvinplusauxsoiree_920eb192-5396-4e92-8f7e-1fc40b535399.png?v=1613660944"},{"product_id":"les-agudes-2020-mas-del-perie-fabien-jouves-cahors-france-75cl","title":"Les Agudes 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMas de Périé is run by the young Fabien Jouves and located on the Haut Plateau south west of Cahors in Trespoux Rassiels. The soil here is complex clay and Quercy Limestone, a brilliant white tufo style limestone that is soft and very permeable. There are incidences of gravel here and there and this serves to produce wines with more immediacy and freshness. The theme continues but there are also areas of Sidérolithique, a complex blend of sand, chalk, clay, and mineral. Where this can be found, so the wines develop more complex deeper tones. The vines are managed along biodynamique principles. The fruit is handpicked and selected at the winery prior to ferment in inert oak and concrete depending on the cuvée and maceration is usually by pigeage for around 30 days. The resulting wines are neither filtered or fined, and Fabien’s 5 years in Bordeaux have lent him the skill to manage the tannins extremely well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wines have two distinct characteristics. First they are as pure as can be, with a direct expression of the terroir and variety, holding focus and balance whilst still portraying the classic deep inky Cahors style. Second, these wines are drinkable. I know this sounds a little basic, but they have freshness, life and restraint. They will age, for sure, but to drink them now is no chore. How many Cahors can you say that of?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFabien is obviously world famous for his Mas del Perie wines, super fresh terroir tuned wines from malbec grown on the high Quercy plateau, but as many of you will know, he also has his own side project producing wines which not only have the ultimate thirst quenching characters, but have a message to give. These wines are produced with limited cuvaison, no added SO2 and are typically Vin de Soif made for drinking in the year after harvest. This vintage, 2016, the range is a little reduced, but the favourites are all here.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves - Cahors, France","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32743651377212,"sku":"FJ1021WA","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/lesagudes_bcd8f41c-0e89-49b3-b781-3b67b22dec1c.png?v=1613661947"},{"product_id":"b763-malbec-2014-mas-del-perie-fabien-jouves-cahors-france-75cl","title":"B763 Malbec 2014 - Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves - Cahors, France 75cl","description":"\u003cspan\u003eMas de Périé is run by the young Fabien Jouves and located on the Haut Plateau south west of Cahors in Trespoux Rassiels. The soil here is complex clay and Quercy Limestone, a brilliant white tufo style limestone that is soft and very permeable. There are incidences of gravel here and there and this serves to produce wines with more immediacy and freshness. The theme continues but there are also areas of Sidérolithique, a complex blend of sand, chalk, clay, and mineral. Where this can be found, so the wines develop more complex deeper tones. The vines are managed along biodynamique principles. The fruit is handpicked and selected at the winery prior to ferment in inert oak and concrete depending on the cuvée and maceration is usually by pigeage for around 30 days. The resulting wines are neither filtered or fined, and Fabien’s 5 years in Bordeaux have lent him the skill to manage the tannins extremely well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wines have two distinct characteristics. First they are as pure as can be, with a direct expression of the terroir and variety, holding focus and balance whilst still portraying the classic deep inky Cahors style. Second, these wines are drinkable. I know this sounds a little basic, but they have freshness, life and restraint. They will age, for sure, but to drink them now is no chore. How many Cahors can you say that of?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFabien is obviously world famous for his Mas del Perie wines, super fresh terroir tuned wines from malbec grown on the high Quercy plateau, but as many of you will know, he also has his own side project producing wines which not only have the ultimate thirst quenching characters, but have a message to give. These wines are produced with limited cuvaison, no added SO2 and are typically Vin de Soif made for drinking in the year after harvest. This vintage, 2016, the range is a little reduced, but the favourites are all here.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32743720190012,"sku":"MP1014RA","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/B763_37066852-3698-4dc5-8baa-d9e443907982.png?v=1613665023"},{"product_id":"secateurs-2020-aa-badenhorst-swartland-south-africa-75cl","title":"Secateurs Riviera 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs far as we know, no one has yet produced a vaccine to protect against Adi Badenhorst. So contagious is his lust for life that you can't help but be infected by it, whether it means you find yourself bundled into the back of his Silverado and taken on a bone-rattling tour of his vineyards or dragged into his cellar to lend a hand with the blending. Not so much a winemaker as a force of nature, he handed in his notice after 10 honourable years at Rustenberg to launch his own label A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines.\u003cbr\u003eOne often hears wine merchants saying that winemakers like to let the wines speak for themselves. Well, Adi's wines would be lucky to get a word in edgeways. He is a fast-talking, quick-witted, warm-hearted kind of guy; a blend of one half talent, one half intuition and one half rock star. Like our understanding of fractions, Adi's grasp on the precise technical specifications of his wines is not his strongpoint, but his aim is not perfection but personality. He may not be able to quote tartaric acid levels on request, but he is on first name terms with each of his vines. If you want to drink wines with soul that were made using gut feel rather than technical recipes, then this is definitely where you should be focusing your attention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Swartland is buzzing like California during the Gold Rush, except the lure is grapes not gold. Its fabulously old bush vines are attracting the country's most pioneering winemakers, who have been drawn to the rich variety of organically-farmed, low-yielding vines - a legacy from the early settlers in the region. Fantastic, but previously neglected, old vineyards are being brought back to life by winemakers, such as Adi, Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux and Marc Kent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdi took over an ancient winery in the up-and-coming Paardeberg area of Swartland that had been built in the 1800s and had last been used in the 1930s. This meant fashionable concrete tanks and, according to the 2009 Platter Guide, a sizeable bat population. Even more importantly, they acquired 35 hectares of mature, dry-farmed bush vines, which clearly deliver great quality and complexity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A.A. Badenhorst Family labels seem to have divided a few people (we happen to love them!), but we thought we would mention a few details that are quite endearing. On the front label, there are a pair of secateurs on the right-hand edge, which mark the halfway point of the bottle. This was inspired by a traditional drink in the region called Oom Tas (see below), which the farm workers used to share after a hard day's work. To avoid arguments, Oom Tas made a mark on the label to show when half the bottle had been drunk. When they took the halfway mark off the label, sales plummeted, so they quickly put it back again! Beneath the vintage on the A.A. Badenhorst front label are two flowers, which represent the male and the female flowers of the vine and on the back label, Adi has cunningly transformed the boring bar code into a reed bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AA Badenhorst - Swartland, South Africa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39255617470524,"sku":"SBADENW21B04","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/secateursreviera.png?v=1615319384"},{"product_id":"golden-slopes-chenin-blanc-2020-aa-badenhorst-swartland-south-africa-75cl","title":"Golden Slopes Chenin Blanc 2019 - AA Badenhorst - Swartland, South Africa 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs far as we know, no one has yet produced a vaccine to protect against Adi Badenhorst. So contagious is his lust for life that you can't help but be infected by it, whether it means you find yourself bundled into the back of his Silverado and taken on a bone-rattling tour of his vineyards or dragged into his cellar to lend a hand with the blending. Not so much a winemaker as a force of nature, he handed in his notice after 10 honourable years at Rustenberg to launch his own label A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines.\u003cbr\u003eOne often hears wine merchants saying that winemakers like to let the wines speak for themselves. Well, Adi's wines would be lucky to get a word in edgeways. He is a fast-talking, quick-witted, warm-hearted kind of guy; a blend of one half talent, one half intuition and one half rock star. Like our understanding of fractions, Adi's grasp on the precise technical specifications of his wines is not his strongpoint, but his aim is not perfection but personality. He may not be able to quote tartaric acid levels on request, but he is on first name terms with each of his vines. If you want to drink wines with soul that were made using gut feel rather than technical recipes, then this is definitely where you should be focusing your attention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Swartland is buzzing like California during the Gold Rush, except the lure is grapes not gold. Its fabulously old bush vines are attracting the country's most pioneering winemakers, who have been drawn to the rich variety of organically-farmed, low-yielding vines - a legacy from the early settlers in the region. Fantastic, but previously neglected, old vineyards are being brought back to life by winemakers, such as Adi, Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux and Marc Kent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdi took over an ancient winery in the up-and-coming Paardeberg area of Swartland that had been built in the 1800s and had last been used in the 1930s. This meant fashionable concrete tanks and, according to the 2009 Platter Guide, a sizeable bat population. Even more importantly, they acquired 35 hectares of mature, dry-farmed bush vines, which clearly deliver great quality and complexity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A.A. Badenhorst Family labels seem to have divided a few people (we happen to love them!), but we thought we would mention a few details that are quite endearing. On the front label, there are a pair of secateurs on the right-hand edge, which mark the halfway point of the bottle. This was inspired by a traditional drink in the region called Oom Tas (see below), which the farm workers used to share after a hard day's work. To avoid arguments, Oom Tas made a mark on the label to show when half the bottle had been drunk. When they took the halfway mark off the label, sales plummeted, so they quickly put it back again! Beneath the vintage on the A.A. Badenhorst front label are two flowers, which represent the male and the female flowers of the vine and on the back label, Adi has cunningly transformed the boring bar code into a reed bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AA Badenhorst","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39255627595836,"sku":"SBADENW19B13","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/goldenslopes.png?v=1615316236"},{"product_id":"secateurs-red-2018-aa-badenhorst-swartland-south-africa-75cl","title":"Secateurs Red 2019 - AA Badenhorst - Swartland, South Africa 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs far as we know, no one has yet produced a vaccine to protect against Adi Badenhorst. So contagious is his lust for life that you can't help but be infected by it, whether it means you find yourself bundled into the back of his Silverado and taken on a bone-rattling tour of his vineyards or dragged into his cellar to lend a hand with the blending. Not so much a winemaker as a force of nature, he handed in his notice after 10 honourable years at Rustenberg to launch his own label A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines.\u003cbr\u003eOne often hears wine merchants saying that winemakers like to let the wines speak for themselves. Well, Adi's wines would be lucky to get a word in edgeways. He is a fast-talking, quick-witted, warm-hearted kind of guy; a blend of one half talent, one half intuition and one half rock star. Like our understanding of fractions, Adi's grasp on the precise technical specifications of his wines is not his strongpoint, but his aim is not perfection but personality. He may not be able to quote tartaric acid levels on request, but he is on first name terms with each of his vines. If you want to drink wines with soul that were made using gut feel rather than technical recipes, then this is definitely where you should be focusing your attention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Swartland is buzzing like California during the Gold Rush, except the lure is grapes not gold. Its fabulously old bush vines are attracting the country's most pioneering winemakers, who have been drawn to the rich variety of organically-farmed, low-yielding vines - a legacy from the early settlers in the region. Fantastic, but previously neglected, old vineyards are being brought back to life by winemakers, such as Adi, Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux and Marc Kent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdi took over an ancient winery in the up-and-coming Paardeberg area of Swartland that had been built in the 1800s and had last been used in the 1930s. This meant fashionable concrete tanks and, according to the 2009 Platter Guide, a sizeable bat population. Even more importantly, they acquired 35 hectares of mature, dry-farmed bush vines, which clearly deliver great quality and complexity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A.A. Badenhorst Family labels seem to have divided a few people (we happen to love them!), but we thought we would mention a few details that are quite endearing. On the front label, there are a pair of secateurs on the right-hand edge, which mark the halfway point of the bottle. This was inspired by a traditional drink in the region called Oom Tas (see below), which the farm workers used to share after a hard day's work. To avoid arguments, Oom Tas made a mark on the label to show when half the bottle had been drunk. When they took the halfway mark off the label, sales plummeted, so they quickly put it back again! Beneath the vintage on the A.A. Badenhorst front label are two flowers, which represent the male and the female flowers of the vine and on the back label, Adi has cunningly transformed the boring bar code into a reed bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AA Badenhorst","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39255638540348,"sku":"SBADENR19B09","price":13.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/secateursred2019.png?v=1615316025"},{"product_id":"zweigelt-2018-eschenhof-holzer-wagram-austria-75cl","title":"Zweigelt 2018 - Eschenhof Holzer - Wagram, Austria 75cl","description":"\u003cspan\u003eArnold Holzer took  over the running of the family vineyard aged just twenty-two, and together with his brother Mathias form the fourth generation of Holzers to farm 13 hectares in the heart of Wagram.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e​From lovable Gruner Veltliner and Zweigelt with craft beer-esque new labels, to stunning single-vineyard bottlings including the obscure Wagram speciality Roter Veltliner, the Holzer brothers are at the cutting edge of the exciting new wine scene in Austria.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Eschenhof Holzer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39291775221820,"sku":"AUT327\/2018","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-8_e734865b-2f8e-4b38-8951-95a20f510c16.png?v=1617098009"},{"product_id":"les-escures-malbec-2020-mas-del-perie-fabien-jouves-cahors-france-75cl","title":"Les Escures Malbec 2021 - Mas del Perie \/ Fabien Jouves","description":"\u003cspan\u003eMas de Périé is run by the young Fabien Jouves and located on the Haut Plateau south west of Cahors in Trespoux Rassiels. The soil here is complex clay and Quercy Limestone, a brilliant white tufo style limestone that is soft and very permeable. There are incidences of gravel here and there and this serves to produce wines with more immediacy and freshness. The theme continues but there are also areas of Sidérolithique, a complex blend of sand, chalk, clay, and mineral. Where this can be found, so the wines develop more complex deeper tones. The vines are managed along biodynamique principles. The fruit is handpicked and selected at the winery prior to ferment in inert oak and concrete depending on the cuvée and maceration is usually by pigeage for around 30 days. The resulting wines are neither filtered or fined, and Fabien’s 5 years in Bordeaux have lent him the skill to manage the tannins extremely well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wines have two distinct characteristics. First they are as pure as can be, with a direct expression of the terroir and variety, holding focus and balance whilst still portraying the classic deep inky Cahors style. Second, these wines are drinkable. I know this sounds a little basic, but they have freshness, life and restraint. They will age, for sure, but to drink them now is no chore. How many Cahors can you say that of?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFabien is obviously world famous for his Mas del Perie wines, super fresh terroir tuned wines from malbec grown on the high Quercy plateau, but as many of you will know, he also has his own side project producing wines which not only have the ultimate thirst quenching characters, but have a message to give. These wines are produced with limited cuvaison, no added SO2 and are typically Vin de Soif made for drinking in the year after harvest. This vintage, 2016, the range is a little reduced, but the favourites are all here.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Fabien Jouves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39294371495996,"sku":"MP0321RA","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Red-58_0f5b4cb2-9ea1-4540-9746-7cbb13485f40.png?v=1617284245"},{"product_id":"fogosch-2019-joiseph-burgenland-austria-75cl","title":"Fogosch 2019 - Joiseph - Burgenland, Austria 75cl","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoiseph is the brainchild of winemaker Luka Zeichmann, who is only 25 years old (turns 26 in November). In this project he has partnered with his godfather Richard and his friend Alex, both of whom are in charge of the viticulture but Luka oversees the project. All of the vineyards are near or around the town of Jois, just north of lake Neusiedl in Burgenland - 'See' means Lake in German, so Jois-'see'-ph is sort of a play on words and represents a fictional character. Luka actually wants to make comic strips eventually. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2015 was the first vintage for Joiseph, and Luka's first time making wines with all of these varieties (he was 23 at the time). His very first wine was actually made in 2013 when he was 21 from his grandfather's small Pinot Blanc vineyard - a wine that he is now starting to make again under a separate label (stay tuned). Luka is still at uni, currently studying agricultural science but has delayed the completion of his degree due to his wine work. His training has been top notch - he did two harvests with Markus Altenburger, and for the last year he has been working full time as Franz Weninger's vineyard and cellar assistant. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLuka is perhaps one of the most gentle and humble human beings I've had the chance to meet. He is so connected to his land, to nature, to his vines... He grew up in Burgenland, his family have always had organic plots, organic orchards (from which they make incredible natural ciders), so farming organically and making wines with the littlest possible intervention has never been a question, it's a complete way of life for him. He is also part of the local forest preservation society and looks after a specific section of forest. He does not have wi-fi at home, hardly ever uses social media... wise beyond his years. When I told him he should get on Instagram, his reply was 'sure... but then I need a phone with a camera.' I think that says it all. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joiseph","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39303947976764,"sku":"JSP003E","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/FogoschJoiseph_0e9b783b-fbb2-418e-8ef0-dfbb08041852.png?v=1617985212"},{"product_id":"el-bandito-cortez-chenin-2019-testalonga-swartland-south-africa-75cl","title":"El Bandito Cortez Chenin 2019 - Testalonga - Swartland, South Africa","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fascinating Chenin, rich, dry and mineral with aromas of wild honey and freshly baked bread. Deep and complex with a core of pear and orange peel, herbs, nuts and saltiness. Jura-like in style but distinctively New World.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat started off as a means of earning some cash for beer money seems to have got a little bit out of hand for Craig Hawkins. Having spent years travelling and working harvests with a who’s who of vignerons (Tom Lubbe of Matassa, Dirk Niepoort, Eben Sadie, etc) Craig and his wife Carla have now made a corner of Swartland their home where they produces some of the most sought after wines in world. Craig makes around 12 cuvees, using a variety of grapes under two labels: El Bandito and Baby Bandito. In the vineyard Craig is fiercely organic and flirting with biodynamic, while in the cellar he is as hands off as possible.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen he started his project Craig was very much in the left of left field. And this was not just because he was based in the wild west of Swartland where young growers who wanted to discover themselves gravitated. Craig has never been part of the mainstream, even in Swartland, but that is because he is not imitating anyone. He has a clear idea of what he wants to do, which is to make wines for his own satisfaction and to his own taste, rather than track the market. It is important to note that as his own taste has evolved so has the style of the wines. His independent and uncompromising approach has not always endeared him to South African authorities and he has been shunned by various critics and wine writers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Testalonga","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39337701376060,"sku":"19TGBCZF","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/cortezchenin_5067e923-dbec-4d4c-bfdf-a60e543a2d14.png?v=1620232461"},{"product_id":"no-3-2018-le-fay-dhomme-vincent-caille-loire-france-75cl","title":"No.3 2018 - Le Fay d'Homme \/ Vincent Caille - Loire, France 75cl","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVincent is the 5th generation of winemakers from the Caille family who run the family estate, Domaine La Fay d'Homme. All the vineyards are organically certified with a heavy focus on being eco-friendly. They are South West facing and exposed to high winds which creates perfect growing conditions on the limey soils. Hand harvested Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bougogne and Folie Blanche grapes are crushed and cold settled before fermenting at very low temperatures in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged on it's fine lees for 4 months before settling. Minimal sulhpur is added to the wine. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Le Fay d'Homme \/ Vincent Caille","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39337751511100,"sku":"VC2118RA","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Screenshot2021-02-08at20.04.44_de20adaa-c326-45b4-b1f4-92aca3b42775.png?v=1620235740"},{"product_id":"tutti-i-giorni-bianco-2020-antonio-camillo-tuscany-italy-1-ltr","title":"Tutti I Giorni Bianco 2020 - Antonio Camillo - Tuscany, Italy 1 Ltr","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAntonio Camillo worked for fifteen years as a cellar master in the most important estates in Maremma (the last eight at Poggio Argentiera). Recently Antonio felt the necessity to fly with his own wings and produce his own wine so he bought two vineyards totalling five hectares in the area between Sovana and Pitigliano (in the south of Maremma on the border with Lazio).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe first documented references to the Ciliegiolo are from the early 17th century when the Florentine writer Soderini described a “Ciregiuolo dolce” with a long bunch, a somewhat large berry, and a sweet – “dolce” – and fragrant flavour. This description of the physical characteristics of the variety corresponds to present-day Ciliegiolo, as does the observation that the grape does best in notably warm climates. There exists, nonetheless, in popular and folk descriptions of Ciliegiolo, another tradition which attributes the origins of the grape to Spain and ascribes itspresence in Italy to pilgrims who returned with it to Italy from the sanctuary of Saint James in Compostela. Hence the other name once widely used for the grape in Italy: “Ciliegiona rossa tonda di Spagna”, or the “red and round Ciliegiona of Spain”. At the present time, Ciliegiolo is cultivated almost exclusively in Umbria and Tuscany. The warmth of Maremma’s growing season is reflected in well made Ciliegiolo, a wine from which the generosity and sweetness of fruit are unmistakeably Mediterranean. Maremma IGT Rosso Principio to give it more than its full name, is from forty-year-old vines, in an historic area for the production of red wines. Fermentation is in vat (with indigenous yeast) wherein the wine spends six months before bottling. It’s not an ostentatious all-singing, all-dancing number but burbles juicily with cherry, raspberry and blueberry seasoned by caraway and dry thyme. In the mouth it is fresh, youthful and mineral with a pleasing tannic structure.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Anonio Camillo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39344817799228,"sku":"20ACTGBF","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/TUTTIGIORNICAMILLO_0564ed00-a45e-40ab-b035-55b1316ce2a8.png?v=1620838472"},{"product_id":"chilion-white-cortese-2019-ruth-lewandowksi-utah-usa-75cl-1","title":"Chilion White Cortese 2019 - Ruth Lewandowksi - Utah , USA 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Natural wine is the true expression of the land by way of a grapevine. I’m not interested in debating exactly WHAT natural wine is. People get all up tight about numbers and definitions in the wine world. It tends to be easier explaining exactly what natural wine is not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not industrially farmed with the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides and fungicides and fertilizers. It isn’t an industrially produced beverage product through employing unnecessary amounts of sulphur, without cultured ‘designer’ yeast and\/or bacteria strains, and the myriad of other techno cellar wizardry products we have at our fingertips these days. No acid additions, no sugar, no water, no tannin, no filtration for filtration’s sake, etc etc. Insomuch as it is possible, I strive to produce wine made of SOLELY grape juice. That is, to me, the true expression of the land via the grapevine”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from the famous Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino, Chilion is Evan’s singular take on Cortese. As Evan remarks the grapes gradually turn the most beautiful opalescent apricot hue in the vineyard and gather some very interesting cognac-like spice and this was his impetus to skin-ferment the Chilion. “I couldn’t simply ditch the skins in the compost heap. So just like a red wine, the Chilion fermented to complete dryness and finished its malolactic fermentation, bubbling away for just over seven weeks before I decided to press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter about three weeks, native alcoholic fermentation was complete, and by the end of November the malolactic conversion had also taken place naturally. Naomi saw no winemaking additions of any kind except for a scant 20ppm of So2 at bottling. It is unfined, unfiltered, and completely intriguing. There truly is no better indication that your vineyard and the subsequent fruit born of the vineyard are healthy than a naturally healthy fermentation. Without the ‘help’ of cultured yeast, bacteria, yeast nutrient, fining agents, filtration, or sulfur during the winemaking process, one is entirely at the whim of the organisms that exist in the vineyard and in one’s winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermented and aged naturally (without the ‘help’ of cultured yeast, bacteria, yeast nutrient, fining agents, filtration, or sulphur) in both egg-shaped tank and old, neutral barrique, Chilion is another mould-breaker. First off, it is orange. The nose bequeaths a captivating mix of apricots and golden apple, that aforementioned cognac spice and candied orange rind. The palate is equally as enigmatic suggestive of quince and baking spice and crushed rocks. It’s got refreshing acidity, a pleasing amount of tannin and at 12.9% abv, it is deceptively light yet with the sturdiness to age.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ruth Lewandowski","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39347679199292,"sku":"19RLCHIF","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/chilioncopy_66264458-3fc4-4f07-b83d-3e2b1c75b292.png?v=1620993147"},{"product_id":"grenache-gris-2019-ruth-lewandowksi-utah-usa-75cl","title":"Naomi Grenache Gris 2019 - Ruth Lewandowksi - Utah , USA 75cl","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Natural wine is the true expression of the land by way of a grapevine. I’m not interested in debating exactly WHAT natural wine is. People get all up tight about numbers and definitions in the wine world. It tends to be easier explaining exactly what natural wine is not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not industrially farmed with the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides and fungicides and fertilizers. It isn’t an industrially produced beverage product through employing unnecessary amounts of sulphur, without cultured ‘designer’ yeast and\/or bacteria strains, and the myriad of other techno cellar wizardry products we have at our fingertips these days. No acid additions, no sugar, no water, no tannin, no filtration for filtration’s sake, etc etc. Insomuch as it is possible, I strive to produce wine made of SOLELY grape juice. That is, to me, the true expression of the land via the grapevine”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from the famous Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino, Chilion is Evan’s singular take on Cortese. As Evan remarks the grapes gradually turn the most beautiful opalescent apricot hue in the vineyard and gather some very interesting cognac-like spice and this was his impetus to skin-ferment the Chilion. “I couldn’t simply ditch the skins in the compost heap. So just like a red wine, the Chilion fermented to complete dryness and finished its malolactic fermentation, bubbling away for just over seven weeks before I decided to press\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd what wines! For starters a thrilling Grenache Gris called Naomi from dry-farmed centenarian vines in McDowell Valley in Mendocino County. He ferments whole-cluster, presses the fruit and separates the juice from the skins to ferment in egg shaped tank. The manually controlled press cycle is a long, fairly rough one to extract a higher than average amount of phenolic material from the beautiful, very unique fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter about three weeks, native alcoholic fermentation was complete, and by the end of November the malolactic conversion had also taken place naturally. Naomi saw no winemaking additions of any kind except for a scant 20ppm of So2 at bottling. It is unfined, unfiltered, and completely intriguing. There truly is no better indication that your vineyard and the subsequent fruit born of the vineyard are healthy than a naturally healthy fermentation. Without the ‘help’ of cultured yeast, bacteria, yeast nutrient, fining agents, filtration, or sulfur during the winemaking process, one is entirely at the whim of the organisms that exist in the vineyard and in one’s winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermented and aged naturally (without the ‘help’ of cultured yeast, bacteria, yeast nutrient, fining agents, filtration, or sulphur) in both egg-shaped tank and old, neutral barrique, Chilion is another mould-breaker. First off, it is orange. The nose bequeaths a captivating mix of apricots and golden apple, that aforementioned cognac spice and candied orange rind. The palate is equally as enigmatic suggestive of quince and baking spice and crushed rocks. It’s got refreshing acidity, a pleasing amount of tannin and at 12.9% abv, it is deceptively light yet with the sturdiness to age.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ruth Lewandowski","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39347685359676,"sku":"19RLNAOF","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Screenshot2021-01-12at19.03.38_b9d58c22-c86a-4e96-bd0a-d20900bd3b5a.png?v=1620993627"},{"product_id":"gran-cerdo-blanco-2020-gonzalo-rioja-spain-75cl","title":"Gran Cerdo Blanco 2020 - Gonzalo - Rioja, Spain","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWii Gonzalo Gonzalo was born in Logroño, Spain and grew up among the vineyards that her parents cultivated in Fuenmayor. After studying biology in León and oenology in the university of Rioja, she dedicated himself to travelling\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethrough France and Italy where she met small vine-growers and winemakers and discovered new varieties of grape and technologies After completing her oenologist training in an industrial winery, in 2003 she abandoned everything to give birth\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eto Orgullo, a personal oenology project.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFiercely protective of the terroir of her family vineyards Wii Gonzalo rejects market driven fashions, formulae, chemical treatments and conformism. Instead she has sought out her own methods with respect for the land, the vineyards, and the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eancestral traditions. She balances this respect with formal training in the latest enological techniques and methods.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWii Gonzalo was profoundly influenced in her choice of viticultural methods by the fact that her father became seriously ill from years of daily exposure to high-spec chemical fertilizers and herbicides while tending their vineyards in the 1970s, when\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethey were regarded as the panacea for all vineyard problems. It was not clear at the time that chemicals that were perfectly safe in small doses had significant harmful effects from cumulative, long term exposure. The soil itself suffered as well, losing\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eits vitality as witnessed in the deadening of the biodiversity in the vineyard. Wild flowers, insects, earth worms, snails and the various organisms of the vineyard ecosystem were no longer present as they were even two generations ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThey also follow the lunar cycle in vineyard and the winery. In the end, Gran Cerdo is all about the purest expression of fruit with whole bunch fermentation, no filtration, no stabilization and minimal sulphur. The wine has real character, all the juicy\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eelements of Viura, with no dirty oak to mask its charm. It has a natural way about it but with no funkiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGran cerdo is a wine dedicated the bank executives that denied loans to us on the basis that wine is not seizable asset\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gonzalo Gonzalo Grijalba","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39353472974908,"sku":"20RNGCBF","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/GranCerdoBlanco_b093e99a-cecb-41fd-bd8e-cb9cc1ced971.png?v=1626360948"},{"product_id":"secateurs-chenin-blanc-2020-aa-badenhorst-swartland-south-africa-75cl-1","title":"Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2021 - AA Badenhorst - Swartland, South Africa 75cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs far as we know, no one has yet produced a vaccine to protect against Adi Badenhorst. So contagious is his lust for life that you can't help but be infected by it, whether it means you find yourself bundled into the back of his Silverado and taken on a bone-rattling tour of his vineyards or dragged into his cellar to lend a hand with the blending. Not so much a winemaker as a force of nature, he handed in his notice after 10 honourable years at Rustenberg to launch his own label A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines.\u003cbr\u003eOne often hears wine merchants saying that winemakers like to let the wines speak for themselves. Well, Adi's wines would be lucky to get a word in edgeways. He is a fast-talking, quick-witted, warm-hearted kind of guy; a blend of one half talent, one half intuition and one half rock star. Like our understanding of fractions, Adi's grasp on the precise technical specifications of his wines is not his strongpoint, but his aim is not perfection but personality. He may not be able to quote tartaric acid levels on request, but he is on first name terms with each of his vines. If you want to drink wines with soul that were made using gut feel rather than technical recipes, then this is definitely where you should be focusing your attention.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Swartland is buzzing like California during the Gold Rush, except the lure is grapes not gold. Its fabulously old bush vines are attracting the country's most pioneering winemakers, who have been drawn to the rich variety of organically-farmed, low-yielding vines - a legacy from the early settlers in the region. Fantastic, but previously neglected, old vineyards are being brought back to life by winemakers, such as Adi, Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux and Marc Kent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdi took over an ancient winery in the up-and-coming Paardeberg area of Swartland that had been built in the 1800s and had last been used in the 1930s. This meant fashionable concrete tanks and, according to the 2009 Platter Guide, a sizeable bat population. Even more importantly, they acquired 35 hectares of mature, dry-farmed bush vines, which clearly deliver great quality and complexity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe A.A. Badenhorst Family labels seem to have divided a few people (we happen to love them!), but we thought we would mention a few details that are quite endearing. On the front label, there are a pair of secateurs on the right-hand edge, which mark the halfway point of the bottle. This was inspired by a traditional drink in the region called Oom Tas (see below), which the farm workers used to share after a hard day's work. To avoid arguments, Oom Tas made a mark on the label to show when half the bottle had been drunk. When they took the halfway mark off the label, sales plummeted, so they quickly put it back again! Beneath the vintage on the A.A. Badenhorst front label are two flowers, which represent the male and the female flowers of the vine and on the back label, Adi has cunningly transformed the boring bar code into a reed bed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AA Badenhorst","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39356476325948,"sku":"SBADENW21B02","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0252\/2556\/0124\/products\/Secateurs_a16ce129-3a98-499a-ac39-e50712fcc201.png?v=1621602128"}],"url":"https:\/\/winefreedom.co.uk\/collections\/organic-wine.oembed?page=10","provider":"Wine Freedom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}