Monte del Frà translates as ‘Hill of Monks’ and is in the heart of the Bianco di Custoza DOC. It now consists of over 65 hectares of vineyards is owned and run by brothers Eligio and Claudio Bonomo. It is one of the most progressive and dynamic producers in the region and has been particularly innovative in its adoption of modern viticultural techniques.

The Custoza Superiore "Cà del Magro" by Monte del Frà is a white wine with an extraordinary quality/price ratio. We are on the famous hill of Custoza above Lake Garda and just 15 km from the centre of Verona. Produced from a blend of local varieties (Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Cortese and Incrocio Manzoni), the wine is aged for 4 months in oak, giving its rich, opulent texture. It pairs well with fish, white meat, and Asian spice.

Sadly Soace managed to get itself a bad name. The Italians have always made top quality Soave Classico, but kept all of the good stuff for themselves. They exported bland Gargenega wine from the valley floors. Well, this is absolutely top notch Soave Classico, from a single vineyard, facing south on the side of the Scalette hill. Made from Gargenaga and Trebbiano grapes, hand harvested, and fermented in stainless steel. Ripe tropical flavours over lay a lithe minerality. Enjoy with risotto or fried fish, or just treat yourself to glass as an aperitif. A must try wine!

For fans of Villa Maria, this is where you find the self-same wine, under their alternative label, and at better value! This 'de-classified' wine comes from the Villa Maria Estate in Marlborough, and shows the classic New Zealand Sauvignon style. Aromatic notes of gooseberry and cut grass on the nose with a rich palate of tropical fruit. Defined and lifted, this is the perfect crowd pleasing wine for a party.

Each wine (Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez) is matured, separately in its own solera for 12 years. Once blended together, the resulting sherry is returned to a 45-cask solera for a further 3 years ageing. Dark mahogany in colour with green-amber edge. It offers vibrant notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, shoe polish, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, all very well integrated. On the palate it is smooth and rich at the beginning, full of prune and burned oranges peel flavours. Provocative spicy notes appear just before its nuttiness and terrific acidity cuts through the sweetness. With a truly unforgettable finish. 50 cl

This Cabernet Shiraz is one of the best value wines in South Africa and is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Shiraz, 16% of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. A real crowd pleaser, this is rich, deep, ripe and slightly peppery. Wonderful with all red meats, roasts and casseroles. 

Elegant and refreshing cool-climate Pinot. Pale ruby red in colour with a lifted nose of raspberry,blackcurrant fruit and a gentle cranberry grip with gentle spice notes from barrel aging. The palate shows delicious ripe summer fruit character and is perfectly balanced by soft tannins and refreshing acidity. It has a long and elegant finish. 70% of the wine is aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, lending spice and cocoa notes.

The Casablanca Valley is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its coastal breezes that moderate temperatures. The area ranges from soft rolling hills to higher hills toward the Coastal Mountain range in the east. The poor, sandy loam soils are alluvial in origin, relativelyshallow and very permeable, resulting in yields which are generally low in comparison with other Chilean valleys.

This late harvest Chenin Blanc from the Loire valley is a wonderful dessert wine and fantastic alternative to Sauternes. 

Located in the heart of Côteaux de Layon, Jean-Bernard Chauvin runs this family estate with his wife Catherine and son Denis. The vineyards have always been a priority and it is for this reason that Domaine de Clayou joined the ‘Terra Vitis’ network of vignerons who work their land in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive way.

This is a great wine to pair with blue cheese of fruit based desserts

This Tuscan estate makes an excellent range of wines, from this, their entry level Sangiovese, up to their top-scoring Brunello del Montalcino. Specialsing in the Sangiovese grape, they know how to make high-quality wines that are full of Italian flavour.

Intense on the nose, fruity and spicy, with ripe blackberries, wild strawberries, rose spice and vanilla. Medium bodied and fresh on the palate, where the red fruit character persists. 

James Suckling 91 points

13.5% abv

Very taut and with real zing, this northern outlier reflects the more skeletal form of its native Chablis, as opposed to the more familiar, richer expressions further south. The commune of Préhy is the only one in Chablis where the "Bourgogne" appellation is permitted. The principle reason relates to the subsoil (Portlandian rather than Kimmeridgian). Despite its lean profile, full malo has given this skeleton a luxury cashmere sweater that softens and rounds out those angled edges.

Biodynamically farmed and 100% organic. A delicious blend of Sauvignon Blanc 57%, Chenin Blanc 39%, Semillon 4%. The Sauvignon Blanc aromas are prominent on the nose, with beautiful lime and prickly pear notes. Intense flavours, with great balance. A tight mineral core and creamy mid palate from the Chenin Blanc allows for great complexity and a persistent finish. The Sauvignon Blanc lends lovely, fresh acidity to the wine. The wine is made as naturally as possible with no added acids or enzymes. Quite frankly this is really outstanding value for a wine from low yieding vines, hand picked and transported to vinification on pack horses!

A Muscadet with depth and complexity. Flinty and lightly mineral with appley fruit and real texture and interest. With some fruit from old vines, adding concentration and mineral complexity to this fresh, savoury wine. A true French classic and makes a perfect match for fish and shellfish. Try with Crab & Chilli Linguine with a good squeeze of lemon.

Forget all the bad rep Soave has from those over-cropped wines of the 1980's - this is PROPER Soave. The perfect aperitif - vibrant, fresh and elegant, with notes of citrus, white flowers and blanched almonds. It's appeal lies in it's subtlety, rather than it's power. Think ballet dancer rather than rugby player! Utterly exquisite. Prepare to rediscover this northern Italian gem. 

Looking for a fantastic everyday red? Look no more. Made in Verona from a blend of 40% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, (as found in Valpolicella) 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (as found in Bordeaux), this cracker of a red delivers the best of both worlds. Packed with black and red cherry, dried plum and silky blackberry flavours. Unoaked, maintaining purity of flavour, with some dried grapes added to the mix (like Ripasso) bringing richness. Trastullo is an archaic Italian word that means something which gives you enjoyment. By name, by nature. Enjoy!

Originally from Bordeaux, Carmenere has come into it's own in the warmer climes of Chilé. Now considered a 'flagship' grape for the country, it produces wines that please Old & New World wine-lovers alike. An intense violet-red colour, generous aromas of black fruit, red berries, green peppers, and hints of violet give this wine a very well-balanced palate with supple, soft tannins, blackberries, and a juicy, lasting finish. Pair with beef stew, roast beef, or any other hearty dishes.

GRENACHE NOIR 70%, CINSAULT 30% The grapes are sourced from vineyards cultivated near to Lake Thau, set in a formerly volcanic region just inland from the sea. This has a particular micro-climate – as the proximity of the water has a moderating affect on the typically Mediterranean temperatures, allowing optimal ripening whilst retaining fresh acidity. The grapes are harvested in the early morning, then the wine is vinified as a classic rosé de presse, with soft pressing and cold fermentation.

Aromas of intense ripe damson and black cherry with a hint of spice. Ripe and generous on the palate, robust and full-flavoured with intense plum and sour cherry fruit, balanced by tangy, juicy acidity, leading to a moreish finish.

This smooth, juicy Primitivo is full of Southern Puglian character. The vineyards are based in IGT Salento where the grapes can achieve early and full ripeness without becoming excessively alcoholic. Medium bodied and ripely fruited, with a touch of spice and soft velvety texture. A very enjoyable everyday wine.

The hot, continental climate of Argentina is moderated by cooling influences from Andes, bringing a lively, intense character to the regions wines.  This fantastic example is rich with damson, black cherry and blueberry, plus notes of mocha, tobacco, bitter chocolate, and violet. 60% barrel aged, allowing for maturation and complexity but also the natural freshness of the fruit to pervade.

Proper white Côtes du Rhône; fresh, medium-bodied, vinous. The nose is pretty and delicate, with a
waft of fennel tops and hints of hedgerow flowers. The flavours are nuanced and refined rather than
overt. Careful use of oak adds texture and structure without masking the freshness of this very
drinkable white.

 From selected vineyards in the southern Rhône, Each parcel is picked separately in the cooler
early daylight hours for gentle pressing that same morning, and each is fermented at a low
temperature. To a base of Grenache Blanc, they blend Viognier along with co-fermented pairs of
Roussanne/Marsanne and Bourboulenc/Clairette. Over the years they have increased the proportion
vinified in stainless steel, with just under a third of the wine now vinified and matured for 6 months
French oak barrels (mostly 3rd fill but some new) to add complexity and creaminess.

 One of our favourite reds all year round.  A Jaen (Mencia)-led blend, which also features some Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro, aged without oak.  With typical Dao freshness, this is a herb-fruited, honest reflection of this great appellation. It’s fun and immensely drinkable.

Produced from 57ha of low-yielding organic vineyards, Ontañón make 300 barrels dedicated to organic wines. Harmonious and elegant, this is everything modern Rioja should be. Deep and concentrated but with a refreshing lightness on the palate. A touch of smokiness that leads to a long and moreish finish.

This is a stunning Chardonnay. Bursting with Californian sunshine, this certainly doesn't hold back, in fact it reaches out and smothers you in a warm embrace! Wonderful ripe fruit flavours include orange, nectarine and ripe peach. There is a subtle spice and notes of hazlenut and honey. This will go really well with roast chicken and any butter cooked fish.

In the centre of Spain, a stone’s throw west of Madrid, is Bodegas Bernabeleva. At the feet of the Cerro de Guisando and Gredos mountains this winery lets its vines stretch out their roots through the thin infertile sandy soils, formed from decomposed granite, to cling on to life. Four generations have tended these old hardy vines that have repaid the care and attention with quality fruit hand harvested from the organically managed vineyards. An easy to drink wine with beautiful aromatics of fresh lavender and wild berries. The palate is lively with bright acidity and there’s plenty of rich juicy dark fruit in the finish with super fine tannins.
The usual Spanish fayre such as suckling pig, tapas and paella sit very nicely with this wine.

This wine is produced from the Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Aragonez grape varieties, and is aged in new French oak barrels. It is very fruity and full-bodied, with notes of red berries, black cherry and spice. It has great concentration and exuberance, and will age beautifully. 

This fresh, dry white is a blend of varieties indigenous to Portugal’s Douro valley including Arinto (known to retain freshness even in hot conditions) and Gouveio (known as Godello in northern Spain). Made by  Bernardo Lencastre, this wonderful white has citrus aromas with delicate floral notes and hints of white peach. I love this wine – it’s a crisp with apple and lemon peel flavours, a juicy acidity, and a refreshing finish.

Rich plum and earthy tones with a hint of toasty oak on the nose. The palate has a lovely sweet entry, which builds in the mouth, supported by ripe and silky fruit and oak tannins.

A perfect accompaniment with spring lamb.

Complex and elegant aromas, with black fruits and a subtle hint of oak. Supple tannins and a bright fruit packed finish.

Great with steak, roast lamb, game or rich stews.

The chosen vineyard for Soalheiro Germinar is over 30 years old and is located in a small parcel that produces low quantities of Loureiro grapes. The grapes have a particular floral aroma, marked acidity, and a concentration of unique mineral flavours, making a very gastronomic wine. The wine has a bright lemon-yellow colour with floral and mineral aromas. The taste is dry and fresh, revealing the elegance of Loureiro, which always has a lasting, pointed acidity.

The vineyards of Villa Enzo are positioned on the gentle slopes of Abruzzo and this wine is made in the traditional way from 100% Montepulciano grapes. There is no influence of oak so this purple/ruby coloured wine offers pure, vibrant aromas of red cherry fruit. The satisfying palate is rich with juicy fruit and very approachable, soft tannins. A classic Italian wine.

The youngest vines of Garnatxa Negra at Herència Altés are harvested early to preserve their natural acidity and to make a fresh and zesty Rosat.  Pale, refreshing rosé, with ripe strawberry fruit flavours, and a supple mouthfeel. Utterly refreshing and full of character.

This Pinot Noir with garnet-colored juice is perfumed with fine spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), mocha, and Montmorency cherry.  Its texture finds its balance in a generous flavor that is felt in a velvety tannin highlighting the finesse of the grape variety.

The vineyards is full of Turitelles fossils, these marine sediments are carried by a limestone and clay base, forming sloping plateaus in the landscape, on which the vineyard is located. This terroir in the foothills of the Pyrenees is known for the quality of its hillsides and its sunny and cool microclimate.

   Generous and smooth black fruit lifted by the freshness of high-altitude vineyards, combining tinta roriz (90%) (tempranillo) and scented, structured touriga nacional (10%) in this pork- and charcuterie-friendly red. A real crowd pleaser.

First off, I don't normally like Pinotage, but this completly blew me away! Transient Lands Pinotage is an ongoing project to source, blend and bottle special parcels of Pinotage across the Western Cape and become an expression of each vintage through the grape’s proverbial lens. The blend incorporates Pinotage from diverse locations, each contributing its unique character. This includes granitic soils in the Polkadraai Hills above Stellenbosch, an old vine block in Stellenbosch's Helderberg region, the cooler climate and sandstone soils of the Stanford Foothills on the South Coast, and sandy granite soils in the Paardenberg of the Swartland. There is no "burnt tyre" here, just clean, crunchy and beautifully made red wine.

Bright, pale straw colour with delicate scents of wildflowers and fruit, especially Cape Honeysuckle, white peaches and pineapples with a delicate underlying minerality. The palate fully matches the nose with a creamy sensation and a texture that combines elegance and intensity and concentrated fruit flavours.

 Playfully dubbed ‘the shy girl with long legs’ - with no reason to be shy.
The only South African Premium Rosé comprising all five Bordeaux varietals,
she shows an abundance of fresh fruit, finesse and layered complexity.

Redolent of roses and ripe-for-the-picking strawberries, the refreshing De Toren Délicate is an elegant red blend that combines red’s seductiveness with the undeniable drinkability of white. Medium-bodied and immeasurably gentle, it offers up an abundance of juicy fruit and velvety, smooth tannins that lead to a sophisticated finish. Delicious on its own as an apéritif, it’s also the perfect consort to the lingering pleasures of Spanish tapas or aplatter of the finest French charcuterie.

Aromas of bramble fruit, vanilla, nutmeg and sweet spice. The palate is rich and complex with blueberry and blackberry fruit, ripe tannins and good length.

Food match: Great with lamb chops, dishes with chorizo, and hearty vegetable casseroles.

Heaphy Pinot Noir is a gently perfumed and characterful wine, expressive of Nelson unique breezy and warm terroir. A well-balanced profile, showing plenty of fruit, energy, and desired juiciness.

Food match: Mushroom risotto, barbequed meats or stuffed roasted butternut squash.

From a single vineyard, grapes are hand-picked when at full ripeness then gently pressed and cold settled in stainless steel tanks, the pressing juices are separated in to free run and pressings, this allows for better integration for the future wine. The two juices are then racked together for fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 14°C on average to naturally achieve 4.5g r/s. An increasingly popular grape variety in New Zealand, Pinot Gris thrives in the cooler influenced Nelson, gathering sweet pear and frangipane notes, alongside a wonderfully balanced texture of peach and apricot fruit on the palate.

Attractively aromatic with fresh red fruits, floral notes, and hints of sweet spice. The palate offers ripe plum and damson characters balanced by a lightly earthy, savoury complexity with finely-grained tannins.

Rich meat stew; pasta with fresh pesto, aubergine and smoked bacon.

Delicate, complex aromas of wild strawberry and redcurrant with lightly floral notes. Fresh bitter cherry and red berry fruit on the palate with fresh acidity, earthy notes and a savoury finish.

Aubergine Parmigiana, tagliatelle with Porcini mushrooms and other flavoursome pasta dishes.