Wine
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Wine The result of a partnership between Paul Buisse and a number of leading Loire winemakers. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are sourced from vineyards in the central Loire valley, and are cool-fermented to preserve the trademark gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf aromas. Supremely fresh and well-balanced, this refreshing white will partner seafood or light oriental stir-frys.
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Wine College-trained oenologist Gwenaël Guihard has used specially selected Grolleau and Gamay grapes from the schist and granite of the Western Loire for this delicious off-dry rosé. Using cool fermentations to bring out all the grapes' appetizing fruit flavours and fresh aromas. Bottled with a light natural spritz, the wine has a refreshing, summery zing. Strawberry and hints of peach fill the palate, with their flavours brought out by the wine's laid-back, off-dry demeanour.
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Wine From the estates of the historic 17th century Château de Pennautier in Cabardès, which is the only region of France to bring together the grapes of Bordeaux and the Rhône in its blends. This rosé is made in the 'saignée' method, where the grapes have very little skin contact, ensuring a delicate coloured wine with a light texture. Displays redcurrant and raspberry character, with a hint of liquorice. Try with poached salmon in a creamy sauce.
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Wine Tuscany's signature red grape, at home in the in the warm Tuscan climate, and here with the expertise of Banfi's winemaking, Sangiovese really shows its varietal character. Well-defined notes of liquorice and cedar on the nose are followed by an intense yet medium-bodied palate crammed with flavours of red and black cherries. Classic tomato-based Italian dishes rarely go better with anything else!
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Wine From one of Italy's greatest producers comes this Pinot Grigio, grown in the hills around Montalcino, and made in the unmistakabe delicate Italian style. Using only free-run juice means minimal skin contact for delicate colour and lightness of body. The warm Tuscan climate gives the delicate Pinot Grigio grape the ripeness and softness that really brings out the pear, melon and banana aromas, and softens the acidity on the palate. A lively yet easy-going wine, which can be enjoyed on its own, or with white fish or light poultry dishes.
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Wine A Carignan, Cabernet and Merlot blend from the Languedoc, this robust red has a touch of rustic charm. It fills the nose with aromas of French heathland herbs.
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Wine One of the most staunchly traditional winemaking regions, the Saint Mont appellation in Gascogne offers a number of indigenous grape varieties rarely found outside of southwestern France, as well as sharing Bordeaux's temperate maritime climate. The palate is savoury and warm with plenty of dark fruit. Rich and spicy with plenty of finesse. Drink within the next two-to-three years, with a pot roast or beef stew.
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Wine The winemaking process for this Sauvignon is all about freshness through cool temperatures, from harvesting entirely by night, to crushing, fermentation and filtration all taking place at no more than 12 Celcius, followed by one month's lees ageing. Pale, bright, with youthfully verdant hues. The nose offers lashings of lime and grapefruit and hints of thyme and asparagus. Crisp, citrussy acidity provides good length and palate refreshment. Drink now for maximum fruit freshness and impact. Superb for parties, or with light salads and prawn hors d'ouvre.
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Wine Rayuela is the Spanish name for hopscotch, the traditional hopping game, variations of which are played by children the world over. This range of wines is so named because it represents the same philosophy as the game's: straightforward, informal fun! Deep ruby red, with friendly and uplifting aromas of plum, strawberry and spice. Very fruit biased and soft for a Cabernet, with a lush gluggability and moderate tannins, giving a rounded, juicy feel. Superbly adept as a party wine, and an easy pairing with grilled chops, chorizo and tomoato-based pasta dishes and stews.
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Wine A superb quality white blend from Margaret River, bottled exclusively for Majestic, and available at a staggeringly low price. From fruit sourced mainly from the cooler southern half of the region, fermented at cool temperatures and blended following three months on lees. Explodes with citrus and tropical notes on the nose, with nuances of passionfruit and jasmine. Peachy on the palate, backed up by refreshing guava and grapefruit flavours and a subtle creaminess. Perfectly drinkable on its own, but will easily stand up alongside oily fish like roasted seabass or salmon steaks.
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Wine A parcel of Margaret River Shiraz (blended with 7% Grenache), bottled exclusively for Majestic, from one of the region's top producers. Made in a bright and modern style, with 14 months maturation in a mixture of new and old French and American oak. Dark crimson in colour, with a nose of vivid cherry and blueberry, with hints of earth and violet. The palate is crammed with dark brambly fruit, with subtle pepper notes and muscular tannins. The producer recommends drinking with braised pork belly with seared scallops and a white bean mousse.
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Wine A blend of Syrah and Grenache is one which typifies the southern French style of reds. This example is made from grapes sourced from quality growers in the Languedoc by Alain Grignon's winemaking team, and fermented without oak for natural fruit flavours. Blackberry and loganberry aromas predominate on both the nose and palate. The fruit is lithe and lush, delivered with a satisfying blend of well-weighted tannins and a hint of peppery spice. A great everyday red, ideal with pasta dishes, or with a tasty sausage casserole.
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Wine Another great value wine from LGI's collection, made by Alain Grignon's small winemaking team, from grapes sourced from a number of producers across the south of France. This is a Languedoc interpretation of a classic white Rhône blend. An invitingly aromatic wine, with a nose of citrus fruits, honeysuckle and stem ginger. The palate is a mix of yellow apple, apricot and white peach flavours, with a rounded texture. Matches well with honey-glazed pork.
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Wine This wine comes from vineyards located in the centre of Gascony, in the Ténarèze region, famous for its quality Armaganc. In fact, in addition to the classic dry Gascogne whites such as this, winemaker Michel Duffour also makes excellent Armagnac from some of his grapes. A pale, fresh and crisp white. The nose is awash with citrus fruit tinged with some more subtle exotic notes. Dry and mouthwatering, the palate offers refreshing acidity and bite. A subtle alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, this is ideal with fresh oysters, or light pasta dishes.
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Wine Casale di Valle is a 16th-century villa near Florence, which was once a hunting lodge frequented by the nobility, as well as an area of wine growing. Since the 1990s it has been replanted with improved Sangiovese clones for wines of better quality and ageing potential. Bright ruby red in colour, with density and persistent legs. Aromas of cherry and fresh red fruits mingle with spicy pepper notes. Lively and supple on the palate, with fine, rounded tannins. Drink with grilled poultry dishes, or with smoked ham and olives.
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Wine Bodegas Eguia is located in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa subregion, in the village of Elciego, one of the area's winemaking hotspots. The traditional reserva style is achieved through 24 months' ageing in French and American oak and 2 years' cellarage before release. Beautifully deep ruby coloured, with subtle cedar hints to the rim. The bouquet is an intense mix of dark fruit, toasted oak and clove aromas. The palate has weight yet an elegant profile. Match with a mature steak, or with a board of chorizo and manchego cheese.
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Wine A great value claret from a small château located on the south bank of the Dordogne, in the village of Jugazan. The estate's 23 hectares of vineyards sit on a plateau enjoying a southerly aspect. The mature vines are aged 20 years on average and are 100% Merlot. Medium-bodied and with a soft texture, the wine offers a pleasant balance between ripe plummy fruit and supple tannin. A great accompaniment to roast lamb or beef.
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Wine Honeyed citrus and passion fruit flavours course through this golden dessert wine. Delicious with sorbet. No fewer than 6 prestigious Guide Hachette 'Coups de coeur' have been awarded to Bruno Pastourel and his father Yves since they took over Château de la Peyrade over 30 years ago. This 18th century estate, planted to Muscats Ó Petits Grains, sits between the sea and the Thau lagoon, a sheltered, sunny spot where conditions are perfect for grape ripening.
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Wine This soft, generous blend merges the raspberry jamminess of Grenache with Syrah and Carignan suppleness. Great with rustic sausages. It was made at the Saurel family's Mistral-swept Provençal domaine, named after Eole, ancient god of wine, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. In 1997, Stephane Saurel persuaded his father to break away from the local co-op winery, and their new cellar is now home to wines that richly express the family's diverse vineyards.
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Wine Bodegas Piqueras farm 485 hectares of vines around the town of Almansa where their brand new cellars are situated. The cellars have so many solar panels on the roof that they produce more electricity than they use. This is a modern business but still family owned and driven with Juan Pablo Bonete the current head. They aspire to make fruit driven wines with a traditional edge.
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Wine Joe Ceravolo transplanted vines from Italy (his family moved from 35 degrees North to 35 South) to the fertile Adelaide Plains, having bagged a plot of prized 'terra rossa' soil over limestone. Helped by Wolf Blass winemakers the Glaetzer brothers, he struck Gold at the Sydney show and has not looked back since. This is one of his latest offerings.
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Wine Stylish, fragrant, spicy Alsace Gewürz in a handy half-bottle -perfect for a midweek Chinese or Thai supper. All the depth of character you'd expect from one of France's most respected co-operative wineries: the Cave Vinicole de Pfaffenheim & Guberschwihr. This gleaming, efficient cellar is supplied by conscientious (and deservedly well-paid) growers, many with Grand Cru vineyards. 'Hornstein' is one of their premium cuvées, a best-seller worldwide.
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Wine The town of Andosilla, at Rioja's northern edge, has prospered by its proximity to vineyards set among the fertile plains of the rivers Ebro and Ega in the beautiful valley of Baztan. Bodegas Bagordi was born of the enthusiasm of several local grapegrowers who united in 1995 to produce organic wines. Their success is evident in releases like this delicious rose.
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Wine All the appeal of the warm south, and the ripe raspberry character you look forward to in good Grenache. A useful quaffer for any time of the year.
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Wine This unique, indigenous Hungarian grape variety, a crossing of Irsai Olivér and Gewürztraminer, blends the qualities of both grapes. Hilltop is a substantial producer that exports millions of bottles to the UK. Most interestingly it is very close to becoming an organic producer, unusual for an estate of this size.
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Wine Jacky Marteau's 'Domaine de la Bergerie' occupies some of Touraine's most enviable sites: south-facing, pebble-and-flint slopes beside the River Cher. Quality is paramount: low yields are encouraged by growing grass between vine rows, pruning is radical and leaves are plucked in summer to let the sunshine through. Jacky's rare plot of Beaujolais grape Gamay produces this delightful red, full of rich, silky raspberry flavour. Great with
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Wine The Adega de Moncao lies virtually on the border with Spain in the far north of Portugal. The cooperative has just celebrated its 50th year and is a model of well organised, modern production. The wine is a 60/40 blend of Alvarinho (Albarino just over the border) and Trajadur. Fresh and fruity, and most of all a relaxing 11 degrees of alcohol. A perfect aperitif wine.
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Wine Long an Adnams favourite, this a simple, classic Muscadet from a family-run domaine has crisp, minerally fruit flavours and a crunchy, apple-skin edge. Serve on ice alongside a platter of 'fruits de mer'.
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Wine Just to the north of Lisbon, on the east bank of the river Tagus, Quinta do Casal Branco is a large mixed farm that grows tomatoes, melons, wheat and maize. They also breed Lusitano horses and raise cattle. Jose Lobo de Vasconcelos, whose family has been here since 1775, also has 135 hectares of vines. Jose uses a mix of local and international grape varieties to produce great value wines of real character.
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Wine This is a huge estate of 6600 hectares that encompassess a horse stud, an extensive cattle ranch, arable, olive groves and 50 hectares of vines. The vineyards have been heavily influenced by son Diogo de Braganca Campilho's three year stint in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and in NZ. He uses both local grape varieties and international ones to make wines that are both accessible and individual.
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