Description

The case includes:

J.Laurens Crémant de Limoux Les Graimenous, Languedoc, France £19.95

This wine is made in the same way as Champagne and tastes better than many Champagnes we’ve tried at double the price. This wine is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac – the primary local varietal – and 5% Pinot Noir.

Boutinot La Collection Rosé, Languedoc, France £14.95

Very pale, dry and refreshing – a lovely strawberry scented rosé that tastes like it comes from Provence, albeit with a friendlier price tag!

Cave de l’Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Sélection £12.95

Cave de l’Ormarine is an award-winning co-operative which produces wines from the tiny Pinet de Picpoul appellation in the Languedoc. Delicious and citrussy this is perfect on its own, but also great with fish dishes.

Talmard Macon, Burgundy, France £15.95

A superb value Mâcon, the essence of pure, varietal Chardonnay, un-marked by any oak and exhibiting all the subtle minerality and refreshing acidity that makes this wine very food friendly – fish, chicken, pork or soft cheeses will work perfectly.

La Battastina Gavi, Piedmont Italy £14.95

La Battistina estate is situated in the north west of Piedmont and has some of the  one of the best sitvineyards in Gavi. The vineyards are south facing with chalky and mineral soils, which allow the Cortese grape to ripen perfectly. The wine is aromatic, with zesty lemon, lime and pineapple notes balanced by fresh acidity. A great alternative to Chablis and just as versatile with food – great with white meat, fish and risotto.

Domaine La Bruyère Touraine, Loire, France £15.95

With fresh gooseberry and elderflower character this is a great alternative to Sancerre at a fraction of the price. Good with fish, soft cheeses and spicy Indian dishes.

Cave de l’Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Sélection, Languedoc, France £12.95

Cave de l’Ormarine is an award-winning co-operative which produces wines from the tiny Pinet de Picpoul appellation in the Languedoc. Delicious and citrussy this is perfect on its own, but also great with fish dishes

Rippa Dorii Tempranillo Roble, Ribera del Duero, Spain £14.95

Simply the best sub £20 red I have tasted for a long time with wonderfully sweet black fruit which is lush, but not OTT. Would be perfect with grilled red meat or hard cheese.

Coterie by Wildeberg Cabernet Franc Malbec, Franschhoek, South Africa £14.95

I am neither a fan of Malbec or South African wines, but this is a stunner (just goes to show that even if you have been in the business for over 20 years you should keep and open mind!). Cabernet Franc is however one of my favourite grapes and the tart Cab paired to the lush Malbec gives great balance. Perfect Sunday Roast wine.

Felline I Monili Primitivo, Puglia Italy £12.95

Primito is often overripe and loaded wth sugar – again I had to eat my hat. This is balanced with fresh damson and plum fruit and a nice undertome of spice. Easy on its own, but will pair well with chunky pasta dishes.

Boutinot Cotes du Rhone Les Coteaux £13.95

Côtes du Rhône can be hit and miss, but this one is a classic. The blend is enriched with specially-selected grapes from the superior vineyards of Séguret, Sablet and Cairanne, giving brambly fruit notes and spice – a lick of  star anise and sweet cinnamon. The perfect winter warmer it will suit hearty casseroles and strong cheese.

Ontañón Plinio El Viejo Vino Ecolológico, Rioja, Spain £13.95

This organic wine provides masses of bang for your buck!. Cherry and raspberry aromas meld with vanilla, blackcurrant and pepper characters on the palate. Great with lamb

Uva Non Grata Gamay, France £12.95

This wine is an irresistible fruit bomb packed with amazing primary fruit aromas and delicious soft red berry flavours. Light in astrigent tannins Gamay is one of the few reds that chill well.