Le Clos des Cazaux Cote du Rhone Rose
$30.99
The Le Clos des Cazaux estate has been a family property focused on viticulture for five generations since Gabriel Archimbaud, an ancestor, was one of the first to produce wines from Vacqueyras in 1947. It is now owned and operated by brothers Jean-Michel and Frédéric Vache. They farm 35 hectares, 20 in Vacqueyras and another 15 in Gigondas. They own mostly low-yielding hillside vineyards, fashioning high-quality white wines, rosés, and red blends.Their Gigondas vineyards are situated in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail massif range that has been in the family since the 1950s. This very special terroir benefits from the solar power of the southern slope, balanced by the cool nights at higher altitudes, mostly on clay soils. The reds are blended primarily from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. however, they include lesser-known grapes such as Aubun, Counoise, Cinsault, Muscardin and Carignan. The white wines mainly employ old-vine Clairette, complemented by Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and a little Viognier.
Exclusively ours and we're tickled pink! It's made from a blend of Cinsault, fruity Syrah and some Grenache for the structure and fat needed for Rose wines. On the nose: Scents of red fruits, candied fruit and hints of spice and flowers (grenadine, vanilla) The palate shows great freshness especially flavours of red berries. This is such a versatile food wine! Try it with mozzarella with basil, Provencal salad, fish soup, melon and prosciutto. For main courses, you can try salmon, swordfish steak, grilled pork kebabs or Penne Primavera. Cheese is simple: goat!
Aubuisieres Le Marigny Sec
$36.99
Formerly known as Domaine Bernard Fouquet, until Bernard retired in 2021, handing the reins to Charles Lesaffre. Charles is the grandson of Gérald Bruley des Varannes, the man from whom Bernard's father André acquired his first vineyards, thereby bringing the story of the Domaine full circle. An avid practitioner of viticulture and oenology, Charles joined Bernard as an associate in 2019. Two years into his tenure, Charles has emphasized organic and biodynamic practices. Charles has continued, as Bernard before him, to capture the unique Vouvray mineral tones, along with the wonderfully balanced expression of fruit of the Chenin Blanc grape, in his wines.
Le Marigny from Domaine des Aubuisieres is a 100% Chenin Blanc from the Loire that is undergoes partial oak fermentation. It's a rich single-vineyard Chenin with a fine balance of ripe apple and peach flavours, racy acidity and subtle spice notes from oak fermentation and lees ageing. Lovely now as a match for creamy pork dishes, but it will cellar well too.
Dagueneau Pinot Noir Les Pinottes
$39.99
This branch of the Dagueneau family, headed by father Serge, is based in Saint Andelain and owns 19 hectares of old vineyards across several of the prime sites of the Pouilly Fumé appellation, including three hectares in the nearby appellation of Cotes de la Charite. Today, the estate is run by Serge's daughter Valerie, cousin of the late Didier Dagueneau, with help in the vineyard from Serge. Light and juicy with cherry, raspberry and delicate notes of blackcurrant with roasted and slightly spicy aromas. Gentle tannins and nice acidity, an amazing Burgundy-like wine offering great value.
Dagueneau Rose Cote Charite
$34.99
This rose is made from 100% Pinot Noir picked from a .25 hectare plot in the Loire region of France. It is hand-harvested, then vinified and matured in steel tanks before bottling. It is an ample, fruity wine with a scintillating colour and delicious aromas reminiscent of crushed strawberries. A wine that wears the colours of summer!
The history of the domaine dates to the late Léontine Dagueneau. In the 1920s, as a widower, she bought two hectares of vines in the Loire River valley where she also grew vegetables and tended to her livestock, which consisted mainly of cattle and goats. She also made cheese alongside her wine, both of which were sought after for their quality and finesse. From here the torch has been handed down through four generations of winemakers, each of whom added their own mark on the winery and Dagueneau name.
Today, the name “Serge Dagueneau & Filles” is most often associated with the region of Pouilly-Fumé in the Loire region of France. This region is known for its high acid, dry, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs, but the rosé is a lovely summer tipple, all crushed wild strawberries with some grapefruit zest.
Trossos 90 Minuts Priorat
$41.99
A Kensington Wine Market exclusive! The arid vineyards of Priorat, about a 90-minute drive from Barcelona, produce some of the most sought-after Spanish red wines. Meaty and full-bodied with dark red berries and earthy spice. This is one of our best-selling red wines, and sales go up drastically when the weather cools. It's a blend of 85% Garnacha (aka Grenache) and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines grow on steep, rocky terraces and face challenging, dry conditions and high temperatures. The harsh climate makes for unique, concentrated wines with real complexity, however. Trossos del Priorats farm their land utilizing organic viticultural practices and the wine is fermented in stainless steel tank for a duration of around 21 days. It is then aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months. Complex, bold and rich, Trossos Priorat is a perfect match for red meats and game. Think rustic dishes, such as braised short ribs or a chicken stew.
Podere Forte Villaggio 2022
$65.99
The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, encircles the Podere Forte. The estate was founded in 1997 by Pasquale Forte, a visionary entrepreneur who has created a balanced system where every element complements the others, following the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The old concept of the corte romana has been recreated on the 500-ha estate: a place where people, plants and animals coexist in harmony and sustainable self-sufficiency. Wine is the main focus, but Podere Forte is also synonymous with the breeding of Cinta Senese pigs, Chianina cattle and Suffolk sheep, as well as various other farm animals, all living on biodynamic feed. Podere Forte produces its own fertilizers and compost using vine prunings and fallen timber from the woods. The pigs eat acorns and chestnuts in the woods where they roam freely, the bees pollinate the flowers and aromatic herbs in the botanic garden where the hives are. The olive groves cover around 26 hectares and in 2020 production of the first varietal oil, from the Frantoio variety, started.
Canals Nadal Cava Brut Nature Reserva
$36.99
Joan Miquel Canals is a winemaker who began his education at the University of Barcelona before receiving a PhD in 1997 from the Rovira i Virgili University, where he is a full professor at the Faculty of Oenology. He is a member and former president of the College of Oenologists and Oenologists of Catalonia, and an expert in the quality factors that influence the sensory perception of wines, particularly sparkling wines. Since 1983, he has produced base wines from the traditional varieties for cava in the Alt Penedès region.
He has been the winemaker for his family's cavas from the beginning, where he has developed the current product line in the framework of a philosophy of constant improvement with respect for nature and trying to minimize the human footprint in his wines. The Brut Nature is a blend of 45% Macabeu, 40% Xarel·lo, and 15% Parellada. It's a clear, brilliant pale gold colour with aromas of ripe fruits (baked apple, quince, peach syrup, backed by fine pastry and vanilla notes. Flavours of ripe green and stone fruits (apple and peach), and hazelnut follow; it's voluminous with good balance. There's a creamy mousse along with a fine, persistent finish.
Mas Blanch i Jove Sao Expressiu
$49.99
These family-owned organic vineyards are located in Les Garrigues, on the western border of the Priorat region, a mountainous area more than 700 meters above sea level. The uniqueness of the vineyards’ soil, the low rainfall, the ample sunshine and the significant temperature differentials between day and night allow them to obtain a product of exceptional quality. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, this wine packs a punch. Complex aromas, elegant and mature with highlights of red and black fruits, accompanied by a blend of balsamic and aniseed flavours that provide a distinct freshness. Cocoa and vanilla are there, but subtle. Soft yet potent on the palate, consistent and elegant with an emergence of forest fruits and sweet spices. Good acidity, elegant, tasty with soft tannins. Velvety and fresh tannins. An expressive wine that talks to you. One of the best from the region of Costers del Segre! Enjoy with big red meat, stews, hearty vegetarian fare, and on its own.
La Torre Brunello 2020
$86.99
The price of wine seems to be getting higher and higher with every passing day, especially in famous regions such as Burgundy and Napa. Brunello is of course no exception to this, with most bottles nowadays going for at least $100. This bottle from La Torre represents great value for money. It offers aromas of black tea, black cherries, and savoury herbs on the nose. On the palate, ripe red fruits and baking spice hit the front of the palate, with a finish of cranberry and violet tapering off. Fine tannins and a crisp acidity keep the palate wanting more.
Would benefit from a couple-hour decant.
Pairs perfectly with turkey or roast beef and will be able to hold up to almost any side you throw at it!