The Suitcase and the Briefcase

A selection of wines to fit the month  and bring interest and satisfaction to your wine glass. The wines are all typical of their style and origin and, especially at the case rate, deliver exceptional value. The Suitcase has 12 bottles. 2 of each wine whilst the Briefcase comprises one of each wine.

 

The July Suitcase

The month of July is an ideal time to showcase some beautiful Italian wines and I have selected a mix of wines from around the country. The whites are light and refreshing, fine on their own but delicious with fish and seafood. The reds are full of fruit and savoury notes with that delightfully refreshing and food partnering acidity.

The Suitcase has 12 bottles. 2 of each wine whilst the Briefcase comprises one of each wine. All the wines are vegetarian friendly, and all, except for the Grillo, are vegan.

 

 Wines

Cantina di Gambellara, Monopolio Gambellera Classico DOC 2018 £ 11.20

Grapes for this wine are grown on volcanic soils in the village of Gambellara which lies to the east of Soave. The wine region is little known outside Italy, in fact it is little known outside Veneto, but it offers great value and delivers a style similar to Saove at the premium level. It has yellow peach aromas and a touch of spice, adding complexity and balancing the pronounced minerality and a long finish.

A starry wine to partner with prawns simply sautéed with garlic and added to linguine, parsley and some parmesan.

Cantine Belisario, ‘Terre di Valbona’ Verdicchio di Matelica 2018 £ 11.00

Matelica is a small DOC in the Marche and covers just 120 ha. It more famous neighbour, Castelli di Jesi, is larger and at lower altutudes. The inland location and elevation at Matelica results in warmer day time temperatures but colder evening giving ripe wines with fresh acidity. Surprisingly full-bodied, it shows great balance between its crisp green apple character and the richer honey and lemon flavours. The finish is dry and vibrant

This a great wine to partner grilled sea fish, as fresh as can be, and simply grilled or barbecued. Try with sa bass.

Vigneti Zabu, Grillo, Sicilia 2019 £13.50

Vigneti Zabu is locatedin south western Sicily with the vineyards are on the hills around Lake Arancio in Sambuca di Sicilia. The limestone soil offers excellent drainage, and the vines’ roots have to grow deep into the soil to reach for nutrients and water. The crystal clear water of the nearby lake creates an ideal microclimate for vine growing and protects the vines from the heat of Sicilian summers. The wine has the hallmarks of the Grillo grape; it is fresh with mineral aromas on the nose, along with hints of flowers, peaches and citrus fruit. On the palate, it is full bodied with refreshing mineral notes and a long finish.

A good wine to sip on the lawn and contemplate the next glass and ending of a day but it will also partner food. Sicilian wines generally will match a range of vegetarian dishes and you could put this with griddled thinly-sliced courgette on toasted sour-dough toast with goat’s curd and a drizzle of honey and sprig of mint.

Gran Sasso, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2018 £13.00

Montepulciano is the grape and Abruzzo is the region and should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano of Tuscan fame. Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo is becoming increasing popular and this little beauty hits the wine sweet spot. It is packed with juicy fruit characters of red berries and plum with hints of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with subtle tannins. This wine is well-balanced with good structure and a long finish. So, a good structure but fruit to partner allowing it to be sipped on its own, even chilled slightly

As with most Italian wines it partners food well and this will match a simple spaghetti, cherry tomato, torn basil leaves  and olive oil drizzle very, very well. Alternatively, simply get a platter of cured meats and cheeses from Patriana , some crusty bread from Enzo Bakery and good company for an evening of pleasure.

Cantina di Nizza, ‘le Pole’ Barbera d’Asti DO 2018 £ 13.00

Nizza is possibly the best area in Monferrato to grow the Barbera variety. In fact, the DOCG Nizza was crated to showcase the quality of the wines from the area. This wine has the great juiciness typical of the grape allied to a depth red cherry and spice fruit with fresh acidity and fine soft tannins.

It can be lightly chilled, say and hour in the fridge and is terrific with hams and cheeses but will be happy partnering the range of barbecued meats, vegetables and fish.

 

Buontalenti, Chianti DOCG 2017 £ 14.00

Chianti became known for the fin red wines of the region made from, predominantly, Sangiovese and supported by indigenous grapes such as Colorino and Canaiolo. This wine carries on the tradition of using those varieties but also uses more modern techniques to preserve both the fruit and structure they deliver. Sangovese has fine griaed dusty tannins and cherry fruit, Canaiolo some acidity and aromatics and Colorino and dark fruit note. The resulting wine has Bright cherry fruit aromas are combined with hints of chocolate and balsamic vinegar. On the palate, the fruit is supported by fine- grained tannins and a gently savoury herb and mineral finish.

Chianti is designed to partner food and, whilst this is a vegan/vegetarian wine, it is perfect for grilled meats and particularly beef. Good burgers or steak will all do well as the acidity and tannins mellow under the influence of protein and fats.

Usual price for 6 bottles £ 75.70

Briefcase price (6 bottles) £ 65.00

Suitcase price (12 bottles) £ 125.00

 

Price includes local delivery, no further discounts available. Offer runs until 31^st July.

 

The June Suitcase

 A selection of wines to fit the month and bring interest and satisfaction to your wine glass. This month we have sourced our wines from the beautiful Loire valley, one of France’s greatest wines regions.  Our focus has been for light and refreshing whites and rosé plus red for a (hopefully) ‘flaming’ June. The Suitcase has 12 bottles. 2 of each wine whilst the Briefcase comprises one of each wine.

 

 Wines

Fabien Murail, ‘Fiefs Vendéens, Clos des Chaumes, Mareuil AOP  2019 £ 12.50

A charming blend offering quince apple and lemons fruits plus a touch of nut and cream. Dry smooth and moreish. Mareuil is a little know region just south of Muscadet at the west end of the river.

Domaine des Herbauges, Muscadet sur Lie, Cotes de Grandlieu, 2019 £ 12.50

With a straw-gold colour, this is a charming, full-bodied, Muscadet that has expressive minerality, honey and grapefruit. The palate is punctuated by flattering lemon notes with a light crisp finish.

Domaine de Villargeau, Cotes du Giennois, 2019 £14.40

Classically styled Loire Sauvignon from a little-known region not far from Pouilly-Fumé. Dry and racy with vibrant, chalky gooseberry and grass flavours and zingy but modulated acidity.

Domaine Chezelles, Tourraine Rosé, 2019 £13.50

This pale rosé made from Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Pineau d’Aunis, has an inviting nose of wild strawberries and summer meadows, with a clean mouth-watering palate of ripe red berries.

Domaine Joel Delauney, Tourraine Gamay 2018 £ 12.50

This wine is bright ruby red in colour. On the nose, red fruits dominate with aromas of strawberries, red plums and cherries. The palate is light and supple with soft tannins and a fruity finish.

Chateau du Hureau, ‘Tuffe’ Saumur- Champigny 2017 £ 18.50

Plums and redcurrant fruit on the nose. A real Cabernet Franc that shows depth and character with nicely ripe, balanced tannins. The Loire’s natural freshness makes this a uniquely versatile wine to be enjoyed with food, or just enjoyed!

Usual price for 6 bottles £ 82.30

Briefcase price (6 bottles) £ 70.00

Suitcase price (12 bottles) £ 135.00

Price includes delivery, no further discounts available.

 

 

The May Suitcase

Wines

the dot Pepper, Niederosterreich, Austria 2019 £ 12.00
A fresh, bright, dry white made from the signature white grape of Austria, the Gruner Veltliner,

Simpsons Gravel Castle Chardonnay 2019 £ 17.00
The latest release from the Simpsons Estate has an expressive nose with a fresh, mineral aromatic and some sharp lemon and green apple coming through, attractive and appetising.

Cuvée des Lices, Côteaux Varois en Provence Rosé, 2018 £15.00
A fresh and balanced rosé that captures the spirit of the Cote d’Azur with its strawberry and white peach flavours.

The dot Zweigelt, Niederosterreich, Austria 2019 £12.00
It has the freshness and cherry fruit and plush tannins. This is a youthful, fresh red (think Beaujolais style with Austrian precision!) with juicy red cherry fruit.

Gatiti Loco, organic Rioja, Spain 2018 £ 12.50                                                                            This unoaked beauty has lots of red and black fruits and liquorice aromas. Fresh and round with a multitude of nuances supporting the black fruit flavours.

Bodegas AltoLandon, organic Malbec, Manchuela, Spain 2018 £ 15.00
This dark, full-bodied creature is a rich, powerful red, dense with plenty of dark fruits and spice. The tannins give some grip, the alcohol warmth and this is a mouth filling wine of statuesque proportions.

Usual price for 6 bottles £ 83.500
Briefcase price (6 bottles) £ 72.00
Suitcase price (12 bottles) £ 140.00

Price includes delivery, no further discounts available.
If you wish to take up the case offer please send your order by email to clivebarlowmw@gmail.com . Deliveries will be made within 3 days and we will notify you of the estimated delivery time. Offer runs until 15th June or until stocks last.

Something for the weekend? A mixed case offer. until 31st May.

We now operate a delivery service on the same days with a minimum order of 6 bottles, no delivery charge in the Canterbury/Faversham area and based on our shelf price at the Shed. We also offer a 5% discount on 12 bottles or more.  Deliveries further afield will incur a delivery charge.

I have put together a 6-bottle case for you to try out some of the wines and have managed to negotiate some favourable prices from my suppliers so can offer this mixed case at a special price.

The normal price for the selection (one bottle of each wine) would be £75.55 but we can now offer it to you at £65.00, including delivery.

The list of the wines and tasting notes are found below. The wines are all typical of their style and origin and, especially at the case rate, deliver exceptional value. The selection covers light whites and red through to full bodied reds and a latest release from a local producer.
If you wish to take up the case offer or would like to order your own selection from the list then please complete the attached order sheet and send it by email to clivebarlowmw@gmail.com . Deliveries will normally be made within 3 days and we will notify you of the estimated delivery time.

Selection Box Wines

Il Folle Grillo, Sicily 2018 £ 8.90
A fresh, bright, easy-going, dry white which delivers a lot of character on the nose and palate. There are aromas of tropical fruit, such as peach and banana, with some ripe lemon and floral hints. The palate is dry, gently fresh and very moreish. Not complex, this is simply done well and is suitable for warm afternoons and lighter dishes. Grillo is the grape and it is an organic wine coming in at a very lunch time 12.5%.

Puzzle Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2018 £ 11.90
Puzzle Bay comes from a number of vineyards in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This is as bright and breezy as they come, carrying a weight of gooseberry and guava and as much vibrancy as you expect from this style. Dry, crisp and tongue tingling; a wonderful freshener at the end of the day. To add some complexity the wine is a blend of several grapes but Sauvignon Blanc dominates at a very precise 94.2%, with 5.5% Riesling and 0.1% Chardonnay making up the rest of the blend.

Simpsons Gravel Castle Chardonnay 2019 £ 17.00
The latest release from the Simpsons Estate has an expressive nose with a fresh, mineral aromatic and some sharp lemon and green apple coming through, attractive and appetising. The palate is bone dry, verging toward the austere but the touches of oatmeal and green apple with a mineral feel bring life and vibrancy. The finish is long and sapid with a pebble-sucking freshness, hints of meal and dairy can be found. This is sharp as tack, bright and breezy and for lovers of Chablis; no need to cross the Channel for good, cool- climate Chardonnay, it’s here in Kent.

Monte da Ravasqueira, Guarda Rios Tinto, Alentejo 2018 £10.75
The vineyards of Montes da Ravasqueira lie about an hour’s drive from Lisbon in the Alentejo region. The vines cover 44 hectares and produce a range of different wines from both indigenous and international grape varieties. I love the easy nature of this wine, full of bramble, blackberry and plum fruits with ample tannins which are soft and ripe, and the silky feel of the wine. A wine for simple drinking and vinous pleasure, as well as accompanying meats and cheeses. This is a blend of four grapes Aragones 40% (aka Tempranillo), Syrah 30%, Trincadeira 20% and Alicante Bouschet 10%.

Malbec Chinchero, Mendoza, Argentina £ 12.50
Chinchero is full of plum and dark fruits with a typical Malbec spice and plenty of ripe easy tannins so typical of the grape from the famous Mendoza region. This carries a little more weight than the Guarda Rios so is more suited to red meats, strong cheeses and full flavoured and richer dishes. This is also an organic wine and vegan friendly.

Grand Veneur, Cotes du Rhone, Reserve 2017 £14.50
This is possibly my favourite Cotes du Rhone because of its sheer depth of flavour, fruit and spice. It is made from grapes picked just north of Chateauneuf du Pape by a quality focussed producer and it carries many of the character of high end Rhone wines; ripe red and black fruits, warmth and generosity, power and an accessibility (ease of drinking) alongside texture and depth. Great on its own but for rich dishes, grilled/barbecued meats and cheeses. This organic creature is a blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah.