December 1st, 2011
Fine Wine and food matching – Christmas Day wines

decxmas04You’ve doubtless spent a fortune on the presents again this year, let alone the significant amount of festive food that you plan to consume over the course of the day.

With all of the effort  that goes into creating that perfect festive feast, it seems a terrible waste not to put a bit of thought into what you’re drinking with it! Why go and ruin the day - the right wines can lift the festive dinner to new heights, whilst the wrong choice of wines could go down like cold sprouts…

We’ve selected a few of our fine wines that we believe compliment the festive feast ..and you can buy them all online now in time for Christmas Day.

Holiday turkey Roast Turkey: As always we have to ponder the question, Red or White wine with the turkey …?

Well, that’s sometimes the big question around the table, so why not keep everyone happy with a choice of both….we’ve chosen a light white burgundy and a pinot noir, both of which won’t overpower the delicate flavours of the turkey, but will stand up to the trimmings.

 

PetitChablis2007 Petit Chablis Saint Roche, France

Silvery green colour with dazzling brilliance and appealing bouquet. Reminiscent of pineapple and green lemon, long in the palate with good vivacity.

£9.60 per bottle – click here to buy online

 NZR012

 2008 Pinot Noir -Te Kauwhata,  Quarry Road, New Zealand

A most popular new comer to Vin Vino.

A light red colour with a capsicum peppery bouquet, softly dry with good flavour of damson and dates.

 £9.90 per bottle – click here to buy online

 

gooseRoast Goose: We’d reccomend a relatively rich white to complement the texture of goose. This stunning Côte de Beaune Chardonnay also has the mineral edge to cut through the fattiness of the bird.

Beaune2001 Montagny 1er Cru ‘Vieilles Vignes’

Montagny is the southernmost appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise and is a pure chardonnay varietal. Light golden with a nose of smoky gunflint and a firm fruit palate with a touch of vanilla on a soft, rich texture.

£13.20 per bottle – click here to buy online 

 

Taste the difference with Vin Vino Direct… exclusive online wine merchants with a huge selection of specialist, fine and rare wines from around the world – we have wines from boutique growers that you cannot find from any other online wine merchant.

We have one of the largest collections of French claret wines in the UK…plus, an amazing range of Italian fine wines and French fine wines. We carry wines covering over 66 grape varieties, including the favourites of Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Pinot Grigio – all available to buy online for your wine cellar today. We are internationally accredited as Bordeaux specialists and renowned for our exclusive and unique fine wines online at all prices.
For those special wine gifts we have a large range of champagne, wine gift vouchers and mixed cases of wine
With an original portfolio of boutique wine making growers, we are the only online wine merchant in the UK offering these exclusive wines to you. Buy wine online with Vin Vino Direct and tantalise your taste buds today…

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November 24th, 2011
…about time we featured a ‘Fine Wine’ – 1994 Château Croizet Bages – 5′me Cru Classé

Fine Wines - Vin Vino Direct

Fine Wines - Vin Vino Direct

'94 Croizet Bages

'94 Croizet Bages

…so here we have the 1994 Château Croizet Bages – 5′me Cru Classé from the Pauillac region.  Some would argue this may be the finest Croizer-Bages made in over 20 years – well, why not taste for yourself!  At only £25.50, this is an affordable introduction into our Fine Wine selections….

Tasting Notes : An attractive nose of cassis, fruit, herbs and vanilla. Good ripeness, a pure clean taste of fruit and oak with slight tannins and a pleasing finish.

The Croizet family acquired this property in the 18th century, planted his vineyard on the Bages ‘plateaux’ and called it appropriately Château Croizet-Bages. Today the 22 hectares of this classed growth vineyard is owned and managed by Lucienne and Jean-Michel Quié producing an annual average of 110,000 bottles with the quintessential flavour of a typical Pauillac wine with fresh soft fruit and oak flavours, vigour and dryness, cigar box aroma with a hint of sweetness making this wine the best loved in the world.

Croizet Bages

Croizet Bages

Area History and Terrior:  Looking full onto the river from the earliest days, with an important port activity, traces of which go back to ancient times (shipment of bronze as long ago as 2000 B.C.), Pauillac’s life has always been intimately linked to the history of wine. Although port activities were at the root of its prosperity, Pauillac had to wait until the eighteenth century when Bordeaux ceased to hold its privileged position to become a wine port. The town then became the natural outlet for the wine production of neighbouring cantons before reaching its zenith in a period when the vineyards were exceptionally prosperous.

The characteristic of the Pauillac terroir is its exceptional relief: the many undulating ridges make it unique morphologically speaking. Highly favourable conditions facilitate the dissection of the layer of gravel. This thin, Garonne gravel from whose very poverty springs great richness, has an extremely effective natural drainage.

With their velvet red colour with a hint of amber, the wines from the Pauillac appellation, full-bodied and rich in tannin, are vigorous. Powerful when young, their aromas of red fruits (black-currant, raspberry) or flowers (violets, roses, irises) melt with the passing of time into a bouquet which is long in the mouth. Rich and complex, the wines of Pauillac deserve to be laid down for a little longer.

In order to have the right to the Pauillac appellation of controlled origin, red wines must: – come from the commune of Pauillac and from precisely defined parcels in the communes of Cissac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Sauveur, “excluding the parcels situated on recent alluvium and sand on impermeable subsoils”, – satisfy precise production conditions : grape-varieties (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc, Carmenère, Merlot Noir, Petit Verdot, Cot or Malbec), minimum of sugar (178 grammes – 6.27 oz. – per litre of must) degree (an acquired 10°5) and base yield (45 hectolitres per hectare).

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November 24th, 2011
Award winning Spanish Sparkling Wine

Segura Viudas

Segura Viudas

Fine Wine Online
Fine Wine Online

This wine is an absolute joy…not only in the divine taste, but also in the prestigious and memorable packaging…..

An award winning Grand Reserve cava, produced with wines from the finest harvests of the Macabeo and Parellada varieties (67% Macabeo, 33% Parellada).  This Spanish sparkler has won the following awards;  Gold Medal, Effervescents du Monde 2008 and the Bronze Medal, International Wine Spirit Competition 2007
The distinctive bottle is handblown and wears a solid pewter crest for the label, coupled with a solid pewter base – the most celebrated and glamorous premium Cava drunk in Spain.
Tasting notes:  Elegant on the palate, leaving its signature of a memorable finale of fruit with a background taste of vanilla, freshly cooked biscuit with a long and very pleasant retronasal sensation.
This exclusive Reserva has beaten Dom Perignon in blind tastings…..
Priced at only £24.99, this is a classy addition to dinner party…. click here for more details
Segura Viudas Magnum

Segura Viudas Magnum

Oh – and for an extra something special if the normal bottle isn’t enough, we also have this Segura Viudas in a magnum bottle !!

Again, amazing presentation and packaging, as the magnum comes packed in its own wooden box.  Priced at only £55.00, this also makes a fantastic present for someone very lucky….click here for detils.

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November 23rd, 2011
Our favourite Black Pepper Shiraz red wine from Australia

AUR068
Black Shiraz

This wine is absolutely flying off our shelves at the moment ..and we certainkly know why – just taste this wine and you’ll fall in love with its peppery and spicy undertones balanced by the weighty fruit and alcohol punch – get your bottles today before we run out!

Grower Profile
Australia has certainly made Syrah its own, even bestowing it with a new name: Shiraz. In the warm, dry climate of Australia this noble grape, responsible for some of the grandest wines of France, produces an intense, unique expression that is distinctly Australian. The ripe grapes take on classic notes of black pepper and leather that add depth and complexity to the black cherry and plum fruits on the palate. Australian Shiraz has typically been aged in American Oak barrels which impart the wine with a distinct note of vanilla that can add to the impression of ripeness many of these wines have, but the time in barrel also allows the wines a chance to settle and reveal their rich, voluptuously styled mouthfeel.

This 2008 Australian Black Shiraz is from Berton Vineyards, located in High Eden, a sub-region of Eden Valley, South Australia. The altitude and cool climate provides ideal conditions for the production of high quality fruit. Surrounded by native yacca grass and watched over by the superb blue wren, they grow some of the best Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in the hills.

Tasting Notes: A deep black colour with a huge bouquet of ripe plums, blackberries and a vanilla pepper underlay. The palate is full of flavour - blueberries, blackberries, black figs’ licquorice and spice A smooth 14.5% by vol.

One very important thing to keep in mind when sampling any syrah-based wine is that the wine requires more “breathing” time than most other varietals for the aromas to open up and the palate to soften. Decanting is highly recommended, since very little is accomplished simply by opening the bottle and letting it sit on the table a while before serving. In lieu of decanting, pour a glassful and allow the glass to sit a bit before sipping.

You can buy this fantastic Australian Pepper Shiraz online - simply click here to order online.

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November 22nd, 2011
Fine Wine gift ideas for the festive season

xmascase1
Wine Gifts
Wine Gifts

For that special wine gift, why not send someone one of our wine gift vouchers. We have gift vouchers starting at only £25, all the way up to £100 …we will post the gift voucher to the lucky recipient with instructions on how to redeem the voucher – all they have to do is decide what to spend it on from a large selection of our Fine Wines, Champagnes, Bargain Bottles and Mixed Cases.

A little bit more about us;   Taste the difference with Vin Vino Direct… exclusive online wine merchants with a huge selection of specialist, fine and rare wines from around the world – we have wines from boutique growers that you cannot find from any other online wine merchant. We have one of the largest collections of French claret wines in the UK…plus, an amazing range of Italian fine wines, French fine wines and grape varieties – all available for your wine cellar today. We are internationally accredited as Bordeaux specialists and renowned for our exclusive and unique fine wines online at all prices.
For those special wine gifts we have a large range of Champagne, wine gift vouchers and mixed cases of wine.
With an original and interesting portfolio of sought-after growers, we are the only online wine merchant in the UK offering these exclusive wines to you. Buy wine online with Vin Vino Direct and tantalise your taste buds today…

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November 22nd, 2011
Chateau Thebaud – Domaine Poiron Dabin, Pinot Gris

WineEarlier this month, a small group of Sommeliers in France referred to our 2006 Pinot Gris from Chateau Thebaud as ‘Un Vin Piege’ – a trap wine on ‘blind tastings’, confusing it for Condrieu (Rhone). With a very small allocation of only 2,000 bottles of each produced each year you need to buy as much as you can – the two wines that we currently import are delectable and are only ever produced in sun drenched years.  We also have the amazing Pinot Gris Rosé available – both wines are only £9.25 

Grower Profile

Jean Michel and Laurent, two brothers own a sumptuous well established Domaine in the Loire – Atlantique, 15kms south of Nantes. Their 60 hectares on the undulating hillsides provide 3 hectares dedicated to Pinot Gris Rosé. The privileged silex and granitic rocky soil, overlooking the Maine Valley gives their Pinot Gris Blanc complexity and expressive exotic fruit of melon and mature pears, with a sensual smoothness on the tip of the tongue.

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November 21st, 2011
An Italian Merlot from the boutique Fiegl vineyard

Fine Wines Online

Fine Wines Online

ITL271largeThe Azienda Agricola Fiegl vineyards are located on the gentle slopes of Oslavia, a village north of Gorizia in Italy. It is here that for long generations, the Fiegls have been producing wines which have gained world-wide recognition. Century-old tradition meets modern technology in the wise and insightful research for quality, to reach the harmony and balance which can be found in every single drop of the Fiegl and Villa Dugo selections of wines. The history of the property can be traced back to 1782 when a vineyard called “Meja” was sold to Valentino Fiegl. And now, after two centuries the Fiegl brothers, Alessio, Giuseppe and Rinaldo are still running the 30 hectare estate, 25 of which are planted with vines. It is a family-run company that has achieved important results in the field of wine making, continuing its tradition in genuine products and unchanged respect for nature.

This Merlot is a deep ruby red wine – a full and fragrant aroma with a soft bouquet of wild berries, fruits and an underlying hint of vanilla. With a 13.5% vol alcohol content, it is ideal with roasted meat and game…serve at 16-18°C for perfection.  This is another exclusive wine that we carry from this boutique Italian producer – click here to order.

oslaviaThe Area:  The Collio Goriziano stretches across the hills north of the province of Gorizia on the Slovenian border. The particular soil of the region, called “ponca” in the local dialect, technically flysch, provides the vine with important minerals which clearly mark Olsavia’s wines.
Flysch is made up of marnas’ (calcareous clay) and sandstone’s (calcified sand) stratified submarine sediments. Flysch is typically a deposit formed at the beginning of the orogenetic phase (about 50 million years ago), contemporaneously with the mountains’ building, composed by fissile sedimentary rocks. It is definitely the best ground for vine-growing – aided also by the climate, which is particularly temperate thanks to the influence of the nearby Adriatic Sea and the airiness of the area because of the Northeast wind (Bora). For these reasons Oslavia, can justly be considered one of the best vineyard terrains of the Collio.

We also have the following wines from this small producer;

  1. 2005 Sauvignon, Villa Dugo – Fruili Isonzo
  2. 2005 Chardonnay, Villa Dugo – Fruili Isonzo
  3. 2005 Tocai Fruilano, Azienda Fiegl
  4. 2005 Ribolla Gialla, Azienda Fiegl

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November 20th, 2011
Fine wines online – our collection

 finewines

We are one of the UK’s largest stockists of fine wine so you’ll find we have a selection that is second to none – in fact one of the best selection of Clarets in the UK. And whats’ more, our easy-to-use search facility makes finding the wine you’re looking for a doddle – (click the picture above to go straight to the wines).

The fine wines are categorsied from the prestige regions of Graves, Haut-Medoc, Margaux, Pauillac, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estephe and Saint-Julien …and they are all here, in stock, in the climatically-controlled warehouse.

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November 11th, 2011
New Zealand Merlot Malbec Red wine from Quarry Road

Quarry Road is a small boutique winery located in Te Kauwhata, in the upper half of the North Island of New Zealand.

Te Kauwhata has been a traditional winemaking region of New Zealand, since the New Zealand Viticultural Research Station was established there in 1897. The region boasts a unique micro-climate ideally suited to quality viticulture. On the shores of Lake Waikare, the third largest lake in New Zealand, Te Kauwhata enjoys typically dry, warm conditions through March and April, the key ripening months for grapes. With cool nights and warm sunny days, the vines ripen their crop steadily and without pressure from adverse weather patterns.

Merlot Malbec from Quarry road

Merlot Malbec from Quarry road

The main Quarry Road vineyard was first planted in 1963 by an ex-director of the research station. As the name Quarry Road implies, the vineyard is situated in rocky soils which maximise the terroir of the region. Since its original planting, the vineyard has changed hands and the winery is now being developed by the current owners, Toby Cooper and Jenny Gander. Toby and Jenny have kept production levels limited to only a few thousand cases pa in order to retain the hands-on relationship they have with both the vines themselves and the wines they produce.

Te Kauwhata Vines Te Kauwhata Vines

The focus of the winemaking style is to produce wines that truly reflect the grapes from which they were made, with minimal adulteration through winemaking practices. A secondary objective is to produce wines that are tailored to the palates of the customers rather than the industry. The popularity of the wines is testament to the efficacy of this ideal, whilst the more than 20 awards from major wine competitions in the last few years shows that the judges know a good thing when they taste it too!

All the wines made are from grapes grown in and around Te Kauwhata, 95% being under the direct control of Jenny, the viticulturalist. This control allows for consistency of quality, the primary requirement of any boutique winery.

Tasting notes: This Merlot Malbec blend is a marriage of juicy damsons and layered melted chocolate. Dark fruits carry onto an oaky richness and spiciness on the palate.

Quarry Road Wines Other Quarry Road wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir -  of these, some are relatively new plantings which are just reaching full production.

The quality can be testified by numerous medals and therefore is a wine which cannot be missed. This Merlot Malbec  can be purchased exclusively from Vin Vino Direct click here.

We also carry in this range the following amazing wines;

Pinot Gris, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Riesling, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Cabernet Merlot, Te Kauwhata – Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Sauvignon Blanc – Te Kauwhata – Quarry Hill to view click here
Pinot Noir -Te Kauwhata – Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Merlot Rosé, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Chardonnay – Te Kauwhata – Quarry Hill to view click here

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November 11th, 2011
Italian fine wine from Montegrosso d’Asti

montegrosso1The feudal Castle of Montegrosso d’Asti, built in 1134 by order of the Marquis Bonifacio del Vasto, lord of the city of Asti, dominates and extensive hilly area which is very much dedicated to the culture of vines, and it is the castle’s tranquil spacious, centuries-old cellars which provide a worthy home for the noble D.O.C. and D.O.C.G. wines of these hills.  The owners of the Montegrosso winery, the Motta family, have been producing wines since 1794. The Ruleja vineyards, including two hectares of old grapevines planted 60 years ago, benefit from the calcareous soil with sandy strata and the high altitude.

montegrosso2Love of wine is something which is passed on from father to son, from one generation to the next. In fact there are documents to prove that the Motta family have been wine makers since 1794; and are therefore proud to show their experience and traditions by presenting today, just as they have done in the past, the very best of Piedmontese wine making.  These wines, which are produced according to traditional and consistent winemaking methods, are selected at the right moment, matured in oak casks, and at the point when they reach the correct degree of maturity they are bottled and stored.

This 1997 Indré  Castello di Montegrosso is from the Piemonte region –  Castello di Montegrosso is the only azienda which produces this rare red wine “‘Indré”. Produced from the grapes of the same name together with other rare varieties grown in Piedmont in the Middle Ages, rediscovered & cultivated exclusively by Castello di Montegrosso.

ITL244

The wine – It is an original wine of exceptional nose, harmoniously blended, generous and rich, elegant and lingering with traces of Lily-of-the-Valley and almonds. The flavours are enhanced, warm and velvety – an attractive ruby red colour , a sensational bouquet of dark red berries and a taste of fruit and truffle. 

To view this fantastic Italian fine wine – click here to order

 

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