Barrels & Bottles Wine Blog
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Simon and Christian have just announced the mouth-watering menu for this years Sporting Chefs event in October. The celebrity chefs will have their work cut out but with the ever watchful eye and guidance from our resident experts we are sure they will turn out a feast better than last year.
The 2009 harvest of Simonsig, South Africa, rekindled fond memories of the classic 1966 surf movie, The Endless Summer, as it was a year of near perfect weather conditions with no end to the balmy, sundrenched days which lingered deep into April.
After 11 weeks of harvesting fun and fears, we can happily proclaim that ‘life at Simonsig is indeed a beach’ as we anticipate an exceptional vintage of well-balanced, quality wines that show remarkable flavour, complexity and high acids.
After an exceptionally wet winter the soils were well saturated and throughout the growing season the quintessential Mediterranean climate prevailed. However, it was the idyllic cooler conditions, which lasted from spring until February, that ensured a slower ripening of the early varietals this year. These lower temperatures were especially beneficial to the quality and varietal character of our Sauvignon blanc grapes, lending a balanced natural acidity and terrific concentrated flavours.
This year the first meaningful rainfall only made its appearance at the end of harvest, which allowed the longest possible hang time for the late varieties to reach maturity and refined flavour spectrums. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Mourvédre are all varieties which benefited from the longer optimal ripening and already show finesse with soft, smooth tannins and voluptuous, ripe flavours. Well-rounded wines, with good colour and outstanding fruit intensity are expected across Simonsig’s entire red wine portfolio this year.
In addition to superb weather conditions Simonsig also celebrated a disease free year with virtually no sign of mealy bug, the main culprit in spreading leaf roll and other dreaded viral diseases which are shortening the lifespan of our South African vineyards.
This year saw a 9% increase in the harvest from Simonsig’s own vineyards due to new plantings of Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer which made a worthy contribution.
Johan Malan
Simonsig Chief Winemaker and Cellar Master
After 11 weeks of harvesting fun and fears, we can happily proclaim that ‘life at Simonsig is indeed a beach’ as we anticipate an exceptional vintage of well-balanced, quality wines that show remarkable flavour, complexity and high acids.
After an exceptionally wet winter the soils were well saturated and throughout the growing season the quintessential Mediterranean climate prevailed. However, it was the idyllic cooler conditions, which lasted from spring until February, that ensured a slower ripening of the early varietals this year. These lower temperatures were especially beneficial to the quality and varietal character of our Sauvignon blanc grapes, lending a balanced natural acidity and terrific concentrated flavours.
This year the first meaningful rainfall only made its appearance at the end of harvest, which allowed the longest possible hang time for the late varieties to reach maturity and refined flavour spectrums. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Mourvédre are all varieties which benefited from the longer optimal ripening and already show finesse with soft, smooth tannins and voluptuous, ripe flavours. Well-rounded wines, with good colour and outstanding fruit intensity are expected across Simonsig’s entire red wine portfolio this year.
In addition to superb weather conditions Simonsig also celebrated a disease free year with virtually no sign of mealy bug, the main culprit in spreading leaf roll and other dreaded viral diseases which are shortening the lifespan of our South African vineyards.
This year saw a 9% increase in the harvest from Simonsig’s own vineyards due to new plantings of Chenin blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer which made a worthy contribution.
Johan Malan
Simonsig Chief Winemaker and Cellar Master
Labels: simonsig, south africa
Over £500,000 worth of Champagne Louis Roederer was stolen last week with thieves conning the driver to deliver to the wrong place.
The 1,128 cases of Louis Roederer (producers of Brut Premier and Cristal) were destined for the underground bonded warehouse at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The thieves intercepted the lorry and diverted him half a mile away and stole the consignment!
With supplies of Louis Roederer already scarce in the UK the importers MMD are less than happy to say the least.
The 1,128 cases of Louis Roederer (producers of Brut Premier and Cristal) were destined for the underground bonded warehouse at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The thieves intercepted the lorry and diverted him half a mile away and stole the consignment!
With supplies of Louis Roederer already scarce in the UK the importers MMD are less than happy to say the least.
Labels: champagne, louis roederer
Champagne house Perrier-Jouët has marked the release of its latest vintage with an historic tasting of 20 champagnes — five from the 19th century, 14 from the 20th and one from the 21st.
Perrier-Jouët invited 12 wine experts to its ‘liquid history ceremony’ where the cork was extracted from the oldest vintage champagne still in existence, a Perrier-Jouët 1825.
“Each sip would have been worth hundreds of euros at auction,” said Serena Sutcliffe, head of Sotheby’s international wine department.
But how could a champagne maintain its sparkle 184 years after it had been sealed? It was closed with cork, of course. The cork, handcrafted in one piece as was the practice in those days, was still intact and had kept the champagne in top condition.
The experts were amazed at the freshness and youthfulness of the wine as well as its complexity of flavours.
Further cork news...
Perrier-Jouët invited 12 wine experts to its ‘liquid history ceremony’ where the cork was extracted from the oldest vintage champagne still in existence, a Perrier-Jouët 1825.
“Each sip would have been worth hundreds of euros at auction,” said Serena Sutcliffe, head of Sotheby’s international wine department.
But how could a champagne maintain its sparkle 184 years after it had been sealed? It was closed with cork, of course. The cork, handcrafted in one piece as was the practice in those days, was still intact and had kept the champagne in top condition.
The experts were amazed at the freshness and youthfulness of the wine as well as its complexity of flavours.
Further cork news...
Wine Spectator recently tasted the 2007 vintage range of wines from von Schleinitz with positive results:
Koberner Weissenberg Rielsing Spätlese - 91
"Firm and focused, with peach and citrus notes matched to ample flesh in the middle. It's all nicely balanced, with a plenty of mineral on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2016"
Koberner Weisenberg Riesling Spätlese - 91 Points
"Rich and shot through with mineral, giving a more savory, spicy impression than fruit. The slate element is complemented by peach and grapefruit, with a juicy acidity that says, "Drink me." Drink now through 2030."
Koberner Weisenberg Riesling Kabinett - 90 Points
"There's an austerity about this kabinett, though it's elegant and well-integrated. Peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavors hold court with a lining of mineral, followed by a nice salty aftertaste. Drink now through 2022."
Slatestone Riesling QbA - 84 Points
"An open, easy white, off dry and offering light apple, grapefruit and spice flavors. Modest length. Drink now."
Koberner Weissenberg Rielsing Spätlese - 91
"Firm and focused, with peach and citrus notes matched to ample flesh in the middle. It's all nicely balanced, with a plenty of mineral on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2016"
Koberner Weisenberg Riesling Spätlese - 91 Points
"Rich and shot through with mineral, giving a more savory, spicy impression than fruit. The slate element is complemented by peach and grapefruit, with a juicy acidity that says, "Drink me." Drink now through 2030."
Koberner Weisenberg Riesling Kabinett - 90 Points
"There's an austerity about this kabinett, though it's elegant and well-integrated. Peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavors hold court with a lining of mineral, followed by a nice salty aftertaste. Drink now through 2022."
Slatestone Riesling QbA - 84 Points
"An open, easy white, off dry and offering light apple, grapefruit and spice flavors. Modest length. Drink now."
Labels: germany, mosel, von schleinitz, wines
The 2008 wine report shows the following league table of wine producing Countries by value for the UK market:
1. Australia : 23.6%
2. France : 16.8%
3. USA : 16.3%
4. Italy : 11.3%
5. South Africa : 8.1%
6. Chile : 7.3%
7. Spain : 6.8%
8. New Zealand : 3.3%
9. Germany : 3.1%
10. Argentina : 1.4%
It will be interesting to see if France can cling on to 2nd spot in the next reports. It is good to see Germany in at number 9.
1. Australia : 23.6%
2. France : 16.8%
3. USA : 16.3%
4. Italy : 11.3%
5. South Africa : 8.1%
6. Chile : 7.3%
7. Spain : 6.8%
8. New Zealand : 3.3%
9. Germany : 3.1%
10. Argentina : 1.4%
It will be interesting to see if France can cling on to 2nd spot in the next reports. It is good to see Germany in at number 9.
Labels: wine
If you have an unloved collection of Whisky decanters why not turn them in to cash - list your decanters for sale on our website for a one-off listing fee of just £2.50
The listing stays in place for as long as the decanter is for sale - no need to worry about listing dates and it ending without being purchased. List 5 decanters and get another 2 listed free of charges.
Commission free selling
We simply advertise your decanters to millions of people around the world - we do not take a penny in commission - what ever you sell it for is all yours.
The listing stays in place for as long as the decanter is for sale - no need to worry about listing dates and it ending without being purchased. List 5 decanters and get another 2 listed free of charges.
Commission free selling
We simply advertise your decanters to millions of people around the world - we do not take a penny in commission - what ever you sell it for is all yours.
Labels: whisky decanters
Bolstering our range of wines from New Zealand we have just taken arrival of the Mud House range. The range includes from Marlborough:
Mud House Sauvignon Blanc
Mud House Pinot Gris
Mud House Riesling
Mud House Pinot Noir
... and from the Otago vineyards
Mud House Swan Reserve Pinot Noir
Typically wine wines from New Zealand the Mud House Sauvignon Blanc receives the most attention and has all the hallmark ripe flavours of passionfruit and gooseberry. The tropical tones blend perfectly with citrus and nettle notes with the zingy acidity balancing the long, harmonious finish.
Wines carrying the Mud House labels account for around 90% of total production and proudly acts as an Ambassador for premium New Zealand wines.
Mud House Sauvignon Blanc
Mud House Pinot Gris
Mud House Riesling
Mud House Pinot Noir
... and from the Otago vineyards
Mud House Swan Reserve Pinot Noir
Typically wine wines from New Zealand the Mud House Sauvignon Blanc receives the most attention and has all the hallmark ripe flavours of passionfruit and gooseberry. The tropical tones blend perfectly with citrus and nettle notes with the zingy acidity balancing the long, harmonious finish.
Wines carrying the Mud House labels account for around 90% of total production and proudly acts as an Ambassador for premium New Zealand wines.
Labels: mud house, new zealand
Château Camplazens was awarded two gold medals in international competitions this year
Premium 2007 - Gold Medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards
La Garrigue 2007 - Gold Medal in the International Wine challenge, the IWC.
These awards continue the recognition of the quality of the wines from Château Camplazens in international competitions and follow the Southern French Red Trophy for the Premium 2006 in last years IWC and the Languedoc Roussillon Trophy for La Garrigue 2004 also from the IWC in 2007 .
LA Clape is now officially an Appellation d'Origine Controllee
On 29th May 2009 the Standing Committee of the Institution National des Appellations d'Origine, in Paris, the INAO, unanimously approved the application which had been submitted by the Syndicat des Producteurs de La Clape for AOC status. La Clape is now formally recognized as being a geographically defined wine producing area of specific identity and character.
The INAO was created in 1935 as part of the French Ministry of Agriculture, the Chambre d'Agriculture with powers to administer and adjudicate the standards of winemaking in defined geographical areas. It regulates the use of noteworthy place names and product labeling to ensure proper identification of the wine with its provenance.
La Clape which literally means "Limestone Mountain" in the "Languedoc" - the ancient language of the South of France is a limestone mountain situated between Narbonne and the coast. Chateau Camplazens lies at its heart on the site of an Ancient Roman Settlement at an elevation of 500 feet above the Mediterranean Sea.
Camplazens is recognized on La Clape for exceptional "Terroir"
Château Camplazens is situated on one of the table-top plateaux of La Clape consisting of Mediterranean red soils with a sandy/silt/clay texture on a base of limestone. In 1993 a study of the potential to grow quality grapes on La Clape by the French Ministry of Agriculture reached the following conclusion.
"From a geological perspective, the soils of Camplazens are very different from
the other areas on La Clape. Moreover the expected yields are much lower, in other words that is to say un grand terroir. The potential of the areas of the vineyard which can be cultivated is considerable"
Premium 2007 - Gold Medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards
La Garrigue 2007 - Gold Medal in the International Wine challenge, the IWC.
These awards continue the recognition of the quality of the wines from Château Camplazens in international competitions and follow the Southern French Red Trophy for the Premium 2006 in last years IWC and the Languedoc Roussillon Trophy for La Garrigue 2004 also from the IWC in 2007 .
LA Clape is now officially an Appellation d'Origine Controllee
On 29th May 2009 the Standing Committee of the Institution National des Appellations d'Origine, in Paris, the INAO, unanimously approved the application which had been submitted by the Syndicat des Producteurs de La Clape for AOC status. La Clape is now formally recognized as being a geographically defined wine producing area of specific identity and character.
The INAO was created in 1935 as part of the French Ministry of Agriculture, the Chambre d'Agriculture with powers to administer and adjudicate the standards of winemaking in defined geographical areas. It regulates the use of noteworthy place names and product labeling to ensure proper identification of the wine with its provenance.
La Clape which literally means "Limestone Mountain" in the "Languedoc" - the ancient language of the South of France is a limestone mountain situated between Narbonne and the coast. Chateau Camplazens lies at its heart on the site of an Ancient Roman Settlement at an elevation of 500 feet above the Mediterranean Sea.
Camplazens is recognized on La Clape for exceptional "Terroir"
Château Camplazens is situated on one of the table-top plateaux of La Clape consisting of Mediterranean red soils with a sandy/silt/clay texture on a base of limestone. In 1993 a study of the potential to grow quality grapes on La Clape by the French Ministry of Agriculture reached the following conclusion.
"From a geological perspective, the soils of Camplazens are very different from
the other areas on La Clape. Moreover the expected yields are much lower, in other words that is to say un grand terroir. The potential of the areas of the vineyard which can be cultivated is considerable"
Labels: chateau camplazens, france, languedoc
Sheffield's answer to Jamie Oliver is poised to serve up a treat for clueless chefs – as long as they agree to pass on the benefit to their families. Janet Coghlan, head of Coghlan's Cookery School, is offering 16 free places on a beginners' cookery course, each worth £150.
In the style of Jamie's Ministry of Food, members will be taught how to make simple tasty dishes including omelette's, roast chicken, soup, pie, curry and casserole. All equipment and ingredients will be supplied. But, unlike Jamie, Janet won't ask her students to teach their new-found skills to others – instead, they will be expected to go home and simply cook a meal for their families.
"Children get introduced to good food at school but when they go home it's the parents who can't cook. So we want to target the parents," says Janet.
To apply for a place please read the rest of article in the Sheffield Telegraph
In the style of Jamie's Ministry of Food, members will be taught how to make simple tasty dishes including omelette's, roast chicken, soup, pie, curry and casserole. All equipment and ingredients will be supplied. But, unlike Jamie, Janet won't ask her students to teach their new-found skills to others – instead, they will be expected to go home and simply cook a meal for their families.
"Children get introduced to good food at school but when they go home it's the parents who can't cook. So we want to target the parents," says Janet.
To apply for a place please read the rest of article in the Sheffield Telegraph
Labels: cookery school
As part of the Wine Schoppen Group we have a long heritage in the supply of German wines in the UK. This peaked in 1991 with Wine Schoppen winning the coveted German Specialist of the Year Award by the Which Wine Guide.
With an ever increasing barrage of wines from the New World it is fair to say German wines have been somewhat in decline volume wise in the UK. This decline has been compounded by the sugar sweet German wines produced to meet a specific price point.
Upon trying a quality German wine most wine drinkers are totally surprised by the quality and range of styles available. I would be a wealthy man if I had £1.00 each time a customer in the shop exclaims "I never realised Germany made red wines".
Building upon our company history we are due to import a range of 46 new wines from Germany. These cover a wide range of styles and areas but with a common emphasis on quality and enjoyment. A few of the highlights include :
2007er Münsterer Kapellenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken
2004er Würzburger Stein Weißer Burgunder Spätlese Trocken
2002er Durbacher Schloß Grohl Klingelberger Riesling Auslese Trocken
2005er Oberrotweiler Spätburgunder Rotwein Eiswein
2001er Bechtolsheimer Homberg Chardonnay Eiswein
2007er Münsterer Königsschloss Spätburgunder Rosé Halbtrocken
2004er Untertürkheimer Herzogenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken
With prices ranging from £10.00 to £79.00 (for the red Eiswein - how rare is that?) there is a style, taste and sweetness for everyone to discover. Looking at some of the names we should hold a competition for the best pronunciation - thankfully all you need to do is hit the buy button so no need for tongue-twisting orders.
The range comes from the acclaimed Bremer Ratskeller whose vaults are home to some exceptional and rare wine. They look after the largest collection of German vintage wine in the world. Among them is Germany's oldest, drinkable wine in bottles - a Rudesheimer Apostelkeller dating from 1727.
Each year Ratskellermeister Karl-Josef Krotz searches for the very best of the recent vintages. He tastes more than 3,000 wines, but only about 150 are finally selected and granted the label "Bremer Ratskeller"
With an ever increasing barrage of wines from the New World it is fair to say German wines have been somewhat in decline volume wise in the UK. This decline has been compounded by the sugar sweet German wines produced to meet a specific price point.
Upon trying a quality German wine most wine drinkers are totally surprised by the quality and range of styles available. I would be a wealthy man if I had £1.00 each time a customer in the shop exclaims "I never realised Germany made red wines".
Building upon our company history we are due to import a range of 46 new wines from Germany. These cover a wide range of styles and areas but with a common emphasis on quality and enjoyment. A few of the highlights include :
2007er Münsterer Kapellenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken
2004er Würzburger Stein Weißer Burgunder Spätlese Trocken
2002er Durbacher Schloß Grohl Klingelberger Riesling Auslese Trocken
2005er Oberrotweiler Spätburgunder Rotwein Eiswein
2001er Bechtolsheimer Homberg Chardonnay Eiswein
2007er Münsterer Königsschloss Spätburgunder Rosé Halbtrocken
2004er Untertürkheimer Herzogenberg Riesling Kabinett Trocken
With prices ranging from £10.00 to £79.00 (for the red Eiswein - how rare is that?) there is a style, taste and sweetness for everyone to discover. Looking at some of the names we should hold a competition for the best pronunciation - thankfully all you need to do is hit the buy button so no need for tongue-twisting orders.
The range comes from the acclaimed Bremer Ratskeller whose vaults are home to some exceptional and rare wine. They look after the largest collection of German vintage wine in the world. Among them is Germany's oldest, drinkable wine in bottles - a Rudesheimer Apostelkeller dating from 1727.
Each year Ratskellermeister Karl-Josef Krotz searches for the very best of the recent vintages. He tastes more than 3,000 wines, but only about 150 are finally selected and granted the label "Bremer Ratskeller"
Wine merchants often bang on about wines tasting of Parma Violets ... the much loved sweets from formative years. Which leads to the question when did these wine experts last taste Parma Violets to confirm these comparison?
I am lucky enough to be ploughing my way through my second pack and whilst not as intense as I remembered they are certainly brimming with floral flavours and do remind me of Chilean Merlot and Carmenere. I did not realise they are now available in a giant-sized version ... are these the jeroboam equivalents?
I am lucky enough to be ploughing my way through my second pack and whilst not as intense as I remembered they are certainly brimming with floral flavours and do remind me of Chilean Merlot and Carmenere. I did not realise they are now available in a giant-sized version ... are these the jeroboam equivalents?
John Higgins
Barrels and Bottles
Unit 5b Broom Business Park, Bridge Way, Sheepbridge
Chesterfield
,
Derbyshire
,
S41 9QG
England
01246 453399
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