Barrels & Bottles Wine Blog

Rose wine has made a massive surge into the market place in the last couple of years and no longer can it be considered as a lightweight alternative. Rose sales globally account for over 20% of the market, a far cry from when we laughed at the odd shaped Mateus bottle back in the 1970's.

The reasons for the resurgence of Rose are twofold. First of all the wine making techniques in warm countries have improved dramatically, with temperature controlled vats for the must, keeping must temperatures down and therefore retaining the lovely aromas of fruit which disappear if the must becomes hot or boiled.

The second reason is that Rose wines are now being made in a more serious way, using grape varieties such as Mourvedre, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot. These varieties have more weight and structure when made into traditional rose. The skins are left in contact with the juice to absorb colour and tannin, so the wine has the structure of a red wine, rather than of a lighter white style. Previously rose's were often made with white juice blended with red wine, but the pressed method gives a much more stable structure and the opportunity for the wine to develop over a couple of years.

Best examples in the market presently are Chateau Leoube, Cotes du Provence Rose. Fresh and zingy with good tannins and long finish, excellent with Seafood as well as on its own. Made from Mourvedre and Carignan grapes

For something a little fruitier Round Hill White Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California. Big and bold with bags of fruit and delicious aftertaste.

An article by Andrew Coghlan for City Business Magazine June/July 2008

Labels: california, france, rose, wine

Our Regional Sales Manager Matt Thompson successfully made it down the aisle.. in his own words:

"On 25th of June (bank holiday Sunday) I married my girl friend of 5 years. After a month of stress and anxiousness the day went without a hitch, even my speech when down well, it was fantastic to see all my work mates there cheering me on and buying me plenty of drinks. The weather could have been a little better but I guess that's when you get for getting married in Chesterfield.

Two days later I swapped the drab Chesterfield climate for a more exotic one as I whisked my wife off to the Island of Karumba in the Maldives. Situated on the equator in the heart of the Indian ocean it was about as far removed as you can get from Chesterfield. After 16 hours of travelling I was swimming with reef sharks and sting rays and lounging about on the kind of beach you normally only see in magazines.

After three weeks off work it was back down to reality with a bump as I landed in Manchester. The sky was grey and it was raining. I'm now back at work in Chesterfield as a married man (sorry Ladies). I have some great memories of both the wedding and the honeymoon as I now look forwards to seeing my work mate John Higgins get married on Saturday the 5th July. I wonder if he will be as nervous as I was?"

Labels: news, staff

After what seems like an eternity awaiting changes in the Budget, delivery costs and new winery listings Barrels & Bottles trade wine list is finally back from the printers. Existing customers will receive a copy automatically. If you have not yet received or would like to receive our trade list please contact Matt Thompson on 01246 453399

Labels: news, wine

We are proud to announce the winning medals for wines by Ackerman Remy Pannier:

International Wine & Spirit Challenge

Saumur Brut 1811 : Argent
Crémant de Loire Cuvée Privée : Bronze
Chardonnay brut Reminger : Bronze
VM Rosé Dry Reminger : Bronze
VMQ Chardonnay Tastemet : Bronze
VDP Sauvignon VDL DDV : Bronze
VDP Chenin VDL DDV : Bronze

Decanter Magazine
VDP Sauvignon VDL DDV : Bronze
VDP Chardonnay VDL DDV : Bronze
Chinon Magpie : Bronze

Labels: awards, news

News from Champagne Marguet:

"We are free from frost now since 15th May, and that's no doubt a good thing for our region. The wines have been growing fast since a month due to the alternance of rain and warm days. The pressure of mildew is therefore important for both organic or non organic growers."

"We had quite strong storms here and there, but no hale yet, fortunately. We expect to have dry conditions this week now. The blossom is just starting in the vineyards and we guess harvest will be starting towards the 10th of September."

Champagne Marguet is steadily growing. We have been selling 15% more in 2008 compare to the same period in 2007. We are going to develop and build more stocks from harvest 2008 (thanks to new grapes supply from the family), but there will be no change in our winemaking techniques, and we will always invest to keep on our style and quality. Only improvements can happen."


Benoit Marguet

Labels: champagne

The first 10 names from the hat of this years coin toss at the Nissan International Horse Trials are:

Richard Askham, Sheffield
Matthew Cooke, Rotherham
Kate Hardwick, Derby
Alex Collings, Sheffield
Jules Warren, Warwick
David Andrews, Manchester
Mary Winster, Leeds
Richard Calderwood, Stockport
T. Williams, Sheffield
Lena Chandler, Lincoln

Congratulations to all the winners, the magnums of Canard-Duchene are on their way.

The money from the coin toss was donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Labels: chatsworth, news

For a long time we have upported Sheffield Children's Hospital with their annual "Daffodil Ball" and have just received the following letter from coordinator David Fyfe:

"I am writing to let you know that the final total raised at this year's Ball was an incredible £162,000!"

"This was so much more than we could ever have hoped for and has enabled us to support Sheffield Children's Hospital to a much greater degree"

"We're so grateful for all your help over the years"

Labels: charity, news