Wine, food, cooking and accessories

Chocolates are the most sensual of gifts you can send your loved one this Valentines Day.

We have updated our range of Tiger J Chocolate truffles to include this limited edition Valentines Day box.

Still priced at just £9.95 the gift also feature a 25p donation to Born Free Foundation to help keep tigers safe and free in the wild.

Buy online or call in-store

In a totally un-scientific way with no exact figures, counting or statistical analysis we have seen a marked increase in the availability of both Organic and Bio-Dynamic wines here at Barrels & Bottles.

Bio-dynamic wines were launched initially to cries of “hokum” and marketing hyperbole. The dust (organic of course) has long since settled with ever increasing reports of bio-dynamic wines doing particularly well in blind tastings and easily standing toe-to-toe with their “normally” produced counterparts and often surpassing them.

We have collated all our dynamic and bio-dynamic wines together to allow you to see at a glance and try and judge these wines for yourself.

Organic and bio-dynamic wines online

We are pleased to announce the arrival of the petit Chablis from Bernard Defaix.

The Petit Chablis is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown on the flatter slopes and is characterised by it’s freshness. Only a small amount of the Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis is produced each year and is bottled 8 months after harvest to help retain the fresh vivacity for which it is renowned. Since 2004 the wines have been produced organically to bring out the true expression of the terroir and the skills of the winemakers.

Bernard Defaix, fourth generation of a family of vine-growers, started in 1959 with 2 hectares. At about this time, the first techniques for protecting vineyards from spring frosts were discovered. Over the years, Bernard and his wife Monique have acquired new land. Their efforts duly enriched the domain, which now included some of the best named places of the Chablis region. Today, true to the family tradition, the domain is run by Sylvain and Didier. Bernard nevertheless continues to provide his expert advice to his two sons.

The first step to successful winemaking begins in the vineyard itself. The training of the vines on organic farming with a very rigorous follow-up enables the grapes to reach their peak level of maturity and expression.

Available both in our Chesterfield store or you can order Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis online, both for £12.89

Online retailers and bottlers Master of Malt have announced the launch of the world’s hottest chilli vodka, “100,000 Scovilles – Naga Chilli Vodka”, made by infusing vodka with the world’s hottest chilli – the Naga Jolokia.

This vodka is certainly not intended to be drunk neat, as it is incredibly fiery, so much each bottle comes with a very lengthy warning! It is named 100,000 Scovilles in reference to the units used to measure the heat of chillies. Each Scoville unit denotes how many times the chilli must be diluted by its own mass of water until the heat is only just detectable. A Jalapeno, for example, has around 5,000, and so you can imagine just how potent Master of Malt’s new chilli vodka really is! The Naga Jolokia, used to make the vodka, can exceed 1,000,000 Scovilles, which is more than most Law Enforcement-grade Pepper Spray.

Master of Malt recommend 100,000 Scovilles – Naga Chilli Vodka be used sparingly to add spice to exotic cocktails, or even in cooking. They strongly urge you do not drink it neat, and definitely do not have it as a shot.

You can buy a bottle of 100,000 Scovilles vodka for £31.95 here: http://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/100000-scovilles-naga-chilli-vodka/

Although you probably shouldn’t…

The company issues this warning on the site:

By purchasing this bottle, you agree that:

1) I have been warned and fully understand that this product contains extreme heat and should be used and handled responsibly.

2) I use this product entirely at my own risk and I understand the potential danger if used or handled irresponsibly. If I give this product as a gift I will make the recipient aware of the potential danger if used or handled irresponsibly.

3) I accept that the retailer and manufacturer of this product will, under no circumstances, be responsible for, or liable for, any claims of injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product and by purchasing this product, whether for myself or as a gift, I acknowledge and agree to this fact without question.

4) I am not inebriated or of unsound mind and am fully able to make a rational decision to purchase this product.

Wednesday 18th April

Barrels & Bottles are proud to host an evening exclusively devoted to Italian wines. These wine will not be just regular Italian wine but we are going premium and rare . Enjoy wines from the exclusive village of Bolgheri along with the rare Sicilian Catuj shiraz. We will also look at some more the more famous premium Italian wine like Barolo, Amarone and Gavi. This really is a treat for Italian wine fans or anyone looking to broaden their knowledge.

Bread & Cheese will be served with this event.

£20.00 per person

Book online or with Matt Thompson on 01246 453399

Thursday 14th March 2011

With guest speaker Jonny Bingham from JNV Vintners. We take you on a specialist tour of Argentina, Chile and the USA. We look at some very specific micro terrior areas of Chile with the Casa silver producers along with some top Malbec from Argentina. Jonny is always a great speaker and his knowledge is second to non.

£15.00 per person

Book online or with Matt Thompson on 01246 453399

Wednesday 22rd May 2012

Master Chefs of great Britain Simon Lilley & Bryan Thompson take you through a 3 courses celebration of not just British but English seasonal produce. What better way to celebrate St George’s day. The rest of the British Isles celebrate their national St’s day while we seem to neglect ours.

At Barrels & Bottles we have the added bonus of matching t each dish with some classic wines , we may even try some of the English wines on offer. Special dietary requirement can be catered for.

Time : 7pm

Venue : Barrels & Bottles

Cost : £35 per head

Food : 3 courses including wine

Bookings online or with Matt Thompson on 01246 453399

We are pleased to announced the new listing of 2006 Domain Saint Luc “Cuvée Emiliane”, Coteaux du Tricastin AC.

Following the grape harvest, the grapes are prepared for crushing. To avoid hard tannins getting into the wines, the grapes are de-stalked, and any debris is removed. Once this is completed, the traditional wine-making procedures can begin.

For the red wine, the fermentation – a crucial step – takes place after eight to 20 days of settling. It is only by experienced tasting that the right moment can be chosen for this step to begin. For the white and rosé wines, the grapes are crushed on arrival at the winery; the grape must is then kept at a low temperature to preserve all the subtle flavours.

The wine is then stored in barrels to age, to mature, and, by doing so, give to the wine the delicate flavours and tastes of the soil and grape. The time allowed for ageing will depend on the particular needs and characteristics of each wine.

Domaine Saint Luc Cuvée Emiliane is price at £9.90 per bottle and is available to buy in-store or online

Make a note in your diary against Wednesday 19th December for the annual Barrels & Bottles Christmas wine tasting party.

Costing just £28.00 per person this event comprises 2 course hot buffet and a tasting of 8 wines suitable for the festive season.

Book online or call Matt Thompson on 01246 453399

Pop in-store for a monster clearance on cheese. Retail manager Matt Thompson has put together a half price clearance offer on Wensleydale, Cheddars and Stiltons. If you have any oaties or cheese biscuits left from Christmas this is the perfect way to make use of them.

Phone Matt on 01246 453399 or call in-store for his “Cheesy Deals” … also ask about the deal he is running on bottles of Port to go with them.