Yes, Autumn is most definitely upon us!
Well September has certainly been an emotional month for us all, notwithstanding the tragic loss of the Queen, with us as Monach for the last 70 years.
Also this month it’s domestically a big one for those parents with children sitting 11+ exams, children heading to ‘big school’ and those with older ones heading off to university. I think we have all needed a glass of wine at the end of the day!
I love September and would go as far as to say it is one of my favourite months of the year (April aside) as it’s the changing of the landscape, a quieter more reflective time whilst still able to get out in the fresh air before the clocks go back next month. That in turn really does then herald the arrival of Winter… but certainly let’s not go there yet and we can just enjoy these splendid weeks of Autumn.
We have lots going on in the coming weeks and months a head… so do keep a look out for lots of new events, including our ongoing tasting programme and of course, our ever expanding portfolio of products.
There are a number of new and exciting wines we are listing from Chile: for example, from the producer Viu Manent we recently tasted the Cinsault and Chardonnay and think they offer excellent quality – not forgetting their single vineyard La Capilla Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our new wines from Beaujolais have arrived also, and I am not talking about ‘Nouveau’ here – but several of the cru villages. We have listed the wonderful wines from Dominique Morel and Domaine Gry Sablon for almost 20 years now and will continue to do so – although you may or may not have noticed over the last few years we have expanded our offering from this region from the Beaujolais-villages and Fleurie; to wines from Jean-Marc Burgaud and his Morgon, Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly, Chateau Moulin a Vent.
Now we are thrilled to list new wines from Chateau de Fleurie, Fleurie and Chateau Bellevue ‘Les Charmes’ Morgon and Jean Loron ‘Les Thilbaults’ Brouilly, and if you are looking for a cool crisp white Burgundy then this Jean Loron Beaujolais-Blanc might interest you, made from 100% Chardonnay.
During our family summer holiday, we drove through this region. Whilst sadly I wasn’t allowed to stop (although in Rhone & Beaune I was!), I was however constantly shouting out the various village names associated with the wines I’d forgotten – also commenting on just how beautiful the countryside is in that part of France.
Next month (…amazingly only at the end of this week) we also turn our attention to the wines of Rioja and will do so for the duration of October.
Bodegas Ontanon Reserva Rioja 2015 is back in stock and we shall be listing their Gran Reserva 2010 which is something quite special!
Also, the white Riojas which we’ve been championing these last 12 months are finally getting the recognition they deserve: especially considering the way prices for white Burgundy have risen so much.
With that in mind, please look out for Izadi Rioja Blanco, Valenciso Rioja Blanco and Bodegas Manzanos Vina Vejas Rioja Blanco.
Whilst we focus on Spanish wines in October, I’m particularly excited about the arrival of some new wines from a tasting hosted by Raymond Reynolds earlier this month.
More to follow on that at a later date and meanwhile do keep an eye out in our Union Street shop or online!
Santé