- We want to have a broad range of fabulous - mainly French - wines.
- We want the wines to be really good value too; so with some of the more expensive wines we only charge a flat mark up. This means you can drink some exceptional wines – at exceptional prices. Just have a look at some of the wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Sancerrre!
- We only offer wines that we have tasted and really like and in most cases we know the wine producers and have been to their vineyards, in some instances many times.
There are some areas of focus – we have a number of wines represented by sauvignon – or sauvignon blanc as the rest of the world calls it. We have some exceptional wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy but we are also huge fans of the wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south of France and you will find a section on the wines from Campuget near to Nimes—they are real favourites of ours.
We also now have our own wine, Cuvee de l’auberge which we have selected from growers in the south west. We think it is terrific.
We would encourage you to experiment – our pricing policy is aimed at helping you to try something new, sometimes that might be at the higher end of the price range elsewhere but with us is not, so that you can discover wines that may otherwise remain off your radar.
We host regular wine events throughout the year - let us have your email address and we will keep you informed of all our wine related activities.
Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc is the embodiment of fresh and crisp white wine. Only in France do they refer to it simply as Sauvignon where it has its fullest expression in Sancerre and across the Loire valley.
In the New World you drink it as fast as it goes into the bottle, in Sancerre it is fabulous for a few years. Interestingly more sauvignon is grown in Bordeauxthan in the Loire but much of it is used in blending, particularly with semillon. The Loire also gives us Muscadet - perfect with all seafood and always a reminder of summer holidays.
One of the best examples of a sophisticated Sancerre - fresh yet deep, full bodied and very smooth. The Mellots have been making wine in Sancerre for centuries. Alphonse owns one of the loveliest houses in Sancerre - made from the profits of being one of the great wine growers in the town.
A slight tingle on the tongue with a lovely lightness. Crisp acidity with a fresh mineral tone. From the extreme west of the region, almost in the Atlantic—and always the perfect accompaniment for moules marinieres.
Unusual dry, smoky, musky sauvignon from the other side of the river to Sancerre. Don’t forge Puilly Fuisse is burgundy, consequently Chardonnay - no wonder the French confuse the rest of he world!!!
A delicious example of Sancerre with a fresh grapefruit and lemon flavour with a lemony finish. The Millet’s have been making wine in Sancerre for 5 generations from their 20 hectare estate.
A delicate sauvignon with aromas of white flowers, passion fruit and grapefruit from the heart of the region close to the most famous chateaux de Loire.
New Zealand's and perhaps the world’s best sauvignon blanc (as distinct from sauvignon!). They were awarded White Wine of the Year in September 2008. Beautifully fresh but also with a very soft balance.
Probably the most famous wine variety of all and the most adaptable.
The boomtime in heavily oaked chardonnays from Australia has now passed leaving the field open for people to discover that chardonnay is a grape of enormous range and sophistication .
The wines here represent some very different styles from France. Our pricing policy is intended to help you try some real gems - particularly the Meursault and Puligny Montrachet.
A lovely example of a Chablis for everyday drinking. Characteristically fresh, dry and crisp.
One of our favourites. The vineyard is spitting distance from the Mediterranean in the Languedoc. Not oaked but still with nice buttery overtones.
Great entry level white burgundy, from southern burgundy. Quite floral and a hint of fruit.
From a single vineyard site this is an exquisite example of Burgundian Chardonnay at its best
From one of the finest hillside sites in Montagny this wine is a wonderful example of a dry white burgundy and is smooth with just a hint of oak.
Epitomises the “new” Chablis. Each terroir is separately identified by this producer of very old vines. Long and spontaneous fermentation with the minimum of intervention make Patrick’s wines very special. This is a really clear mineral wine.
From one of the largest, oldest and finest producers in Burgundy. Fresh minerality and lovely balanced complexity produces this classically styled Puligny - one of the truly great wines of the world
From New Zealand but this wine compares well with the finest chardonnays at a fantastic price.
Situated between Mâcon and Beaujolais in the southern region of Burgundy. A relatively new appellation which surrounds the three Pouilly appellations and is simply delicious. St Veran has a greater substance and are more robust than other wines from the Mâcon.
It is often forgotten that the Languedoc Rousillon wine region of France produces 10% of the world production of wine. Previously wines were grown for quantity but in the past 20 years a revolution has taken place with some of the most innovative wine developments occurring in this region.
We are also particularly close to the Dalle family of Chateau de Campuget near Nimes in the extreme east of the region. Our own Cuvee de l’auberge has been specially selected to represent the south west region - we think you will really enjoy it.
An Andre Brunel wine grown just south of Chateuneuf du Pape. A blend of roussane, clairette and grenache white. If this wine came from the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation then it would be considerably more expensive. Andre Brunel consistently makes wonderful wines.
Our own wine. We have selected this wine from a winemaker we have known for many years and have asked them to make a wine that really represents the south west area. Well made but also rustic - representing the Languedoc region and the regions main grape varieties. This wine comes from the Aude and we believe is a perfect match for our style of foods. We sell this wine by the glass, the carafe and the bottle. We are very proud to be able to bring you our own wine.
Picpoul is the best selling wine on the French Mediterranean coast and this domaine - between the sea and the Cevennes) benefits from a soil base of limestone, silica and gravel and has the advantage of a southerly aspect and a maritime breeze. This is summer!
A fabulous example of finely made Alsatian wine.
From one of the great wine producers of Alsace - thirteen generations of wine making - this classic Riesling comes from the heart of the best wine producing area. 100% Reisling.
Made from a classic Rhone white grape and often at the heart of some of the great Rhone blends. Here red dominating to give a ripe freshness.
60% White Grenache and 40% Viognier. A peachy nose with a hint of spiciness on the palate with bright fresh fruit, crisp acidity and a long finish. The wine is un-oaked so it retains its fruitiness. From our friends - the Dalle family just outside Nimes.
A simply superb wine from the northern Rhone. A blend of mainly Marsanne and Roussane from one of the finest producers of this region.
A little bit of fizz can certainly help the day off to a good start. An old boss of mine insisted on keeping a cold bottle of champagne in the fridge. ‘You never know when you might want to celebrate something’.
We have known Francois Moutard for 15 years and his family have been making wine since 13th century and champagne since the 18th century. The Moutard family grow all their own grapes - unusual in Champagne - and the wines reflect superb winemaking skills. In blind tastings Moutard always beats the famous names that are considerably more expensive.
One of the oldest champagne houses - founded in 1760. A very light style with 50% pinot noir. A favourite of The Queen.
Solely made from chardonnay. Vivacious fine nose. Been to vineyard—have sampled all of Francois’ Champagnes. This is a real favourite.
We love this. Francois Moutard and family have been making champers here in the picturesque village of Buxeuil in the southern champagne area for 600 years!
Light bodied, crisp and refreshing sparkling wine. For me, its definitely my preference on a day to day basis and its credit crunchingly cheaper. In Venice you will hear the locals ask….. ‘time for a proseccino?’ Made by one of the pioneering families of prosecco - now in their fourth generation.
Founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart, a descendant of the legendary Benedictine monk Thierry Rouinart. This is one of the most famous and prestigious champagne houses in the world. Champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay.
A fabulous Rosé, that is presented at its best in the wonderful and unique Ruinart bottle.
A fabulous Rosé, that is presented at its best in the wonderful and unique Ruinart bottle.
A region for great rustic and bold red wines.
A constant factor in this long valley is the wind - blowing north to south - the mistral. A region of huge variation from the very windy northern Rhone with its continental climate down towards the Mediterranean where the wind is gentler and the main climactic features are last days and warm nights.
Wines match the land and climactic variation and often depend on the extent of shelter afforded by a bend in the river or a sudden headland.. An exciting area of classic names and new developments.
Made from 100% Syrah from the oldest vines on this estate and then aged for twelve months in
large oak barrels. A stunning wine.
This is 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mouvedre. No oak ageing, producing a lovely light everyday wine from Costieres de Nimes, in the southern Rhone.
Fifteen different grapes, one brilliant wine. The pope’s house wine is always superb and Andre Brunel is one of France’s most respected wine makers.
A sumptuous wine made from 100% syrah in the northern Rhone: intense, brooding and full bodied with hints of liquorice, herbs and deep plumy flavours.
Northern Rhone. Straight Syrah - smoky bacon flavours, plum fruit with hints of black olives.
Our favourite wines from the southern Rhone seem to have a bit of “the farmyard” about them - concentrated, beefy red wines at great prices, brilliant with duck or couscous or steak. This wine epitomises the region.
“The best village in the Southern Rhone.” Rich colour, full nose, jammy flavours. Syrah tough with the usual Grenache. If you only want to drink one Cotes du Rhone, then this should be it! Another lovely wine from Andre Brunel.
Currently the world’s favourite red wine - and rightly so. Complex and tricky to grow and at its finest in Burgundy where it is the only red grape used in red Burgundies. Wine makers everywhere try to tame the grape and to emulate those wines made in this fabulous part of France.
Our range here offers a variety from old to new world. Cote D’or derives from Cote d’Orient - denoting that the vineyards faced eastwards, not that the wines are as expensive as gold - which some might feel they can be!
Another superb wine from Andre Brunel. This well made wine is a vibrant example of a rich fruit pinot
noir with a touch of spice. A great wine for lamb or duck.
Made from fifty year old vines this one hundred and twenty year old estate uses sustainable farming methods and no herbicides. This is an example of a wonderfully complex pinot noir.
Givry was by all accounts the favourite wine of King Henry IV - coming as it did from the birthplace of
his mistress. Light but well structured and a great example of a burgundian pinot noir. Joblot always
produce very sophisticated wine.
Some say that this is the finest pinot noir made outside Burgundy. Located in a sublime vineyard at Hermanus along the coast from Cape Town. Chosen by the Hamilton Russell family specifically to grow burgundian style wines with the vineyards being cooled by the south Atlantic breeze. This is a real treat at a great price.
An amazing story of a family of negociants since 1610 and only last year the family decided to distribute
their own wines.
From the southern end of the Cote de Beaune from a family vineyard founded in 1839. This Santenay
produces rounded but very robust wines. Absolutely delicious.
Still the absolute benchmark for fine wines throughout the world. Despite all the fantastic developments elsewhere - in France and around the world - wine growers everywhere look to Bordeaux. This region is a study all of its own with remarkable variations between the different appellations. This is the very centre of the world’s fine wine industry.
Over the years we have visited most of these châteaux and have some wonderful tastings and experiences. This is where we hope our pricing policy offers you something really special. We charge only a markup on these wines.
Try them and enjoy them.
PAUILLAC, MEDOC
One of the wines from the 1855 classification – and a great Pauillac. We have been lucky to visit the site and to eat in the Chateau with the head of the Casteja family, who own some fabulous chateaux in Bordeaux. 70% cabernet sauvignon - a good structure with great balance and characteristic cedary notes through to a firm finish and fine tannins.
SAINT ESTEPHE, MEDOC
Chateau Beau site lies on one of the highest points of the Medoc with a wonderful view over the Gironde. This is one of the best chateaus in the appellation of St Estephe. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Full of character, full bodied and elegant.
ST EMILLION
Merlot/cabernet blend. Warm cooked fruit character with a good smack of oaky, vanilla flavours.
ST EMILLION
Chateau Fleur de Lisse is made from 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc and a touch of malbec grown on clay and limestone soils.
POMEROL
A stones throw from châteaux Le Pin and Petrus – this is a wonderful example of the finest Pomerol.
Velvety, plummy but very smooth. Our pricing policy makes this an absolute delight.
There have been some outstanding developments around France in the past 20 years with the Languedoc providing a drive for innovation.
Our Fleurie here represents the best from Beaujolais.
We are delighted to be able to offer you our own wine. Coming from the south west of France - our own heartland - and made for us by longstanding and highly regarded wine makers
The Miquel family have owned their estate since 1791 and have been refining their philosophy for over 200 years. Their aim is to make the finest wines in St Chinian looking to make the best wines with the best grapes on this classical Languedoc terroir. This wine is made from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache using entirely natural methods and very low yields. This is a superb wine that typifies the strengths of this region
South west of Carcassonne these wines are a combination of Bordeaux style wines frown with Mediterranean climate and soil. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot five real hints of Bordeaux class…. at a fraction of the price!
Our own wine. We have selected this wine from a winemaker we have known for many years and have asked them to make a wine that really represents the south west area. Well made but also
rustic - representing the Languedoc region and the regions main grape varieties. This wine comes
from the - and we believe is a perfect match for our style of foods. We sell this wine by the glass,
the carafe and the bottle. We are very proud of our own wine.
North of Beziers and Pezenas Fougeres is a 2000 hectare AC and is growing in worldwide reputation as an area of fabulous new developments in wine. 40% Grenache, 40% Carignan, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourdevre.
Beaujolais from the hills. Elegant floral nose. Cherries and summer fruits on the finish.
From a family wstate of just 8 hectares of the wine development “hothouse” of the Languedoc. This is a handcrafted wine made from 55% Mourvedre and 45% Syrah hand picked and matured according to each year’s tasting.
Fleshy merlot, generous yet velvety. Perfect house merlot.
Probably of the all the wine varieties that typify a summer holiday in France then rosé is it. Sitting on a terrace , or by a pool , and being basked by late evening warmth rose can be the perfect accompaniment. We used to drink rosés only in the summer but in recent times we have enjoyed these wine year round.
The wines below offer a variety of styles to suit your mood and the temperature. Just think that you are on holiday again and its August and its hot and you’re relaxed, Decrispez vous!!
From the westerly edge of the Loire and another great summer holiday reminder. This has always been a hugely popular wine.
Syrah, Grenache, cinsault. An iconic presentation of a supremely well made rose. Rose used to be the preserve of wine growers in Provence and this wine is a fabulous example of that heritage.
A fabulous value from our great friends at Château de Campuget. A lovely light crispness which is at the same time very smooth and is an deal reminder of hot summer evenings in Nimes. If you can dance the tango - Nimes is the place for you.
Yes an Italian wine finally makes it onto our list, we are close enough to being the biggest seller of this wine in London… enough said!