New Arrival Update!

Some great news to impart…another superb wine has arrived recently into Sainsbury’s.

Chateau Lafond from Canon Fronsac

It’s from Bordeaux, and more precisely is the Chateau Lafond, Canon Fronsac 2008.

Chateaux Lafond is a small estate in Canon Fronsac (a small Bordeaux Appellation). Managed by the Cournuaud family since 1760, Chateau Lafond wines are now made in collaboration with Antoine Moueix  part of the Advini group

89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc

Fantastic with a leg of lamb!

On another note, I have been talking with my brother in Western Australia, and he has sent the following details regarding fire damage in the Margaret River area. May have an impact on wines.

“For those devotees of the Marvellous Western Australian wines from the Margaret River Region.   I have report to hand on the calamitous fires that ravaged the outskirts of Margaret River township, particularly Preverly, Ellensbrook and Gnarabup that destroyed more than 30 houses , including the historic Wallcliffe House.   It appears at this early stage that there has been little or no damage to wine growing and making infrastructure in the region.  The winegrowers of the region believe the devastating fire will not affect the quality of the production of vintages because its too early in the season.

  “Top Drop ” …………… A little further north at Yallingup which is better known for its surf than its wine.  A little known producer Cape Naturaliste Vineyard’s red wine has been named one of the world’s best.  The boutique producer’s “Torpedo Rocks” Carbenet Merlot, 2009 has won the London International Wine Fair Trophy for best red wine from a single Vineyard. “

Please keep reading my blog updates. Next up will be feedback on the Taste of Christmas event next weekend at Excel.

It’s finally arrived!

Yes folks! We have been waiting a long time, but after a few quick events,

Manchester Food & Drink Festival in October, and Chocolate Unwrapped in Vinopolis also in October…Chocolate Shop Wine has now hit the shelves.

Chocolate Shop on shelf!

Plenty of early interest has started to pay off, and it’s now in Sainsbury’s stores (not Locals), and also moved into

The Co-op.

Just finished at BBC Good Food Show Winter at the NEC Stand T62.

My colleagues have picked up the baton for Saturday and Sunday. Next event is Taste of Christmas at Excel in Docklands in early December. Great for a reasonably priced Christmas present…for chocaholics! At time of writing this blog stand 

Lots of comments on this product, but allow me to illustrate it’s versatility.

It’s not like liquid Bailey’s or other alcoholic sweet  drinks.

It’s a wine using the Tempranillo grape from Spain. Alcohol volume: 12%.

“It’s the perfect drink for any occasion, whether you’ve got friends over for dinner or simply want to unwind at the end of the day; it also makes a great Christmas present.”

Some comments made at the NEC this week:

“My friend is chocolate mad – so this is great!”

“Wow!” heard this a lot!

“How do you do it?”

For all those people who tried it…thank you!

We hope you enjoyed the BBC Good Food Show.

Chocolate Shop is a joint venture between D&D Wines International Ltd based in the UK, and U.S partners,Precept. The wine can serve as a cooking ingredient (eg Pears poached in chocolate wine, game dish sauce (chocolate shop wine reduction), in fruit cakes, Christmas pudding, summer puddings, tiramisu, stewed fruits, compotes, sorbets.

Give it a whirl!

I have mentioned the following wines before in a previous blog… but just in case you are stuck for a present treat for any Rioja lover, have a look for the following characters!

They can be found in large  Sainsbury’s, and are part of the Taste The Difference range from Spain.

Great value Rioja

Some New Wines to look out for!

Great news! Into Majestic wines go some LFE Mountain View range!

These are produced by Luis Felipe Edwards, one of Chile’s best producers, and going from strength to strength.

There are  a few photos of some I have bought recently, and in fact I am enjoying the Mountain View Chardonnay 2011 as I write this with lots of whizz bangs of Bonfire Night going on!

Very fruity white with no oak in sight.

See below for some photos:

Merlot is a Central Valley product. Plum and black cherry fruit,

13%. Bring on the red meats!

There are also some other wines in this range, including a Gran Reserva Chardonnay, and also some Cabernet, and Carmenere. See my other blogs about Carmenere. Fantastic grape for Autumn and Winter.

Luis Felipe Edwards Merlot 2011

Light and fruity white arrives into Majestic

An aromatic grape variety!

Little Beauties!

Another jam packed week! It’s not over yet either.

Met up with Geoff Schrapel in the Office on Tuesday to discuss his wines he wants to show at the Australia Day tasting in London in January.

Also, managed to pre-taste some of them. Bethany do not falter when it comes to wine making.

Geoff is currently travelling around the UK conducting tastings on his wines.

Attended a trade event last night (Thursday) at the Sofitel hotel in Central London. Met some interesting and lively people who were interested in our products on show.

It was great to be able to talk to people, who had a genuine interest in wine, and the differences between grape varieties.

On show was some Callia beauties and also some Portillo wines by  our  Argentinian producer… Salentein.

Just checking out some Torrontes

These ladies really enjoyed the experience of trying the Callia Reservado Torrontes.

A real treat!

They also had a try at some viognier from Chile too!

Plenty of aromatics.

 

Please also see some photos of the wines on show before the event started below:

Salentein Portillo wines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stars of Callia

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the above wines are only available from Matthew Clark.

We have been working closely with Matthew Clark this year, and Callia Torrontes has been a big hit with tasters at events. Long may it continue!

Once tried, this wine really gets people thinking, and they like the aroma and the taste.

Perfect with Thai dishes, or Pacific rim foods.

 

 

 

 

 

The Wine Gang at Vinopolis

Great Saturday spent at Vinopolis working on the Sainsbury’s stand at the Wine Gang event.

We have just launched two new Taste the Difference wines into their range by our Spanish producer…Bodegas Muriel.

A white Rioja and a Crianza 2007 vintage red.

The white is light and very easy to enjoy on it’s own or with light snacks.

Plenty of people liked it, and were happy for a wine from Spain with no oak  at all to grace their lips. As for the red Rioja, the Crianza is a star. It’s got just enough oak and fruit to show just how much Muriel has upped it’s game.

Wines already in store and selling well.

Perfect for everyday drinking, but also great with rich dishes. A contender for Christmas fayre. (See photo)

Just gone into Taste the Difference range in Sainsbury's

There was also brand new product from D&D on the table. Saturday was it’s first outing. From our New Zealand producer Vavasour…a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc.

Just so fresh, and zesty. Lots of interest, and certainly a big hit on the day.

Going into store shortly. (See photo)

Catherine pouring the new Taste the Difference Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc

It was also pleasant to work with some great Sainsbury personnel. Kimberley, Catherine, and Michelle. Julian also came along mid afternoon, and we had a good chat between serving attendees.

The Wine Gang did their wine walks, and the people attending were all quite knowledgable, and also interested in background on the wines, asking  pertinent questions, and generally having a grand time.

At the end, I went for a swift beer with friends from some of the other tables, for a “catch-up”. Very welcome!

Three Wine Men 25th September

Oz in full flow!

This new event for me had all the hallmarks of some good products for people to taste and to start getting their thinking caps on for Autumn and Christmas!

Originally, I was scheduled to be on the Wines of Chile stand, showing our exquisite LFE Seleccion de Familia Carmenere that we sell into Asda, but Wines of Chile withdrew from the event. Our French producer Advini had got involved, so, I helped on Sunday to show some of their wines. A few are available in Morrisons.

But Oz, Tim & Olly were there. Tasting, cajoling, and generally getting people tasting and find out more details on wines. The event was quite well attended and tasters were treated to some World Class products.

As mentioned, I was showing wines from our Sud de France producer, Advini, who operate from Languedoc Roussillon.

Plenty of interest shown in the Maison de Languedoc AOC Picpoul de Pinet 2010, and  the Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet  AOC 2010 found in Loch Fyne restaurants.

There was also  some wines from our Argentinian producer…Callia. Please see previous blog, and photo below. Great interest again in the Torrontes.

The Superb Reservado Torrontes

It was fairly steady throughout the day, and I had some very interesting questions from attendees. In particular, about how retailers market/sell their wines.

Please see photo below, the wines on the Advini table:

Maison du Languedoc wines

Some wines are available in Morrisons and as everyday wines they showed well.

Maison du Languedoc Grenache Muscat;

Maison du Languedoc

Grenache Merlot;

Maison du Languedoc 2008 AOP Faugeres.

Castelmaure 2009 AOC Corbieres.

Good event, plenty of interest! Attentive and interested consumers willing to learn more.

Post Decanter Tasting -Callia

Bodegas Callia

Last Saturday (10th September) I enjoyed a few hours explaining the quality of our Argentinian producer (Bodegas Callia) to Decanter attendees, at a special tasting of Argentinian wines at Vinopolis.

The real star on the table was the Reservado Torrontes 2010,  which we sell into Matthew Clark, and therefore is appearing in hotels and restaurants (HORECA) across the UK.

This wine is regularly punching above it’s weight, and certainly one to look out for when you are out and about! It also has a partner red…Reservado Malbec 2010.  Argentina, sometimes referred to as the sleeping giant. Fifth largest producer in the world, could easily move up to fourth or event third position, but struggles with getting itself noticed.

Producing better quality wines these days, and should come through in the next few years if it carries on the same path!

Been in contact with an old friend lately whose village is starting up a wine club. Great idea, and one that should hopefully flourish. I have pledged my help in the future to conduct a tasting possibly Spring 2012. I have been doing this sort of event for a few years now, and we normally show 6-8 wines (that are readily available in a retailer), and I don’t charge for my services. Instead, I ask the Organisers to give any money  they would pay me to their nominated charity.

All the Organisers have to do is give me plenty of advance warning, as to what they would like to do, and also if they want to purchase the wines, or ask me to do it on their behalf, and I just settle up with them before the event.

In the past at these events we have covered lots of topics, including New World v Old World; specific grape varieties; unusual grape varieties; part blind tasting; cheese and wine matching, and other topics. I normally throw in a Fun Quiz based on the wines tasted, to ensure the attendees keep awake, and attentive!

It’s normally a  fun event, and hopefully gets the audience in the mood to find out more/ purchase with confidence in the future. It’s always light hearted, and the aim is to get people with an interest in wine to explore further.

I don’t sell wine on the night, there’s no pressure to buy specific products, and sometimes we match a wine to supper/cheese at the event.

New Zealand beauty: Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc ’10 vintage scoops Decanter Award

A different Sauvignon Blanc!

As mentioned in my previous blog of Up for Grabs in May, I have great pleasure announcing that Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (available at Majestic) has scooped an important award. Last night at the Decanter Awards presentation dinner, Vavasour Awatere Valley SB 2010 won an International trophy over £10.

The upshot of this is Majestic sell this little gem at £9.99. You will need to get your skates on…as the stock will fly.

I will be grabbing some myself for a pairing of our Christmas smoked salmon.

You can view the full list of award winning wines on the Decanter website.

Let me know if you’ve tried some of this little beauty from New Zealand in the comments below

Laithwaites Warrior Tasting!

Laithwaites Warrior Tasting

What a fantastic location!

Great organisation! Eager participants! Super wines.

What else I hear you say?

Around 250 attendees tasting their way through a selection of wines from Laithwaites portfolio.

I was showing Don Cayetano wines from Chile.

First up: DC Chardonnay2010. Fresh, and perfect with no oak in sight.

Second: DC Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier2010. The “fridge” white. Unusual blend, with again no oak at all.  I have this wine close to my fridge during the summer. It’s really versatile, and is excellent with starters, or just as a “slurper”. Attendees took to this quickly.

Third:  DC Carmenere 2010

A pleasure to show this as the Lost Grape of Bordeaux. I have mentioned this wine in previous blogs, but it never ceases to impress. great for people to find out more about it’s origins. A juicy fruit driven expression.

Fourth: DC 900 Shiraz Malbec 2008

One of Don Cayetano’s flagship wines.

A real gem, and with loads of information on it too. The rush to taste it, and to come to grips with it’s drying tannins was amusing. In a few years (4-5), this wine will be superb, when those tannins have died down, and worth a lot more than £17.99!

Plenty has been happening in the Walker wine world over the last few weeks.

Once London Wine Fair 2011 was done and the lack of sleep regained, Mrs W and I had a quick, but cultural break in Barcelona. I’m a big Gaudi fan, and Mrs W needed a break from work. It was also a special anniversary!

La Sagarada Familia

My friend in Barcelona

Now I’m starting to gear up for some other wine events:

 Tapas Fantasticaslater this month on the South Bank, and also Imbibe Live (trade only) in July.

Tapas Fantasticas I will be showing Bodegas Muriel wines. The event is shaping up to be good. Just need to have some good weather!

Please continue to explore new wines. It’s fun, and also broadens your horizons!

Till next time…keep tasting!

Up for grabs!

A fine wine to try!

Hey folks…this is something not to be missed! It’s a bit of forward planning you can do that will pay dividends later.

You have witnessed my blogs about a certain Chilean producer, well right now you can grab some of his super stuff in ASDA.

Luis Felipe Edwards back in the  saddle only this time he’s scooped some Asda own label red and whites from Chile. These wines are for everyday drinking, and are at very low prices. (approx £3.88).

The other wine to mention is the fantastic Original Malbec by Rigal. For those of you not familiar with the grape variety, it originates in SW France,(Cahors), but is now grown in other parts of the world (mainly Argentina), and is very popular with rich meats.

Very rich and fruity, great wine to curl up with in these early spring days.

At present it’s on offer in Asda at an unbelievable £5.00. Normally priced around £7.98. Don’t know when the offer will finish, so just be aware it may stop soon!

This wine will also serve well for a BBQ in the summer, and if you are buying a few will store nicely for next autumn.

I particularly like Malbec  with meats like venison and of course it’s perfect with  a roast lamb dish.

Another good thing to do is to purchase a Malbec from Argentina, and put it against the French one! Good to compare and note differences!

Next wine to bring your attention is from New Zealand. It’s by Vavasour.

The wines are produced in the Awatare Valley, which is a sub-appellation within Marlborough. The wines are particularly prized for their aromatics ripe flavours, dynamic textures and concentration.

Vavasour family traces their ancestry back to the Norman invasion of England.

The rooster on the label is from the family crest and is an indication of the family’s lineage. The Vavasours arrived in New Zealand and established themselves in the Awatare Valley in 1890.

In 1985, Peter Vavasour identified the Awatere Valley as the new frontier for new Zealand wine growing and planted grapes there. Vavasour’s first vintage was in 1989; within three years they were garnering high accolades and had placed Awatare Valley on the map of great winemaking regions.

You can find the Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2010 in Majestic, if you are lucky because they get snapped up quickly. I was with their winemaker (Stu Marfell) recently in the North West of England after a successful evening tasting for Majestic Wine Managers. We are trying to ascertain if there will be some increase in stock for this year. So, keep your eyes peeled for this New Zealand beauty!

A different Sauvignon Blanc!