Welcome to our Wine List. As well as offering a selection of the well known, we have included other excellent wines which we encourage you to try. Hopefully our tasting notes will aid your experimentation. Enjoy!
4 December 2024
Champagnes and Sparkling Wines
Prosecco, Castello '4357' Spumante – £28 (glass 125ml: £5.80)
Some say “Italians do it best” and, certainly if you choose a quality Prosecco such as this one, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re not in the mood for a blockbuster Champagne, but you would like some fizz, then this perfectly ravishing and mightily refreshing Prosecco is perfect. Delicate citrus and pear scents on the nose lead to an appetising apple and lime palate. Delicious.
Bruére Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2012, Bon Courage – £30
Hints of fresh lime and citrus, complimented by a subtle yeastiness. Shows great finesse on the finish with a crisp, rich and creamy complexity. Best served as an aperitif and the ideal partner to seafood.
Ridlington 5 Generations Blanquette de Limoux – £32
This special edition sparkling wine “Five Generations” has been launched to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Batemans Brewery in 2024 and the introduction of the fifth generation of the Bateman family. Blanquette de Limoux is a variety of sparkling wine which is crafted in the champagne method and fermented in bottle for 18 months. A blend of Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes from an area of Southern France in the Pyrenean foothills just south of Carcassone. A dry sparkling wine with a creamy texture and full bodied with fruity aromas.
Devil’s Corner Sparkling Pinot Noir / Chardonnay Brut – £33
Tasmania continues to grow in reputation as the home of Australia’s leading sparkling wines. This cuvée is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and represents the best of their cool-climate crafted wines, delivering a vibrant, fresh, well-balanced palate dominated by fresh crunchy apple and a touch of citrus.
Champagne René Jolly Blanc de Noirs Brut – £55
A family-owned business since 1737 in Landreville, Côte des Bar, Champagne. All grapes used are exclusively grown and pressed in the village, with each vineyard and year separated to ensure an optimum blend. The spirit of Pinot Noir - mature and balanced with a long finish.
White Wines
Pinot Grigio 2021 Quartetto Estate – £21 (glass 125ml: £3.95; 175ml – £5.30; 250ml – £7.40)
Delicate in both aromatics and flavours, this is classic Pinot Grigio, offering gentle pear, green apple, subtle spice and refreshing citrus. A very drinkable dry white.
Chardonnay 2021 Currabridge – £23 (glass 125ml: £4.30; 175ml: £5.80; 250ml: £8.10)
Chardonnay, the great white grape of Burgundy, and Semillon, key in the sweet wines of Sauternes, are both well-travelled varieties, and both have been adopted enthusiastically by Australian vintners. Together, the two make a full-bodied white wine with waxy, tropical flavours.
Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Le Raconteur, France - £24 (glass 125ml: £4.40; 175ml: £6.00; 250ml: £8.40)
To smell, we happily find the typical aromas of Sauvignon with richer and softer connotations. A smell that combines sweetness and freshness. To taste, the wine proclaims its richness with a sweet and fleshy bouquet. Then the texture binds itself with more bubbly and light sensations creating a lovely minerality. A perfect balance of liveliness and sweetness. All the same it remains a dry wine at the end.
Walt Riesling 2022, Pfalz – £24 (glass 125ml: £4.40; 175ml: £6.00; 250ml: £8.40)
This wine takes its name from Walter Siegel, who was one of the pioneers of German Riesling. Hence the name is a homage to “Walt”! Produced under the auspices of Dr Ernie Loosen in his estate in the Pfalz in the south of Germany bordered by the Vosges mountains. The result is a deliciously fresh and with the zippy acidity balanced with the fruit of the Riesling. Ideal as an aperitif or with fusion food with gentle spices that makes a great combination. Enjoy!
Picpoul de Pinet 2019 Les Vignerons Montagnac – £26
Picpoul, or ‘lip-stinger’ as it’s known locally, is the Muscadet of the Languedoc. Bone dry with an immediate, gratifying fruitiness this is delicious by itself but also great with shellfish. Dangerously gluggable. Take a sip, sit back, close your eyes and immediately you are lying drunk on the back seat of a Citroen 2CV somewhere on the Golfe du Lion.
Pinot Gris 2020 Villa Wolf, Pfalz - £29
Very fresh on the palate, with just a touch of residual sugar sweetness, but all swept along with crisp orchard fruits and racy lemon and lime acidity. Plenty of dash and verve here, with a tangy orangey quality into the finish. An excellent partner for salmon, chicken or pork.
Verdicchio Anfora Castelli di Jesi 2020 – £32
A very elegant bottle of white wine made from the Verdicchio grape. It has a delicate and spicy fragrance of fresh green, crisp apples and other crunchy green fruits. Verdicchio is a white wine grape variety that has been cultivated for hundreds of years in the Marche region of central Italy. It is a versatile variety, used both for light, easy-drinking table wines, and for more complex, age worthy examples.
Petit Mouton Muscadet Sèvre 2020, Louis Métaireau – £32
Produced from vines that are a minimum of 30 years old, fermented in concrete and glass vats and then bottled without filtration. This is a deliciously crisp and dry wine with refreshing acidity. Delightful aromas of green apple, lemon and grapefruit followed on the palate with flavours of stoned fruit with a hint of melon. The finish is long and elegant.
Tindall Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Marlborough New Zealand – £33
Tindall Vineyard is renowned for its premium Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes, and produces a selection of classical wines utilising the talents of the acclaimed winemaker Dr. John Forrest. Fresh and lively hints of passion fruit, lime and spring flowers. Vibrant with delicious ripeness, finishing with great balance and subtle concentration, a cracker of a Sauvignon Blanc!
Pastourou Viognier 2020 Alain Paret – £33
This Viognier comes from the Cournonsec commune, a department of Hérault in Southern France and produces a white wine with fruity aromas, enhanced by a smooth texture. It explodes both in the nose and mouth with fruity notes of peach, citrus & exotic fruits and almond. The extreme complexity of this cuvée is enhanced by the multiple fragrances from the Mediterranean trees which surround the vineyard.
Allram Grüner Veltliner Strass 2021 – £35
The Weingut Allram winery is approximately 50 miles north-west of Vienna, where the soil is a complex mixture of slate, gravel/loess and limestone - you couldn't find a better soil for Grüner if you tried to invent it from scratch! From the first mouthful to the last, this wine offers superb flavours of peppery pear, dessert apple and tangy crisp citrus, supported by a subtle spiciness that lingers on the palate. The wine is dry and very refreshing but offers a big mouthful of fruit. Its quality shows through in the way it keeps everything in balance from the initial lush hit of fruit right through to the warm spice as it gently fades on the taste buds.
BEN IGT Toscana Vermentino Organic 2020, Nittardi – £38
BEN is short for the Italian forename Beniamino, which is often bestowed upon the youngest and most beloved son, and this is true of Nittardi’s BEN, a long-cherished dream of theirs. Intensive bouquet of fresh fruit with hints of citrus and a mineral, sparkling freshness. Medium-bodied and balanced, with a long-lasting finish. Excellent as an aperitif as well as with starters and all variations of grilled fish, pasta and vegetable dishes.
Sancerre 2023, Domaine Daulny – £44
A classic expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with grassy notes, tropical fruit and hints of blackcurrant bud. Sourced from 40-year old vines, a small percentage of the wine was aged in used oak barrels. The palate is crisp and fresh, with beautiful minerality – a perfect match for seafood and goats’ cheese. Good nose and intense fruit on the palate with a steely rich character.
Pouilly-Fuisse ‘La Frairie a Solutré 2019 Domaine Auvigue – £54
In past times, the hunter-gatherers of the Maconnais used to herd wild animals towards the massive cliff that is the Solutré. Their ancient remains can still be found scattered around its base. This broadly flavoured, barrel-fermented Chardonnay has leanings more towards the oatmealy style of Meursault further north. Traditional and classic white Burgundy.
Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2018 Brocard – £56
100% Chardonnay unoaked and aged on the lees. Delicious Chardonnay fruit with elegant structure and the steely finesse of Premier Cru Chablis. Fresh and lean, minerality, with citrus aromas. Dry, crisp, well balanced, vibrant fruit and a refined finish. A great match for shellfish, salmon and goat's cheese.
Rosé
Archivio Primitivo Rosé 2022 – £25 (glass 125ml: £4.60; 175ml: £6.30; 250ml: £8.80)
Made from a very expressive Primitivo grape, this wine is truly inviting. As a perfectly balanced rosé, it’s effectively summer in a bottle. Fresh, floral and dry.
Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 Villa Wolf, Pfalz – £28 (glass 125ml: £5.10; 175ml: £7.00; 250ml: £9.80)
Villa Wolf produce wines that express the pure, authentic terroir of the Pfalz; their Pinot Noir Rosé is another winner. The Pfalz is a very warm and sunny region, often called the “Tuscany of Germany,” so all of the Pinot varieties do well here. The Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé is a true rosé, made with a brief maceration before pressing to extract colour. It is light and refreshing, with deliciously bright berry and fruit flavours and a clean, zippy finish.
Mas de Cadenet Rosé, 2022 Sainte-Victoire (organic) – £34
This light pink wine with a beautiful mineral freshness, reveals delicate aromas of citrus, red fruits and flowers. The limestones and the northern microclimate of Sainte-Victoire deliver concentrated wines bringing balance, elegance and crispness. This fresh rosé can be enjoyed by itself or is terrific paired with pasta dishes, tartare or exotic foods.
Red Wines
Fioroso Nero D'Avola 2022 – £23 (glass 125ml: £4.30; 175ml: £5.80; 250ml – £8.10)
Bright ruby-red colour, this wine offers layered notes of cherry, mulberry and raspberry. On the palate it is complex and supple with ripe berry flavours framed by silky tannins. Ideal with all grilled, barbecued or braised red meats, including venison. Matches very well with Indian curries and also very nice with our cheese board.
Haçienda de Calidad Malbec 2019 – £24 (glass 125ml: £4.40; 175ml: £6.00; 250ml – £8.40)
A deep, inky violet Malbec with tempting flavours of blackberry, plum and black cherry. It is a great value fruit-forward wine with round, silky tannins and fresh acidity, all being well balanced to give a delicious, food-friendly wine.
7even Pinotage 2017 Zevenwacht Est. Stellenbosch S.A. – £25 (glass 125ml: £4.60; 175ml: £6.30; 250ml – £8.80)
Afrikaans Lesson #287 – Zevenwacht meaning ‘seven expectations’. Now, there’s a prize if you can work out what they are. In the meantime, whilst you’re thinking, why not get stuck in to a bottle of the broad, soft, easy drinking red. The Pinotage grape is a South African classic; a cross between Pinot Noir (for breed and elegance) and Cinsault (historically known as Hermitage in the Cape – for its gamey earthiness).
Chameleon Cabernet-Merlot 2021 Jordan Est. Stellenbosch S.A. – £26 (glass 125ml: £4.80; 175ml: £6.50; 250ml: £9.10)
Anybody here from Leicester? Gary Jordan’s great, great grandfather was. He left Groby with the objective of putting shoes on Africa. He did it pretty well, with the proceeds helping the family to purchase this Stellenbosch farm. The wine is lovely. Pure with bright red fruit and a dangerous underlying acidity. Kick your shoes off, sink back in your seat and enjoy.
Y Knot Tempranillo 2022 – £23
A blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Merlot, it is bright red cherry in colour yet showing hints of a purple hue and offers a powerful nose with its aroma, alluding to its warm climate with bursts of ripe red fruit coming from the glass as well as a slight twang of balsamic vinegar. It is a smooth, easy-drinking wine and is pleasantly silky on the palate. It’s clean, fresh and packs a punch.
Marcelino Rioja Crianza 2019 – £25
Ruby red with a purple tinge. Punchy fruit aroma, with a toasted almonds sensation from the oak. Excellent crianza: full, soft, ripe dark fruit flavours, with blackberries and cherries coming to the fore. One year in oak has imparted wonderful vanilla notes.
Marco Gavio Chianti DOCG 2019 – £25
The most consumed wine in Italy and, interestingly, the most consumed Italian wine in the world, Chianti is emblematic of what Italy means to the world of wine. Made from Sangiovese grapes, this wine has a bright garnet colour; on the nose the freshness of cherry, strawberries, and red plum pleasure the senses when enjoying this wine. The palate is incredibly rich in fruitiness but also deep and intense thanks to the 6 months of barrel aging the wine does before release. The perfect match with lamb but any roast meat or pasta dish will maximise enjoyment of this wine.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2021, Villa Dante – £27
Villa Dante shows the typical features of the Montepulciano grape, starting with its purplish red colour. On the nose it displays characteristic scents of red fruit and spices, which carry through on the palate. Delicately tannic, not aggressive, smooth and round. Ideal with roasted or grilled meats, particularly game.
Portal D'ouro Tinto 2021, Douro, Portugal – £28
Concentrated ruby colour with aromas of jam and spice notes in perfect harmony with some toast from the oak. Expressive on the palate, it delivers a rich mouthfeel with toasty tones and supple tannins.
Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2020, McPherson – £28
This wine is a labour of love - one the accountants (Gary) did not know about! The DTG Shiraz is a beautiful dark garnet colour with black cherry, blueberry and mixed spice on the nose. Hints of pepper and soft oak spice are beautifully integrated with blackberry fruits and medium bodied silky tannins. This is a special occasion wine. Drink with like-minded wine lovers and take a moment to admire the gorgeous colour of the wine.
Château de Marsan Bordeaux Supérieur 2020 – £30
Bright ruby with young highlights. Expressive nose marrying plum, liquorice, mixed spices and vanilla oak. Supple attack, followed by a consistent, robust, rich palate starting to unfurl a compelling array of aromas. A successful, traditional wine for roast meats.
Fleurie Presidente Marguerite Beaujolais Cru 2020, Burgundy – £34
100% Gamay, hand-picked, unoaked. A wine light in body, though an intense purple / ruby colour, with bright cherry and red fruit aromas. A fresh palate of soft red summer fruits, together with hints of strawberries and raspberries in this delightful red wine. Soft tannins and highly drinkable, from the best vintage in Beaujolais for several decades. A great match with white meats and vegetarian dishes.
Louis Guntrum Pinot Noir 2020 – £36
One of the longest standing families in the Rheinhessen district, and the cellars overlook the Rhine. It has attractive red cherry character, with no oak to make this a charming lighter Pinot Noir – it is a delightful not serious Pinot, ideal for drinking with any lighter meats, chicken, and also fish such as salmon. Best to serve slightly chilled.
Château Tour Bel Air Montagne Saint-Émilion 2020 – £45
A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, round and full on the palate. The higher Merlot content in the blend aids the soft and approachable character of this wine. Plummy fruit, with hints of darker berry are well balanced by supple tannin. Great with red meats, cheeses, tomato-based dishes and mushrooms.
Le Argille Cabernet di Cabernet – £57
Matured in cement, allowing for the flavour to be free of oak interference and therefore coming purely from the grape, Le Argille Cabernet di Cabernet is one of 47 Anno Domini’s most exquisite wines. Intense ruby red, this wine is warm and complex with an enveloping aroma to match. Its long finish demands a second glass. At 15% ABV this Italian red wine comes in with booming, staggered flavours creating a sensation journey in each sip. Enjoy with dinner or dessert and be ready for an experience.
Château Mont-Thabor Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 – £58
In 1881 the Stehelin family from Switzerland acquired the Mont-Thabor estate in Bedariddes a few kilometres from the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Full-bodied, rich and tannic, this wine is dark and plummy, with plenty of ripeness, weight and richness.
Dessert Wine
Maury Solera 1928 Les Vignerons de Maury (50cl bottle) – £35 (125ml glass: £9.30)
Maury is a small, undistinguished town about 30km west of Perpignan and sits on a plain at the foot of the Pyrenees. Its claim to fame is for producing these wonderful old sherry-like wines, produced from Grenache, that have been aged in barrels forever. These are rich and savoury with great viscosity, and one of the very, very few wines that match with dark chocolate. Being so oxidised in barrel they are virtually indestructible once in bottle. The wines are made by a system of fractional blending, being refreshed at intervals as small volumes are withdrawn and then topped up with younger wine.
Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV (37.5cl bottle) – £30 (125ml glass: £10.50)
The Campbell family have been making wines for over 150 years. Currently in their 5th generation, Julie Campbell has made a lusciously decadent sticky dessert wine, bright amber and gold in colour. The nose gives off an abundance of fresh fruit cake, citrus, fig and raisin notes accompanied with subtle oak characteristics. This is mirrored on the palate with a rich, mouthcoating finish. There can be no better match for our Sticky Toffee Pudding.