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A Taste of the Rhone
Crozes-Hermitage
Domaine les Chenêts, Crozes Hermitage
Let’s have a bottle of wine! This is a frequent refrain and of course we are lucky enough to have a good selection from which we can choose. We usually play the blind tasting game and concluding it was a northern Rhone wine was fairly easy in this instance. We visited the Crozes-Hermitage appellation a few years ago during a blasting hot season. Monique of Domaine les Chenêts supplied us with some bottles to take but wouldn’t conduct a tasting, it was too hot!
Black Pepper and Dark Fruit
It’s a hefty 13.5% alcohol and has the characteristic black pepper and some lovely bramble fruit flavours. A few years in the bottle has softened the tannins beautifully and soft background spice warms the palate and a bit of smokiness.
What to Eat with it?
We had been mushrooming that day and the woodland was dotted with chanterelle, ceps and birch boletus – rest assured I only pick what I am totally confident is safe. Dylan fried these up with some onion and added white wine and cream with lemon and tarragon to flavour. Served with roast pork these pungent flavours are a challenge for a delicate wine. The Syrah stood its ground and I enjoyed the combination.
Try the Marsanne/Roussanne
Domaine les Chenêts also makes a lovely white which is a Marsanne/Roussanne combination. These two grapes are permitted in the reds in small quantities in Crozes-Hermitage but this domaine’s red is 100% Syrah. The nights are closing in and it’s time for heartier fodder in my book so this wine fits the bill. It’s rich and round and very satisfying. I think I’m going to try this with a creamy chicken dish. Iechyd da! Get to: Crozes-Hermitage Blanc – Crozes-Hermitage
New Vineyard – Our first proper trip!
Domaine de Miselle
July in Agen, the prune capital of France and I’m waiting for Dylan on the roadside. I feel pretty conspicuous with my rucksack, hoping the pinned position I have sent works. He flies past in the tiniest rental car and halts 100 meters up the road. ‘I didn’t expect you to be here’. All the way from Bergerac and he only accidentally finds me, so much for meticulous planning.
South to Gascony
Minutes later we were on the road to our newest wine discovery in Domaine de Miselle in Pays de Gascogne. A brief stop in Fourcès, I highly recommend a visit to this tiny circular village. We’re both feeling the buzz of freedom after the pandemic and this is our first vineyard visit in a few years. Julien and his wife Audrey are producing lovely quality wines here and I’m struggling to find the words to convey his obsession with every single detail. What do we like to see? Well-tended vines with a well-organised and clean winery is a good starting point. We got it.
Looking After the Vines
Every vine was netted. Let’s play the guessing game – birds, animals maybe? No, Audrey informed us, it’s to prevent freak summer hailstone storms from destroying the crops. Julien confirms that the vines were devastated two consecutive years about a decade ago. He decided that would be the last time. It’s extreme, and you probably won’t see another like it in France but that’s one less thing to keep him awake at night, and he does suffer sleepless nights worrying.
A Solution for Everything!
Other pests include deer and wild boar. An interesting solution to keep the deer at bay is a mixture that includes pig fat, sprayed around the periphery. It works apparently, as does human hair if you can get the quantity from a friendly hairdresser.
Low Alcohol Wine in Demand
So how can they produce such low-alcohol wines in this heat. Pointing south he tells us the Pyrenees are about an hour as the crow flies, then west and the Atlantic is a similar distance that way. These have a cooling effect on the vines and enable them to produce a fresh, citrusy wine with excellent acidity at about 11.5% alcohol. As he talked, I felt that there was a little coolness cutting through the heat to my cheeks. Probably my imagination.
An Immaculate Winery
Walking around the immaculate winery, everything he says is all about precision. Staggering grape varieties in order to ensure an orderly picking and production. Some varieties ripen earlier or later than others and this means that all 30 hectares aren’t harvested the same time. Things I don’t think about.
Domaine de Miselle Armagnac
We bought a small quantity of his Armagnac, a real niche made from the Ugni Blanc grape. They produce only a few hundred bottles a year and use barrels made from the trees that fell on their land in the 1999 storm. I love touches like this.
HEV Certification
Their respect for the land and the environment is woven through their practices. To this end, they have been certified “High Environmental Value Level 3” since November 2020. This highlights their commitment to ensuring that elements of biodiversity such as: hedges, grass strips, trees, flowers, insects etc are very widely present on the vineyard and that the impact of their agricultural practices on the environment is reduced to a minimum.
We’re Back on the Road Again and a Great First Visit
There’s so much that I could ramble on about: the age of the building, a lovely old dovecote in the roof space (an 18th century version of the Royal Mail) or the horse trotting side of the family. Maybe better if you come and try some of these delicious wines from the Petit Manseng (an off dry with about 65g of sugar per litre that partners nicely with watermelon Audrey tells me) to the crisp, zippy Colombard. Maybe even venture to buy one of the rare and delicious bottles of Armagnac. Have a look at this lovely couple’s collection online Miselle Mixed Case , French Wine Selection – Dylanwad or pop in to see us for a taster and let us know your opinion.
Llinos
Celebrating Prosecco
Vinitaly was something I had never experienced before. It is colossal!!!
A scary car trip (nothing to do wth Dyl’s driving…this time) from beautiful Lake Garda into Verona. A crammed bus full of other wine enthusiasts eagerly entering this 4 day show of around 2000 producers spread over dozens of pavilions. Thank goodness for Dyl and his map. “Right then genod. Unit 21”.
Bortolin Angelo
Bortolin Prosecco, I had seen the bottles before – we have them in the shop, but never the face behind them. The bottles are unique and have won the prestigious gold label. I believe it’s quite genius, not only do they care about the quality of wine but also how aesthetically pleasing it is with a story behind it.
Did you know the twist of the bottle shape is how the Glera grape vine shoot grows and the colours used are inspired by the land of Valdobbiadenne?
“Ciao amico mio” – a gentleman with the biggest smile greeted us as if we were long lost friends, we had the warmest welcome. Ricardo really appreciated we had travelled to visit him and it assured me of the good working relationship he has with Dylan.
Valdobbiadenne DOCG
Situated in Guia, Valdobbiadenne is one of the highest quality areas on the steep limestone hills north-west of Venice. So, if you see it on the label of your prosecco you know it’s one of the best. This family business pick the grapes by hand and prosecco is made using the tank method. The grapes will be put into steel tanks where the first fermentation takes place, here is the base still wine. This is put into another tank that can withstand high pressure – and the second fermentation begins and the CO2 dissolves and creates bubbles. It is filtered to remove yeast lees and bottled under pressure. This keeps the primary fruit flavours.
It is made in dry, extra dry & brut styles – this is a labelling term to indicate the sugar levels.
Prosecco is such an enjoyable drink, suitable for many occasions please pop in the shop, either in person or online and see what selection we have. Bortolin is definitely a favourite of mine and I am hoping to visit the vineyard one day.
Emma
A Brand-New Welsh Wine
Vale Vineyard
I am in awe of anyone who decides they’re going into the wine production game. It’s a long hard slog in any country with a huge financial outlay and years to wait for any returns on your money. In Wales, I would say that it’s an even greater risk considering our climate. However, an increasing number of oeno-entrepreneurs are not put off their vision and what’s more, they are producing really good wine.
Rhys and Gwen of Gwinllan Y Dyffryn (Vale Vineyard) planted in 2019 and have produced their debut vintage this year. Situated in Denbighshire, it is one of Wales’s latest vineyards. They planted over 7,500 vines including Solaris, Seyval Blanc, Rondo and, interestingly, Divico. Now this is one point of attraction that I find generally with Welsh wines: you have some interesting new grapes to sample, and I had never heard of Divico. It is hoped that this can provide some more structure and body to the red wines.
Another appeal of Welsh wines is that they are lower in alcohol being produced in a cooler climate – 11-12% is about where they sit. It’s becoming a bit of a challenge to find wines under 13% and many of our customers are asking for lighter alcohol so another win for our home-grown produce.
We have the Solaris and the rosé in the shop, and everyone thinks it’s great. If you like a crisp dry white with hints of tropical fruit and floral aromas you’ll love it. The ideal wine for a summer celebration.
World Albariño Day 01/08/22
Fancy a nice crisp dry white with your barbequed fish? Well, I would plump for a good Albariño (Alvarinho in Portugal and used in the famous Vinho Verde) any day. This grape is becoming increasingly popular and if you enjoy a Sauvignon, you will be quite likely to enjoy this zippy grape variety from Galicia in Spain.
An interesting (and maybe alarming) fact about Albarino is that it is one of the six new grape varieties chosen to help Bordeaux wine producers adapt to climate change. France’s national appellation body, INAO have approved this and the first plantings should be happening any time now.
You know there’s a real and imminent problem when the largest wine growing area in France and possibly the most famous in the world makes such changes – the French don’t mess with their vines for fun. They are looking to preserve the integrity of Bordeaux white wines along with resistance to specific vine diseases.
Albariño is capable of producing bone-dry white wines with good acidity. It isn’t very susceptible to grey rot, which is important for Bordeaux’s maritime climate. It has strong aromatic qualities which ‘make it possible to compensate [for] the loss of aromas that global warming usually causes’, said the Bordeaux Supérieur union.
If you haven’t tried one before, make this the day to expand your grape horizons! We have it in cans and bottles!
Gwinllan Llaethliw Vineyard
While on a short break recently in Llandeilo I did the usual of picking up stock on the way back. A trip to a vineyard is always welcome and Llaethliw is no exception. In fact, this one is located right by a little chapel that has very special significance for Dylan.
A 19th Century Mission
Just above the farm sits Neuaddlwyd Congregational Church which has a connection with Madagascar where Dylan’s great-grandparents were missionaries. Two of the first Welsh missionaries set off from this unassuming little chapel at the beginning of the 19th Century with the intention of helping to alleviate the suffering and poverty.
Llaethliw Vineyard
The chapel overlooks the vines planted by Richard and Siw in this peaceful location and I always stop to have a look at the information board and think how brave they were. Dylan’s great-grandfather is buried in Madagascar.
Welsh Wines
We first came here a long time before the vineyard was established but now it’s a pleasure to see this expanding business by a lovely Welsh family. They produce the whole range of wines: white, red, rosé and sparkling.
A Different Kind of Mission
Maybe this little spot in Wales is a spark for something very different now but it is certainly having an impact as the Welsh Wine movement continues to gain momentum. We are selling more than ever with a huge amount of interest being shown. We’re delighted to sell quality Welsh wines and I love the idea that this is a viable use of agricultural land in Wales.
Wales against the World?
Welsh vineyards have a lot to offer – in a comparative blind tasting event we conducted recently for over 60 people, Welsh wines were surprised the audience and compared very favourably to the Italian, French, Spanish and Austrian counterparts. The quality was there, and they offer something different. Have a look at our website and give them a try!
Llinos
Sesiwn Fawr, Dolgellau
A Voluntary Affair
Organised by volunteers since 1992, this great music festival is loved for its intimate feel created by a real patchwork of events hosted in multiple venues around the town. All within easy walking distance in the centre of town. 2022 has a great line-up, just have a look on https://sesiwnfawr.cymru/lein-yp/
Come and have a Drink
We may not be operating as a café now, but you can still pop in for coffee or a glass of wine. There are plenty of events in the parking area a few steps away from us in front of the Unicorn. Come and rest in one of our lovely upstairs rooms.
A Sesiwn Package
We have created a handy package of some of our favourite snacks and drinks for you to enjoy during the weekend, including our festival-convenient cans of wine! Pop in for one or order online. We look forward to seeing you – iechyd da Sesiwn Fawr and a big thank you to the organisers!
Gŵyl Wirfoddol
Ers 1992, bron iawn pob blwyddyn, mae criw Sesiwn Fawr wedi rhoi gwledd o gerdd i Ddolgellau fwynhau. Er iddo newid dipyn ers y dyddiau cynnar, mae’r nod o gael cerddoriaeth o safon i’r gynulleidfa yn dal i fod.
Dewch am ddiod
Nid oed bwyd ar gael gennym erbyn hyn ond galwch i weld y siop newydd wedd. Gallwch gael diod a gorffwys yn un o’n stafelloedd bach clud neu fwynhau gwydraid wrth wylio’r bandiau.
Pecyn Sesiwn
Mae bocs o ddiodydd a snaciau dwi’n siŵr y byddwch yn mwynhau yn ystod y penwythnos gan gynnwys caniau o win – cyfleus iawn i ŵyl. Galwch mewn neu archebwch ar-lein. Iechyd da Sesiwn Fawr a diolch i’r trefnwyr!
Llinos
An Evening with Hugh Johnson
“Terri we’ve won!!” I squealed…. then rationally thinking this isn’t going to happen it’s tomorrow night. Next thing I know train tickets are booked and me and my morning study pal, Llin are setting off for our adventure.
Vintners’ Hall
A drive down to Rugby and a train into Euston with time for a bite to eat before entering the “spiritual home of the international wine trade” – the Vintners Hall for ‘An evening with Hugh Johnson’. What an experience and a joy to absorb all the exquisite historic surroundings, beautiful stained glass, enamel and porcelain wine labels with numerous swans along with other wine fanatics happily chatting with each other.
Pol Roger Champagne Reception
“Please make your way upstairs to the drawing room to enjoy a glass of Pol Roger Champagne.” Not only were we going to listen to some of Hugh’s memories, we were also here to taste 6 of his favourite wines. Apparently, this has been his go-to champers for the past 60 years and can be drunk any time, day or night – and I agree it is refreshing and elegant.
He also shared some of his antics with us. In the 1970’s he asked Bollinger if he could have a cutting of the Pinot Noir – these vines, unusually, had not been affected by phylloxera and they still thrive today in Hugh’s old garden as well of some of his friends’ gardens. How remarkable that the same plant that has been producing champagne for years and years is also in English gardens!
‘The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson’
Another thing I didn’t know was that Hugh Johnson started writing about wine in Vogue and then he started travelling and would map where the vineyards were. Hence ‘The World Atlas of Wine’ and the well-loved ‘Pocket Wine book’ (if you have the first edition he hasn’t- so check your library). He has sold over 20 million books worldwide and his memoirs ‘The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson’ I shall be taking for my holiday read in July.
A Wine from Henry VIII’s Time!
Obviously, he has been asked several times what the oldest wine he has drunk is. I must say I was shocked to hear his answer. I will give you a clue: Shakespeare was born in 1564, the wine Hugh tasted was 24 years younger 1540!!! It was over 400 years old. He described it as sweet, distinct and perfumed. “Only wine can live like that” he said.
Royal Tokaji
An all time fave for myself and I can speak for Llin too is the Royal Tokaji and we enjoyed that very much in the tasting – fresh with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Hugh did state that these are great wines that have sunk below the radar. Do give them a try.
We were given a copy of his new book “The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson” – signed. He recognised us as he is a fan of Dyl’s soups (disappointingly no longer available) and loves the Dolgellau area. He was wanting to catch up on the latest news….more about trees than wine as that is his other passion.
An absolute joy and another cherished memory to add to my memoir if I get the chance to write one myself 😊 I think the best way to end this blog is with a quotation from the great man himself:
“Wines are made to be enjoyed with food or on its own, not with other wines as you big up some and bury the rest. The joy of wine lies in the differences” Hugh Johnson.
Emma
‘CAN’ YOU TAKE THE CHANGE?
It’s Recycling Awareness Week – try a can of wine!
First it was Screw Caps
People are touchy about their wine vessels! Years ago, when screw tops were first introduced the lament for the cork was, well, a lament. Would it affect the wine? What about that nice pop when you uncork? Would wines in screw top bottles be inferior? Then renowned Cloudy Bay wine maker Kevin Judd stuck one to the establishment and converted to Stelvin closures (that’s the posh name for screwcap) for his top-quality wines.
Recyclable
So now we have a new(ish) kid on the block: canned wines. This isn’t so much about avoiding cork taint, it’s about the fantastic recyclable nature of the can. Bearing in mind that about 90% of wines are consumed within an hour of purchase, worrying about ageing the wine should be largely immaterial.
Save Waste
Worrying about the effect on our planet however is another thing. Bottles are big, bulky and heavy which means that the carbon footprint for transportation is high. In addition to this, there is quite a lot of wastage – UK households pour the equivalent of 624 million bottles of wine a year down the drain. I know! Save it for cooking for goodness’ sake!
Quality in a Can
When you think that 2/3 of wine’s carbon footprint comes from packing and transport it seems sensible to reassess the packaging of our day-to-day drinks. Cans are a big part of that solution. Quality? Well, the can will do its job as long as the stuff you put in it in the first place is decent. Just like screw tops, you can get good wine and we have found that several enterprising companies are pushing the boundaries here.
Canned Wine Companies
The Copper Crew are an English company who source excellent award-winning wines for their jolly cans – I enjoyed some of their delicious Chenin Blanc with a mackerel pate supper last night as it happens. Their growing range includes rosé and red. The Liberator is another brand that cans small batches of superior wine from South Africa – also I love the quirky stories and music/cultural references on the cans.
Perfect Picnic Wine
These are fun drinks that don’t sacrifice quality. Cans pack twice as efficiently and are 100% recyclable. They chill in a fraction of the time a bottle does and are great for picnics – no corkscrew panics and you don’t even need a glass! At 250ml a can will serve two small glasses or one large – many bars we supply are going down this route to save wastage.
Special Offer
To encourage any sceptics and reward converts we are offering a 5 mixed can pack delivered for £25 – just in time for sunny picnics and barbeques. Follow the link below and use the code for free delivery. Enjoy!
Llinos
Stepping out of your comfort zone!
Do you always choose the same thing? I think we’re all creatures of habit and like to stick to what we know, even me and there’s always so many to choose from! You can guess that from my Terri’s Favourites! Case, as they’re all aromatic whites and soft fruity reds.
But if you’re feeling adventurous you could always trust us! We’ve put together different mixed wine cases, some with themes in mind and others are just a mixture for those of you who like to try something different.
One of my favourite cases at the moment is the Pennies VS Pounds – White Wine Selection. The thought behind these cases is to try the same grape but at different price points, you be the judge if it’s worth the extra per bottle. I always find it so interesting comparing the same grape but made in a different way or style.
We love changing these mixed cases up as often as we can too. Dylan has recently changed his favourites selection – Dylan’s Italian Favourites! He opted for a case of all his favourite Italian wines, although it was hard for him to narrow down.
“Hard to believe there is anyone that doesn’t love Italian food and combined with fine Italian wine you should be in heaven. A selection of wines that take me back to wonderful meals and wonderful tastings – Dylan.”
So if you fancy letting us take control, take a look at our selection of cases and try something new.
Terri