Wine

Wine online from Great Wines Direct

Wine is typically a fermented grape-based alcoholic beverage. The sugar in the grapes is consumed by yeast, which then breaks it down into ethanol and carbon dioxide while also producing heat.

Different kinds of wine are mostly influenced by various yeast strains and grape varieties. These variations are the result of intricate interactions between the biological growth of the grape, the fermentation reactions, the terroir (growing region) of the grape, and the wine-making process.

Legal appellations are established in many nations to specify wine styles and quality. These often place limitations on the allowable grape types, geographical origin, and other characteristics of wine production.

Since ancient times, wine has been made. The Caucasus region in what is now Georgia (6000 BCE), Persia (5000 BCE), Italy, and Armenia (4000 BCE) has the earliest wine artefacts.

While there are some similarities between New World wine and alcoholic beverages manufactured by native Americans, these connections relate mostly to later Spanish practises in New Spain.

Later, as viticulture methods for Old World wine advanced, Europe would have three of the greatest wine-producing regions. Today, Italy, Spain, France, the United States, and China are the five nations with the largest wine-producing regions.

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White 12.5

Bodegas Bhilar, Rioja Alavesa, Bhilar Blanco 2022 75cl £19.56

Zesty aromas of citrus peel lead to a palate with lovely weight and a delicately creamy texture, offering harmonious balance to the cool-climate mineral tones

Red 13.5

Andeluna '1300', Uco Valley, Malbec 2023 75cl £17.02

Rich ripe black plummy fruit on the nose complemented by a generous and silky texture and more than a hint of sous bois and vanilla on the finish

White 13.5

Saint Cosme, Condrieu 2022 75cl £63.60

A graceful, sleek and charming Condrieu showing wonderful complexity with perfumed hints of fennel, elderflower and antique rose layered with apricot

Rose 11.5

Llopart, 'Vi-Brant', Penedes 2023 75cl £24.92

A clean, creamy gently sparkling wine with inviting notes of pear, wild strawberry and redcurrant underpinned by subtle hints of balsamic and a beautiful freshness

Red 14

Kayra, Versus, Anatolia, Okuzgozu 2020 75cl £30.20

A concentrated and powerful wine showing notes of black fruits combined with spice and dark chocolate nuances

White 12.5

Akriotou, 'Orivatis' Old Vine Savatiano, Sterea Ellada 2023 75cl £15.50

Intensely aromatic notes of rich pineapple and citrus and finishing with a mineral, salty edge

Red 14.5

Chateau Dubard Bel-Air Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2022 75cl £15.60

A charming wine, full of ripe plum and blueberry fruit, supported by toasty oak Ample-textured, with juicy fruit balanced by firm tannins and great structure Vineyards to the north of Saint Emilion are situated on a calcareous plateau that overlooks the Dordogne valley The soils of Puisseguin Saint Emilion can be distinguished by their especially high lime content The 834 hectare Bel-Air vineyard is owned by the Dubard family of Bergerac The 'satellite' areas of Lussac and Puisseguin produce wines that are virtually impossible to tell apart from Saint Emilion proper, and are frequently exceptional value for money

Red 14.5

D Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2021 75cl £14.40

The nose is packed with enticing fresh red fruit characters of raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate Hints of blackberry and Kalamata olive come through over time, erupting in a long and lingering palate A fine line of acid, reminiscent of tangy rhubarb, is supported by lively tannins

Red 14.5

Paul Jaboulet Aine, 'La Maison Bleue', Hermitage 2017 75cl £78.26

Seamlessly blending finesse and complexity, this stunning Hermitage shows wonderful purity of fruit, with Morello cherry, raspberry and floral notes enveloped by silky tannins

Red 13

Simpsons Wine Estate, Kent, 'Rabbit Hole' Pinot Noir 2023 75cl £29.87

A smooth, elegant and complex wine with dark cherry, smoky oak aromas and hints of mocha lifted by tangy, red fruit flavours and coffee undertones

Red 14

Quinta da Plansel Plansel Tinto Selecta 2023 75cl £10.98

Dark garnet with floral notes reminiscent of violets and orange blossom Wild dark fruits with a hint of spice on the palate

White 12.5

Guido Berlucchi, Franciacorta '61 Nature' 2017 75cl £52.40

Layered and elegant, with crisp apricot, yellow peach, candied citrus and brioche notes A vibrant, tangy streak of freshness underpins the richly-flavoured finish

White 12.5

Champagne Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018 75cl £141.07

Beautiful biscuity and buttery nose with creamy weight balanced by freshness and a tangy finish

White 11.5

Cevico, Colli Imola, Emilia Romagna, Romandiola Pignoletto Frizzante 75cl £12.54

An attractive and delicately floral bouquet on the nose and a crisp, refreshing flavour A cross between Pinot Grigio and Prosecco in style, slightly sparkling

White 12

Champagne Palmer, Grand Terroirs 2015 75cl £89.80

An intense, elegant vintage Champagne, with charming aromas and a creamy texture enveloped by citrus tones, nuances of brioche and dried fruits, through to a deliciously long finish

White 12

Champagne Palmer, Blanc de Noirs NV 75cl £75.08

A contemporary expression, with delicate aromas of peach and apricot lifted by vibrant notes of grapefruit and gooseberry A beautiful combination of intensity and finesse