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 13

La Collina dei Ciliegi, Prea, Bianco Verona 2021 75cl £42.53

Delicate notes of white pepper, herbal and white floral aromas are layered with exotic fruits through to a full and refreshing palate full of distinctive minerality

White 12.5

La Collina dei Ciliegi, Ca'del Moro, Veronese Garganega 2023 75cl £15.60

A refreshing Garganega, with delicate aromas of floral blossom and white peach through to a smooth, vibrant and fruity palate with an uplifting finish

Red 12.5

Vina Leyda Pinot Noir Lot 21 2022 75cl £25.96

This is a sumptuous Pinot Noir that will impress lovers of the best Pinots from Central Otago, Oregon or California's Russian River Valley It has an abundance of ripe black cherry, star anise, clove and rose petal aromas, and a rounded, succulent, velvety texture Utterly irresistible!

Red 14.5

La Rioja Alta SA, 'Vina Ardanza', Rioja Reserva 2017 150cl £78.92

An emblematic Rioja showcasing beautiful balance, silkiness and opulence with aromatic spicy notes enveloping rich, red fruits and a long, smooth finish

Red 14.5

Domaine de la Rochelierre, Fitou 'Privilege 2022 75cl £23.99

A richly fruited blend with herbal notes of the garrigue, layered with spicy hints of vanilla and liquorice

White 12

Bishop's Leap, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023 75cl £14.70

A light bodied, mouth-watering wine redolent of passionfruit complemented by herbaceous flavours with a zesty and refreshing finish

Red 14

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel, Pena Roble, Ribera del Duero 2023 75cl £18.95

Savoury aromas of red plum, sweet cherry and hints of liquorice are enhanced by smooth and harmonious oaky undertones with a touch of coconut and vanilla

White 12.5

Bruce Jack Wines, 'Off the Charts', Western Cape, Skin Contact Clairette Blanche 2024 75cl £14.62

Complex and delicious, showing nectarine and citrus layered with hints of vanilla, caramel, almond and a touch of clove through to a fresh and zesty finish

Rose 12.5

Groot Constantia Rose, Constantia 2024 75cl £14.72

A delicate pale salmon colour with a distinctive flavour of peapods and blackberry fruit, perfumed, dry and floral

White 13

Vinedos Sierra Cantabria Rioja Blanco Organza 2022 75cl £33.38

A real eye-opener, and a must-try for anyone who appreciates great white Burgundy Bright golden in the glass, it offers a nose of tropical fruit, sweet spice and a mineral tang Wild herbs, beeswax, grapefruit and nutmeg combine to create a complex palate

Red 14.5

D Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2021 75cl £11.38

It is rumoured that the inventor of the Stump Jump plough, which enabled a ploughshare to 'jump' over tree roots (or stumps), had poor eyesight and required regular tests to ensure he could still operate machinery The design of this label is inspired by an optometrist's eyechart and serves as a makeshift sobriety test If you can hold the bottle at arm's length and still read the front label, you can enjoy another glass The nose is chock-full of fresh blackberries, cherries and dark chocolate sprinkled with spices The palate is fresh and juicy, ripe red fruits mix with plums, blackcurrant, flowers and a twist of black pepper The tannins are fine with d'Arenberg's trademark earthiness helping keep this easy going wine in check

Rose 12

Vignali Roccamena Pinot Grigio Blush 75cl £12.71

Vignali Roccamena Pinot Grigio Blush has brief skin contact with the wine. Pale, delicate medium rose. Fruity and elegant. Delicate and persistent. Well balanced with a pleasant and long-lasting fruity finish.

White 12.5

Swartland Winery, 'Limited Release', Swartland, Roussanne 2022 75cl £13.67

A full bodied white wine showing honeysuckle and ripe pear flavours over a creamy mouthfeel and with a lingering, zesty aftertaste

White 13.5

Swartland Winery, 'Limited Release', Swartland, Viognier 2024 75cl £15.88

A fresh and pungently aromatic Viognier with flavours of peach, apple and vanilla and a black pepper note on the finish

Red 14

Swartland Winery, 'Winemakers Collection', Swartland, Syrah 2023 75cl £13.24

An easy drinking Syrah full of ripe black fruits and layers of smoky vanilla spice with hints of dark chocolate

Red 13.5

Domaine Gardies, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, 'Les Milleres' 2022 75cl £23.52

Ripe, dark-berried fruits and hints of spice are balanced by graphite and a lovely freshness