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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Red 15.5

Louis M Martini Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 75cl £124.32

The Monte Rosso vineyard lies at 1,000 feet in the Mayacamas mountains in Sonoma County At this elevation, it is above the fog that so frequently affects California's coastal districts, and so experiences plenty of sunshine, tempered by the coolness of altitude These conditions lead to fantastically intense, succulent black cherry aromas, with more than a hint of spiciness Big, rich, velvety and utterly delicious With decanting, this is a super-impressive wine young, although it will also reward extended cellaring Marvellous

Red 13

Domaine Courbis, La Sabarotte, Cornas 2021 75cl £73.57

The epitome of fine and maturing Cornas, rich and intense with layers of meaty and gamey flavours with herbal notes, a beautiful combination of power and elegance

Red 14

Domaine de Colonat, Moulin-a-Vent Les Greneriers 2020 75cl £27.97

An elegant and beautifully balanced expression, rich in voluptuous dark fruit aromas, with a firm and rounded texture and an alluring cherry and blackberry finish

White 12.5

Bodegas Alonso Stripped Desnudado 2021 75cl £13.10

A really light and interesting wine that suits very nicely as an aperitivo, or with a light meal or snack Mineral and saline, with citrus and flowers

White 12.5

Oenops, Kidonitsa 2022 75cl £23.45

Complex aromas of white floral notes, stone fruit and lime are layered with mineral notes through to smooth, freshly balanced palate with a long finish

Red 14

Olifantsberg, Soul of the Mountain 'The Bull', Breedekloof 2018 75cl £28.90

A wild red blend with notes of sage, spicy bramble and black olive fruit leads to an engaging palate with bright flavours and layered tannins

White 13.5

Olifantsberg, Soul of the Mountain 'The Matriarch', Breedekloof 2019 75cl £27.30

Alluring aromas of citrus peel, white blossom, spice and a delicious waxy character lead to a textured palate exquisitely balanced by a tangy freshness

Red 14

Olifantsberg, Breedekloof, Syrah 2018 75cl £21.10

A refined Syrah showing complex notes of red and dark berry fruit, with hints of liquorice, chocolate and white pepper Subtle oak on the palate leads to a finessed finish

Red 12

Lismore Estate Vineyards, Greyton, Estate Reserve Syrah 2021 75cl £67.10

A stunning and precise Syrah with perfumed floral notes and bright blueberry and blackberry fruit infused with crushed violets Beautifully textured, elegant and mouthfilling with superb length

Red 14

Castello Vicchiomaggio, 'Amphiarao', Toscana Rosso 2021 75cl £44.48

An intense and full-bodied blend with red fruits layered with a herbaceous notes and a spicy background, concentrated and fragrant with a silky finish

White 13

Simpsons Wine Estate, Kent, 'Roman Road', Chardonnay 2022 75cl £30.29

A poised wine with layers of tropical and citrus fruit, subtle butterscotch and flint aromas preluding a palate of ripe, fruit intensity balanced by elegant mineral tones

Red 14

Planeta Didacus Cabernet Franc 2018 75cl £81.08

This refined Cabernet Franc shows the astonishing refinement, finesse, balance and complexity that Sicily's finest terroirs can achieve, in the masterful hands of the Planeta family This is a wine that demands time - pour it into a decanter and experience it unfurling like a green shoot over the course of an evening Or leave the bottle undisturbed in the cellar for a few years, and your patience will be richly rewarded

Red 14

Les Vignobles St Didier Parnac, Prieure de Cenac', Cahors, Malbec 2020 75cl £17.92

Fragrant aromas of violet, spice and a subtle menthol note are underpinned by rich, juicy black fruit in this concentrated, but beautifully balanced Malbec

Red 13.5

Domaine Madeloc, 'Magenca Rouge', Collioure 2021 75cl £27.67

A wine of great elegance, with inviting aromas of juicy red berries, spice and vanilla leading to a tantalisingly fruity palate with mineral nuances and a velvety texture

Rose 13

Renaissance Fleuriet Freres, Sancerre 'Magie des Caillottes' Rose 2022 75cl £25.20

With the palest pink hue, aromas of raspberry, strawberries and cream, this elegant rose combines the freshness of Sancerre with the velvety texture of Pinot Noir

Red 14.5

Vinedos Sierra Cantabria Rioja Finca El Bosque 2021 75cl £77.04

An incredibly distinguished wine from the tiny, 14 hectare, El Bosque vineyard, planted on a deep gravel terrace overlooking the Ebro River The Egurens recognised the similarity of this well-drained site to the great growths of Bordeaux, and the concentration and complexity of its miniscule annual yield are truly awesome One to cellar for an extremely special occasion The exceptional quality of the vineyard is reflected in the intensity of aromas and flavours, exquisite finesse and extraordinary length, and the ability to mature for many years