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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Rose 12.5

a bottle of 'When in Rome' Rosato on a white background

Rosato IGT NV When in Rome 75cl NV £13.01

Experience the Rosato IGT NV When in Rome, a refined Italian rosé that captures the essence of Roman terroir. Crafted with precision, this wine offers delicate floral and red berry aromas balanced by crisp acidity and a clean finish. Ideal for pairing with light Mediterranean dishes, it embodies elegance and versatility, reflecting the sophisticated charm of Italy’s capital in every sip.

White 13

a bottle of Pecorino 'When in Rome' white wine from Abruzzo, on a white background

Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGT NV When in Rome 75cl NV £13.01

Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGT NV "When in Rome" offers an exceptional balance of quality and value. This elegant white wine showcases the fresh, citrus-driven character and subtle mineral notes typical of the Pecorino grape. Its crisp acidity and well-rounded texture make it a versatile choice for pairing with seafood, light pasta dishes, or simply enjoying on its own. Expertly crafted in the heart of Italy’s Abruzzo region, it delivers an authentic taste experience at a remarkable price point.

Rose 13.5

Vumbaca Giuseppe Ciro DOC Rosato Organic 2022 75cl £19.62

Pink, a fragrant scent elegant and wide; dry, fresh and savoury

Red 14.5

La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi DOCG 2020 75cl | Great Wines Direct

La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi DOCG 2020 75cl £111.24

The highly distinctive La Spinetta Starderi is a truly unforgettable wine in a unique style set apart from other Piemontese Nebbiolo It has masses of ripe fruit on the nose - mulberry, strawberry jam, cherry compote, and is deeply juicy and succulent on the palate, with almost a Californian quality to it Impressively ripe, velvety and immediate, this is a style that does not require cellaring, although it would happily age a decade if desired The Starderi vineyard is just over the hill from Gallina, immediately above the Tanaro River, which helps moderate the climate - taking the edge off both summer heat and winter frosts

Rose 12.5

Guido Berlucchi, Franciacorta, '61 Rose' NV 75cl £41.15

A soft, gently sparkling rose with elegant notes of wild, ripe berries, complemented by subtle toasty nuances Tangy and crisp, with a long refreshing finish

Red 15

Andeluna 'Pasionado', Uco Valley, Malbec 2019 75cl £43.84

Ripe aromas of blackberry jam and dark chocolate with intense flavours and beautiful integration of fine opulence through to a very long finish A powerhouse of a Malbec

Red 14

Antoine Olivier, 1er Cru Beaurepaire, Santenay 2020 75cl £53.23

A beautifully perfumed wine with delicate red fruit tones with a hint of black pepper together with a silky texture, long and elegant, classic red Burgundy

White 14.5

Carrick Winery Bannockburn Pinot Blanc 2020 75cl £23.70

Bold nose, with notes of poached pear, toast and quince paste The palate brings these notes together, alongside greengage plum, vanilla and melted butter It's rich and full-bodied, textural, but finishing fresh on the palate Made from estate grown, BioGro certified organic grapes grown in a small 04 ha block on Carrick s lower Cairnmuir Terrace Vineyard in Bannockburn

Red 14.5

Man O' War Island Blend - Cabernet Franc, PV, Malbec, Merlot 2019 75cl £25.74

The Island Blend is a wonderfully refined, reserved, claret-style wine that combines freshness, finesse and complexity It is made from fruit grown on both Waiheke Island and the neighbouring Ponui island - hence the name Access to the vineyards on Ponui is a challenge, and cultivation and harvesting has to be planned carefully, according to the tides It has aromas of blackberry, woodsmoke, black tea and a touch of dried herbs The medium-bodied palate is full of red berry fruit, with black olive, graphite and fragrant cedar, and a light hint of oak and pepper spice on the finish With a supple texture and refined tannins, this could easily be a high quality Left Bank Bordeaux wine

Red 15

Ca'Rugate 'Punta 470', Amarone della Valpolicella 2019 75cl £58.72

An intensely flavoured but elegant Amarone with a warm character of savoury raisined fruit and spicy pepper

Red 14.5

Benguela Cove Syrah 75cl £18.98 £19.50

True to the varietal grown in cooler climates, one is lured closer by aromas of Rosemary and Fynbos, a rich perfume and a savoury gloss with hints of pepper spice. Juicy ripe tannins adds structure with a youthful freshness to perch the bold fruit. The fruit follows through beautifully with a salty finish that lingers on the palate.

White 12.5

Benguela Cove Cuvee 58 75cl £17.99 £18.50

Benguela Cove Cuvee 58 NV Brut allures with vivid aromas of candied apple, pear and sweet grass that comes to life when the fine mousse explodes on the surface. The expected bright acidity is balanced with a tangy finish, concluded with a fresh floral note. Absolutely delicious and versatile.

Rose 12.5

Angels and Cowboys Angels and Cowboys Rose 2022 75cl £21.68

Angels and Cowboys Rose is classic 'Oeuil-de-Perdrix' ('partridge eye') style, meaning a delicate blush colour Aromas are minerally and ethereal with hints of grapefruit and spicy floral notes In taste, the wine is lively and racy with flavors of citrus blossoms and minerals On the palate, this rose displays vibrant acidity, with a full and silky mid palate, deliciously great length and just enough texture to enjoy with or without food

Red 13

Roccolo Grassi, Valfresca, Valpolicella Superiore 2015 75cl £39.50

A Valpolicella Superiore of great finesse, with aromas of juicy red-berried fruit, spice and a hint of pepper Delicious minerality lends freshness, through to a long, rich finish

White 12

Champagne Duval-Leroy, Brut Reserve NV 150cl £103.34

Refreshing and elegant, with biscuity flavours layered with dark chocolate, cinnamon and roasted yellow fig, beautifully balanced and refined

White 12.5

Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV 75cl £64.49

Delicate aromas of green apple, floral and grilled notes complemented by good weight, beautiful elegance and finesse