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 13.5

Brookdale Estate, Bradbourne, Paarl, White Blend 2023 75cl £30.70

Complex, smooth and silky with rich aromatics of honeyed peach, hazelnut and racy lime balancing the luscious stone fruits through to a mineral finish

Red 14.5

Tahbilk, Old Vines, Nagambie Lakes, Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019 75cl £29.27

A generous, expressive yet elegant blend with bay leaf, mint and pepper notes surrounding dark berry, spice and plum fruit flavours

White 12

Berton Vineyard, Foundstone, South Eastern Australia, Pinot Grigio 2024 75cl £11.60

Notes of green apple, pear and citrus fruit through to an off-dry fruity finish

Red 14.5

Brown Brothers, Estate Range, Shiraz 2018 75cl £19.80

Lifted aromas of red and dark berry fruits are complemented by the classic peppery notes of Shiraz, through to a juicy and supple palate

Red 12.5

Brown Brothers, Explorer Series, Victoria, Tarrango 2022 75cl £15.06

A light, refreshing and juicy red wine characterised by notes of wild red berries, cherries and a hint of spice, through to a delicate and moreish finish

Red 13.5

Domaine des Pourthie, Pays d'Oc, Merlot 2023 75cl £13.80

A juicy and fleshy Merlot from the South of France showing red plum and green bellpepper notes, loads of flavour

White 8.5

Weingut Monchhof, Mosel, Urzig Wurzgarten, Riesling Kabinett 2018 75cl £19.08

A rounded and exotic Riesling, with aromas of red berries and creamy almond combined with smoky and herbal nuances and balanced by a refreshing core

Red 14

Ramon Bilbao Edicion Limitada, Magnum 2020 150cl £32.62

Intense ruby red with black cherry glints and a deep hue High fruit intensity on the nose, with a perfect balance of dark fruit and oak on the palate The spicy nuances play a key role, with black pepper, cloves and cumin Fresh wood aromas with notes of cocoa, dry tobacco leaves and mint and a smooth, fruity mouth-feel with a long finish Pleasant, polished tannins and refreshing acidity

White 13

Tournee du Sud, Pays d'Oc, Viognier 2023 75cl £11.93

Sun-drenched peach and apricot characters, along with a merest hint of ginger and jasmine, lively and fresh on the finish

Red 13.5

Hugonell, Joven, Rioja 2023 75cl £12.92

Hugonell Joven represents the approachable entry point to Rioja's winemaking tradition. This unoaked red showcases the region's signature Tempranillo character: bright red fruit, subtle spice, and a clean, food-friendly structure. The Joven designation means minimal barrel ageing, preserving the wine's vibrant acidity and primary fruit expression. Ideal for everyday enjoyment or pairing with Spanish cuisine, cured meats, and lighter dishes. A reliable expression of Rioja's classic style at an accessible price point. Plum and juicy red cherry flavours combine with hints of vanilla and spice

Red 13.5

Campuget, 1753 Grenache Sans Sulfites, 2023 75cl £17.90

Characterised by freshness, finesse and delicacy, this Grenache offers lovely purity of red berried fruit layered with subtle floral aromas and graphite notes

Red 14

Pierre Naigeon, Marsannay Sampagny 2020 75cl £57.30

Pierre Naigeon's Marsannay Sampagny represents a refined expression of Burgundy's underrated red terroir. This vintage showcases the elegance characteristic of Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits, with a focus on mineral precision and subtle complexity. Expect a wine of medium body with silky tannins, displaying notes of red cherry, earth, and delicate spice. The Sampagny climat offers excellent ageing potential whilst remaining approachable in its youth. A sophisticated choice for those seeking authentic Burgundy without premium pricing. A silky, smooth Pinot Noir showing lovely complexity, with aromatic notes of hedgerow raspberry, vanilla and rose complemented by a touch of spice on the long finish.

Red 13.5

Cantine Leonardo Da Vinci Chianti Riserva 2021 75cl £15.72

Deep ruby in colour, this Riserva Chianti is fruity and spicy on the nose, showing aromas of fresh red fruit - especially cherries - with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon On the palate, it is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with juicy fruit notes, soft tannins and a long, lingering finish

Red 13.5

Franck Massard El Mago Organic Garnacha 2023 75cl £16.01

This is dangerously easy to drink It smells and tastes like strawberries, with the merest suggestion of spice, and it's extraordinarily soft-textured, with such gentle tannins that they almost go unnoticed However, thanks to the high-altitude vineyards, there is nice, crisp acidity that keeps everything fresh On the finish, the strawberry fruit gives way to an intriguing hint of blood oranges and blanched almonds

Red 14.5

J Chivite Family Estates Coleccion 125 Vino de Guarda Tinto 2019 75cl £28.25

COLOUR: Pure, ruby red colour NOSE: Very intense and complex, black fruit, blackberry, cassis, chocolate, cedar, juniper PALATE: Dense and fleshy attack, great evolution of powerful and round tannins Very long aromatic persistence

Red 14.5

Teusner Wines The Dog Strangler Mataro 2022 75cl £21.18

'The Dog Strangler' , translated from Estrangle-Chien, as it is known in parts of France The grape variety Mataro is also known as Mourvedre Rarely seen as a single varietal - this wine is a standout A lovely, deep, darkly impenetrable, purple/black colour Deep purple, good name for a band Blueberries, anise, smoked-meats, Asian spice, really lovely aromatics and evocative things happening in the glass Deliciously fleshy blue fruits, dark cherry, spice and licorice This has a really attractive dark fruit-weight and the tannins and acid work in tandem seamlessly to give the dark, slurpy fruit the structure and cut this wine requires