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 14.5

Crasto Touriga Franca 2019 75cl £50.21

Like Touriga Nacional, Franca is an emblematic variety of the Douro region, although it is usually part of a blend: wines made exclusively from it are extremely rare This is the newest addition to Crasto's single-variety wine collection, and it displays similar, suave, silky, succulent texture to the Touriga Nacional, with a more restrained, less extrovert personality It has similarly concentrated black and blue fruit character, while the floral and spice attributes are present as subtle seasonings There is nothing here to hinder immediate enjoyment, and yet it could also age beautifully

Red 12

De Martino 'Las Olvidadas' Old Vine Pais and San Francisco 2022 75cl £31.68

White 12.5

Morgenster The Reserve White 2022 75cl £33.37

This distinguished blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon epitomises the heart and soil of the Morgenster Estate Notes of fresh citrus peel and almond are followed by deeper layers of gooseberry, grapefruit, white peach and quince A final floral hint of peach blossoms and honeysuckle perfectly rounds off the aromas Elegant and enticing, fresh acidity with the zestiness of lemon peel and grapefruit promises good ageing potential Delicious on its own, this versatile wine also pairs with seared tuna, goats cheese, oysters, grilled fish, sushi and pasta al pesto

Red 14

Xanadu, Margaret River, Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 75cl £17.33

Vibrant characteristic aromas of ripe black fruits and subtle spicy, toasty oak lead to a generous palate of juicy cassis, supple tannins and savoury overtones

White 13

Planeta Didacus Chardonnay 2021 75cl £73.52

Planeta's top, miniscule production Chardonnay 'Didacus' is a sensational wine: the equal of top vineyard sites in Burgundy or California, and yet with unmistakable Sicilian character Effusive nectarine, golden apple, grilled pineapple, clotted cream and toasted coconut aromas explode from the glass, and in the mouth it has an amazing, unctuous texture coupled to livewire acidity Absolutely astonishing stuff!

Rose 12.5

Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2022 75cl £19.50

Elegant pale salmon pink color The nose displays a fine floral profile, with delicate hints of nuts On the mouth, its freshness and juicy acidity are in perfect combination with flavors of currants and strawberries It has very good balance and structure Due to its pleasant tension on the palate, it can be enjoyed by itself or with meals

Red 13.5

Vina Echeverria, No es Pituko, Valle de Maule, Carignan 2023 75cl £14.39

A naturally made, fruity wine with expressive notes of rich plum and ripe black fruits accompanied by subtle spicy notes of cinnamon, star anise and a lovely, smooth finish

Red 13.5

Mulderbosch Vineyards, Faithful Hound, Stellenbosch 2022 75cl £18.05

Mulderbosch 'Faithful Hound' is a South African red wine of considerable depth and complexity. Ripe fruit takes centre stage, balanced by smoky, savoury notes that reveal layers of cassis, plum, and dates, with subtle hints of clove and chocolate adding intrigue. The wine's textured palate makes it equally suited to food pairing or contemplative sipping. A distinctive expression from one of South Africa's most respected producers.

Red 14

Chateau Leoube Chateau Leoube Rouge Organic 2021 75cl £26.70

This youthful red blend consists mainly of Syrah, with a complementary touch of grenache and cinsault , harmoniously gifting notes of both red and black fruits along with some classic syrah spice An elegant and incredibly balanced wine, its time in neutral oak barrels leaves velvety tannins and a superb silky mouthfeel A red to enjoy and appreciate all year round FOOD PAIRING : Charcuterie, red meats, barbecues and cheese boards SERVICE TEMPERATURE : 16 - 17 °C AGEING POTENTIAL : 5 to 7 years

Red 13

Wild Garden, Cape Coast, Pinotage 2022 75cl £11.11

A smooth and juicy Pinotage from South Africa's signature variety, delivering vibrant fruity notes of bright plummy and brambly fruit through to a lively finish

Red 13

Ropiteau Freres, Savigny-Les-Beaune Rouge 2022 75cl £48.60

An elegant and silky Pinot Noir, with an abundance of Morello cherry fruit, blackcurrant, raspberry and a touch of forest floor, refined tannins and a smooth finish

Red 13.5

Cannonball Merlot 2021 75cl £18.78

Crimson coloured, tempting all the senses, it has aromas of amaretto, fresh fig, with a hint of cherries and rich chocolate On the palate the structure is sophisticated, with wonderful concentration and an engaging finish of fresh cherries, chocolate and spiced cake

Red 13.5

Domaine Mabillot Reuilly Pinot Noir 2023 75cl £16.67

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Mabillot Reuilly Rouge is a wine of gem-like purity and attractive authenticity It has a vibrant crimson appearance, with a single, fragrant aromatic note that is somewhere between sun-kissed raspberry and deep loganberry Super-supple and silky in texture, it is fine, refreshing, perfectly-proportioned and flawless This delicious and great value Pinot is an excellent alternative to Bourgogne Rouge

Red 14.5

Teusner Wines The Riebke Shiraz 2021 75cl £19.48

The wine is jam packed with Barossa Shiraz flavoursplums, black fruits and warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and 5 spice There s a touch of mid palate sweetness, some mocha and black olive and the soft tannins are integrated seamlessly through the mid palate The subtle use of oak allows the rich dark fruit to take center stage

Red 14

Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Premier Cru 2020 75cl £140.21

An exceptional wine, and an icon of Joseph Drouhin, who owns the majority of this highly-respected Premier Cru vineyard It shows intense, fresh Morello cherry, raspberry and blackberry aromas, evolving into complex hints of smoke, liquorice, pepper, tobacco, and freshly-turned earth Defined and precise on the palate, it is silky-textured, with beautiful length The refined tannins constrain the wine and give it shape, without drying the palate This will provide sublime enjoyment anywhere between five and 25 years of age (The wine, not the drinker) The Mouches in the name and on the label are Mouches a Miel - honeybees in local dialect - since this location was historically where beehives were situated

White 12.5

Matias Riccitelli, Blanco de la Casa, Valle de Uco 2023 75cl £29.90

A textured and full-flavoured blend, with complex aromas of green apple, hay and citrus notes underpinned by remarkable minerality