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 9.5

Brown Brothers, Explorer Series, Victoria, Orange Muscat and Flora 2022 37.5cl £10.98

Vibrant gold in colour, with lifted aromas of lemon, honey, spice and musk, through to a fresh and tangy palate with a zesty and balanced sweetness

White 12

Vins Petxina Blanc Vi Natural White Organic 2022 75cl £15.88

A 'natural wine', made without adding protective sulphur dioxide This results in a golden yellow colour, aromas and flavours of bruised orchard fruits and a distinct tingly tang of acidity

White 11

Quinta da Lixa QL Loureiro 2024 75cl £8.46

"Floral, fresh and zingy with fruity notes A well-balanced wine with a delightfully long finish "

Red 12.5

Les Vignobles St Didier Parnac, Picpus, Comte Tolosan, Malbec Syrah 2023 75cl £13.10

Les Vignobles St Didier Parnac crafts this distinctive Malbec-Syrah blend from the Comte Tolosan region, where traditional winemaking meets modern precision. This vintage balances the dark fruit intensity and structure of Malbec with Syrah's peppery complexity, delivering a wine of considerable depth and elegance. Ideal for those seeking a characterful French red with genuine regional identity and food-pairing versatility.

White 13

Thelema Mountain Vineyards Sutherland Viognier Roussanne 2023 75cl £16.14

Sun-dried apricot, marzipan and rose petal aromas, with rosemary undertones This wine is big with some prominent leesy, toasty notes among the fruit The finish is clean, fresh and long with some minerality

Red 14

La Mascota 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, La Mascota 2022 75cl £13.46

Deep red colour with hints of violet Aromas of liquorice, cassis and warm raspberry jam The palate is full bodied, complex and long with an elegant touch of roasted pepper and chocolate

Red 13.5

Meinert Le Berry Red 75cl NV £12.54

Le Berry Red is a sumptuous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot It has mature fruit, lavish coconut and butterscotch oak character and rounded, succulent texture It is made of Bordeaux grape varieties, but the style is reminiscent of old school Rioja

White 12.5

Chardonnay 23 Pete's Pure 75cl £11.70

White 12.5

Seresin Estate Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2023 75cl £18.04

A real treat, Seresin takes the classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc formula to a whole new level, with added layers of refinement, polish and complexity It has a vibrant nose with aromas of ripe tropical fruit, herbaceous notes and a lashing of citrus The palate is lush, generous and textural, with subtle notes of lemon blossom and passionfruit The finish is refreshing, crisp and dry This biodynamic vineyard is owned by cinematographer, Michael Seresin (of Harry Potter fame), and the wines are made by the exceptionally talented (and almost as famous) Tamra Kelly-Washington

Red 13

Louis Tete Beaujolais Villages 2022 75cl £14.08

"Light purple in colour, with a elegant, fresh intense nose of soft red fruits The palate is equally open and fleshy with lots of fruit and little tannin Wonderfully soft and accessible, plenty of character backed by good balancing acidity"

White 13.5

J Chivite Family Estates Finca Legardeta Chardonnay 2023 75cl £16.67

This has a lovely aroma of perfectly ripe, juicy William pears, with delectable nuances of spices, frankincense and ginger Wonderful succulence of texture, with an understated richness reminiscent of Saint Veran in Burgundy The flavours reflect the aroma: deliciously juicy and fresh, and displaying both orchard fruits and suggestions of pineapple and fresh papaya Irresistible!

White 12.5

Benguela Cove Joie De Vivre Cap Classique 75cl £23.99 £24.49

Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre Cap Classique exhibits a vibrant intensity and revels in elegance and style. On the nose, the MCC shows slight perfume and berry aromas followed by notes of nougat and brioche, while the palate is seductively fresh and focused with lingering mineral tones. The fine and soft mousse gives way to beautiful biscuit, red apple and nutty flavours on the palate, then subtly rounds off with a creamy complexity.

White 12

Zaccagnini Tralcetto Bianco di Ciccio 75cl £19.49 £21.89

Zaccagnini Tralcetto Bianco di Ciccio is a straw colour with green reflections. On the nose, the wine has the characteristic freshness typical of Chardonnay grapes. The palate is filled with balanced, fresh fruit flavours and is pleasantly dry.

Red 13.5

Nativ Rue dell'inchiostro Aglianico IGT 75cl £18.12

Nativ Rue dell'inchiostro Aglianico is a deep, intense ruby purple colour. Rich aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries, along with spicy notes of cocoa. Silky tannins, soft and long. Full-bodied texture yet balanced by good acidity, which gives it a true sense of finesse.

White 12

Conte Alari Gavi di Gavi DOCG 75cl £19.58 £20.80

Conte Alari Gavi di Gavi DOCG is straw yellow in colour, fragrance of flowers and fruit with a hint of peach. Full and rich taste, soft, which is a result of the complete ripening of the grapes, which intensifies the character.

Red 13.8

Pizzini Wines Pietra Rossa Sangiovese 2021 75cl £18.04

Brick red in colour with a cherry hue Initial notes of raspberry and red cherry on the nose which lead to spicy and earthy characters as the wine opens The palate is rich and seductive with plums, cherries, hints of leather and soft earthy notes The balance of fresh fruit and soft acidity, blended with savoury and chalky tannins, give this wine both drink now and aging capacity