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 13.5

Maison Coquard FLEURIE 'Glycine et Lilas' 2020 75cl

FLEURIE Cru Beaujolais - Maison Coquard 75cl £20.30

Maison Coquard FLEURIE Cru Beaujolais is symbolised by a sculpture of wisteria and lilac flowers, evoking the exquisite perfume of the flowers which pervade the winery in spring. A bouquet of fresh flowers, particularly violet and peony, is characteristic of Fleurie wines. There are also subtle hints of red berries, such as ripe strawberries and raspberries, and a touch of spice, perhaps reminiscent of white pepper or cinnamon. Coquard Fleurie is light-bodied and elegant on the palate, with soft, silky tannin that provides structure without overwhelming the senses. The dominant flavours mirror the aromas, with bright red fruit notes taking centre stage. Juicy raspberry, cherry, and cranberry flavours dance across the palate, accompanied by floral undertones that add depth and complexity.

White 13

A bottle of Christophe Coquard's Macon Villages white wine with a white background

Macon Villages - Maison Coquard 75cl £19.97

Step into the sunlit vineyards of southern Burgundy with Maison Coquard’s Macon Villages, a fresh, lively white that showcases Christophe Coquard’s devotion to quality and expression.This elegant Chardonnay is all about pure pleasure: crisp orchard apples, juicy pear, and a whisper of citrus zest, all wrapped up in a clean, mineral finish.Effortlessly drinkable but far from ordinary, it’s the perfect pour for any occasion, from easy lunches to special dinners. Christophe’s forward-thinking style shines through here, combining classic Mâcon charm with a modern freshness that keeps you coming back for more.

White 12.5

Frescobaldi Gorgona Bianco 2023 75cl £110.00

Exciting, fabulous and absolutely distinctive, this has deeply inviting, fresh yet complex aromas of lemon rind, beeswax and honey; developing into a glorious jamboree of nectarine, apricot, drippingly juicy mango, tangy clementine and even an intimation of caramelised maple syrup Lively, fresh and beguiling, with Tuscan Vermentino's easy charm, it has further layers of richness that sets it apart as a particularly special wine On the palate, orange blossom honey, elderflower, apricot puree and lemon sorbet Beautifully sumptuous, rounded texture, with a brisk, briny brightness that attests to its island origin Miniscule quantities are made from the island's five hectares of vineyard This wine has a unique story - made on Europe's only island prison, Gorgona, by inmates nearing the end of long sentences Frescobaldi agreed to work with the Italian Justice Ministry to help provide prisoners with skills and savings to prepare them for life on the outside Indeed, upon release, a number of Gorgona 'graduates' have chosen a career in vine husbandry or wine production

Red 13.5

Kir-Yianni Paranga Red 2023 75cl £11.74

The charming aromas of red forest-fruits and cherry are enhanced with subtle notes of rose petals The palate shows balance, a round mouthfeel, soft tannins and a long, aromatic aftertaste Light and spicy with refreshing acidity and mild tannins

Red 15

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2019 75cl | Great Wines Direct

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2019 75cl £39.00

A fabulous example of Italy's most famous red wine, from an exceptional producer Sumptuous black cherry fruit character on the nose, followed by fragrant hay, dried cranberry, dried cherry and kirsch Underneath these, subtle nuances of creamy milk chocolate, truffle, violet, cracked pepper and seared steak emerge gradually In the mouth, it has fabulous, velvety texture, with great richness from the well-ripened tannins, no shortage of flavour to plump it out and crisp acidity providing freshness and balance This is absolutely delicious to drink already, although 15 minutes in the decanter before serving will help bring out its best The wine's concentration, tannin structure, fine balance and brilliant track record also suggest it will cellar well, so be sure to order enough to keep you going for a decade!

White 14

Oak Ridge Winery, 'Maggio', Lodi, Chardonnay 2023 75cl £17.11

A creamy Californian Chardonnay displaying rich vanilla notes combined with tropical fruits and pineapple

White 13

De Martino Estate Chardonnay 2024 75cl £10.74

Fresh aromas of ripe citrus fruit and peaches, along with a smooth palate with medium body

White 16

Fattoria dei Barbi Vin Santo DOC Half Bottle 2015 37.5cl £23.62

A distinctive sweet wine made by drying the grapes on straw mats before pressing to concentrate the sugars and flavour Lots of dried fruits- raisin and prune- as well as a twist of orange peel Rich and nutty on the palate, with a long and nicely balanced finish Sip and savour after a meal or try with sweet biscuits or ice-cream

White 13

Planeta Cometa Fiano 2023 75cl £27.52

Intense and full of character, with integrated aromatic notes of citrus and tropical fruit, white peach, pink grapefruit and wisteria On the palate it has plenty of character with elegantly mineral elements The acidity is well integrated with the fruit, making for a harmonious whole which is without a doubt one of the finest examples of this variety to be found anywhere on the planet

White 13.5

Vietti, 'Derthona', Colli Tortonesi, Timorasso 2022 75cl £39.55

A smooth, creamy and beautifully balanced Timorasso, delivering notes of pear, peach layered with mineral and floral nuances and delicious honey tones

Red 13.5

Michele Chiarlo 'Palas', Barbera d'Asti 2023 75cl £18.89

A medium-bodied and well flavoured Barbera full of vibrant pomegranate and red cherry fruit with freshness on the finish

White 13

Thierry Drouin, Saint-Veran La Cote Doree 2023 75cl £26.18

Sweet aromas of apricot, peach, nectarine and plum prelude a broad palate with generous, fleshy fruit through to a deliciously linear, mineral and refreshing finish

White 13

Thierry Drouin, 'Plaisance' Saint-Veran 2023 75cl £23.21

Delicate floral notes are layered with citrus and ripe yellow fruits through to an elegant and mineral palate with lively, lemony notes

Rose 12.5

Simpsons Wine Estate, Kent, 'Railway Hill', Rose 2023 75cl £22.94

This delicate and fruity Pinot Noir rosé has fresh aromas of watermelon and lychee, with peachy, strawberry flavours and a delightfully smooth texture

White 12

Champagne Laurent-Perrier, 'Grand Siecle No 26' NV 75cl £277.30

An exquisite, silky and mineral Champagne offering a sublime bouquet of honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter, with a touch of honey and hazelnut

Red 13.5

Vina Echeverria, 'No es Pituko', Valle del Maule, Cabernet Franc 2023 75cl £14.54

Lively aromas of black cherry and fresh plum surround a fresh, silky palate displaying luscious raspberry fruit and a benchmark graphite character