Now that Autumn is upon us and you are digging in the wardrobe for those cosy jumpers and arguing whether the heating should be switched on, we've changed our 'wine-wardrobe' for you. Nothing too heavy, but a gentle segue from light summer drinking to something a little more warming.
An autumnal theme is pervading our choices in this newsletter with a recurrence of apples, blackberries, plums and wood smoke, all things seasonal.
First of all our Autumn Case is launched, offering its usual great value for money, then we move to some great offers from Spain and finish with some great choices of spirits.
If you would like to order anything you see here please give us a ring on 01200 423152 or 01200 422281
D. BYRNE & CO. AUTUMN CASE
WHITESAlasia Gavi, Piemonte, Italy
Appealing aromas of citrus fruit and white flower with a touch of white spice. The palate has more citrus characters with hints of harvest and stone fruits. Crisp, refreshing acidity balances underlying minerality.
K-Naia Verdejo, Rueda, Spain
A nose of pink grapefruit, passion fruit, mandarin oil notes and lightly herbaceous characters. The palate is rich with minerality, racy lime zest acidity and a touch of stone fruit - giving a lovely texture and intensity, and just a touch of fennel on the finish.
Pazo de Monterrey Godello, Monterrei, Spain
A crisp, aromatic white with a lifted nose of apricot blossom, citrus fruits and a touch of honey. Very fresh acidity and mineral notes balance rich, ripe fruit characters of apple and pear on the palate. The finish has a touch of white spice and good length with a lightly bitter twist.
Silver Myn Sauvignon Blanc, Banghoek, South Africa
The nose shows wonderful aromas multi-layered greener tropical fruit such as green melon, kiwi fruit and fig. This character is true to the Banghoek terroir - lots of gooseberry zip, linear, crisp and racy. This is a mouth filling wine with firm acidity leading to a multi-layered complex palate showing distinct mineral and fig flavours on the finish.
Tabali Pedregoso Gran Reserva Viognier, Limari Valley, Chile
Rich aromas of citrus, orange peel and dried apricot, fresh pears and white peaches, plus hints of candied fruit. Delivers on the palate as well as the nose, with floral, honeyed and citrus flavours combining with chalky minerality so typical of Limari. Bright and expressive, this has a soft rounded texture and great purity.
REDS
Pasquiers Grenache Noir, Pays d’Oc, FranceThe black Grenache from the deep South of France is steeped in texture and character. Rich mulberry fruit, sweet spice and cinnamon on the nose with more intense berry fruit and liquorice spice on the palate, gluggable, sinewy and fleshy with some gentle acidity.
Uggiano Chianti Colli Fiorentini Prestige, Tuscany, Italy
A classic structured style of Chianti aged for 6 months in large oak casks. Cherry and spice aromas lead to a fresh and vibrant palate of black cherry and ripe plum. This is all backed by more spice, savoury notes and supple tannins to give real depth.
Artesa Organic Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
Matured in a high proportion of new barrels each vintage. The result is a wine that has had the benefit of maturation in the best possible new oak! Vibrant plum and cherry aromas combine with woody, herbal notes. The palate is complex with juicy bramble fruit, black pepper, and lifted, savoury characters.
Honoro Vera Merlot, Jumilla, Spain
Aromas of wild cherry and bramble fruits. The palate is smooth and elegant with blackberry and blueberry characters, and a touch of spice. There are further layers of dark plum fruit, mocha and hints of vanilla. Refreshing acidity balances the well-integrated oak and supple tannins.
Indaba Mosaic, Western Cape, South Africa
This Bordeaux Blend displays alluring aromas and juicy flavours of blackcurrant, ripe brambly berry fruit and dark chocolate, with subtle spice notes. Soft, gentle tannins coat the palate, enticing you to take another sip.
Magpie Estate The Mixed Thing, Barossa Valley, Australia
Alarmingly easy to drink. This is a hugely vibrant glass of Barossa red. All the red varietals from the Nuriootpa nursery are co-fermented then judiciously blended with Barossa Grenache. Summer pudding in a glass – really refreshing fresh crushed fruit… this simply must be good for you!
Molinillo Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
This Malbec showcases the vibrancy of this wonderful grape variety from Mendoza. Lucid notes of violet and red berries give a fragrant, lifted nose. The palate is fine, with bright bramble fruit characters and a silky finish.
£89.99 if collected from the shop
£98 delivered anywhere in mainland UK
free delivery within 30 mile radius
SPANISH WINE SELECTION:
As the weather is changing and we're all dreaming of being somewhere sunny, we've decided to bring you a selection of the best of Spain, lots of interesting new wines, new vintages and some great deals.
Sparkling - two extremely high quality Cava’s from a top estate. They’re all about finesse and elegance.
2014 La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Organic, Penedes £11.99
Pure elegance. A delightfully fresh, fruity and elegant style of Cava with lively citrus characters and lovely balancing acidity. The Parellada gives finesse and acidity, whilst the Xarel-lo develops to give full fruity aromas and flavours.
2014 La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Rose Organic, Penedes £13.99
Fresh and feminine rosé Cava - beautifully presented! The Trepat (grape) adds an attractive, pale pink to the wine. Delicate red fruit aromas lead on to a palate of citrus and white flower characters, with a touch of cassis. The fizz is fresh and persistent.
Whites – plenty of classics and some slightly lesser known grape varietals
2016 El Tesoro Verdejo, Castilla Leon £5.99
Aromas of tropical fruit with hints of citrus. The palate has some passion fruit and grapefruit characters backed by broader stone fruit notes. Well-balanced and textural palate with a fresh, bright finish.
2016 Fuenteseca Macabeo/Sauvignon Organic, Utiel Requena £6.59
Lightly aromatic, with white peach and jasmine on the nose, as well as delicate herbaceous notes and citrus. The palate is textured with fresh and zesty citrus fruit acidity, mineral notes and a clean, crisp finish.
2016 Cien Malvasia, Toro £6.99
Classic Malvasia aromas - lightly spicy with lychee, citrus and ripe stone fruit characters offering immediate appeal. The palate has some weight and texture balanced by racy acidity, a twist of exotic spice and baked stone fruit on the finish.
2016 Mas Macia Xarel-lo, Catalunha £7.59
A delicious crisp Spanish white from this historic Catalan estate. Aromas of ripe apple and citrus fruit. The palate is nutty and textural with a touch of citrus and salinity, balanced by orchard fruits, and a hint of spice on the finish.
2016 K-Naia, Rueda £7.59
Top class Verdejo from Rueda - with a dash of Sauvignon. A nose of pink grapefruit, passion fruit, mandarin oil notes and lightly herbaceous characters. The palate is rich with minerality, racy lime zest acidity and a touch of stone fruit - giving a lovely texture and intensity, and just a touch of fennel on the finish.
2016 Juan Gil Moscatel Seco, Jumilla £8.59
Refreshingly dry style of Moscatel from southern Spain. Aromatic fresh peach and lychee aromas - backed by notes of jasmine and white spice. The palate is soft and textured - with stone fruit and balancing acidity.
2016 Ontanon Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja £9.59
A rarity of the usually red Tempranillo grape. Intense tropical fruit aromas with hints of pineapple, white flower and citrus. The palate has texture, minerality and balance with ripe stone fruit characters, a hint of orange blossom, crisp acidity and a lengthy finish.
2016 Mas Que 2 (Albarino, Loureiro, Treixadure), Rias Baixas £9.59
Pronounced floral, citrus and herb aromas. The palate has the refreshing crisp, citrus flavours of Albariño balanced by touches of green apple from the Treixadura and herbal, lightly smoky notes from Loureiro.
2015 Capricho Val de Paxarinas Modelo, Bierzo £11.99
A fantastically complex Godello from the fashionable Bierzo region of north-west Spain. Perfumed, with hints of exotic fruit, apple, and citrus with a hint of white flower. The ripe, textural and complex palate has a stone fruit minerality, lifted herbal notes and crisp acidity, with white spice and a lengthy finish.
Possibly the only winery in the world to have a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant! Aromas of green apples, white blossom, lime, pithy grapefruit and greengage. The palate is bright and racy with citrus acidity and an underlying minerality and bright salinity. A poised and pure wine with a refreshing bitter twist on the finish.
2015 Valenciso Blanco, Rioja £14.29
An exceptional, classic, fine white Rioja from old vines in Rioja Alta. Complex aromas combining floral characters with preserved lemon and gently smoky notes. The palate is intense and broad with nuts, stone fruit, minerality and balancing citrus acidity on the finish. Will continue to develop in the bottle.
2010 La Val Albarino Sobre Lias, Rias Baixas £20.59
The Albarino Sobre Lias remains on its fine lees for 3 years - these lees are 'refreshed' (ie. the old lees are replaced with fresh lees from the new vintage) - a rather unique process! The result is a complex and serious Albariño which is only produced in the very best vintages. Complex aromas with citrus, pineapple, hay and dried flower. On the palate a ripe citrus character is balanced by a hint of stone fruit and minerality. The result is a white with great texture and weight, with a refreshing saline twist balancing notes of marmalade on the finish.
Rose – no longer just for Spring and Summer, especially these Spanish styles of Rose which are rich and full flavoured
2016 Artesa Rioja Rosado, Rioja £6.99
Well-made and down to earth. Fruity and refreshing. A dry, approachable Rioja rosé with raspberry fruit on the nose. The palate has redcurrant and strawberry characters and a bright, juicy finish.
2015 Borsao Selección Rosado, Campo de Borja £6.99
Grapes for Borsao's Selección range are sourced from the higher vineyard slopes where soils have more sand and complexity. Intense aromas of bright red fruits, raspberries and strawberries. The palate has ripe red berry and cherry fruit characters, balancing acidity, and an appealing red fruit finish.
2015 Senorio de Sarria Vinedo No.5 Rosado, Navarra £8.99
An unapologetically pink and full flavoured rose from Spain's classic Navarra region - the home of some of the finest Spanish roses! Bright and intense red cherry and berry characters with hints of strawberry. Ripe, mouth-filling and concentrated with some tannic grip, yet balanced by fresh acidity.
2016 Macia Batle Rosado, Mallorca £9.59
Top quality Mallorcan dry rosé from one of the island's best producers. Aromas of red fruit, plum, savoury notes and a hint of spice. The palate is soft and textural with red berry fruit, creamy notes, balancing acidity and generous depth of flavour, with a touch of spice on the finish.
Reds - a wide variety of wines covering all regions of Spain
2016 El Tesoro Monastrell-Shiraz, Jumilla £5.99
A ripe, open nose of plums and blackberries, with sweet herbs and a light note of coffee. Warm and spicy on the palate with black fruit and a touch of pepper - all backed by sweet, ripe, and supple tannins.
2015 Fuenteseca Bobal/Cabernet Organic, Utiel Requena £6.59
Bright, juicy fruit aromas with appealing cassis and cherry characters. The palate has a silky texture with ripe, soft, plum and herbal notes. The mouthfeel is generous and rounded with gentle tannins and an appealing finish.
2014 Cien Tinta de Toro Roble, Toro £6.99
An eye-catching, chunky red from Toro's high, rugged vineyards. A nose of ripe plums and blackberries, with a twist of smoke, liquorice and spice. The well-structured palate has abundant damson and black fruit flavours; ripe and long.
2013 Guelbenzu ‘Vierlas’, Ribera del Queiles £7.99
A 'roble' style of red from Ribera del Queiles - which lies between Rioja, Navarra and Aragon. The wine is named after the local village. Interesting aromas of black fruit, tar, and an unusual yet appealing black olive character! The palate is vibrant and juicy with more ripe black fruit balanced by spice, toasty oak and bright acidity.
2013 Senorio de Sarria Crianza, Navarra £7.99
Complex and spicy alternative to Rioja, made up of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Vibrant berry fruits offset spicy red cherry, balsamic and cedar notes from 12 months in oak. Typically spicy black fruit palate with some structure and weight.
2015 Honoro Vera Merlot, Jumilla £7.99
Aromas of wild cherry and bramble fruits. The palate is smooth and elegant with blackberry and blueberry characters, and a touch of spice. There are further layers of dark plum fruit, mocha and hints of vanilla. Refreshing acidity balances the well-integrated oak and supple tannins.
2015 Ontanon Ecológico Organic, Rioja £8.29
Ontañón have invested in 57 ha of organic vineyard within Rioja. Bright cherry and raspberry aromas balanced by sweet spice. The palate is structured with complex, ripe red fruit, clove and black pepper characters. Poised and well-balanced with fresh acidity and a touch of mocha on the long finish.
2014 Bodegas Murviedro Bobal Cepas Viejas, Valencia £9.59
Complex yet approachable old vine, low yielding Bobal from Eastern Spain. Aromas of forest fruit aromas together with notes of toffee and vanilla. The palate is complex and structured, with more blackberry and plum characters, smooth tannins, a touch of mocha and a long finish.
A joyful, lightly oaked blend of local Manto Negro, Callet and international varieties. Attractive aromas of juicy plum fruit, black berries and spice. Richly-fruited with chocolate, berry fruit and sour cherry acidity. Balanced with ripe, broad tannins, spice and a complex, approachable and generous finish.
2015 Madai Origen Mencia, Bierzo £9.99
Lovely elegant, light alternative to Pinot Noir. Vibrant aromas of cherry and red berry with a hint of violet. The palate is complex with crunchy berry fruit, a hint of liquorice and spice, and more floral characters - all balanced by fresh acidity.
2012 Laderas de Cabama Tempranillo, Rioja £11.59
Cabama is a single vineyard on the clay / limestone soils of Ollauri in Rioja Alta. Planted with Tempranillo vines around 30-35 years old. Pure, poised and dark-fruited with balsamic notes, elegance and a lightness of touch.
2014 Mineral del Monsant, Monsant £11.59
This wine is the result of a special project by Tomas Cusiné - it's a fantastic Cariñena Garnacha blend from the Montsant region which encircles Priorat. Appealing aromas of raspberry and a touch of slate. The palate has fresh, vibrant berry fruits, minerality and lightly smoky, spicy notes. An intense and broad wine balanced by refreshing acidity.
2013 Borsao Zarihs (Shiraz), Campo de Borja £13.99
An absolute blockbuster red. Ripe aromas of black fruits, blackcurrant pastilles and a hint of coffee and vanilla. The palate has wild blackberries, toasty oak and black pepper notes - all balanced by fresh acidity and a touch of dark chocolate.
2014 Merum Priorati Ardiles, Priorat £14.99
Chunky and complex red -a must for heavy red lovers. The wine is deep and moody yet captures a brightness and elegance remarkable for such a powerful wine. Sweet mulberry fruit is surrounded by herbal notes of thyme and fennel and underpinned with a hint of vanilla. Very ripe, fine tannins allow the sweet, juicy fruit to dominate but with the seriousness of leather, tobacco and coffee notes adding complexity.
2014 Parada de Atauta, Ribera del Duero £14.99
A stunner from the amazing Dominio de Atauta estate in eastern Ribera del Duero. A warm, spicy, open nose with intense black fruit, juicy black cherries, mocha and baked earth characters. The palate is fine with good structure, concentrated blackcurrant fruit, cedar and minerality with perfumed violets to the finish.
2014 Huerta de Albala Taberner, Cadiz £19.59
Super-charged Vino de la Tierra from near Cadiz. A lifted and perfumed nose of black fruit and plum, plus floral, spicy and savoury notes. Complex and layered on the palate with developed, well-integrated characters of dark fruit, leather and tar. Voluptuous, with fine grained ripe tannins - the well-balanced rich fruit, acidity and oak gives a long finish.
Autumnal Spirit Recommendations
A wonderful burst of spice hits the tongue combined with a refreshing citrus tang, As it develops a rich caramel sweetness with traces of cinnamon and red fruits come to the fore.
Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish, Speyside Single Malt £22.99
Bursting with dried fruits, cinnamon and toffee candy. Incredible layers of sweet vanilla oak, dark chocolate and oriental spice, with a satisfyingly long finish.
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| Sacred Gin magic taking place |
A creamy aromatic gin with a bouquet of juniper berries, fresh cut orange, lime and lemon combined, with cardamom, angelica root and enhanced by distilled frankincense (Bosewellia Sacra) from which the name Sacred is derived. A very versatile gin best served with tonic water and either orange peel, pink grapefruit or diced strawberries.
Sacred Pink Grapefruit Gin £29.99
This is a delightful gin made unique with whole pink grapefruit including peel, juice and pips, macerated with English grain spirit and cold-distilled by Ian Hart to produce an exuberant gin. Amazingly refreshing as a G&T with a slice of fresh pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
At Two Birds they like to tinker in the distillery.... sometimes it doesn’t work, and then every so often you strike gold (or caramel!) The true definition of indulgence... Premium English Vodka is infused with a wonderfully rich caramel and finished with a hint of salt, to create a spirit of pure loveliness! Great on its own or as a long drink with soda water and slices of apple.
Chase Sherry Cask Aged Vodka £35.99
This special-edition vodka from Chase has been aged in oloroso-sherry casks. This is warm, spicy and fruity with notes of blackberries and apple peel, along with a delicate smokiness. A delicious sipping Vodka well worth a try if you’re into Whisky/Brandy. We also have it open in the shop to sample.
Kings Ginger Liqueur 50cl £22.99
One of our biggest selling liqueurs, especially perfect at this time of the year. It’s rich and zesty, with real heat from the ginger and not too sweet. Fantastically warming as the nights get colder. Also worth trying with tonic and a dash of Angostura Bitters as a long aperitif.
Your selection of topic is very good and also well written. Thanks for sharing. I feel like all your ideas are incredible! Great job!!!
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