The latest vintages of @taillandierbenjamin have arrived with new livery. 2023 Laguzelle: the firecracker gluglu rouge that took the world by storm last year is just as deliciously drinkable this year too. 2022 Viti Vini Bibi: the schist influenced blend of Grenache and Cinsault has freshness and elegance as a chassis, with all the colours of Minervois painted on the bodywork. 2024 Blanc: A blend of Macabeu, Terret and Grenache Blanc made with summer in mind. All are here now so get in touch for details and samples. Visit the website for more info and we will be out and about with them in the coming weeks. #minervois #summer #france #gluglu #vindesoif #frenchwine #languedoc

2016 is a vintage we have a soft spot for. This had all the finesse and elegance of the vintage and was still vital and direct. A great cru vineyard and a fantastic grower, essential combination if you want to drink these wines with age. Wine courtesy of @element__wines @domainecheveau @finandgrape #edinburgh #pouillyfuissé #finandgrape

Happy St David’s Day to all our friends and followers! 🌼 We wanted to take the chance to share and celebrate some of our favourite people and places doing and producing amazing things, across the length and breadth of our beautiful country 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 everyone is tagged and listed below - hopefully in the right order! (Dave Morris (Mountain People Wine) not pictured - no more space plus he’s not on insta but he remains legendary in our eyes 🫶) Best wishes for the start of Spring from Carte Blanche HQ in glorious Monmouthshire 🥂☀️🐑 @threepools_permaculturefarm @lovethewalnuttree @chesterswinemerchants @thefelinfachgriffin @angelbakeryabergavenny @the_angel_abergavenny @wrightsfood @heaneyscardiff @ynyshirrestaurant @wildbynaturellp @thebullsheadcraswall @asador44 @theartshopandchapel @jklperryco @theblackbearusk @llysmeddyg @stephenterrychef @gorserestaurant @thejackdawconwy #wales #stdavidsday

@thorlewein Kalke & Kreide (limestone and chalk) is back. A blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, selected from barrels destined for single parcel cuvées, highlights once again the skill of Johannes and Christoph in making wines that sing of their origin, are perfectly balanced and that are complex interesting and familiar all in one go. Stylistically it sits somewhere between Alto Adige and Pouilly Fuisse (you could probably draw a line between the two and the centre would be Saulheim!). It also has merit in being exceptional value for money. Rare these days. #rheinhessen #pinotblanc #weissburgunder #thorle #spring #sommlife

A rare and unexpected find at @salusburywinestore last week. One of the last cuvées from Laura Lorenzo before she closed the doors on her cellar. She inspired us to dig deep into Ribera Sacra when she was at Dominio do Bibei, radiated with enthusiasm when we worked with her nascent Daterra Viticultores, and her influence can still be felt along the valley. Be quick as there are still a few left on the shelf…

New to the London tasting scene, we’re excited to be a part of making this happen, pouring @bodegasabeica Chulato 🍇 COSECHEROS of RIOJA with @timatkinmw Monday 24th March 2025 @bar.rioja 3-6pm trade l 6-8pm consumer A taste of Rioja rarely seen over here but a style that goes just as far back as any other the region might be better known for. These youthful and energetic Rioja are all made with carbonic maceration, vibrancy and drinkability abounds. And with a few plates of tapas nothing better for Spring evening. Link in bio to sign up for free as trade or grab a ticket for the evening - free pour wines and tapas🍷 #therealrioja #rioja #spain #spanishwine #carbonicmaceration #tasting #london #winetasting #winelover #tapas

Crozes Hermitage Les Châssis 2023 from @eymintichoux showing how pure and terroir focussed these wines are. For such a young wine this is effortless, seamless and pure. Such a joy to drink, in the vein of Barret or Reynard, but very much Eymin Tichoux in composition. Get in touch to taste with us. #rhone #northernrhone #wine #france #frenchwine #crozeshermitage

On Monday night we hosted our inaugural annual Rioja Dinner, launching the 2023 vintage of Jose Gil @vigneronsdelasonsierra alongside a celebration and run through of other incredible Rioja producers, all of whom are at the forefront of the future of this historic region. A top collection of somms and wine buyers made the trip to Abergavenny, our home in South Wales and we couldn’t be more grateful for their effort, presence and for making the night what it was. And the biggest thanks of course to our great friend @lloydwineguy for hosting @chesterswinemerchants - Abergavenny may well be the food capital of Wales but even if it wasn’t Chester’s alone would be reason enough to visit on a regular basis. The peerless @stephenterrychef cooked up a feast for the ages - piles of barbecued local calçots, then Welsh lamb, impeccably dressed in a deliciously hefty salsa verde, next to frankly insane baked potato anchovy mash. This was preceeded by top tier @wildbynaturellp charcuterie and @angelbakeryabergavenny bread and succeeded by Basque cheesecake by @karlauys. And @tommyllewelyn on the decks throughout👌🏻 The food was suitably demolished after a @benllewelyn Rioja masterclass with a myriad more bottles, and true to Carte Blanche form, no-one was ever more than ten feet from a map. See you next year 💥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🍷 #rioja #wine #finewine #winetasting #winedinner #spain #spanishwine #wales #abergavenny #sommelier

Trade Tasting - 3rd March @timberyard10 Edinburgh. 12 years ago Carte Blanche formed what was to become one of our strongest bonds with Simon and Steven of @element__wines (in those days they were ‘Henri’, we met at the first RAW event, amused by one of our growers who was asleep under a table). This partnership has been one of the cornerstones of our business and they are now as much friends as partners. We are thrilled to be able to stand alongside them at this amazing tasting were we will be joined by the inimitable @passionevino and @gregturner89 to show off some of the great wines we all import at @timberyard10, which many of you will know as one of Scotland and the UK’s finest restaurants. Thank you @joradford for hosting us. All trade are welcome, from anywhere in the UK and we will be delighted to see old faces as well as new. All we ask is that you register via Eventbrite to ensure we get the numbers right. #tradetasting #edinburgh #northernsommelierclub #sommlife #biodynamic #terroir #wine #naturalwine #tasting #frenchwine #spanishwine #italianwine

So pleased to be able to visit @plonkd.wadebridge for their delicious Spanish style set lunch yesterday. Make a date and book ahead for the next one on 16th March. We ate: Sopa de Ajo, Stuffed Squid, Oloroso Braised beef shin, Basque Cheese cake# We drank: Son de Arreiro Blanco, Ribeiro from Xulia Bande @xuliabande

Congratulations to Jose and Vicky Gil - @vigneronsdelasonsierra - for being upgraded to the First Growths of Rioja by @timatkinmw in his 2025 Rioja Report. This is an amazing but well deserved recognition of their incredible work and focus. It is an incredible honour to work with such people. Bravo Jose & Vicky ❤️

Tuesday’s incredible Rioja Tasting with three of our top growers - @victorausejoviticultor @arizcurenbodega and (next post) @vigneronsdelasonsierra. Thank you @timatkinmw for corralling the best of the best of this iconic region, including the new generation of growers carrying the region to even greater heights with their wines of place, purity and terroir. Exciting times and very exciting wines. Get in touch for more info or to taste these and more of our Spanish growers 🇪🇸🍷 #rioja #therealrioja #oldvines #spain #northernspain #growerrioja #terroir #tempranillo #mazuelo #garnacha #newwave #parcel #spanishwine

Great article on @decanter on Bierzo and her brilliant wines by the excellent @bethcwillard featuring @jose_viticultor . The region has long been a favourite of ours and produced reds whites and the odd Clairete that will make lovers of fine wines sit up. It is also one of the most stunning wine regions, and stuffed full of geology topography and geography!

Line up at Landrace. Such a special space in the heart of Bath. @landraceupstairs @gusym

SPRING TASTINGS - Liverpool & Bristol Couldn’t be happier to be team up with our 110% Italian friends @passionevino for two more tastings next month - the holy trinity of wine countries France, Spain and Italy. Please join us at @ropesandtwines in Liverpool and @carmenstreet.wine in Bristol. Free to trade and press - but due to limited numbers please sign up via the link in bio to claim your spot. 🍷🍷🍷 #winetasting #france #spain #italy #spring #winetrade #bristol #liverpool #uk #southwest #north #northwest #winelover #food #sommelier #winebuyer #restaurants

Like some sort of rock band reunion… haven’t aged a bit. @caillevincent

Some rares from the cellar from Jose and Vicky Gil @vigneronsdelasonsierra 2018 San Vicente, from our first shipment and the last one we have. (If anyone else out there has some can you let us know!) 2020 El Fugas. The only year this was made, from vines located in Briones (last bottle left, please let us know if you have any). 2019 La Concova, what was to become Camino de Ribas, thanks to some trademark laws. (Again one bottle left….) This month sees the release of the 2023 vintage for Jose and Vicky, and one that was as impressive from barrel as it is in bottle. (This was a complicated vintage, if you would like to know more please get in touch for our report). #rioja #josegil #concova #growers #terroir #rares #spain #sommelier #sommlife

New Release: Eymin Tichoux, Seyssuel, Northern Rhone. We are thrilled to have landed the latest release from Rhone Superstars Sophie and Kevin Eymin Tichoux. Their vineyards are amongst the most sought after in the region and the vines planted on the vertiginous slopes of the eastern flank of the Rhone valley in Seyssuel itself are unique in this part of the world. We have landed a small parcel of their Syrah and Viognier based wines from terroirs in Condrieu, Crozes, Cote Rotie, St Clair du Rhone and Seyssuel itself. For more information please see the news letter or email us for info. @eymintichoux #rhone #syrah #viognier #condrieu #coterotie #seyssuel #rhonevalley #slate #schist #terroir

Abeica: 2022 Abaris Blanco released, 2019 Reserva arrives. Abaris, 100% Viura from a single plot in Abalos, has quietly become the insiders go to white from this region. It is world class white wine in its own right, conveying the unique terroir of this little corner of Sonsierra Occidentale. Higher altitude, concave vineyard and calcareous soils make for a wine with gripping tension and concentrated fruit. We are fortunate to receive an allocation this year, even after one of the big names on wine writing bestowed it with quite amazing accolades. 2019 Longrande Reserva still remains one of the best value wines of this style out there. For the ‘Crianza’ wines, Carbonic Maceration is always used, giving the wines a distinctive freshness and elegance. 19 was a fruit forward and sunny vintage which can be felt in the juicy concentration of the mid palate. Available now. DM for details and info. @bodegasabeica #rioja #tempranillo #reserva #viura #abaris

If ever there was further proof needed that Vincent Caillé is the grand master of Muscadet, then @natearll has provided it in her excellent focus on the region’s wine in this month’s @decanter magazine. Gorges is one of his two Cru Communeaux wines and is currently showing great depth and elegance, but of course will age for years to come too. If you can be patient. Bravo Vincent! @caillevincent #muscadet #melon #loire #biodynamic #france #terroir

GWIN POBL Y MYNYDD (Mountain People Wine) ⛰️🍷 Excited to have David Morris’ Mountain People Wine Bacchus 2023 in our storage and ready to go. One of the most stunning - not to mention steep (relatively speaking) vineyards in the UK, co planted with a host of varieties, including some old (for the UK) vines close to 50 years old. The bottle is a current shot, the rest from a visit one summer days by @ruthspivey_ @n_i_c_k_gibson and of course @benllewelyn in summer 2022. Swipe though for a little video from the top of the vineyard looking over the winding river Wye. A glorious day followed by tank and barrel sampling a plenty in Dave’s small but perfectly formed little winery. Get in touch or DM for more info, samples or orders. It’s special stuff! #wine #welshwine #monmouthshire #parva #biodynamic #oldvines #bacchus #whitewine #london #ukwine

Christmas lunch at the peerless @noblerotbar Lambs Conduit and the question of where we all ate and drank pre NR remains unanswered. We brought the Roteboeuf and Jose Gil’s Rioja (which we import), the rest came off their brilliant list. Little plates of mindblowingly good truffle butter pasta to start, followed by their (justifiably insta famous) roast goose with all the trimmings. Faultless. Needless to say we’re as thrilled to work with Noble Rot as we are to consume everything in the building! Guffens-Heynan Macon Pierreclos 2016 Ch Tertre Roteboeuf 1980 Jose Gil, Camino de Ribas 2022 Mas de Daumas Gassac 1995 Thymiopoulos Vrana Petra 2018 #carteblanchewines #noblerot #bordeaux #rioja #finewine #stemilion #greekwine #burgundy #chardonnay #macon #languedoc #frenchwine #spanishwine #winebar #london #bloomsbury #restaurant #christmas

@stowmcr is a fantastic new opening on Bridge St in Manchester, a passion project that has its feet firmly on the floor. Delicious, well thought out and beautifully executed dishes using the heat of wood and charcoal, all washed down with a great French wine list. Bravo @lucasroskell and the team here. A very welcome addition to one of my favourite city’s dining scene. They even do sensible cocktails too!

Domaine Perol, Bourgogne Blanc. If you are looking for a last minute blast from Burgundy, this could be answer. 2021 from the vineyards Pierres Dorees near Chatillon d’Azergues. Anthony farms organically (strictly) and uses much of his own farms resources to energise and balance the ecosystem within the vines. The wine is pure, vibrant, taut as the vintage suggests. Emerging white fruit with zippy acidity and elongated finish. It’s a perfect wine for the season… surely? @anthony_perol #burgundy #chardonnay #pierresdorees #mineral

@caperandcure Bristol has another fine place to stay a while. Thanks to Giles, Scott and Holly for the hospitality and the delicious lunch which we could have eaten twice (but luckily had @missionwineco to put the brakes on!). Beautiful new bottling of Brancellao from @terrasdosur and an example of Priorat from @celleraixalaialcait that exudes this regions complex and layered best. #bristol #caperandcure #priorat #riasbaixas #southwest #steakchipsandoverdressedsalad

The right colour for the right wine. Pretty as a picture Brancellao. @terrasdosur #brancellao #galicia Ltd availability.

A superior lunch today at what some call the little sibling of @maisonfrancoislondon in the same way some might call Forts de Latour the little sibling of… well you get the picture. Cafe Francois is the go to place for all that is classically French bistro (and yes, Bavette, Chips and an overdressed salad are available). Absolutely no photos taken of Terrine en Croute, Bayonne Ham, Gougeres, Rotisserie Chicken, Pomme Tarte, and a green drink. (Only a carafe or two of red was taken) Anyway, today’s partner in crime will be well known to many of you and look what he is drinking! Now is that a Paris Goblet of Rosé with a cube of ice, or is it a Paris Goblet with Lillet, and a cube of ice? Answers on a postcard please. @cafefrancoislondon @thedrapersarms

Manteca. As always, a stalwart of deeply flavoured, deliciously balanced and thoughtfully produced dishes that all, without fail, one wishes one didn’t have to share. But share we did, with some intriguing wines from too-young vintages that hark back to the essence of terroir. Luckily the conversation was deliciously shareable and also of the finest quality, as was the impeccable service. And all only a handful of minutes from the office….. @manteca_london @vinoyrosados @mspearzzzz #somm #trevallon #tempier #iwantanalienforchristmas #welshwine

One of Wales’s great dining experiences, any time of the day/week/year. Bravo the Morgan family for not shying away from the commitment and integrity required to produce such incredible food, sourced from people as dedicated as they are, served by amazing people who care about service, and you. Don’t forget, this place is under two hours from London (Paddington to Cardiff). Run don’t walk! @asador44 @owen_morgan_44 #cardiff #asador #spain #wine #welshrestaurant

Thank you for tasting with us @chapelmarketkitchen, and for the splash Burlotto in return, Maoz. You’ve created an absolutely superb addition to the capital. If you’re in the market for London’s best oysters, incredible house cured beef, a host of other wine friendly treats and a top tier list (all the Champagne!) look no further than Chapel Market Kitchen. @aseginolazayleunda Txuria (Viura), Navarra - 0.5ha non irrigated old bush vines, whole bunch pressed, stainless steel fermentation, a flash of negligible old French oak, no additions, organic…. Singing⚡️ #wine #london #tasting #islington #chapelmarket #viura #organic #navarra #organic

Terras do Sur, Crecente, Condado do Tea, Galicia Jose ‘Pepe’ Canda Gil stands proudly next to a tank of 2023 Brancallao he vinified separately from a 0.2 hectare parcel of old vines on the road out of the village. The vineyard produces a wine that has a lightness, elegance and freshness that is the hallmark of this variety, and a style we have come to expect from this great man. He was also gracious enough to open a bottle of each of his vintages of Terras do Sur Albarino from 2016 to 2023, a wine we have fallen in love with since we first met Pepe in 2022. It is a fascinating insight into not only the vintages but also his journey, and the addition of new vineyards as time has gone on. The latest cuvee is an unfiltered version from a specific tank we asked if he could bottle for us (note: In order to be labelled as Rias Baixas, wine has to be filtered to some degree), which of course he did. The wines arrive this week, with a limited quantity of the Brancallao also available. Get in touch if you’d like to know more. Gracias @terrasdosur! #brancallao #galicia #albarino #spain #terrasdosur

Jose and Julia Garcia - @jose_viticultor Bierzo. You will know by now how much respect we have for these two, and for the wines they create from the many varied terroirs of Bierzo. From sand to slate, with a little chalk and limestone thrown in. This year’s wines mark a further step to stardom, and for those of you who are interested in Palomino, their Corullon 2021 is about as good as it gets. We also have a new Cuvee of Albariño, La Fuga, which the bright eyed among you will see is from Xesteira, a vineyard also worked by Bodegas Fulcro (Chicho and Jose are great friends). And finally Godello and Dona Blanca, a new Cuvee for us, produced with a little Flor to add a saline edge to things. For more details DM or get in touch. #bierzo #albarino #palamino #sommelier #terroir #horse

Aixala Alcait, Priorat: After a brief hiatus, the authentic, terroir driven wines from Jordi and Sussi are back with us. Located in Torroja, the vineyards in Clivelles and Pardellases produce cuvées of red and white (and Rosat, in rare years) that underline the quality of the terroir and freshness that can be derived from this region. There is no ego here, old chestnut, acacia and oak barrels are simply used to round off and to emphasise the detailed complexity of the wines. Acidity drives the fruit, and tannins - seamless as they are - sit gently amongst the fruit. These are exceptional wines whilst remaining good value and offer a view of Priorat seldom seen. Small production means quantities are limited, so grab some while you can! @celleraixalaialcait #organic #priorat #catalunya #carinena #garnacha #macabeu #terroir #spain #spanishwine

BEAUJOLAIS 🍷 Domaine Perol, 10 ha of organic vineyards on the Pierres Dorées in the southernmost part of the reaction as it meets Lyon. A beautiful and relatively undiscovered part of France with real potential and still offering great value - and producing the lesser spotted Beaujolais Blanc if you fancy being a little extra 💫 It’s not nouveau but nevertheless we’ll opening a few of these a week today and should you fancy going even more off piste *swipe* for a Gamay from Clos Roussely in Touraine. 8 hectares of horse ploughed, hand farmed old vines, vinified in an under-vine tuffeau tunnelled winery💥 Get in touch or DM #gamayzing #beaujolaisnouveauday #organic #wine #farm #loire #beaujolais #france #gamay #touraine

It is always a genuine pleasure to visit @vinyesdomenech not just for the amazing views (Monsant, above Capcçnes) but to hear Edgar wax lyrical on his vines, terroir, projects to improve, ideas and research. It is quite remarkable. The wines taste superb with Teixar living up to its 99 points (Ferran Adria in @cluboenologique ) and a special tasting of Rita, homage to Edgar’s mother. This area should probably have its own DO, not for now we are happy to share one of the most impressive Bodegas in Monsant, if not Catalunya. #monsant #catalunya #spain #somms #ferranadria #garnatxapeluda #vinyesdomenech

We are so delighted for @vinyesdomenech for the outstanding article and review by Ferran Adria (of El Bulli fame) in @cluboenologique magazine. These incredible wines have always so impressed us and we are glad to represent them in the UK. #monsant #garnachapeluda #catalunya #ferranadria

2023 Birak has landed. @aseginolazayleunda Garnacha from the village of Olite is here. This Cuvee is made by Jon and Pedro to show off the fruit forward juicy style if wines this limestone terroir produces. Raised in stainless steel it is immediate and ridiculously drinkable, and the vintage has created a stand out example. We also have a tiny quantity of the hens teeth rare Camino de Torroza Tinto 2020 straight from the cellar. Usual channels are open… #garnacha #navarra #terroir

News letter incoming. Focussing on Clovallon, Trevallon and Cheveau. If you are not signed up and you would like be visit our website carteblanchewines.com and follow the steps at the bottom of the page. #newsletter #trevallon #clovallon #faugeres #pouillyfuisse #burgundy #terroir

New Vintages: Mas d’Alezon and Clovallon. We are delighted to have landed the new wines of Catherine and Alix Roque, mother and daughter owners of the groundbreaking Clovallon Estate in Bedarieux (dolomitic limestone, planted to Pinot Noir and Riesling and Viognier in 1989) and Mas D’Alezon, Faugeres. The wines produced are as one might expect, terroir honed and elegantly presented. We have shipped 2022 Monfalette (black blue Schist from Soumarte, the most northern Faugeres commune), 2023 Presbytere, from the village of Faugeres, and from Clovallon, Pinot Noir and 2023 En Noir et Blanc, the Pinot Riesling Viognier white which has become something of a cult classic. Wines available now and as always get in touch for more info. #faugeres #whitefromred #terroir #demeter #biodynamic #somm

The wines of yesterday’s Galician tasting at @lowerwine all showing beautifully. Thx @pittyverdot and team Lower Wine for hosting us, and to those who made it. If you couldn’t make it along and want more info, let us know and we will send you a booklet. Photos courtesy of @ruthspivey_

Today is the day… @lowerwine 12 to 4pm.

2021 Bourgogne Blanc from @anthony_perol, located in Chatillon d’Azergues. A super example of the ‘Pierres Dorees’ terroir. Available now. For info and samples please get in touch. #bourgogne #chardonny #terroir

Top Wine @adegasainas (and corkscrew @winerackd!). Top Food @sonnystores. Top Human @lukeaharbor . #bristol #riberasacra

Excellent article on the wines of Terrasses du Larzac and feature on @pasdelescalette. Bravo Julien and Delphine, for the beautiful wines and work you put in to those extraordinary vineyards. @decanter #Languedoc #terroir #decanter

If you can’t find lunch in Wales, then go to the place in London that has a lot of Wales in it. As always with the best people. Even if they can’t keep their eyes open in a photo. (Must be my chat?) @clothrestaurant @vinoyrosados @jep_haynes #cloth #muscadet #tablenumber1

Galician Tasting 15th October, Lower Wine, 12 to 4pm. Manuel Formigo, Teira, Ribeiro. Manuel took on 5 ha of vines in the Avia valley over a decade ago, when he inherited from his Grandfather, Tino. Escaping the rat race he has become one of Ribeiras great success stories, producing wines on an artisanal scale without ego or hyperbole. The vines are planted on very poor granitic sand banks, terraced to help with erosion and vine management. Excepting Formigo Blanco, all wines are free run juice only, allowing the terroir to balance varietal character in harmony. Only Palamino and press juice is used for Formigo, which is a delicious snapshot into how good this region is. No MLF (frowned upon on this DO) and only stainless steel. We have secured a small parcel of Tino, from the incredibly rare Abilla de Avia which Tino rescued from extinction. It is one of the most beguiling wines of the region. @formigo_beade @lowerwine #ribeiro #formigo #sommlife #tasting #galicia

In a very good place figuratively and literally. @caillevincent

News Flash: Mountain People Wine x CBW We a pleased to announce the imminent arrival of TAM 2023. One stockinger barrel of Somerset Chardonnay fermented aged and bottled by David Morris. Label by Helen Salter @helensalter (our very own) and ready for release in early October. #davidmorris #chardonnay #englishwine #welshwine #noaddedsulphur #dimsylffwrychwanegol

15th October, 12 to 4pm at Lower Wine. We will be showing the wines of this great estate, Adega Sainas (details in the today’s news letter). RSVP via DM or email. #sainas #galicia #riberasacra @adegasainas @lowerwine

This brilliant new book by @windingwoodvineyard Christopher Cooke has landed. A wonderful insight into setting up and running a small biodynamic vineyard in Berkshire with lots of useful information on biodynamic work and detail on the daily rigours of vineyard management. We have ten books to give away… dm in interested! First come first served.

First outing for this beautiful wine from @victorausejoviticultor . Many of@you@will know of his white Parcella 333 and Barrica, but he has made tiny portions of red for a couple of vintages from vineyards in the southern reaches beyond Alberite, near Sojuela. This is initially dense then bursts open with bright acidity and spicy tannin. Will age, but who’s is really going to let it! #rioja #garnacha #spain

10 years of The Vaults tasting. A huge thank you to @winemakersclub for hosting another wonderful collaborative tasting with many of the UKs leading importers. Not enough photos taken as always but lots of good memories and meetings. Here’s to another 10 years… #vaults #muscadet #rioja

Another home from home @cloth. X

Galician & Friends Tasting: 15th October Lower Wine 12 to 4pm Info@carteblanchewines.com Trade Only. #galicia

Remo Nardone 1935-2024. I have always kept a photo of Remo (although this one borrowed from the press) as a reminder of a person who inspired me and for whom I had the greatest respect. I am forever grateful to him for not only taking a chance on me as a young and inexperienced wine rep in 1999, but also in backing me along my journey when others doubted me. We enjoyed many lunches together, nerve wracking chats in the office where he would ask my opinion on company defining decisions (and would then instruct me on why I was wrong), and even the odd visit to Italy, (where once he got Angelo Gaja to blame me for breaking the orange juicing machine in our hotel!). Each meeting with Remo was a life lesson and my admiration for him and the way he ran Enotria holds fast to this day. What a loss to the industry this is and my thoughts go to his family at this very sad time.

Weingut Thörle: after another set of extraordinary reviews from @james_sucking_wine, we are very pleased to have the new vintages of two of our most sought after cuvées back in stock. 2022 Spatburgunder is, if possible, even more impressive than the 21 vintage. Detailed black cherry, smoked ham, cherry, a touch of spice. Tannins so seamlessly integrated one is in mind of Pinot from further west, and balance and length we have come to associate with this great domaine. Will age of course, but we suspect it won’t get a chance. 2023 Kalke & Kreide is the blend of Chardonnay and Wiessburgunder that made its debut in 2021. Since then it has become a go to for those who love classically poised white wine with a little twist. Think Pouilly Fuisse with a dash of Chablis (sorry, but it’s just what pops into our heads when we taste it!). Stocks of these two and the Grand Cru wines are landed. Please enquire within if you are keen to taste. @thorlewein #rheinhessen #spatburgunder #germanwine #organic #grandcru #jamessuckling

New Grower: Adegas O Cabalin, Valdeorras. We are thrilled to have secured an allocation from Teresa and Luis of their extraordinary wines produced from tiny plots high above O Barco, made in their lovingly crafted cellar in Vilamartin. Luis, from the a famous family of Bierzo and Teresa, a lawyer from the region, created this Adega in order to showcase the altitude and terroir of O Cabalin, and Viladequinta. They have two parcels with 6 plots of old vine Mencia, Godello, Barancallao Garnacha Tinta Roriz and more besides, co-planted at altitudes of 600 to 800 metres. Wine making is almost Burgundian in style allowing the terroir of these individual parcels to shine, framed in their trademark light footed approach. Elegance, ‘weight without weight’ and purity are all watchwords here, we have never tasted wines quite like it from this increasingly popular region of Galicia. Our parcel is here, and will be on taste on the 15th October at our Galicia tasting at Lower in Waterloo. Details to follow. #mencia #valdeorras #somms #galicia @adegaocabalin @pittyverdot @winefreedom

Adegas Sainas. Ribera Sacra.

New Grower: Adegas Sainas, Ribera Sacra. Jorge and Saleta own 5 hectares of old vines within the Mino subzone along the Cabe river. Most will be familiar with the sweeping curves and violently steep slopes of the Sil valley, but the areas off the beaten track (we are close the the village of Sober here) often produce fresher and more detailed wines from absurdly steep, roughly terraced vineyards. Setting out to take on the family domaine in 2018, it was in an immediate turn to biodynamic viticulture working to bring life back into the vineyards. It is a now familiar story, but with help from friends (such as Luis Seabra from Xisto Cru) a friend who helps with the oenology), Jorge and Saleta have become legends of the region with only a few vintages under their belt. They are modest and incredibly hard working and theirs wines are a reflection of their care for the soils as much as their fastidiousness in the cellar. It is no coincidence that the likes of Ferran Centelles have already been attracted to their little corner of the world, once you taste the wines you will see what all the noise is about. We have landed 4 cuvées, details of which can be found on our next news letter. We will also be hosting a tasing of Galician wines at Lower in Waterloo on October 8th. @adegasainas #galicia #riberasacra #mencia #somm #terroir

10 years ago we had the privilege of taking part in what become a kickstarter for so many great collaborative tastings. Instigated by the great John Baum, guided by somm legend Emily Harman, a group of us piled into the newly lacquered winemakers club and awaited the hoards. Who came. In their hundreds. Games of ‘Ouvre le Bouche’ were played, as were rounds of the great ‘One more no more’ (played by so many at the Winemakers since), all among the clinking and slurping of so many great bottles. So it is with great pleasure we return to this hallowed turf for a 10 Year of The Vaults Tastings with many of the originals and some amazing new additions to the scene. We can’t wait. 16th September, you know the venue. #thevaults #winemakersclub #tradetasting #londonsomm #OLB #Onemorenomore @winemakersclub @vinalupa

A very small parcel of 2021 Abaris Blanco from Abeica has landed. Catch it while you can. 100% Viura from the Santa Ana parcel to the east of the village of Abalos. This is a very special parcel of old vines in a south facing amphitheater where the vines are planted in the poorer soils at the top of the parcel. Fermented and aged in 600 litre French oak for 12 months, aged in bottle for a further 12. Released to us last year and a small portion this year. #viura #rioja #abeica @bodegasabeica

We pulled this from the archives and thank goodness we did. A very pointed reminder that these wines need age to lose all their puppy fat and stretch out. Aromatically somewhere between Rheinhessen Spatburgunder and Cotes de Nuits. Structurally all its own, and just the most sublime tannins. Note to self: Buy more (these wines are such amazing value) age more and revel in the glow. @domaine_camille_braun #pinotnoir #alsace #natural #demeter #somm

Acacias 2021, Mas del Perie. The finest expression of vintage and terroir there is from Cahors. Fabien, this is a genius wine. 100% infusion Malbec 11% with a chassis of Burgundy and livery of Cahors. @masdelperiefabienjouves @londonshellco #malbec #cahors #demeter #somm #fishforlunch

A new wine to the portfolio from @ricardelle_de_lautrec. A Demeter certified Pinot Noir from Lionel Boutie which exudes great value for money, alongside great typicity (varietal) and restraint. None of the heat, over ripeness and dubious sweetness of this region, thanks to a meticulous approach to viticulture and a light hand in the cellar. Available now (request for samples). #pinotnoir #demeter #biodynamic

One of the more delicious examples of Rolle (Vermentino) from the South of France (the Cevennes). The whole estate is Demeter certified and is high up in the dolomitic limestone that marks this garrrigue infused wilderness. Costeplan are one of our go-to producers for excellent value characterful country wines and this vintage is on peak form. The wine for Bouillabaisse, Mediterranean grilled fish or simply as an aperitif. #cevennes #rollenotvermentino #demeter #biodynamic @costeplane

World Albariño Day. Here is someone who makes excellent Albariño, among other things… @adegaentreosrios @choumimx

We now have the 2021 @jklperryco MB available for sale. Variety is Monmouthshire Burgundy. 1 year on fine lees. Absolutely no additives. 300 year old trees hand harvested and pressed in 19th century Perry press. 6x75cl packs available now. This vintage is a pale hue, lucid and bright, with faint aromatics of cherry blossom, pear skin, freshly cut hedgerow and delicate sweet spice. Dry on the palate, with a soft mineral texture and flush of acidity on the finish. 5.5% abv. (Also please excuse massive bottle but it is the only they had access to when bottling was needed!) #perry #wales #noandlo #artisan #authentic

Huge congratulations to Winding Wood on their second trophy of the year for 2020 Rose Brut at WineGB awards. (And to Daniel Ham for his incredible efforts too, with WW Brut only being pipped to the white trophy by Domaine Hugo!). @winegb @daniel___ham @windingwoodvineyard #englishwine #brut #davidmorris

The latest shipment from Jon and Pedro has arrived including 2021 Las Santas and 2023 Txuria. We also have a few more case of Arossa, Auritz, Otsaka Kauten and Matsanko. @aseginolazayleunda #navarra #garnacha #viura #camino

The best. Thank you Pedro, Jon, Javier David, Victor, Jose Victor and Maia for your amazing hospitality, beautiful wines and plentiful lamb chops. @aseginolazayleunda @arizcurenbodega @bodegasabeica @vigneronsdelasonsierra @victorausejoviticultor And to fellow travellers @hollywillcocks @un.tidiness and Phoebe . You were awesome tour companions. #rioja #navarra #garnacha #tempranillo #parcelas #vinyedossingulares

Just the most perfect wine pre the Kings. Thx Meg for steering us here. (Btw I think Caleb actually loves a fruity red from the Ardeche!) @tommyllewelyn

News letter incoming with news from beautiful people and places such as these… #galicia #mencia #albarino #winetrip #somms

Very much back in the game. Last ate here 22 years ago. Then it had a reputation beyond its menu, now it will gain a reputation for its menu. And staff. And decor. What a brilliant reboot of a classic. @juliesw11 @underwood_emma

Two from the archive. It’s hard to convey via the non Scratch and Sniff world of insta but these were so aromatic and full of vitality that had there been more bottles to open they would have been. (Need to find more). 2019 Chez Muron Gamay St Romain from Amphora at Domaine Serol and the always brilliant 2021 Alegre Valgañon Rioja from the tiny Carra Santo Domingo vineyard @alegrevalganon @stfserol (opened for the purposes of bench marking of course).

2023 Picpoul de Pinet. This vintage is perfect for Picpoul, where the weight of the fruit and acidity balance each other and a top note of wild herb and peach skin appears on the nose. Available now. #picpoul #whitewine #summer

Some of the greatest Spatburgunder produced? Who are we to say, but we would also say that some of these have found their way into our own personal cellars to sleep for 10 years or so. @thorlewein #spatburgunder #pinotnoir #rheinhessen

Camino de Ribas. 2022. #lower @vigneronsdelasonsierra @lowerwine

We are pleased as punch to have Christoph and his wines over with us for a day or two this week. @thorlewein has become on of Germany’s most sought after growers and a go to for top terroir honed Riesling and Spatburgunder (which among some parties is rated as the best in the country). London Wednesday evening and Thursday and then a client tasting at @cavistewine on Thursday evening. #riesling #rheinhessen #thorle #spatburgunder #london

Manuel Formigo has taken an inheritance and turned it into a lifestyle. His plots in Beade, Avia Valley Ribeiro amount to just 5 hectares played in granitic sands, quartzite and schist. His vision is for white wines which express the terroir through the lens of the variety and in this enterprise he has succeeded completely. Two blends, Formigo predominantly Palamino, and Teirra, Treixadira, make up the front row of how production, both refined and easy flowing examples of this fantastic DO. Teira X is a sublime blend that has concetration and vitality, a truly brilliant white. Cholo (Loureiro) and Tino (Albilla de Avia, of which he holds half a hectare of only 3 or 4 that exist) are two white wines that transcend the DO, being as thrilling as they are delicious, but made in tiny quantities. @formigo_beade is a passionate hard working and generous human and we are extremely lucky represent his wines here in the UK. #ribeiro #treixadura #galicia #sommlife #spain

Our relationship with Jose and Julia @jose_viticultor in Bierzo goes back almost 10 years. Then, Bierzo was really still very unknown, with a handful of names popping above the parapet, mainly Perez and Palacios. Today, Jose is mentioned in the same articles and lauded for the precision and refinement of his wines, and for the incredible dedication to his vineyards in Valtuille, Corullon (where he has some of the highest and oldest plots) and Villafranca (where ‘Julia’ originates). His whites have a Burgundian chassis with Bierzo livery, his reds exude the characteristics if soils, (sand in Valtuille and Schist Slate in Corullon) whilst retaining a drinkability verging on the addictive. A new wine, Corrullon Palamino, must rate as one of the most beautiful white wines to have passed these lips for some time. We await the release of his single vineyard wines, surely to be ranked alongside those of Perez and Palacios (who are also friends) in the Autumn, but for now, taste the 2022 Vinas Viejas Mencia, which must rank as one of the best value fine wines out there. #bierzo #corullon #valtuille #mencia #sommlife #natural

For those of you interested in life beyond the DO, one of the exciting insider tracks is discovering the less well known IXP of Galicia. Five regions outside the DO but where land is cheaper, the rules a bit more relaxed and the energy is rising. There will be a tasting soon for a collective of these regions so watch this space (in Spain organised by the IXP committee.) but for now here is a map…

It is always with great pleasure and excitement when we visit the verdant and reclusive vineyards of Jose Crusat of @adegaentreosrios in Barbanza. His knowledge and enthusiasm are honed with great skill and practical understanding, so his wines are both as wild and intriguing as he looks, and as focussed and pure as he is. 2023 was a tough year for him, but the wines in bottle and on the verge of being released are his finest yet. We will introduce Altares 21 in the Autumn, homage to the trellising system used in the valley. This wine will be familiar to anyone who appreciates the Salnes style, being equal in concentration and finesse as any I have tasted at this level. We will also take a little fizz, because it is outrageously delicious! @choumimx thank you for you time and energy. #galicia #albarino #granite #schist #sommlife

2022 Gaznata is here and with a bang too. A fruit forward vintage with raw silk tannins, bright blood orange acidity and cool long finish. Always one of our most loved wines and it’s great to have it back. #gredos #garnacha #spain

A fantastic result for 2020 Winding Wood Rose Brut, achieving one of only 5 Gold Medals for Sparkling wines among over 100 entries in this year’s IEWA awards. This 1 hectare biodynamic vineyard in Berkshire has got such huge potential, especially with the help and guidance of Daniel Ham and David Morris. Bravo Christopher and Leone. A spectacular effort. #iewa #englishsparklingwine @the.iewa @windingwoodvineyard

Looking forward to being part of this incredible tasting at Sandridge Barton ,near Totnes, Devon on Monday. There are still a few spaces (trade only, sorry!) and we’d love you to join us. RSVP with a DM to us or email hello@pullo.shop. As well as the tasting @wildwineschool will be hosting masterclasses throughout the day. We will be joining Debbie with a few special bottles for the Rioja talk. Running from 10.30-6 you are welcome to pop in for half an hour or make a day of it. See you there! . . . . @wildwineschool @pullo.shop @naturalgrowthwine @winesutb @winemakersclubshop @rolandwinesuk @wanderlustwine @lescavesdepyrene @beattieandroberts @wrightswines @findcider @smithhayneorchards

Sanzay has arrived. 2022 Paterne is a top class example of Saumur Champigny, and we have a smattering of his other cuvées too if you are quick. See emails for news and send us one if you would like to see what’s here. @antoinesanzayofficiel #saumur #loire #sommlife

Very proud to be part of this amazing event in Margate. More details to follow but sign up asap to avoid disappointment!

Producer focus page at Asador 44 in Cardiff showcasing Jose Gil and Aseginolaza y Leunda. In high demand too. Thanks Owen Sophie and the team. @asador44 @vigneronsdelasonsierra @aseginolazayleunda #navarra #rioja #cardiff #asador

The 2022 vintage seems to suit this terroir down to the ground. Old vine Mencia from Valtuille produced with a deft lightness of touch, layered with juicy fruit and finely honed tannins. Jose and Julia have been blazing a trail for almost 19 years now and their wines are rightly considered among the finest of the region. If you would like to taste, please get in touch. #mencia #bierzo #spain #valtuilledeabajo #sommlifestyle

Great choice @sherrymonster44 Thank you for picking this. Tasting amazing right now too. @vigneronsdelasonsierra @decanter #rioja #decanter #asador44

Bristol, South West and Wales. We are extremely excited about our shared event this coming Monday at The Forge. We will be joining Swig, 266 Wines and Vins Clair to highlight the new additions to our Summer Portfolio. There are still spaces for the afternoon sessions so please sign up if you have yet to do so. We look forward to seeing you. @swig_trade @266_wines @vins_clairs

Domaine Alain Mathias, Chablis and Epineuil. Our annual allocation will be with us next week. The excellent 2022 vintage showcases the immense effort Carole and Bastien have put into their vineyards, and comes as a relief after so many ‘difficult’ harvests. We will have the wines on tasting at the Forge on the 13th May, Bristol. #chablis #bourgogne #chardonnay

New Grower: Benjamin Taillandier, Minervois. @taillandierbenjamin After a fairly exhausting few days in a shed in Montpellier, there was a spring like gait to our step when we spent the day with Benjamin in January. Minervois is a region most have a vague idea of, and for us one that far to often produces wines that can be a bit sullen and ‘impressive’. Not so here, in Caunes, where BT produces cuvées from two distinct terroirs with a lightness of touch and purity that induces thirst quenching gulps rather than reticent sips. Fully bio and committed to planting heritage varieties (the best, he says, to deal with the temperature increase) there is as much energy to his enthusiasm for his parcels as there is in his wines. We are thrilled to have them here and thanks @masdelperiefabienjouves for the intro! #minervois #bio

New Vintage: 2023 Terras do Sur Albariño has now arrived. The second vintage of this remarkable wine made from old pergola trained vines in the Mino, a stones throw from Portugal, in Condado do Tea, has arrived. This year Pepe has bottled all his production so we should in theory have plenty to share. #albariño #riasbaixas #terrasdosur

We await the new releases of @masdelperiefabienjouves with anticipation in the summer, but this 2017 Acacias is a reminder of just how well these wines can age if you let them. Elegant, expressive and lightly touched complexity with DNA that can only be Cahors.

New Grower: Vinyes Domenech, Capçanes Monsant. Founded in 2002, the Domenech family set about preserving and regenerating vineyards in this most remote of valleys in south east Monsant. They have built a self sustaining cellar and invested thousands of hours in the vineyards to create one of the most spectacular properties in Catalonia. In 2015 their single parcel ‘Teixar’ was awarded Vi de Finca status (Grand Cru) in recognition of this plots ancient Garnacha Peluda vines, and the unique quality of the wine. When we visited in 2023, we were struck by the family’s passion and hands on approach to the ongoing work in the valley. The range of soils include fragmented limestone, Clays, Loess and Chalk, planted to Garnacha, Blanco, Gris, Noir and Peluda (known as hairy Garnacha, and of which they have the oldest vines). Vineyard work is biodynamic encouraging healthy growth if all the native flora and fauna, some of the former finding its way onto the menus of Barcelonas great menus. Each wine is framed by a sense of place, echoing the depth and complexity of the best of Monsant, alongside the freshness and purity derived from the altitude the Collet valley affords. Quietly the family have built one of the most beautiful estates in the region and we are thrilled to now represent them in the UK. For more details visit our website or email us. #monsant #garnacha #catalunya #vinyesdomenech #sommlife @vinyesdomenech