Wines of the Month
Seasonal wines for November: "...the antithesis of supermarket vino."
Free next day delivery with this offer case
This November's trio of treats features wines suited to dishes for autumn and winter - slow-roasted or braised meats and stews, hearty root vegetables pimped by chilli and spice, plus the array of mouthwatering pulses, rice and pasta enriched by silky sauces and stocks. If Carbonara is your cuppa', then this month's Food and Wine Matching would go very well with the Grenache-based old-vine Beaumes-de-Venise below. This six-bottle case features a succulent Sauvignon Blanc from the Charente, an old-vine Rhône red from Beaumes de Venise plus an even-older vine Carignan from the heights of the Roussillon.
Domaine Gardrat: Vin de Pays Charentais Sauvignon 2020
The delightful, organic Charente-Maritime Sauvignon Blanc from Messieurs Jean-Pierre and Lionel Gardrat features a quote on the front label that is always a good marker of their state of mind and indeed that of the world. Their 2020 is apparently a Tibetan proverb which translates roughly as 'Live like a tree – lose your leaves but keep your roots. Be prepared to alter your mindset whilst sticking to your principles.' We steadfastly stick to drinking this with goat's cheese in all its forms, whether in a tart, salad or a wintry sweet potato and chilli-spiced stew.
Beaumes de Venise: Domaine de Durban 'Vielles Vignes' 2018
Third generation winemakers (and brothers) Henri and Philippe farm over 50 hectares at the edge of the towering Dentelles de Montmirail. As well as making luscious, sweet Muscat wine, their 'Vieille Vignes' can now be sold under the Beaumes-de-Venise red appellation since it achieved Cru status for red in 2005. It's a Grenache feast seasoned by 20% Syrah and a dash of Mourvèdre that would suit braised venison, duck or cured pork dishes.
IGP Côtes Catalanes: Domaine Ferrer-Ribière 'Empreinte du Temps' Carignan 2019
This Catalan Carignan hails from a of 140+ year old pre-phylloxera vines. It's a firm favourite that delivers consistently in every vintage. It is well-suited to simple, rustic cuisine or strong autumnal flavours - we'd serve it with venison in a chocolate sauce, root vegetable gratin or a Moroccan lamb tagine with plenty of garlic.
Santé,
Grant Berry
(Two bottles of each wine shown are included in this six-bottle case. Our standard list price of these wines would be £84.50, plus £12.50 delivery to a mainland UK address. Offer price saves £17.00).
2 x Domaine Gardrat: Vin de Pays Charentais Sauvignon 2020£0.00
This Vin de Pays Charentais from Domaine Gardrat is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, delicately perfumed with subtle elderflower and nettle scents and a racy, mineral-edged palate. It's a lovely, light, uplifting wine that works well as an aperitif or partner to salads or seafood.
Certified as an organic wine.
2 x Beaumes de Venise: Domaine de Durban 'Vielles Vignes' 2018£0.00
Red Beaumes de Venise was upgraded to full AOC status in 2005, 60 years after its (better known) sweet Muscat appellation sibling. Consequently, it flies under the radar as a cracking value Cru. Unfiltered and vinified in concrete this is traditional Southern Rhone red winemaking in its element.
2 x IGP Côtes Catalanes: Domaine Ferrer-Ribière 'Empreinte du Temps' Carignan 2019£0.00
This vibrant, fresh Catalan Carignan hails from a precious parcel of 140+ year old pre-phylloxera vines. Here at Yapp HQ it's a firm favourite that delivers consistently in every vintage. Like the white Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Grenache Blanc from Domaine Ferrer-Ribière, this wine too is well-suited to simple, rustic cuisine - some sizzling Toulouse sausages or cassoulet would fit the bill nicely.
Certified as an organic wine.
