Date Night Must-Haves

Textured & Mineral

Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme focusing on terroir driven wines from old vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, SA & Willamette Valley, US.

This Chenin is made from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite/quartz on the Helderburg (Clear Mountain), in the southwestern-most corner of Stellenbosch.

Behold, Chenin Blanc! The most widely planted varietal in South Africa simply shines in this charming expression from Stellenbosch. Sourced from old vines and naturally fermented, expect elegant notes of white peach, lemon, and tangerine with an underlying layer of crisp yellow apple. Bright and fresh on the palate, but with good depth and concentration, this wine is ready to drink now but will also cellar nicely for the next 2-3 years.

This Chenin Blanc pairs perfectly with all kinds of fresh seafood; and also with tartare. Smoked salmon or trout would also be delicious next to a glass of this old vines Chenin. Its rich texture makes it suitable to be paired with goat cheese, roast chicken and butternut squash.

Floral & Fruity

Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme focusing on terroir driven wines from old vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, SA & Willamette Valley, US. This Cinsault/Syrah is made from bush vines planted in Koffieklip soils in the Southwestern of Stellenbosch, South Africa. 

It has a brilliant medium purple colour in the glass. On the nose, it's all about fresh ripe red & black fruit: cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry; with hints of intense spice, it also has a granite minerality. On the palate it is light-bodied, with a vibrant acid and grippy though delicate tannins. It intermingles with surprisingly powerful fruit & spice; punching above its weight in flavour. It is very balanced with low alcohol.

This light red pairs with all manner of dishes: from barbecue meats to grilled salmon and veggies, to spicy dishes.

Intense & Rich

Established in 2001 by Julien Montagné and his family. Clos del Rey is located in the heart of the Maury appellation in the Roussillon. Although Maury is best known for its sweet, port-like wines, Clos del Rey only produces dry red wines now produced as AOC Maury Sec.

Le Sabina is an old bush vine cuvée of grenache, carignan and syrah grown on very stony, black schist soils. This engaging red is a concentrated, aromatic, flavourful wine, with a pure essence of blackberry and blueberry fruit, sweet and resinous wild herbs, scorched earth and liquorice. A highly satisfying and bold ensemble. Tannins are abundant but coated and softened by highly intense fruit extract. Great length as noted by Master Sommelier John Szabo.

This wine is great with BBQ meats, lamb, beef, you name it.

Mineral & Zesty

From a new family (relatively speaking) in Chablis, the estate belongs to Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck. They have deep roots in the surrounding area of AOC Burgundy, farming for multiple generations. 

This old vines Chardonnay is wild fermented fermented in stainless steel tanks, then ages “Sur Lee” for 12 months after malolactic fermentation is complete. The fruit is gathered from vineyards in Fleys and this area sits at a higher altitude on a windswept plateau, which helps maintain the acidity in the wine.  Fresh, floral and mineral on the nose. There are notes of fresh almond, hazelnut, citrus and white flowers on the palate. It is balanced, structured and texture example of classic favourite. 

Keep it chilled in the fridge, uncork it at the end of the day and pour yourself a glass! Also pairs well with oysters, all kinds of fish dishes, and roasted chicken.

Bright & Creamy

Fresne-Ducret is rich in family history and has been rooted in the premier cru village of Villedommange since the mid 1800s. Le Chemin du Chemin is a foray into the essence of their winery.

The first aromas are of apricot and fresh bread, with floral notes, giving way to more complex notes of praline, hazelnut and shortbread. In the mouth, delicate brioche aromas, creamy and buttery, followed by a savouriness with hints of tea. Particularly well-balanced, with a soft astringency.  Aged for a minimum of 48 months on the lees in underground cellars.

Pair this excellent champagne with all the classics matches: oysters, light fish dishes... We also recommend to pair it with fried chicken, porchetta, potato chips or seared scallops. It really does goes with everything!

Ripe & Fruity

Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco.

This 100% Prieto Picudo rosé is intense and fresh on the nose.  Rich and hypnotizing aromas of raspberry, strawberry, herbs, citrus and red rose petals jump out of the glass.  These flavours follow through on the palate, which is both powerful and flavourful, while maintaining great freshness.

Enjoy this one on its own while basking in the sun.

Floral & Fresh

Vitivinicola Fangareggi is located in the heart of the Lambrusco region, between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena. Their ancestors have been making wine since the 19th century, and in 2004 the family decided to resume their winemaking tradition.

Specialized in making Lambrusco, the family takes care of the whole production from vineyard to bottle. In 2021, they began the process of converting the vineyard to organic farming.

Made from a blend of Lambrusco di Sorbara, Fortana and Pinot Nero, this low-alcohol rosato frizzante is the perfect bubbly to pop and enjoy at any occasion. Rose petals, black cherry, vague reminiscences of bread crust, and lots of freshness. Pop and enjoy.

Mature & Rich

Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. Ca’ Del Monte’s Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico’s is a dark angel of sorts.

Expect stewed fruit, over-ripened plums, clove and baking spice, there is also pronounced vanilla and toasted notes. The palate is concentrated, with notes of prune, raisin, chocolate, rich fruit and warm spices. To sum up, full bodied, lifting acidity, smooth tannins and a rich finish.

Like the wine, big and strong foods pair best. Try it with stufato (meat and vegetable stew) or a beef tenderloin with a truffle butter sauce. Or keep it simple with seasoned cheeses.

Juicy & Elegant

The Baud estate dates back to 1742, today the 9th generation manages the winery. Siblings Clementine and Bastien, both under 30, are making some of the best value wines in the area. Jura is that narrow valley in the remote hills between Burgundy and Switzerland, which millions of years ago was covered by an Ocean and today still bares many of the fossils from that time. If you kick a stone in a Jura vineyard, it will probably be a fossil.

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this delicate sparkling wine was made using méthode champenoise and was aged 12 months on the lees. Light pink in colour with persistent bubbles, in the glass it expresses notes of strawberry wafers, red currants, and blood orange. On the palate, it has fine bubbles and freshness.

Enjoy it as an aperitif or have it with pastries and desserts.

Rich & Mineral

Nicolas Potel is an iconic producer in Burgundy. He grew up in a family dedicated entirely to wine; and after gaining some experience internationally, he started his own project in the late 90's.

Founded in 2009, Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from vieilles vignes (old vines - 40 years or older) that are farmed responsibly. All of the growers that Nicolas Potel works with are either organic certified or farming according to the principles of lutte raisonée (“sustainable viticulture”). This enables Potel to consistently produce the expressive, terroir-driven style that is his vision.

The Saint-Véran appellation lies in the south of the Mâconnais region and its soils are full of fossiliferous limestone from the Middle Jurassic. After the grapes are manually harvested they undergo native yeast fermentation in barrel as well as 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged in French oak casks, of which 10% is new. It sees no bâtonnage and only a light fining and filtration occurs before bottling. 

Aromatically the wine is a touch brighter, with more spring white flowers and salty sea air on the nose. The palate is crisp, with crunchy orchard fruits, mineral driven acidity, and a mid-palate creaminess which balances the flavours out. 

Earthy & Silky

The Baud estate dates back to 1742, today the 9th generation manages the winery. Siblings Clementine and Bastien, both under 30, are making some of the best value wines in the area. Jura is that narrow valley in the remote hills between Burgundy and Switzerland, which millions of years ago was covered by an Ocean and today still bares many of the fossils from that time. If you kick a stone in a Jura vineyard, it will probably be a fossil.

Trousseau is by far the rarest grape variety in the Jura, planted in less than 8% of the total Jura vineyard, it has a biological relationship with the white grape Savagnin, being originally from this magical region. The vineyards are planted on rich red marl and gravel soils, along the Cotes du Jura appellation. On the nose, it has aromas of red fruits and leather, with a hint of sub-bois. Tannins are soft and silky, and the palate is very well-balanced.

Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with red meats such as game and venison.

Cordero San Giorgio is a new beginning in Oltrépo-Pavese for three siblings who grew up surrounded by their family’s vines at the legendary Vietti Estate in Castiglione Falletto in Barolo. The siblings Francesco, Lorenzo, and Caterina Cordero, are grandchildren of Luciana Vietti & Alfredo Currado, one of the pioneers of the first Barolo crus and considered the “father of Arneis.” Their father is Mario Cordero, Alfredo and Luciana’s son-in-law, who was the company’s co-owner from the beginning of the ‘80s until 2016 when it was sold.

The Oltrepò Pavese is a hilly triangle of land in Lombardy, embraced by Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. A territory dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the culture of wine for centuries: a land of both cultural and gastronomic encounter and exchange. Cordero San Giorgio is in the town of Santa Giuletta, and focuses on working with Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

Tiamat is a Pinot Nero that is an expression of finesse. Elegant aromas and delicate on the palate. 

Rich & Fruity

Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. Angelo Paradiso, the third generation of winemakers in the family, manages the vineyards and the winery.

This wine is a blend of Nero di Troia and Primitivo, two native grapes to Puglia. It has an intense purple colour in the glass. On the nose, it delivers pronounced notes of ripe dark fruit, hints of spices and some floral notes. The palate is juicy with soft tannins and a really nice acidity. It is a very easy-drinking and enjoyable wine.

This wine pairs perfectly with tomato-based dishes: pasta bolognese, veal parmigiana, pizza... But would also be a great pairing with curries and spicy barbecue dishes too!