B AC K I N G O U R B E S T G ROW E R S
Help us to help the people behind the bottles Featuring five mixed cases with savings up to ÂŁ14.80
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BACKING OUR BEST GROWERS 2020 Help us to help the people behind the bottles Director of Wine Pierre Mansour introduces our very first Backing our Best Growers offer, explaining how we – with the help of our members – have supported the winemakers that needed it the most through the Covid-19 crisis.
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This year’s extraordinary circumstances have brought extraordinary challenges to growers across the wine world. Many were left with stock languishing in storage as the crisis put an immediate stop to cellar-door sales and shut restaurants, hotels and bars. The growers who felt the effects most acutely were, and are, smallto-medium sized producers. In other words, many of our suppliers. We have always tried to look after our suppliers and pride ourselves on going the extra mile where we can. As the crisis unfolded, our buyers got in touch with our best, and best-loved, growers with a simple question: ‘what can we do to help?’ The result is this extensive selection of superb wines from growers who over the years have consistently delivered delicious wines and gained a strong following. Some include special deals, some are new wines, but each is delicious and has its own story to tell. And for every supplier-supported deal, including the mixed cases, we’ve stripped our margins back even further to offer the best price we can collectively muster.
WHAT MAKES A ‘BEST GROWER’? Of course, all of our suppliers are deserving of your backing. We couldn’t feature everyone here, so opted for a cross section of those who need our support. This is a group of people we are particularly proud to work with, who share our values and who we know deliver great wines at great prices. Many are exclusive suppliers, where The Society has access to special parcels and buyers’ own blends, and many have in the past travelled to the UK to meet members and support our nationwide tastings and events. We hope that now you’ll help us to support them, and enjoy some fantastic bottles at great prices while helping to put a smile back on the faces of those who work so hard to make them. Pierre Mansour Director of Wine
THE MORE YOU BUY, THE MORE WE CAN SUPPORT THESE GROWERS. Selling larger quantities helps free up winery space and can help to compensate for lost customers (such as restaurants and hotels). In some cases we have been able to pay early and pass on a special discount in return. Several of these producers also create cuvées for specific markets and The Society has been able to step in and to give them a new home. These new wines (all of which have passed the strict selection test of our buyers’ palates) may not have a discount, but will be priced lower than they would usually have been. As such, they offer terrific value.
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FRANCE
FRANCE Famille Bougreier, Loire Founded in 1885, this family-owned company is now run by the fifth generation of Bougriers. They rely heavily on key export markets around the world, including the US, and on selling their wines to restaurants and bars, mostly in north-west France. With these channels unavailable for a time, they offered us some special deals to pass on to our members. Joanna Locke MW
WHITE Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Famille Bougrier 2019 An easy-drinking, anytime Muscadet, nicely rounded in this ripe, healthy vintage but finishing clean and fresh. 12.5% Ref BG-LO15811 2s £6.95 bottle | £78 dozen
A saving of £5 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.50 4
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Val de Loire Chardonnay, Famille Bougrier 2019 The ripe 2019 vintage has brought extra fat to this dry, light-as-air Loire chardonnay, bringing out its subtle floral aromas. 12% Ref BG-LO15731 2s £6.95 bottle | £75 dozen A saving of £8 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.25
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Guénault A smart gooseberry-tinged sauvignon from the family’s own vineyards. Chalk in the soils here gives the wine its typical mineral character, offering more than a nod to Sancerre. 13.5% Ref BG-LO15711 2s £8.95 bottle | £95 dozen A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.92
RED NEW St Nicolas de Bourgueil ‘Les Cailloux’, Famille Bougrier 2019 New to the Bougrier range, this is a refreshing brasserie-style cabernet franc with pure bright fruit that particularly shines when served cool. 12.5% Ref BG-LO15921 p £9.50 bottle | £99 dozen A saving of £15 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.25
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Gratien & Meyer, Loire The fantastic savings below are testament to the strength of relationship between The Society and our longest-standing supplier, Gratien. We first discovered their wonderful wines back in 1906 when some of their Saumur was shipped to our cellars in London and they quickly became The Society’s choice for our sparkling wines. Today Gratien & Meyer are still responsible for The Society’s Saumur and Saumur Rosé as well as The Society’s Celebration Crémant de Loire. Joanna Locke MW
SPARKLING The Society’s Celebration Crémant de Loire 2017 A delicate and refined Loire Crémant. Chardonnay brings finesse, a little pinot noir contributes freshness and body, and the Loire’s chenin blanc grape rounds things out beautifully. Drink now to 2022. 12% A saving of £26 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £10.75
Ref BG-SG3021 1 £12.95 bottle | £129 dozen
NEW Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut Gratien & Meyer 2017 Offer ends Wednesday 7th October
Delicate and fine pink based on the cabernet franc grape which shone in 2017, with chardonnay and chenin for mid palate texture and body. Drink now to 2022. Ref BG-SG3011 2 £12.95 bottle | £129 dozen A saving of £26 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £10.75
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Stéphane Aviron, Beaujolais Stéphane Aviron forms part of the younger generation of dynamic growers in a region that has undergone a renaissance in recent times. He makes benchmark Beaujolais with fruit from his family’s own vines, as well as grapes bought in from trusted growers in the region. Beaujolais is a wine that has a strong presence in the restaurant trade, both in France and abroad, and sales have inevitably dropped drastically in the past few months. We are delighted to be able to help him at this time by passing on two very tempting case savings. Tim Sykes
Stéphane Aviron, Maison de la Madrière, Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2018 From vines of between 40 and 80 years of age located on the steep slopes of Fleurie’s famed La Madone vineyard, this has deep colour and a fine, perfumed bouquet. The texture is silky, with a pure, fresh finish. Drink now to 2023. 13% Ref BG-BJ8341 £11.95 bottle | £120 dozen
A saving of £23 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £10
RED Stéphane Aviron, Beaujolais Quincié 2018 Quincié is considered one of the finest of the Beaujolais villages. This delicious example has a bouquet of crushed raspberries, a burst of ripe fruit on the palate and a bright clean finish. Particularly impressive in 2018. 13% Ref BG-BJ7991 £8.95 bottle | £92 dozen A saving of £15 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.67 7
Sichel Family, Bordeaux The Sichels have supplied us with our bestselling red wine for over a quarter of a century, but their history stretches back almost as far as ours! They set up in Bordeaux in 1883, and since then seven generations of the Sichel family have built upon their empire. Not only do they sell wine today as négociants, but they are also growers and winemakers, and represent some very well-respected names. Tim Sykes
RED The Society’s Claret 2018 With an almost unbroken run as our bestselling red, this fruity, unoaked merlot based Bordeaux is the result of a long and fruitful partnership with the Sichel family. We select the final blend each year to keep it fresh and easy-drinking with true Bordeaux character. 13.5% Ref BG-CL221 £7.50 bottle | £80 dozen A saving of £10 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.67
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Maison Despagne, Bordeaux Basaline Despagne is a face many members will be familiar with: she has come to many of our tastings and has hosted numerous visits and lunches in Bordeaux for Society members. We’ve worked with her family for years and they make great wines, year-in, year-out. Things are not easy for the Despagnes at the moment: it’s hard to maintain a profitable business in the Entre-Deux-Mers at the best of times, but the current situation has of course compounded things. Her two wines featured here are excellent value for money and completely delicious: don’t miss them. Tim Sykes
WHITE Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve, Bordeaux Blanc Reliably fresh, aromatic and unoaked Bordeaux white from EntreDeux-Mers combining roughly two-thirds sauvignon and a third semillon with a touch of muscadelle for added character. Drink this year and next. 12.5% A saving of £24 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.92
Ref BG-BW6701 2s £10.95 bottle | £107 dozen
RED Château Bel Air Perponcher Rouge Réserve, Bordeaux 2018 A plump, juicy blend of mainly merlot, with 15% cabernet sauvignon for added structure and finesse. Lovely cassis perfume and soft, ripe fruit on the palate. Drink now to 2023. 13.5% A saving of £19 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.92
Ref BG-CB5921 £10.50 bottle | £107 dozen 9
Sébastien Furt, Bordeaux
The Furt family, owners of Château La Grave de Bertin, are having to contemplate selling off an entire vintage for distillation to help support their business: the market price for so-called ‘generic’ Bordeaux has suffered so dreadfully recently that the amount the growers receive on the open market has dropped below the cost of production. It is awful to think how hard the Furt family works in the vineyard, only to face the prospect of seeing their efforts go unrewarded. To help them, and to show how good these wines are, we’ve jointly put together this modest saving on their lovely claret. Tim Sykes
Château La Grave de Bertin Réserve, Bordeaux 2018 Sébastien has offered us a special price on his 2018, and we knew we could help him out (and provide members with a treat) by giving his wine ‘a push.’ This is well balanced, supple and satisfying merlot based claret.13.5% Ref BG-CB5991 £7.95 bottle | £87 dozen A saving of £8 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.25
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Jaume Family, Rhône
Supplying us since 1981, Jaume’s biggest customers by far are Society members. Brothers Pascal and Richard Jaume are highly committed vignerons and strongly believe that wine should be enjoyable and approachable so the style they look for is smooth, round and satisfying. We are sure many of you will have met them when they have been over to our tastings or maybe even have visited their cellar in Vinsobres. They turned to us as soon as they realised they were losing restaurant and direct sales and of course we wanted to do what we could. Marcel Orford-Williams
Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, Domaine Jaume 2019 A round-tasting white Rhône made from Vinsobres-grown fruit, and covering a number of grape varieties. Some, like grenache blanc, bring body, clairette brings lift, and a little touch of viognier adds the fleshy fruit flavours. 13% A saving of £17 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.50
Ref BG-RH56931 2 £8.95 bottle | £90 dozen
Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine Jaume 2018 The climate here is influenced by the presence of Alpine foothills: cooling breezes play on the vines, preserving fresh, fruit flavours in the wines. This much-loved red is easydrinking, yet full flavoured and food friendly. 14% Ref BG-RH54291 £8.50 bottle | £85 dozen A saving of £17 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.08 11
Antech Family,Limoux
We are the Antech family’s number one UK customer and Françoise Antech-Gazeau has always been generous towards us. Sadly business is not that easy as unsurprisingly she depends a lot on restaurant and bar sales. We encourage members to help by enjoying this unique wine with a generous dozen saving. Marcel Orford-Williams
Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, Antech NV A delightful, medium-sweet and effervescent Languedoc white, fermented just once in bottle. Refreshingly light, low in alcohol and with a taste reminiscent of apples, this is perfect with fruit-based desserts such as apple pie as well as lightly spiced canapés. 6.5% A saving of £29 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.50
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Ref BG-SG751 6 £10.95 bottle | £102 dozen
Read about the cost of COVID to the wine industry on pages 20 & 21
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Maison les Alexandrins, Rhône In 2009, two families joined forces from opposite ends of the Rhône. Nicolas, from the famous Jaboulet family, grew up in the Hermitage hills in the north of the region, whereas the Perrin family has been settled in and around the southern Rhône’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation for many years. The Society was their first customer worldwide and the relationship continues to be a mutually rewarding one. Marcel Orford-Williams
RED The Society’s French Syrah 2018 Lovely, soft, fruity Rhône syrah with just a hint of freshly milled pepper. A pure expression of the grape in an exceptional vintage. 13.5% Ref BG-RH53901 s £7.95 bottle | £95 dozen
Crozes-Hermitage Maison les Alexandrins, Nicolas Perrin 2016 Formerly known simply as ‘Nicolas Perrin’, this wine brings together fruit from many of Crozes-Hermitage’s top names in a dark-fruited deeply sensuous blend. 2016 was a superb vintage and this has a lovely touch of graphite-like complexity. Drink now to 2027. 13% Ref BG-RH48161 £16 bottle | £155 dozen A saving of £37 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £12.92 14
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Domaine du Bosc, Languedoc This family business created by Pierre Besinet maintains its presence because over the years they have consistently delivered with wines that are fresh, clean-tasting and fruity. Always striving to improve further, this year they are investing quite heavily in new tanks and as such are relying on us for essential income. The result of these investments will be even more delicious wine, and we’re thrilled they are prepared to offer members these enticing savings on their popular cuvées currently in stock. Marcel Orford-Williams
RED Merlot, Pays d’Oc, Domaine du Bosc 2019 Soft, round and ripe-tasting merlot with a hint of plum and spice. This is a versatile wine, delicious with or without food. 13.5% A saving of £5 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.50
Ref BG-FC38381 s £6.95 bottle | £78 dozen
WHITE Viognier, Pays d’Oc, Domaine du Bosc 2019 Jaume 2019 This is textbook southern French viognier; exotic, peachy and rich. A lovely partner for shellfish, ham and melon or enjoy its enticingly fruity delights on its own. 13.5% A saving of £7 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.33
Ref BG-FC38291 2p £7.95 bottle | £88 dozen
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ITALY
ITALY Alovini, Southern Italy Based in the seldom-visited but charming region of Basilicata, Alovini is owned and run by the accomplished winemaker Oronzo Alò. He is a bright and gifted winemaker who combines a deep knowledge and respect for local grape varieties (greco and aglianico in particular). Oronzo’s wines are very popular locally, and so as restaurants closed in Basilicata, we were happy to help by shipping a little extra this summer with a tempting saving on his enchanting greco to pass on. Sarah Knowles MW
WHITE Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2019 One of Italy’s best-kept secrets. With lime and peach aromas and a bright citrusy palate, this fine example of the Greco grape will shine with roast chicken or creamy pasta dishes. 13% A saving of £20 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.25
Ref BG-IT29511 2 £9.95 bottle | £99 dozen
RED Aglianico del Vulture Le Ralle, Alovini 2017 This is always a really smart buy. With its fig and black cherry fruit, spice and great weight this is an aglianico with real charm and not a hard edge in sight. 13% Ref BG-IT29951 £8.95 bottle | £107 dozen 16
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Grati Family, Chianti We have worked with the Grati family for many years, and when identifying key suppliers within Italy they really were a no-brainer. The family has been producing wines in the elevated Chianti sub region of Rúfina for five generations. With each visit you feel totally at home, tasting through their impressive range, and often joining the whole family for a ‘light’(!) lunch, where their love for members of The Wine Society shines through in their conversation. At this difficult time, we are sure members will return the sentiment by taking advantage of these tempting savings. Sarah Knowles MW
RED The Society’s Chianti Rufina 2016 Fruity and soft with a perfumed smoky bouquet typical of the Rúfina region, this is a delicious Chianti designed for easy pleasure and gastronomic versatility. 12.5% A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.50
Ref BG-IT26301 £9.50 bottle | £102 dozen
Chianti Rufina Riserva, Villa di Vetrice 2015 2015 was an excellent vintage in the Rúfina Valley with warm days and coolnights resulting in a full-flavoured red with naturally sweet fruit and finesse. A great buy. Drink now to 2022. 13% Ref BG-IT27581 £13.95 bottle | £143 dozen A saving of £24 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £11.92
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Contesa, Abruzzo Rocco Pasetti is the man behind Contesa and is one of the most dynamic growers in Abruzzo. A man of boundless energy and with a profound knowledge of the local terrain and grape varieties, he has created a model estate and winery whose wines have deservedly gained a considerable following at The Wine Society. As such, we were delighted to be able to support him by shipping more wine and offering a saving. We also jumped at the opportunity to ship some of his passerina for members to try; it usually sells out locally because it’s made in such small quantities, and because it is so good. Sarah Knowles MW
WHITE Pecorino Abruzzo, Contesa 2019 Well-balanced, full-flavoured and food friendly dry Italian white. Rocco was one of the very first to champion the excellent Abruzzo white grape pecorino, practically saving it from exctinction, and his care and expertise show in the glass. 13%. Ref BG-IT29291 1p £9.95 bottle | £102 dozen A saving of £17 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.50
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View our packed diary of tastings and events on pages 30 & 31
NEW Passerina Abruzzo, Vigna Corvino 2019 This is such a scarce local Italian grape that it usually sells out through the nearby network of restaurants in Abruzzo. However, this year, we are delighted that we can help cover the shortfall and offer something delicious and unique to members. With almond skin and lemon on the nose, this refreshing, dry white is perfect with carbonara. 12.5% Ref BG-IT30171 2p £7.50 bottle | £90 dozen
RED Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Corvino 2018 Gutsy and warming flavours of ripe cherry and redcurrant and a lingering touch of spice define this popular and characterful red. It will lift good sausages and roasted roots as well as pasta and pizza. 13% Ref BG-IT28271 £8.50 bottle | £90 dozen A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £7.50
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THE TRUE COST OF COVID Joanna Goodman discovers that the values of our Victorian founders are still etched into The Wine Society’s DNA, with our pledge to support our growers, pull together and put members before profit seeing us through lockdown. Here she speaks to Director of Wine Pierre Mansour about how – with our members’ support – we’ve been able to help out some of those who’ve needed it most.
Throwing growers a lifeline The Wine Society has always been about establishing long-term relationships with its suppliers rather than trading for short-term gain. As such, lending a helping hand to winemakers in times of need is nothing new. After all, The Wine Society was established on the back of such an act, in an early form of crowdfunding. After the International Exhibition in 1874, one of the last of its kind, a group of individuals came to the aid of the Portuguese shippers whose barrels of wine had inadvertently been left forgotten in the cellars of The Albert Hall rather than brought up for display to potential importers in the galleries above. 20
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They decided to buy the wine between them, setting up lunch parties to share the wine with friends and found that this was actually a good way of buying wine from an authenticated source. The rest, as they say… With this as its founding principle, it comes as no surprise then that Wine Society buyers were in immediate contact with their suppliers to see what could be done to help. Pierre Mansour tells us: ‘We haven’t publicised ways in which we have supported our growers in the past, but in a business like making wine, cashflow is often critical; investment in new equipment can be a costly business and if you need to
do this before your new vintage is ready to be sold, we have sometimes stepped in by paying extra early and in advance for a grower’s wine so that they can renovate their cellar (and make better quality wine as a result). We have also been able to buy up wines from growers who have been let down when commitments for orders have been reneged upon by others.’ So, how did The Wine Society make the choice as to who to help in this situation? Was it a question of who asked first or did the buyers decide who they thought needed support the most? Pierre Mansour, again: ‘It was a bit of both. We are really lucky to have such strong relationships with our growers which is based on trust and doing the right thing. It also helps that our buyers spend a lot of time visiting regions, meeting growers in person, revisiting every year or more. This human element makes us stand out in the wine trade. It also helps that The Wine Society has an impeccable reputation for paying on time. We realised that each grower’s situation is different – some had cash pressures, others stock pressures; some were doing just fine; some were sitting on cancelled orders from other export markets. We also knew that we wouldn’t be able to help all our suppliers. So we decided the best way to approach it was to select growers who members value most (with a track record of supplying delicious, good-value wines; growers that go the extra mile by attending our events or by hosting members on their travels; growers that exclusively work with The Wine Society, for example).’ Because The Wine Society is a mutual, owned by its members, it means that it can make business decisions not directly leading to growth profit. What this means
for the members is that wines are always competitively priced and also, at times like this, when the essential thing is to encourage as much support as possible, discounts can be offered to members to encourage everyone to get involved and back the growers. The idea of a special promotion that offers a win-win opportunity for all, was a no-brainer – the concept for a big autumn offer ‘Backing out Best Growers 2020’ was born. ‘It’s a great deal for members and helps keep some of The Wine Society’s ‘best-loved growers’ going in these difficult times,’ Pierre explained.
In this video we spoke to some of our most valued winemakers to find out how the crisis has affected them and how The Wine Society have been able to support them. For more information visit pages 28 & 29.
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SPAIN
SPAIN Sanz Family, Navarra Brothers Xabi and Iñaki run the forward-thinking Zorzal estate. They care deeply about the potential of old vineyards planted to garnacha and graciano, crafting sensational wines that belie their price. In return for early payment to help them during this difficult time, they have offered members a cracking deal on these two reds.
Pierre Mansour
RED Viña Zorzal Corral de Altos Garnacha, Navarra 2018 This tiny, historical plot of old-vine garnacha produces a compelling red which is pure, flamboyant and seriously good. Drink now to 2025. 14% Ref BG-SP15821 £13.95 bottle | £138 dozen A saving of £29 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £11.50
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Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro Graciano, Navarra 2018 A tribute to Antonio Sanz (born on the 4th April, hence the name), the father of the current generation who started Zorzal. This is a top-class example of the Graciano grape, made from the fruit of a 40-year-old vineyard. Drink now to 2028. 13.5% Ref BG-SP15831 £16 bottle | £150 dozen A saving of £42 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £12.50
CVNE, Rioja The world-renowned CVNE remains one of the most reliable bodegas in Rioja, producing classy wines across the price spectrum. Founded in 1879 (just five years after The Society!) in Haro by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa, the Compañía del Vinícola del Norte España continues to remain in family ownership. Pierre Mansour
Asúa Crianza Rioja, 2017 A brilliant Rioja usually made exclusively for local restaurants, and only available in the UK via The Wine Society. Made using 100% tempranillo from the excellent vineyards that surround the town of Haro, and carefully aged in barrel for 12 months. Asua’s wonderful rich red-fruit flavour is enhanced by spice and vanilla from the high-quality oak that CVNE insist on using. 13.5% Ref BG-SP15721 £9.95 bottle | £119 dozen
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Bodega Classica, Rioja A rising-star bodega built in 2006, Classica’s grapes are harvested from their surrounding 70 hectares of vineyards. The fruit is gravity fed into vats and presses without the need to use intrusive pumps. It is this attention to detail that amply illustrates their desire to produce high-quality wines (including The Society’s Rioja Blanco). Their wines are extremely popular with Spain’s restauranteurs and lockdown left a gap in their sales, hence the discount offered here. Pierre Mansour
NEW Hacienda Lopez de Haro, Rioja Graciano 2017 A wonderful, exotic and creamy Rioja. Made from 100% graciano which brings a unique, herby, spicy and blueberryfruit flavour. 14% A saving of £17 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.50
Ref BG-SP15811 £9.95 bottle | £102 dozen
Dominum QP Reserva, Rioja 2007
Offer ends Wednesday 7th October
Bodega Classica were let down by an American customer who had been allocated this wine, hence members being offered it at a big discount. A rare example of fully mature cedary, smoky Rioja which is perfect to drink this year and next. 14% The 2009 follows. A saving of £29 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £9.50
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Ref BG-SP15791 £11.95 bottle | £114 dozen
Vadio, Portugal Luís Patrão has established a reputation as one of Portugal’s best young winemakers. Having previously worked at Portuguese star Herdade do Esporão in the Alentejo region, he now makes his own wines in an old warehouse that has been converted into a simple winery. His wife Eduarda helps with tastings, sale and marketing, whilst keeping busy with their baby son! As a tiny producer, they have been hit particularly hard by the loss of restaurant and bar sales, so these discounts are offered to encourage your support. Joanna Locke MW
Vadio Branco, Bairrada 2018 Bairrada, just inland from Portugal’s Atlantic coast, can be a challenging place to grow grapes, but 2018 was a ‘make hay while the sun shines’ vintage. There’s mouthwatering balance between the mineral freshness typical of the region’s indigenous grapes cercial and bical, the perfume of white flowers and caressing palate texture. Drink now to 2022. 12.5% A saving of £26 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £10.75
Ref BG-PW7921 2n £12.95 bottle | £129
RED Vadio Bairrada Tinto 2016 Still young – and crying out for the rich and fattier dishes the baga grape complements so well – this is an elegant Bairrada with cherry and raspberry fruit and firm tannin structure. Drink now to 2024. 13% A saving of £22 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £12.08
Ref BG-PW7911 £13.95 bottle | £145 dozen 25
ENGLAND / AUSTRIA
AUSTRIA Rainer Wess, Austria This father-and-daughter operation, based in Krems, produces remarkable wines. The vines are farmed very carefully with little if any chemicals used, and at harvest the grapes are hand picked. They rely on the international markets, many of which have dried up, hence a special deal on a delicious white and a considerably reduced bottle price on an exciting debut red. The latter is a world exclusive to The Wine Society and well worth trying. Freddy Bulmer
WHITE Rainer Wess Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal 2019 This ripe, focused grüner veltliner is a joy, with flavours of stone fruit and spice, and the grape’s signature pepper-pot twist on the finish. 12.5% A saving of £17 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.50
Ref BG-AA2951 2s £9.95 bottle | £102 dozen
RED NEW Rainer Wess Zweigelt-St Laurent, Kremstal 2019 The first vintage of this wine, which was due to be launched this year and at a considerably higher price than £17. Recognising the unusual current circumstances, the family gave The Society the opportunity to secure every bottle made at a knockdown price. We are very pleased to offer this as an exclusive for members and think it’s a must-try for lovers of pinot noir. Drink now to 2024. 13% Ref BG-AA3101 £17 bottle | £204 dozen 26
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Ridgeview, Sussex This fantastic estate produces outstanding traditional-method English sparkling wine from the three classic Champagne varieties – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Making premium sparkling wine in this way takes up a lot of time but also space, with the wines spending a minimum of 18 months on their lees before disgorgement and release. The 2020 harvest is fast approaching and space in the winery is at a premium. Thankfully, with support from Ridgeview, these wines are not. Matthew Horsley
SPARKLING The Society’s Exhibition English Sparkling Wine NV Our Exhibition-label English sparkling wine is made using all three classic Champagne grapes with chardonnay at its core, giving the wine wonderful freshness, tension and purity. Perfect for sipping and celebrating, and the ideal introduction to English sparkling wine. 12% A saving of £48 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £19
Ref BG-SG2741 2 £23 bottle | £228 dozen
Ridgeview Blanc de Noirs Brut 2014 One of Ridgeview’s flagship wines and a stunning combination of power and precision. Made purely from pinot noir and pinot meunier, this wine has round and ripe red-fruit flavours while still maintaining finesse and impressive elegance. Savour it on its own, or pair with white meat or fish. Drink now to 2026. 12% A saving of £96 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £39
Ref BG-SG2511 2 £47 bottle | £468 dozen 27
THE COST OF COVID FOR WINEMAKERS From job losses to country-wide lockdowns and export bands, times have been very tough for many of our winemakers. We spoke to the people behind the bottles to see how the crisis has affected them. Find more stories online at thewinesociety.com/backingourbest
‘Our hearts have been introduced to the true meaning of empathy’ – Iduna Weinert This is a difficult sentence to put together: the word ‘extraordinary’ has a whole new meaning after the experience that Covid-19 has forced the entire world to go through. 28
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All of us face serious difficulties and uncertainties, but it has also put a major focus on the importance of co-operation between partners, from grape growers to winemakers, from suppliers to consumers. It has made clearer than ever that the world keeps getting smaller, and there is no such thing as a regional impact. Our hearts were introduced to the true meaning of empathy and the inestimable value of the human capital.
‘Thanks to The Wine Society family for this virtual hug of support’ – Mac Forbes To reflect on the year to date is a distorted exercise. Back at Christmas, Covid wasn’t a thing. But ravaging fires across Australia and dense acrid smoke certainly was. To reflect on what the year has offered already is staggering. To consider we are still doing what we love is mostly bizarre. As I write this, Melbourne and the Yarra Valley are back into full lockdown as numbers rise again. Our core business of restaurants around the world are all in varying states of trading, from ‘restricted’ to no trading at all. So while we cope with heavily reduced sales in all markets, we are also grateful for the support from many of those in the industry whose businesses are not suffering. Enter The Wine Society. Our relationship with The Wine Society is something I have always valued. Appreciating long-term farming, long-term visions and – most importantly – long-term relationships is what distinguishes The Wine Society from so many others. It also reminds me how fantastic this industry can be.
‘The 2020 harvest will be unforgettable’ – Cristóbal Undurraga The 2020 harvest will, of course, be unforgettable. We had a very warm and dry year, and grapes were getting ripe fast and at the same time Covid-19 was penetrating our cities even faster. For both reasons, we had to rush and pick our grapes as soon as we could, with difficulties emerging day after day. Challenges included restrictions in transport, local quarantines and our team of trainee
winemakers needing to return to their families, including some in the Italy and US. Fortunately, all of them got home safely and with the ones that remained, we managed to get the job done pretty well.
‘Our business is down 36% year on year – it’s forcing us to rethink and adapt’ – Charlie Sichel These unprecedented times have made us realise that normality was actually a comfortable routine with its ordinary schedule of ups and downs. But the last few months have seen the Covid beast slowly rear its head which has, and will continue to, increase stress levels in terms of cashflow and productivity. We’ve taken major hits on airline business, travel and tourism, retail and on-trade sales across the world. To date, our business is down 36% year on year. This is forcing us to rethink our organisation to better adapt to a fast-changing world where flexibility and agility are going to be key. It’s been a constant rollercoaster of feelings, keeping us really busy looking after our workers as well as the attention needed for our grapes and wines. We had to make some difficult decisions, like sending home all our vulnerable workers, including older employees and those with underlying health issues. But despite all the precautions taken, we had an outbreak of infection at the winery. We shut down all activity for two weeks. With this we could stop the outbreak and fortunately all the infected people recovered well and soon, and they are all back again. Luckily, despite all this, the the wines are showing very well indeed; wine is extremely loyal and even though we had to do many things differently this year, our wine is still there, ripe, healthy and waiting for us. 29
Backing our best growers Diary of events Date
Instagram live
11th Sept
Jo Locke MW & Famille Bougrier 6pm
15th Sept
Freddy Bulmer & Christina Wess 6pm
18th Sept
Sarah Knowles MW & Contesa 6pm
22nd Sept
Jo Locke MW & Gratien & Meyer 6pm
25th Sept
Freddy Bulmer & Mac Forbes 12pm
Date
24nd Sept
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The Society’s Community
Community TWS Taste event featuring two red wines from the offer
Date
Zoom
17th Sept
Round Table: ‘How Has Covid-19 Changed The Wine Industry?’ with Pedroncelli, Grati and Kanonkop 7pm – 8:30pm
28th Sept
An Evening with Cristóbal Undurraga of Viña Koyle 6pm-7pm
29th Sept
An Evening with Basaline Despagne of Vignobles Despagne 6pm – 7pm
30th Sept
An Evening with Iduna Weinert of Bodegas Weinert 7pm-7:45pm
5th Oct
An Evening with Xabi Sanz of Viña Zorzal 6pm – 7pm
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AUSTRAILIA
AUSTRALIA Bleasdale Vineyards, South Australia The Bleasdale team has supplied members with terrific Australian wines for more than 20 years. Winemaker Paul Hotker knows exactly what members like, giving us access to blend from a variety of their vineyards and tanks. Thanks to our long relationship, Bleasdale gave us a discount on the latest shipment to encourage members to stock up. Freddy Bulmer
WHITE Bleasdale Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2018 This great-value Aussie chardonnay offers an awful lot of bang for your buck. Aged in French oak barrels to give a complex wine with toasty notes balanced by peach and melon flavours, plus a satisfying touch of vanilla on the finish. Drink now to 2023. 12% A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £9.92
Ref BG-AU21891 2s £10.95 bottle | £119 dozen
RED The Society’s Australian Shiraz 2018 Rich, full and generous shiraz but still elegant. This deliciously dependable red explodes with black Cherry and blueberry on the palate, with a twist of spice to round things off. 14% A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.50 32
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Ref BG-AU22331 £7.50 bottle | £78 dozen
Mac Forbes, Victoria Mac is our ‘man on the ground’ in Australia, whose network of winemaking connections runs deep across all the best wine regions of this vast country. He is behind our own Blind Spot range but also makes exceptionally fine wines from his own vineyards in Victoria, a lot of which is normally sold in Melbourne’s restaurants. When we spoke to him to see how he was doing with this market no longer available to him, he was talking about trying hard to make ends meet. He mentioned he had stock of this exceptional riesling, and we jumped at the chance to help him move some cases of it. Grateful for the offer, he therefore gave it to us for a very keen price in return (it usually sells for much more than our listed price). Freddy Bulmer
NEW Mac Forbes Spring Riesling 2019 A beautifully vibrant, refreshing Aussie riesling with notes of lime juice, green apple and flint. This is a racy and focused white which would be perfectly paired with shellfish but, thanks to its mouthwatering juicy core, is also delicious on its own. Drink now to 2022. 10.5%
Offer ends Wednesday 7th October
Ref BG-AU23051 2s £13.50 bottle | £162 dozen
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Brajkovich Family, New Zealand One of the great winemaking families of New Zealand, whose Kumeu wines have been enjoyed by members for decades. Though world renowned for their chardonnay and pinot noir, the property is small; what’s more, the most recent harvest was a lower yield than normal. However, the family have held their prices (again, and despite a smaller yielding harvest) as a quid pro quo for The Society paying them early for a shipment during lockdown, making these superb wines an even more attractive option this year. Freddy Bulmer
WHITE Kumeu Village Hand-Harvested Chardonnay 2019 A great-value, easy-drinking chardonnay, with tempting peach and apple aromas developing on the generous palate. Fresh, bright and delicious. Drink now to 2023. 13.5% A saving of £10 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £6.67
Ref BG-NZ12011 2s £10.50 bottle | £126 dozen
RED Kumeu Village Hand-Harvested Pinot Noir 2019 Consistently one of the best-value pinots from New Zealand. Fresh redcurrant and cranberry flavours with a touch of spice on the balanced medium-bodied palate. 13% Ref BG-NZ11581 s £9.95 bottle | £119 dozen 34
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Kanonkop, Stellenbosch The wine sector in South Africa has been on a rollercoaster ride this year with the government’s rules around alcohol seemingly changing from week to week early in lockdown. As a result, local sales were non-existent for a while, and reliable export markets dried up overnight. To help move stock, they offered us their smart rosé at a very special price. Joanna Locke MW
ROSE NEW Kanonkop Kadette Dry Pinotage Rosé, Made and bottled on Kanonkop, this smart Provence-style pink makes an excellent food wine or flavoursome aperitif. With their thirsty cruise ship and top-end tourist markets absent, Kanonkop came to us with a great price for this wine which we are happy to pass on here. 14% Ref BG-SA16111 1s £7.95 bottle | £95 dozen
RED Magnum of Kadette Cape Blend, Stellenbosch A Cape Blend of roughly equal parts cabernet sauvignon and pinotage, with the balance merlot. A touch of oak in evidence in this fine vintage adds to the natural sweetness and spice of the wine, whose price Kanonkop offered to hold so that we can maintain ours. Great for a BBQ. Drink now to 2024. 14% Ref BG-SA15994 £20 bottle | £240 dozen 35
SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Undurraga Family, Viña Koyle, Chile The Undurragas sold the company that bears their name and bought this lovely estate near Los Lingues in Alto Colchagua to make, principally, fine red wines. They also buy in grapes from coastal vineyards for the pinot noir on a long-term contract. Koyle’s Chilean market, which was all restaurants, has collapsed and their China sales are down significantly. The vineyard is currently undergoing a transformation to biodynamic viticulture. Cristóbal has a real feeling for vineyards and viticulture, making some of Chile’s most exciting wines. Do try them. Toby Morrhall
RED Koyle Los Lingues Single Vineyard Alto Colchagua Reserva Carmenère 2018 Planted in a coolish spot in Chile for carmenère, enhancing its aromatic complexity, and rendering it fresher and more drinkable than the fruit bomb style from warmer spots. Ripe yet fresh and spicy-tasting with hints of black pepper, cedar and cloves. 14% Ref BG-CE11001
£8.50 bottle | £102 dozen
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Koyle Costa Rapel Coastal Pinot Noir 2017 Fresh, intensely aromatic pinot from a cool coastal vineyard as the name suggests. This is deliciously ripe and silky textured. Drink now to 2023. 14% Ref BG-CE11221 £12.50 bottle | £150 dozen
Koyle El Peuco Alto Colchagua TempranilloMourvèdre 2015 El Peuco is a Harris hawk, and the Koyle estate is home to a pair. This wine displays an intense and attractive intermingling of sweet oak and spicy fruit, with a soft and velvety palate after an extended ageing of 18 months before bottling. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% Ref BG-CE10541
£12.50 bottle | £150 dozen
Koyle Cerro Basalto Garnatxa 2018 The first vintage of this seductive and opulent Chilean garnacha made from low yields on poor basalt soils, giving impressive concentration. A generous, powerful wine with aromas of orange peel and rose petals. Drink now to 2027. 14.5% Ref BG-CE11091
£14.95 bottle | £179 dozen
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Viña Undurraga, Chile Maule has an excellent Mediterranean climate which is ideal for the Rhône varieties which Undurraga have pioneered. They have planted some wonderful vineyards in Cauquenes as well as buying in fruit from excellent vineyards in the Maule region. Toby Morrhall
WHITE Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Maule Viognier-Roussanne-Marsanne 2019 50% viognier supplies peachy perfume and caressing texture while the 40% roussanne and 10% marsanne provide structure, lift and extra aromatic complexity in this delicious and popular white. 13.5% Ref BG-CE11141 2s £8.50 bottle | £102 dozen
RED Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Grenache 2017 Rich and ripe grenache with a floral nose, and round succulent palate of ripe fruit. 14.5% Ref BG-CE10701 £9.50 bottle | £114 dozen
Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Carignan 2017 A black-fruit-scented carignan from 50-year-old bush vines which is ripe and yet maintains a wonderful freshness and firmness on the palate. This is ideal with flavoursome cuts of oxtail, shoulder of lamb or pork. 14% Ref BG-CE10691 £9.50 bottle | £114 dozen 38
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Bodegas Weinert, Argentina Weinert wines are noticeable for being aged from two to five years, and sometimes longer, in old foudres in a deep, cool, granite cellar. Over time the brash fruit softens, mellows and develops the tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco and cedar. The Society gets a good price, with no room for a further discount, shipping directly and they bottle specially with Diam corks for us. Toby Morrhall
Weinert Carrascal Corte Clásico Mendoza 2017 A startlingly original red, adored by claret fans. Bag a prime steak for this rich, velvety blend of high-altitude malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, aged for three years in cask for a discreet hum rather than loud blast of oak. Drink now to 2024. 14% Ref BG-AR4321 £10.95 bottle | £131 dozen
Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Matured for ten years in old foudres, this is showing some cedar, tobacco and leather notes of mellow maturity, but still with a firmish and vigorous palate, this is so lovely now, but will still improve. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% Ref BG-AR4131 £14.95 bottle | £179 dozen
Weinert Cavas de Weinert Mendoza 2009 A much-loved red, which was also matured in old foudres for ten years until soft and mellow. A blend of 40% malbec, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. Drink now to 2029. 14.5% Ref BG-AR4331 £22 bottle | £264 dozen 39
USA
USA Pedroncelli, California The Pedroncellis have been making wine since 1927 from their vineyards in Sonoma County. The philosophy here is traditional with low intervention in the winery. At the time of writing, harvest 2020 is putting pressure on winery space so to move stock the family have supported this excellent saving on their wines for members. Sarah Knowles MW
RED Pedroncelli Friends Red Sonoma County 2018 A fresh, ripe and full Sonoma red blend at a cracking price even before its £12 dozen saving. Blackberry and smoky spice flavours abound with soft tannins and a lovely touch of blueberry developing on the finish. 14% A saving of £12 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £8.92
Ref BG-US9261 s £9.95 bottle | £107 dozen
Pedroncelli Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 A great deal on one of the best-value California cabernets we try each year. The 2017 offers textbook cedar and cassis notes on the nose, and leather, violets, and blackberry on the well-structured palate. Made from old vines in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, this is a superb Sunday roast red. Drink now to 2024. 14.5% A saving of £27 per dozen Equivalent bottle price: £11.25 40
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Ref BG-US9011 £13.50 bottle | £135 dozen
Mixed Cases Backing Our Growers: Anyday Reds Case A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: • Italy: The Society’s Chianti Rúfina 2016 • Bordeaux: Château Bel Air Perponcher Rouge Réserve, Bordeaux 2018 • Australia: The Society’s Australian Shiraz 2018 • New Zealand: Kumeu Village Hand-Harvested Pinot Noir 2019 • Beaujolais: Stéphane Aviron, Beaujolais Quincié 2018 • Rhône: Côtes-du-Rhône, Domaine Jaume 2018 BG-MX20274
£92 SAVE £14.80
Backing Our Growers: Discovery Reds Case A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: • Italy: Aglianico del Vulture Le Ralle, Alovini 2017 • Loire: St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Cailloux, Famille Bougrier 2019 • Austria: Rainer Wess Zweigelt-St Laurent, Kremstal 2019 • Spain: Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Graciano 2017 • Portugal: Vadio Bairrada Tinto 2016 • Chile: Koyle Cerro Basalto Garnatxa 2018 BG-MX20277
£70
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Backing Our Growers: Anyday Whites Case A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:
• Chile: Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Maule Viognier-Roussanne-Marsanne 2019 • Loire: Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Famille Bougrier 2019 • Loire: Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Guénault 2019 • New Zealand: Kumeu Village Hand-Harvested Chardonnay 2018 • South of France: Viognier, Pays d’Oc, Domaine du Bosc 2019 • Italy: Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2019 BG-MX20275
£95 SAVE £11.50
Backing Our Growers: Mixed Dozen A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Red • Italy: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vigna Corvino 2018 • Bordeaux: The Society’s Claret 2018 • Rhône: The Society’s French Syrah 2018 • Chile: Koyle Alto Colchagua Reserva Carmenère 2018 • Chile: Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Grenache 2017 • Spain: Asúa Crianza Rioja 2017 White • Portugal: Vadio Branco, Bairrada 2018 • Bordeaux: Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve, Bordeaux Blanc 2019 • Australia: Mac Forbes Spring Riesling 2019 • Loire: Val de Loire Chardonnay, Famille Bougrier 2019 • Austria: Rainer Wess Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal 2019 • Italy: Pecorino Abruzzo, Contesa 2019 BG- MX20278 £105 SAVE £11.15
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Backing Our Growers: Fine Reds Case A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: • USA: Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 • Spain: Viña Zorzal Corral de Altos Garnacha, Navarra 2018 • Beaujolais: Stéphane Aviron, Maison de la Madrière, Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2018 • Argentina: Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 • Italy: Chianti Rúfina, Riserva Villa di Vetrice 2015 • Rhône: Crozes-Hermitage Maison les Alexandrins, BG-MX20276 £79
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Backing our best doesn’t stop here Treating our growers fairly is in our DNA: we’ve been supporting and championing our winemakers across the globe since our beginnings in 1874. Why not join or recommend a friend for membership and enjoy all the benefits that our not-for-profit co-operative has to offer, safe in the knowledge that our winemakers are getting as good a deal as you are.
Join or recommend a friend for gift membership at thewinesociety.com/join
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