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COMMUNE
from Commune Edition 1
Commune is a regular digital newsletter produced by Neill Wine an independent importer of natural wines, craft beers and spirits from passionate, quality-focused producers.
What we're drinking A selection of our favourites and recent additions to our range
CHIVITE LAS FINCAS ROSADO 2018
Navarra, Spain|75cl| £14.50
An exceptional dry rosé created by Bodegas Chivite and Spain ’ s gastro mega star dynasty the Arzak family. Arguably the greatest rose produced anywhere in the world as of today!
DOMAINE DE L’AMANDINE COTES DU RHONE 2018
Rhone Valley, France|75cl|£9.95
A stunning example of regional level CDR from a very “hands on ” dedicated family Domaine. The flavour complexity is overwhelming as are the endless gold medals it annually receives.
SEIFRIED ESTATE RIESLING
Nelson, New Zealand|75cl| £15.50
A drier style of Riesling, beautifully balanced & concentrated. The refinement is showcased within the rich varietal fruit and lively energetic acidity.
DOMAINE CLAUDE NOUVEAU SANTENAY 1ER CRU 2017
Côte D’Or, France|75cl|£23.95
A very rare example of value from the world’ s greatest wine region and a Premier Cru at that! Classical characters of earthy Pinot fruit, superbly elegant and equally complex
MOULIN DE GASSAC FAUNE 2019
Languedoc, France|75cl| £12.95
This pale gold wine has a powerful nose with an explosion of aromas of apricots, pears and white flowers. Well balanced palate and full, smooth yet fresh ending of exotic fruits.
SIERRA CANTABRIA SELECCION 2018
Rioja, Spain|75cl|£10.95
A balance of the modern style with a hand on tradition. The consistency of each vintage has made it an established favourite at Neill Wine for so many years now. Redcurrant & hints of clove.
A few words about Rioja.
A Rioja’s wine style is so unique that no other wine region can emulate it
GRAPES Rioja has four permitted black grapes, Tempranillo and her sisters; Garnacha Tinta; Graciano and Mazuelo with three white grapes, Viura; Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca. The past decade has also witnessed some new inclusions!
REGION The wine region of Rioja in Spain's Northern territory is made up of three subzones. In order of importance west to east the Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and the Rioja Baja. The entire vineyard zone is protected and sheltered by the dramatic scenery of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range that forms a natural barrier against the cool, wet and stormy Atlantic weather fronts from the north.
The regions two main towns are Logroño towards the east (famous for its thriving tapas bar scene) and Haro on the western corner, steeped in viticultural history and the first place in the world to have running electricity.
BARRELS It is estimated there are 1.2 million barrels filled with wine at any given time representing the greatest concentration of Barrel cellars, museums of barricas if you like, over any other wine
region.90% of all Rioja Barricas are made of American oak (traditional style wines) and the remainder French oak that house the more modern approach in wine style. No other wine region on earth is able to emulate it.
The mother grape of Rioja
Rioja is one of the world' s greatest wine regions representing the best quality-to-price ratio. In other words some of the planets greatest bottles at affordable prices!
AGEING CATEGORIES (Minimum requirements)
Cosecha less than one year in barrel and in bottle before release, sometimes known as Joven or young.
Crianza minimum one year in barrel and one year in bottle before release.
Reserva produced only in selected years requiring at least one year in barrel and two years in bottle before release.
Gran Reserva produced only in selected years aged for two years in barrel and three years in bottle before release.
WINE & CHEESE NIGHT IN
We joined up with our friends at the Guillemot Deli in Bangor to bring customers the perfect Wine & Cheese Night In. Artisan cheese boards combined with natural, quality small estate wines. With Guillemot we share an obsession with quality and buying local. Our wines, like the wonderful Carlos Serres Rioja, were a perfect match for the artisan themed event.
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