September 2016
Save over 25% winesdirect.ie - Voted Best Wine Website 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016
Wines Direct are proud recipients of the McKennas Guides ‘Best in Ireland’ Award for the 18th consecutive year
The coming weeks for our passionate
Our French Harvest Sale pays homage to the
harvesting the grapes of the 2016 vintage.
winemakers, and their unrelenting spirits
French winemakers will be devoted to Eager to relish in the glory of this
twelve-month grind, our winemakers and
their teams of trusted harvest workers, will be roaming the vines and manning the
sorting table, preparing this years’ fruit to start the next part of its journey.
Plain sailing it hasn’t been for many of our
comrades. Earlier in the summer, Burgundy was hit with late frosts and vicious hail storms. Much of Beaujolais fell foul to
nature’s wrath in late June, with up to 80% crop damage reported.
As things seemed to level out, and damage accounted for, a treacherously late hail storm struck Pic St Loup. Described as
“catastrophic to the region”, the full extent of the storm’s destruction has not yet been disclosed.
skills and graft of our independent
despite the odds. We have chosen a
number of wines which we feel are exciting examples of the true dignitaries of the
French regions. With 15% off, there’s plenty
of choice should you wish to throw a French Harvest party in the coming weeks. We’ve also gathered up the troops for another
French Harvest Case with a mighty 25% off including free delivery!
France is very dear to Wines Direct. It’s where we started and where we’ve
continued to grow. It’s a pleasure sharing
this selection with you, our loyal customer. Merci et santé! Gavin Keogh
By Gareth Keogh
Cremant De Loire
While an increasing number of vignerons in the Loire Valley are selling out to bigger
companies, Alain Marcadet and his family
are standing strong. Domaine de Chezelles
is an independent vineyard run by Alain and his wife. 30% of their wines are sold directly
had taken over from his own in the 50s. Years of meticulous winemaking, an
understanding of modern techniques and
profound love of the craft has ensured that Domaine de Chezelles has prospered.
This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc was made using the Traditional Method, which is more
commonly linked with Champagne, but is
from their cellar door to local imbibers in the also used in Cremant and Cava production. community and other passers-by. There are
The grapes are hand harvested, meaning
Chezelles, but there is an awful lot of drive
wine. At 12% ABV, this Cremant is light with
very few airs and graces at Domaine de
and determination to remain independent. The Marcadet family is built upon
generations of winemaking expertise. Alain was handed the vineyard by his father who
11057
Val de Loire AOP, France Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc - 12%
Sparkling
Cremant de Loire Alain Marcadet
€25.50 Now €22.00 Hand harvested grapes provide captivating light golden fruity aromas.
only the crème de la crème goes into the
captivating golden fruit aromas, making it the perfect wine of choice for appetizers, desserts or to simply sip on and watch the sun set.
Ge rm any Be lgiu m Mo nt Sa int Mi ch el
Pa ris Sw itz erl and
La Ro ch elle Ita ly
Sou th We st Mo ntp elli er
Ma rse ille
Sp ain
In terms of value for money, you need not look past the Southwest. There’s a world of diversity in the Southwest; Bordeaux-esque reds, zesty tropical whites and juicy rosés!
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11013
€13.95 Now €12.00 Lemons and limes dominate with a punch of tropical fruits on the finish.
4
01
10792
Chateau de Gaudou Exception 2014 Cahors A/C, France Malbec - 13.5%
€13.50 Now €11.00 "It's dark, deep and plummy with no oak, just loads of fruit." Tom Doorley, Irish Daily Mail
03
10602
Chateau Des Eyssards Cuvee Prestige 2012 Bergerac A/C, France Merlot, Cabernet Franc - 15.5%
€15.95 Now €14.00 "Stunning value...voluptuous, stylish and seductive." Tom Doorley, Irish Daily Mail.
Red Wine
Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, France Sauvignon Blanc - 12%
White Wine
Domaine De Millet 2014
Our wines come from ambitious and determined winemakers who want to put the Southwest back on the wine maps.
Red Wine
The Southwest of France is growing in popularity following years of bashing from Bordeaux winemakers. For many years winemakers were bewildered by heavy taxes placed upon the region in an attempt to stupor production. Generations of Southwest winemakers were resigned to producing Armagnac, but today’s troops have been enlightened by change, reclaiming the regions love for winemaking.
Ger man y
Belg ium Mon t Sain t Mic hel Par is La Roc hell e
Swi tze rlan
Bea ujola is Lion
Mon tpe llier
Italy
Mar seil le
Spa in
Great Beaujolais is the wine equivalent of a sports car; sleek and alluring, attractive and racy, granting instant gratification on its owner and eliciting covetous looks from passers-by. There’s a suggestion of impracticality to it but who cares when you’re having this much fun!
02
10015
€20.65 Now €18.00 "Offers many of the delights of top-end Macon" Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
10662
Jean-Paul Brun Le Ronsay 2015 Beaujolais A/C, France Gamay - 12%
€16.50 Now €14.00 "Delicious fresh, light. Strawberry fruits with a nice kick of acidity" John Wilson, Irish Times
03
10017
Domaine De La Treille 2014 Beaujolais A/C, France Gamay - 13%
Red Wine
Beaujolais A/C, France Chardonnay - 12%
White Wine
Domaine des Terres Dorees 'Classe' 2015
01
Red Wine
Beaujolais is the southernmost region of Burgundy although is not officially included in it. The area is heart-meltingly romantic, replete with winding lanes, traditional stone villages, hill-top churches and perfectly manicured vineyards. Its granite soils and warm summers are the perfect home for its famous red grape; Gamay. Great
Chardonnay can be made here too, similar to southern Burgundy but without the price tag.
€19.95 Now €17.00 "This is what you hope for when buying this wine. Vibrant black cherry and raspberry.” Martin Moran, Sunday Times
5
Ger man y Belg ium Mon t Sain t Mic hel
Par is Swi tze rlan d
Loir e Valle y La Roc hell e
Mon tpe llier
Affectionately known as ‘the garden of France’, the land of the Loire Valley is a dream to the farmers who live there. Naturally irrigated by the Loire River,
meandering through valleys and vineyards, the land is luscious and fertile.
the bone dry, citrusy and seafood friendly
Muscadet from the Atlantic seaboard to the rich and complex Chenin Blancs of Vouvray. However, Sauvignon Blanc has taken the
place of the aristocracy and now rules the
land. Lush green grass, fragrant nettles, lime zest and bracing refreshment are the essence of this rightly famous wine.
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10002
€22.75 Now €19.00 "Substantial, elegant, lovely lime and cox apple fruit with an extended finish." Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
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Spa in
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10555
Domaine Ricard Le Petiot 2015 Touraine A/C, France Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5%
€16.95 Now €15.00 "Grassy with a touch of lime; soft palate balanced by vibrant, crunchy fruit." Decanter Magazine
03
10087
Domaine MassonBlondelet Pouilly Fume 2015 Pouilly Fume A/C, France Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5%
White Wine
Sancerre A/C, France Sauvignon Blanc - 13.5%
White Wine
Domaine Serge Laloue 2015
Mar seil le
White Wine
The styles of wine on offer are diverse; from
Ital y
€23.20 Now €20.00 "Delicious pristine mineral-laden green fruits and a crisp dry finish." John Wilson, The Irish Times
Belgium
German y
Mont Saint Michel Paris Switzer land La Rochelle
Lyon Italy
Rhone Valley Montpe llier
Marseil le
Spain
Beginning just south of Lyon and ending at
democratic in the Southern Rhône where
Valley is really two regions for the price of
single wine. Syrah is popular here too but
the pretty town of Avignon, the Rhône
one. Each has individual environments,
climates, and soil types. They have one thing in common, however; the mighty River
Rhône that carves through the Alps towards Lyon before hanging a sharp left and
trundling south through Provence to the In the Northern Rhône, Syrah (otherwise
known as Shiraz) is king and the only grape allowed for red wine. The appellations
Grenache is the dominant variety. The most famous Southern Rhône blend is Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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10401
Chateau Saint Esteve Tradition 2014 Cotes du Rhone d'Uchaux, France Grenache, Syrah - 14.5%
Red Wine
Mediterranean.
up to 20 varieties of grape can be used in a
Hermitage and Côte-Rotie claim most of the
€16.75 Now €14.00
Crozes-Hermitage. Things get much more
"Smooth, with a nice finish and lots of length... really shows what grenache can do" Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
attention but the best source of value is
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10961
€26.95 Now €21.00 "This has some class and style" Raymond Blake, Food and Wine Magazine
03
10092
Domain Du Pere Pape 2012
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault - 14.5%
Red Wine
Vacqueyras A/C, France Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah - 14%
Red Wine
Domaine De Montvac 'Cuvee Vincila' 2011
€35.95 Now €30.00
Exciting complexity of flavours and aromas including cocao, forest fruits and spices.
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Ger man y Bel gium Mo nt Sai nt Mic hel
Par is Sw itze rlan d
Languedoc remains to be the most exciting
and dynamic area for winemaking in France.
La Roc hel le
With the continued evolution of new
Ital y
Lan gue doc
appellations such as Terrasses du Larzac, to the progressive developments of Pic Saint
Mo ntp ellie r
Loup, Languedoc refuses to stay still.
Ma rse ille
Spa in In often over looked Corbieres, Château La Baronne are utilising the warm Southern
French climate to experiment with organic
01
10758
Preignes le Vieux Syrh 2014
some of the new ventures being undertaken at Baronne.
Vin de Pays d'Oc IGP France Syrah - 13%
At Domaine de L’Hortus the Orliac family
€13.50 Now €12.00
under the veil of the L’Hortus mountain
"The lighter side of Languedoc with easy smooth dark fruits and hints of spice" John Wilson, The Irish Times
amphora and low-to-no sulphur are just
continue to develop Pic Saint Loup. The soil reflect that of Burgundy, but for a fraction of
Red Wine
and bio-dynamic methods. Natural yeasts,
the price.
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10100
€16.15 Now €14.00
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"If you’re tired of concocted, samey, mass market wines, this is the kind of thing you need." John Wilson, The Irish Times
10108
Domaine Luc Lapeyre L'Amourier 2014 Minervois A/C, France Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah - 14%
€16.70 Now €14.00 "A characterful beauty with delicious spice and fruit. A serious bargain." Martin Moran, Sunday Times
Red Wine
Corbieres A/C, France Carignan, Grenache - 13%
Red Wine
Chateau La Baronne 2012
03
04
10894
Vin de Pays d'Oc IGP, France Chardonnay - 12.5%
White Wine
Preignes Le Vieux Chardonnay 2015
€14.00 Now €12.00 This Chardonnay has an explosive bouquet with a lively palate. Ives Orliac from Domaine De L'Hortus with Gareth Keogh
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10870
Picpoul de Pinet, France Piquepoule - 12.5%
White Wine
Domaine Des Cadastres 2015
€14.95 Now €13.00
Simply put, this is one of the most
outstanding red wines from the South of
France. Bursting with Grenache and Syrah, the fruits are enhanced by wild sage and thyme gifted by Mother Nature to the
L’Hortus vineyard. A match made in heaven for roasted lamb with rosemary, or a hearty cassoulet, L’Hortus Grand Cuvee is a treat
"The domaine is, for me, the top Picpoul de Pinet producer." Decanter Magazine
for any wine lover!
07
10097
Vin de Pays du Val de Montferrand, France Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne - 13%
€17.70 Now €15.00 "Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc combine to produce something quite magical" The Sunday Tribune
White Wine
Domaine Bergerie De L'Hortus - Blanc 2015
10114
Domaine De L'Hortus Grande Cuvee 2014 Coteaux du Languedoc A/C, France Grenache, Syrah - 14%
Red Wine
06
Wine Spotlight
€29.10 Now €24.00 "A signpost wine: a way to go for anyone seeking to get acquainted with the region and a benchmark for other winemakers” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
9
Par is
Mo nt Sai nt Mic hel
Sw itze rlan
La Roc hel le Ital y
Bor dea ux
Mo ntp ellie r Climate change is on the tip on everyone’s tongue in Bordeaux. There’s no longer any
Ma rse ille
Spa in adaptation, there is no doubt that Bordeaux will continue its reign as the most revered
denial that the impact resonates throughout wine region in the world. the region. Frosts forms as late as May while picking season gets pushed back to
mid-September. The 2009 and 2010
bold, while the regions climate wreaked havoc on from 2011 to 2014. The 2015
vintage was welcomed with open arms.
10023
Chateau Sainte-Marie Blanc 2015 Entre-Deux-Mers A/C, France Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5%
White Wine
vintages produced wines that were big and
01
While the Bordelais admire innovation, they
€15.50 Now €14.00
possible. Weather will always create panic,
"A classy white bordeaux" Martin Moran (MW), The Sunday Times
prefer to keep things as traditional as
but as 2015 has proven, Bordeaux will pull through. Through preparation and
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10375
4
11018
Chateau Sainte-Marie Alios 2014 Cotes de Bordeaux, France Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot - 13.5%
Red Wine
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, France Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc - 13.5%
Red Wine
Chateau Haut Rian Cuvee Prestige 2014
03
€17.40 Now €14.00
€19.95 Now €16.00
"A real hit for the modest ask." Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
"A supple, ripe wine with lightly spicy blackcurrant and cassis." John Wilson, The Irish Times
d
04
10746
Saint Estèphe A/C, France Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot - 13%
Red Wine
Chateau Morin 2012
€25.00 Now €21.00 "Opens up to reveal relaxed plum and blackberry flavours with hints of cedar and spice." Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
05
10306
Wine Spotlight You should never choose your favourite child, but my mother has categorically stated that M. de Malle is the wine she would choose over my brother and I.
Montagne St Emilion A/C, France Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Cabernet Franc - 13.5%
Red Wine
Chateau Calon 2009
Personally, I can’t disagree with her, it’s an
astonishing wine with lively tropical fruits, orange and vanilla on the palate. It’s
moreish, crisp clean and dry, a go-to for any
€27.50 Now €24.00
dinner party. In a parcel of the world where
“Delicious full-bodied, fleshy plums and subtle peppery spice." Liam Campbell, The Irish Independent
growth, M. de Malle exemplifies two
06
10031
€47.45 Now €40.00 "Superb, glossy, spiced, multilayered behemoth." Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
varieties, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion, in a remarkably powerful light.
07
10781
Chateau de Malle 2014t Graves A/C, France Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5%
White Wine
Lalande de Pomerol A/C, France Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot - 13.5%
Red Wine
Chateau La Fleur De Bouard 2013
only five white grapes are sanctioned for
€27.50 Now €23.00 Aromas of tropical fruit with remarkable power that ends with citrus flavours typical of Sauvignon Blanc.
5
Par is
Mo nt Sai nt Mic hel
Sw itze rlan dy Bur gun
La Roc hel le
Ital y
Mo ntp ellie r
Ma rse ille
Spa in “Bordeaux is for the brain, but Burgundy is
compromised. In defiance of challenges she
world is as enchanting as Burgundy. The
and non-filtered wines, bringing something
for the heart” No other wine region in the historic lands of the Cote d’Or, Cote
Chalonnaise and Maconnais, have devout
followers and a perpetual air of mystery. But what is it that makes Burgundy so
Despite proximity, no two parcels are the same; each wine depends on soil
composition, elevation and is at the mercy
of what this marginal climate will throw at it. Clare Ferrand, of Naudin Ferrand, labours under the assumption that her vineyard works at 60% capacity, due to difficult harvests and to ensure quality is not
02
10038
4
01 01 San Simone
conservative area.
11022 10876
Randover 2003 Domaine Seguinot Bordet 2015IGT, Italy Delle Venezie Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Chablis A/C, France Merlot, Refosco - 13% Chardonnay - 12.5%
€15.95 Now €13.05 €18.95 Now €16.00 Charming fruit-of-the-forest
and a bitter-sweet "Crispflavours fruit flavours and a long, character. Wonderful long and long, stony finish. " dry finish. Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
03
10074
Domaine EmilianGillet 2013 Vire Clesse A/C, France Chardonnay - 14%
White Wine
Cote de Beaune A/C, France Chardonnay (unoaked) - 12.5%
White Wine
Domaine Naudin Ferrand 2011
new to what can be considered
Red White WineWine
attractive? One word: Terroir.
continues to experiment with low sulphur
€23.75 Now €20.00
€26.80 Now €23.00
Superb unoaked, naturally fermented Chardonnay.
"A real step up in richness from normal Macon wines." Martin Moran, The Sunday Times
d
04
11010
Cote Chalonnaise A/C, France Pinot Noir - 13%
Red Wine
Domaine Tatraux Jean & Fils Givry 1er Cru "Clos Jus" 2014
€26.50 Now €23.00 A classic savoury Burgundy Pinot from the Cote Chalonnaise
05
Wine Spotlight Domaine Langoreau is broken up into
10382
Mercurey 1er Cru 'La Cailloute' France Pinot Noir - 13%
Burgundy’s most magnificent regions; St.
Aubin, Puligny-Montrachet, Mersault and
Red Wine
Domaine Theulot Juillot 'La Cailloute' 2014
parcels sprinkled throughout some of
Chassagne-Montrachet. Burgundy is the
eminent spiritual home of Chardonnay, and Chassagne-Montrachet is the most sought after of all the Chardonnay regions. Domaine Langoreau’s
€32.25 Now €28.00 "Elegant and stylish, lingers delightfully, I'd wear a hat to drink this one!" Niamh Boylan, Food and Wine Magazine
Chassagne-Montrachet is seductive. Floral
and honeyed notes meet a tantalising lime palate with perfectly integrated oak.
Complex and scrumptious, the way all Chardonnay should be.
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10958
€40.35 Now €35.00 "Great fruit intensity and freshness with plenty of more-ish morello and a creamy oak-derived palate.” Martin Moran, The Sunday Times.
10221
Domaine Langoureau 2014 Chassagne Montrachet 'Les Houilleres' A/C, France Chardonnay - 13%
White Wine
Côte De Nuits A/C, France Pinot Noir - 13%
Red Wine
Domaine Huguenot Fixin 'Petits Crais' 2011
07
€44.00 Now €39.00 "Great fruit intensity and freshness with plenty of more-ish morello and a creamy oak-derived palate.” Martin Moran, The Sunday Times.
5
20
The French Harvest
Harvest is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a selection of glorious wines from our esteemed French vignerons. We’ve put together a case which scrupulously represents the crème de la crème of French winemaking. Featuring some of the country’s most revered areas, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais and more, it’s a selection fit for any wine lover!
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
3x White
12 Bottle Case
6x Red
6x White 2 Bottles of each wine
Order Code: Harvest6
Was €121.40
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €95.00
Order Code: Harvest12 Was €235.30 Now €185.00
What’s in the Case? Reds
Whites
Terres Dorees Brouilly De Jean-Paul Brun 2014 Cotes de Brouilly A/C France Gamay - 12.5% “As good as it gets and then some from a cru Beaujolais” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
Chateau Thieuley Cuvee Blanc 2015 Bordeaux, France Semillon, Sauv Blanc - 12.5% "This white wine is a stunner... that puts many a Sancerre to shame" Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
Chateau De Cardaillan 2012 Graves A/C, France Cab Sauvignon, Merlot - 14% "Soft dark bruised fruits waft across the palate, opulent, mature tannins." Tomás Clancy, Food and Wine Magazine
Domaine De La Louvetrie 2015 Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine, France Melon de Bourgogne - 12% "This is a far cry from the 1980s Muscadet of memory" Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
Maison Plantevin Cotes du Rhone A/C, France Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault - 14.4% "Fruity bouquet. Exotic chocolatey rich style. Full-bodied, firm tannins and a cocoa finish" Liam Campbell, The Irish Independent
Domaine Des Corbilliers 2015 Touraine A/C, France Sauvignon Blanc - 13% "A lovely zippy, fresh Sauvignon with plump, green fruits. Disappeared from the Wilson fridge with remarkable speed" John Wilson, The Irish Times
Jean-Paul Brun
An Unsung Hero!
Jean Paul-Brun’s vineyard is located in a stunning area known as the “Region of Golden Stones” in southern Beaujolais. He started Domaine Terres Dorées in 1979 with only four hectares of vines. Then, the grapes vied for space with the cows, sheep, pigs and cereal crops of his father’s farm.
He practices organic winemaking and has no time for
winemakers who jump on “cool” bandwagons without actually putting the work in on the vineyard. According to him, there are two types of wine; industrial and artisanal. Artisanal wines are those “where you can taste and feel the vigneron’s sensibilities.”
Choose your monthly budget €69, €89, or €109
From only €69 per month with savings up to 15% on every case
Call us to join now or discover more... Extraordinary Wines • 6 expertly selected wines; red, white or both • All independently made and directly sourced from 9 countries • Exclusive; you won’t find these wines anywhere else in Ireland
Distinctive Service • Distinct selections from month to month • 15% discounts compared to retail price • FREE delivery • You’re in control. No direct debit or contract
The Wine Explorers Club is a wine club in the comfort of your own home. Every month we handpick 6 bottles from our award winning range and send them direct to your door. With 15% off compared to normal retail prices, and free delivery it’s the smarter way to discover new wines! Exclusive Benefits • FREE €20 selection upgrade every quarter (Mar-Jun-Sep-Dec) • FREE delivery on any extra orders if you include them with your Wine Explorers • A first taste of our new wines PLUS exclusive member offers
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