It’s Christmas!
Gavin, Siobhán and Gareth Keogh
You are very welcome to the 2017 Wines Direct Christmas brochure.
Great Gift Ideas
The building excitement is palpable. But beneath the hustle and bustle, we all know that Christmas is really about tradition and family. And that’s where we like to keep our focus. So, this year, we’re sharing some of our winemakers’ family traditions with you. You can see what Christmas is like on vineyards around the world - you might even find something to brighten up your own celebrations! Like you, our winemakers will take time to relax over Christmas. We want to save you time and effort (and help you avoid the stress of Christmas crowds), so these cases have everything you need to make Christmas special. Whether you prefer the French Fireside or Winter Sun, you’ll get your wines quickly with our 48-hour delivery service to any address in Ireland. What’s more, with savings of more than 20% and free delivery on orders over €200, you’ll save money too. The flavour experts at Wines Direct picked our Christmas cases to give you the very best in taste and value. But if your heart is set on a particular wine and you don’t see it in a Christmas case, you can create your own selection on our website or by calling our sales team on 1890 579 579. On the other hand, the preselected cases certainly take the hassle out of shopping, making them fantastic presents. Let us know if your order is a gift and we’ll add a Christmas card with a personalised message to the case. Finally, you should know that Santa Claus came to Wines Direct early this year. And we must have been very good, because what he brought us is really special: a new website! WinesDirect.ie is a delight to behold, so I invite you to visit us online and start exploring. From myself and all the team at Wines Direct, and indeed from our winemakers, we would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year! 2
All of our wines carry our promise of value, traceability, and intrigue...
Siobhán Keogh
Managing Director
Let us take the stress out of your Christmas shopping this year. You can send our wines as a gift to any address in Ireland. Want to include a personal message? No problem. Just forward us your message and we’ll send your gift out with a Christmas card.
Delivery We guarantee delivery anywhere in the Republic of Ireland within 48 hours of your order (excluding weekends). We keep track of all our deliveries once they leave our premises so tracking your order is easy. Simply contact us on 1890 579 579. To ensure your wines arrive in time for Christmas please order by Tuesday 19th December 2017. Avoid the rush Our Christmas cases are very popular and as a result supplies can run low closer to the big day. Avoid disappointment by ordering early. Should we run out of a particular wine in any of our cases, we will replace it with a similar wine of equal or greater value.
A new vintage has arrived! We’re delighted to announce the launch of our brand new website just in time for Christmas 2017! Our award-winning website has always been a customer favourite, but we thought it was time to make it even better. When we choose our wines, we search the world over to find the best there is. As we worked to update winesdirect.ie, we kept in mind this same principle of leaving no stone unturned. We focused the spotlight on the wines, put the winemakers centre stage, and made everything quicker, more intuitive, and easier for you to use. Visit us at winesdirect.ie and see what’s new! • We’re giving you more information about wines, winemakers, and vineyards • You’ll find exactly what you want easily with the new streamlined design • There’s a dedicated page for the Wine Explorers Club (which, incidentally, makes a great Christmas present!) • We’ve included a food pairing guide, so you get the most out of your wine • And all the Christmas cases in this brochure are available online, along with a whole lot more!
Visit winesdirect.ie 3
Christmas In The Vineyards Our winemakers are completely dedicated to their art. They work year round making the best wine their land can produce. So it makes sense that they really know how to celebrate. We asked our winemakers how they celebrate so you can share a Christmas in the vineyards. From oysters and snails in France to turrón and Jamón Ibérico in Spain, Christmas traditions change from place to place. What doesn’t change is that people gather friends and family to celebrate with special foods and some out of the ordinary wines. So if you’ve ever wondered what Christmas dinner is like in France, Portugal or Australia, read on. You might even find something to inspire your own Christmas feast!
Australia
Alister Purbrik, Tahbilk: “We host the Purbrick Family for Christmas lunch every two years at the winery and will next host them this Christmas. The family consists of direct descendants, cousins and any friends who are at loose ends. Normally we have 40-50 people, including children, start the day at around 11.00am with a punch: peaches soaked in brandy and icing sugar overnight and then add champagne and ice on the day. Present opening starts around 1.00pm depending on how pushy the little ones get, followed by lunch, more drinks and a lazy hazy afternoon continues with everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. The fare is a cross between English and new Australianturkey, ham and roast wild duck feature as the proteins with an abundance of salads and sauces to whet and appease the appetite followed by traditional Christmas pudding, brandy butter, cream and ice cream made by my mother.” - Alister
4
Tahbilk Shiraz Shiraz
€20.70
Tahbilk Marsanne Marsanne
€21.00
France
Château Sainte Marie: “We always have a Christmas lunch with family and staff, Laurence and Stéphane’s mother will cook for everyone, it starts with oysters from Arcachon with Château Sainte Marie Entre Deux Mers Vieilles Vignes, continues with pork terrine and our Cuvée Alios, and carries on with
Château Sainte Marie Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
an old-fashioned poule au pot with Château Sainte Marie Bordeaux Supérieur Vieilles Vignes, then cheese (comté) and finally, there’s apple pie accompanied by another Haut Médoc. Stéphane Dupuch (left) normally makes his speech about how the year and how harvest went on, his dad will remind us about old years, Stephane will congratulate and thank everyone, and everything will end up with jokes, music and stories.” – Catherine Dumousseaud, Château Sainte Marie
€15.50
Château Sainte Marie
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
€15.95
Stéphane Dupuch
5
Spain
Guerinda: “In our house, the traditional Christmas Eve menu starts with appetizers like cheeses or ham, paté or foie gras, and any kind or shellfish like prawns, barnacles or mussels. For starters, we always have cardoon, which is a seasonal vegetable like an artichoke from the Navarrese “huertas” or kitchen gardens, and a Spanish stew, sopa de cocido. And the main course is fish like red sea bream or squids (cooked in their ink). For dessert, we have a very typical a fruit salad and lots of turrón. And of course, we drink Guerinda Wines! Our family always prefers our own wines rather than other different ones, and we always use the opportunity to taste with them the new vintages.
La Blanca pairs very well with cheeses. Our uncle, Javier Abete (our father Máximo’s brother) makes quince jelly at the beginning of the winter, and we enjoy it on toast with and any cream cheese (like camembert, for example). The salty taste of the cheese and the sweetness of the quince pair fantastically with the acidity and creamy texture of our Chardonnay. On Christmas Eve, La Blanca is great with the paté and, of course with shellfish and the fish. We prefer to pair El Máximo with the food of the Christmas day. Then we normally prepare lamb or roast pork. With a grilled steak it’s one of the best pairings we have tasted! It is also fantastic with ham or Iberian sausages too.” - María Abete, Guerinda
Juanma Lerga, Yoanna Abete and Maria Abete
Guerinda La Blanca Chardonnay
€17.50
Guerinda El Máximo
Grenache, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
€18.55
6
Portugal
Quinta do Crasto: “Christmas traditions in Portugal and the Douro above all, take place within the family! It is common to celebrate around the table. For example, on Christmas Eve with we eat cod and then go to midnight mass. After mass, the family gathers and exchanges gifts. On Christmas Day, we have lunch again with family; turkey is on the menu. Beautiful Douro wines are always on the table, as well as Port wine to toast. On Christmas Eve, a family dinner known as the “Consoada” is celebrated. Consoada refers to a small meal that is taken at the end of a day’s fasting and derives from the Latin word consolare, meaning “to comfort” after Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas. The traditional fish for the 24th evening is Bacalhau (salted cod), but other regions eat Polvo (Octopus).” Rita Carmelo, Quinta do Crasto
Roquette family with the Quinta do Crasto team
Quinta do Crasto LBV Field Blend
€23.85
Quinto do Crasto Reserva Field Blend
€33.60
7
SAVE
OVER
15%
Season’s Greetings This Christmas, invite your guests on a trip to some of our favourite vineyards in France, Italy, and Australia. We’ve selected six fantastic bottles that are sure to bring some Christmas cheer to your festivities and keep you smiling into the new year.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Pecile 2016
Little Rascal 2016
Salomé 2016
Bidoli 2015
Pinot Grigio - 13.5% Delle Venezie IGT, Italy Elegant floral notes along with richer hints of golden delicious apples and distinctive vegetal notes. A dry, light-bodied Italian white wine. The palate faithfully reflects the nose, with a lovely tang on the finish.
Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5% Pays d’Oc IGP, France 100% Sauvignon Blanc with no oak ageing, aromatic in the glass with classic aromas of citrus fruits and gooseberry following through to a lively and refreshing palate.
Little Rascal 2016
Chardonnay - 13.5% Goulburn Valley, Australia This lovely Australian Chardonnay white wine offers great flavours of mango and pear on the nose, which is nicely balanced by a citrus acidity on the palate and a touch of minerality on the finish.
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17SG6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17SG12
Shiraz - 14.5% Goulburn Valley, Australia A very fruit driven Shiraz that is fresh and fruity despite being full-bodied and rich. This doesn't have the overpowering black pepper spice flavours that some South-East Australian Shiraz can have, making it a great all rounder and crowd pleaser.
Domaine Horgelus 2016
Merlot, Tannat - 13.5% Cotes de Gascogne IGP, France “Tannat can be a little lean at times but this blend avoids this nicely. Lovely plump, juicy, ripe wine with plums and blackcurrants and a good dry finish.” John Wilson, The Irish Times Wines of the Year
3x White
Was €79.30 6x Red
Meet the
Cabernet Sauvignon - 13% Friuli Grave DOC, Italy A lovely fresh and easy drinking style of Cabernet with well balanced, soft tannins and good length. Fresh blackcurrant and blueberry flavours are exuberant on the palate with wonderful length.
6x White
Was €158.60
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €65.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €129.00
Winemakers: Arrigo Bidoli Winemaker Arrigo Bidoli and his sister, Margherita, are the sibling duo behind this fantastic Italian operation. Their modern and stylish winery is integrated into the site of an old brick factory. Located in the northeast of Italy in the Friuli-Graves region, their vineyards straddle the braided River Tagliamento as it makes its way from the Alps to the Gulf of Venice. Arrigo and Margherita follow a proud tradition of making clean, fresh and fruity wines. With such great vineyards, it’s little wonder that Friuli-Graves has been the object of many conflicts. By turns, it’s been Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Habsburg. Every ruler preferred a different style of wine. This left Friulano wineries making a diverse range of styles. This is reflected in Bidoli’s range which includes French staples like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Regardless of the styles produced, all Bidoli wines benefit from Arrigo and Margherita’s experience and attention. Sending wine as a gift? Make it personal by getting us to include your message on a Christmas card.
9
SAVE
OVER
15%
WINTER HARVEST Stock your cellar for Christmas with these tempting whites and inviting reds. We selected these wines specifically to pair with traditional winter fare. So, whatever is on your menu for the big day, you’ll have something delicious to drink with it.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Gareth Keogh and Françoise Taillefer
Reds
Blanco Nieva 2016
Domaine Ollier Taillefer Les Collines 2015
Villamedoro Trebbiano 2016
Rondan Crianza 2013
Verdejo - 12.5% Rueda DO, Spain “The Verdejo grape produces some of Spain’s zestiest white wines in the cool highlands of Rueda where, as in this example, it can perform uncannily like a kind of eccentric Sauvignon Blanc. Mind you, there’s also some grapefruit zest and a touch of very ripe pear.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail Trebbiano - 13% Trebbiano D’Abruzzo DOC, Italy An intense and persistent nose of citrus, light almond, tropical fruit and balsamic notes. On the palate the wine is fresh with mineral and citrus accents and again the balsamic and almond notes.
Horgelus 2016
Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc - 11.5% Côtes de Gascogne IGP, France “An exercise in freshness and zing, this combination of Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc is all green gosseberries and blackcurrant leaf. Cracking value and more grown-up than a lot of New Zealand Sauvignons.” Tom Doorley, The Mail on Sunday
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17WH6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17WH12
Grenache, Carignan, Syrah - 13.5% Faugères AOC, France “...Nicely concentrated, medium-bodied wine with piquant red fruits and a lovely savoury, liquorice tang on the finish.” John Wilson, The Irish Times
Tempranillo - 13.5% Rioja DO, Spain “A classic old-fashioned style with plenty of soft berry and plum fruit, overlaid by coconut and vanilla.” Martin Moran MW, The Sunday Times
Le Vigne di Sammarco 2016
Primitivo - 14% Manduria, Italy “Enjoyable, sound wine made in a user-friendly modern style with plenty of ripe dark fruit and some raisin character.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
3x White
Was €90.10 6x Red
Meet the
6x White
Was €180.20
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €75.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €148.00
Winemakers: Françoise Taillefer Domaine Ollier Taillefer Les Collines
Françoise Taillefer and her brother, Luc, run the estate started by their father, Alain Ollier. Set in the hills around the picturesque village of Fos, their vines are planted in the steep schist of the Faugères appellation. The height of the vineyards keeps temperatures low, allowing the wines to sustain their aromatics and balance the concentration of the wine. The wines are rich, but with a lovely juiciness and minerality from the schist soils. Tradition is very important to Ollier Taillefer. Their vineyards include vines that date from Francoise’s great-grandfather’s time. Luc tends the vines while Francoise takes care of the business side of things. Francoise is a powerfully energetic woman, and her enthusiasm and good humour are infectious. When she took the Wines Direct crew on a tour of the vineyards in her open-top jeep we were half afraid her laughter would trigger an avalanche on the steep, stony slopes! To get the most out of your Christmas drinks follow 3 simple rules: half-fill your glasses for temperature and aromatics, sweet or fortified wines need smaller glasses, and bubbles go in narrow flutes.
11
SAVE
OVER
15%
A CHRISTMAS VOYAGE Instead of staying here for the Irish winter, imagine yourself sailing the South Seas. We can’t send you on a sun-kissed voyage, but these wines are the next best thing. With exotic and tropical flavours from the whites along with dark and spicy notes from the reds, you’ll soon forget if the weather outside is frightful.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Crios Torrontes 2016
Torrontes - 13% Valle de Cafayate, Argentina “It's as seductive as it sounds in this example, fermented quite dry, enjoying a zippy backbone.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
Four Sisters 2015
Merlot - 12% Goulburn Valley, Autralia Wonderfully complex red with berry fruits, plum, tobacco and sweet vanilla on the nose, followed by deep dark red fruit flavours.
Meet the
Alkoomi Riesling 2016
Riesling - 13% Frankland River, Australia Intense flavours of lemon, grapefruit and lychee with a soft mouth-watering acidity giving freshness and length to the palate.
Korta For Two 2015
Chardonnay - 12% Lontue Valley, Chile Chile is rightly famous for this crisp, citrus style of Chardonnay.
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17CV6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17CV12
Alkoomi Shiraz 2014
Shiraz - 14.5% Frankland River, Australia “Polished leather bouquet. Well-balanced with the alcohol submerged and hidden in the tarry black fruit which leaves an attractive graphite minerality.” Liam Campbell, The Irish Independent
Dominio del Plata Bodini 2016
Malbec - 13% Mendoza, Argentina “A velvety structure with well integrated tannin, hints of spice and a ripe fruity finish. Good balance and impressive length.” Best Buy Award, Food & Wine Magazine
3x White
Was €95.90 6x Red
6x White
Was €191.80
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €80.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €155.00
Rod and Sandy Hallett with their three daughters
Winemakers: Rod Hallett Alkoomi Shiraz / Riesling Merv and Judy Lange were pioneers of the Western Australian wine industry. In the beginning, they freely admitted to knowing more about wheat and sheep than grapes! As their knowledge grew, so did their reputation and their wines earned huge international attention. The estate is now run by their daughter Sandy and her husband, Rod Hallett. When Rod married Sandy, he knew nothing about wine, just like Merv and Judy Lange. But once he got involved, his passion for it flourished. He worked with other winemakers around the world to gain experience and hone his skill, before taking over operations at Alkoomi in 2010. Alkoomi is located 80kms from the ocean, resulting in good winter rains and dry summers. These summers are cooled by fresh sea breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly. This climate and progressive maturation are similar to the best Bordeaux vintages. Sending wine as a gift? Make it personal by getting us to include your message on a Christmas card.
13
SAVE
OVER
15%
EUROPEAN VACATION Taste the best of what Europe’s most exciting winemakers have to offer with bottles from Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria. This eclectic selection will take your taste buds on an adventure; from an aromatic Austrian Grüner Veltliner to a sun-kissed Sicilian Nero D’Avola, together with mouth-watering wines from everywhere in between.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Gareth Keogh and José de las Heras
Reds
Brandl Zobing 2016
Grüner Veltliner - 12.5% Kamptal, Austria “Attractive ripe fruit - melon, red apple on nose, apricot; peach on palate. Really moreish. Sort of how you wished unoaked Chardonnay would taste.” Martin Moran MW, The Sunday Times
Montelaguna Roble 2015
Tempranillo - 14.5% Ribera del Duero DO, Spain “American oak is noticeable on first sniff then dark berry fruits come through - fresh and fruity on the palate but with grip and some seriousness.” Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
Meet the
Crasto Douro White 2016
Gouveio, Roupeiro, Cercial - 12% Douro DOC, Portugal “A revelation, made in the Douro (port country) from endemic grapes, this is a Portuguese white of real elegance, depth and freshness. Crisp, minerally and stylish.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
Ciù Ciù Tebaldo 2016
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio - 13% Marche IGP, Italy “I fell in love with Tebaldo Ciù Ciù the minute I smelled it - a soft, gently persuasive chardonnay and pinot grigio blend with a pleasing buttery tang.” Blake Creedon, The Irish Examiner
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17EV6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17EV12
Crasto 2015
Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz - 13.5% - Douro DOC, Portugal “...an irresistible alternative to pricy Reserva wines of comparable quality from Spain or southern Portugal.” Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
Feudo Luparello 2014
Nero D’Avola, Syrah - 13.5% Sicilia DOP, Italy The elegance of Nero D’Avola blended with sophisticated Syrah from the sunny clime of Sicily. Complex fruit flavours, well balanced with luscious mouthfeel.
3x White
Was €104.10 6x Red
6x White
Was €208.20
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €85.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €168.00
Winemakers: José de las Heras Dehesa Montelaguna Roble An old friendship and passion for winemaking are the foundations upon which Dehesa Montelaguna is built. When José de las Heras started Dehesa Montelaguna in 2005, he invited his childhood friend, the renowned Spanish wine consultant Juan Ayuso, to help him create balanced and expressive wines. Organic and Biodynamic principles inform the winemaking at Montelaguna the results of which are vibrant, exciting and elegant wines. There are no pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers used on the Montelaguna estate. What’s more, no foreign yeasts, bacteria or enzymes of any description are used during fermentation, keeping the process as true as possible to the Ribero del Duero region. José De Las Heras produces elegant and concentrated Tempranillos that set Montelaguna apart from other Ribero del Duero producers.
Serving order is absolutely a matter of preference. But here’s a rule of thumb: dry before sweet, white before red, light before full-bodied, young before old . . . and bubbles before everything!
15
SAVE
OVER
15%
THE FRENCH FIRESIDE France’s reputation as a wine country is second to none. We wanted to represent the classic French Wine regions with this superlative collection; there are outstanding bottles from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone, Languedoc and the Loire. With something to satisfy every taste, this selection will impress your most discerning guests.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Domaine Ricard Tasciaca 2016
Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5% Touraine Chenonceaux AOC, France Winemaker Vincent Ricard loves to buck a trend and has gently aged this wine in French oak. The results are simply sublime. Aromas of nectarines and ginger, with white fruit texture, a long finish with orange peel zip.
Bergerie de l'Hortus 2016
Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne - 12.5% Val de Montferrand IGP, France “Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc combine to produce something quite magical.” Winner of Modern European Wine of the Year, The Sunday Tribune
Château de Nancelle 2015
Chardonnay - 13% Mâcon Villages AOC, France “Elegant, crisp, fresh with a hint of honey but very dry. A proper white wine for food.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17FF6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17FF12
Château Sainte-Marie Alios 2014
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot - 13% Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, French “From a classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot, this is a supple, ripe wine with lightly spicy blackcurrant and cassis.” John Wilson, The Irish Times
Meet the
Domaine Charavin Rasteau 2013
Winemakers: The Orliac family
Domaine Clavel Le Mas 2016
The Orliacs are longtime friends and partners of Wines Direct. Jean Orliac is a passionate vigneron, always improving his wine and vineyards. In his career, he has progressed from renting his land to owning his own vineyards, as well as a state of the art winery. Jean passed his passion and innovative approach on to his sons, Yves, François and Martin, who now run Domaine de L’Hortus.
Carignan. Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah - 13.5% Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, France “In a blind tasting this could easliy be taken for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful, supple and complex.” Tom Doorley, The Mail on Sunday
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre - 13.5% Coteaux-du-Languedoc AOC, France “A hugely satisfying wine with rich red cherry fruits, spicy black peppers and nice grip on finish.” John Wilson, The Irish Times
3x White
Was €114.85 6x Red
Gareth Keogh with Martin (L) and Yves Orliac (R)
6x White
Was €229.70
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €95.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €188.00
Domaine de l’Hortus Bergerie de l’Hortus
In order to find the best location for each grape varietal, Jean Orliac studied the local flora and geology. Since then, Martin and Yves have finetuned Domaine de l’Hortus to make the most of the grapes, the soil and the weather. They rely on precise weather forecasting and rapid harvesting to capture their crop at the pinnacle of ripeness. Martin monitors weather and fruit with equal scrutiny and deploys his harvesters at exactly the right moment, harvesting at night to save the freshness of the fruit. This meticulous attention to detail explains why L’Hortus wines are so consistently good. Sending wine as a gift? Make it personal by getting us to include your message on a Christmas card.
17
SAVE
OVER
15%
WINTER SUN No matter where you’re spending Christmas, you can still enjoy the sunshine of the southern hemisphere with this fantastic collection of wines from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. We’ve brought together six of our most luxurious wines, so you can enjoy the best of what the new world has to offer.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Tahbilk 2016
Susana Balbo Signature 2015
Coriole 2016
Coriole Redstone 2014
Viognier - 13.8% Nagambie Lakes - Australia “Very nicely crafted wine with rich peach and nectarine fruits brightened up perfectly by a twist of citrus.” John Wilson, The Irish Times
Malbec - 14.5% Mendoza, Argentina “...in a word, brilliant.” Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
Meet the
Chenin Blanc - 13% McLaren Vale, Australia “This has a lovely intensity of ripe fruit cut by searing crisp acidity - the two things that make Chenin such a star in the vineyards of Vouvray in the Loire and, it seems, in South Australia.” Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
Henry's Hills 2016
Sauvignon Blanc - 13.5% Wairarapa, New Zealand Great tangy fruit flavours, a hint of something tropical and nettle-green aromas make this a New Zealand Sauvignon that stands out from the crowd.
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17WS6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17WS12
Shiraz - 14.5% McLaren Vale, Australia “A glorious McLaren Vale Shiraz with a great deal of Australian sunshine in the taste but with proper structure too. This is a poised red, not a wallowing monster and the oak is subtle, restrained and a seasoning rather than a theme.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
Paddy Borthwick Paper Road 2016
Pinot Noir - 13.5% Wairarapa, New Zealand “This is beautiful from beginning to end. Glistening like a ruby in your glass, it's a fab balance between the earthy notes, fresh and baked cherries, and a gorgeous generous texture.” Blake Creedon, The Irish Examiner
3x White
Was €119.60 6x Red
6x White
Was €239.20
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €95.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €188.00
Winemakers: Paddy Borthwick Paddy Borthwick Paper Road The Borthwicks were always sheep and cattle farmers until Paddy saw the potential of winemaking. He earned a degree in Oenology and then spent seven years gaining experience in vineyards and wineries around the world. He returned to New Zealand in 1996 and set up Paddy Borthwick Estate in Martinborough, the country’s fine food capital. Like all the best vignerons, Paddy allows his wines to express their terroir. He believes his land has perfect conditions for delivering excellent wine. After tasting them, it’s hard to argue with him. Paddy makes wine instinctively and has the confidence to take risks where others hedge their bets. With the 2011 harvest, for example, which followed a cooler and wetter than usual summer, it was his confidence and experience that prompted him to delay his harvest, let the rains pass, and pick beautiful, ripe, flavoursome grapes.
Temperature matters to wine. Sweet and sparkling wines need 2 hours in the fridge, but rich whites and light reds can do with 40 minutes. Fuller-bodied reds like room temperature, but that means the pantry, not beside the fire!
19
SAVE
OVER
20%
CHRISTMAS DAY SURVIVAL KIT Every year, we curate the Christmas Day Survival Kit by thinking the big day through from start to finish. There’s an exciting Cava to kick things off, four exceptional and food-friendly French bottles, as well as a rich Ruby Port to sip by the fire. The Christmas Day Survival Kit is guaranteed to make this a Christmas to remember.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Carles Andreu Cava Brut Reserva NV
Parellada, Macabeu - 11.5% Conca de Barbera - Spain “Clean, crisp, lime-scented nose. Very fresh on the palate with just a hint of walnuts. Smooth and with a smidge of fresh bread that speaks of very sensitive yeast handling.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
Domaine des Terres Dorées Classé 2016 Chardonnay - 12% Beaujolais AOC, France “From a passionate traditionalist, an organic white Beaujolais whose pure flavours and vibrant freshness wrapped in a creamy body put it ahead of many white Burgundies” Mary Dowey, The Gloss Magazine
Domaine de la Louvetrie 2015
Melon de Bourgogne - 12% Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine AOC, France “Made from biodynamically grown grapes, south of Nantes. Pristine, citrus-driven and slightly salty aromas and lingering elegant pear and apple flavours. This is a far cry from the 1980s Muscadet of memory.” Leslie Williams, The Irish Examiner
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17CSK6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17CSK12
Château de Cardaillan 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot - 13% Graves AOC, France “Very attractive intense ripe nose, soft dark bruised fruits waft across the palate, opulent, mature tannins.” Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
Meet the
Crasto Finest Ruby Reserve Port NV
Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional - 20% Douro DO, Portugal Vibrant, rich and complex. A wonderfully balanced Ruby style port from one of the Duoro's finest producers. Made the traditional way; foot trodden in a stone 'lagar' and aged for up to 4 years in oak.
Domaine de la Treille 2015
Gamay - 13% Fleurie AOC, France “Fleurie is a division of the Beaujolais region, and this is what you hope for when buying this wine. Vibrant black cherry and raspberry.” Martin Moran MW, The Sunday Times
3x White
Was €129.10 6x Red
Gareth Keogh, Jean-Paul Brun and Owen Murphy
6x White
Was €258.20
1 Bottle of each wine
Winemakers: Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorées Classé Jean Paul-Brun’s vineyard is located in a stunning area in southern Beaujolais. He started Domaine des Terres Dorées in 1979 on just four hectares of his father’s farm, but his vineyards expanded with his success. Jean-Paul spares no effort in his winemaking. He uses indigenous yeasts to make his wine, a choice that keeps the wine authentic to the region but requires greater attention from Jean-Paul to ensure fermentation is proceeding properly. Jean-Paul puts it best himself “I work this way because of a personal choice, out of respect to the planet and the people that drink our wines. The quality in my grapes was already there, but now we work in a way that respects nature, and we know it’s important for the future, so it just feels like the right thing to do.”
Now €105.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €205.00
Sending wine as a gift? Make it personal by getting us to include your message on a Christmas card.
21
SAVE
OVER
15%
THE WINEMAKERS CHRISTMAS We put our heads together and picked six of our favourite wines from winemakers outside of France. There is an outstanding Spanish pair from Fillaboa and Bellmunt, a beautiful Austrian Riesling, an enticing pair of northern Italian reds, and our most highly acclaimed Pinot Grigio. With all these marvellous wines to enjoy, why not invite the winemakers for Christmas?
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Bodegas Fillaboa 2016
Albarino - 13% Rías Baixas DO - Spain “Gloriously complex, fruity and even spicy on the nose, then green and crisp with a hint of lime generosity, before brightening and lifting to a lip-smacking finish.” Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
Colutta 2016
Pinot Grigio - 13.5% Friuli DOC, Italy “A zesty, flavoursome mouthful with fresh apple and citrus notes and a long cleansing finish.” Mary Dowey, The Gloss Magazine
Brandl Zobing 2016
Riesling - 12.5% Kamptal, Austria “Tangy and energetic, packed full of the enjoyable aromas and flavours that make the Austrian wines an easier approach to Riesling's charms than the German route.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17WC6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17WC12
Finca Mas D’en Gil Bellmunt 2013
Grenache, Carignan - 14.5% Priorat DOQ, Spain Bellmunt is the name of the village in Priorat, where the grapes that make this wine are grown. This comes from younger vines and has the classic, chalk mineral character known to the region, as well as deep, red cherry fruit. Aged in large, old wood casks for 10 months before release.
Pier Paolo Antolini Ripasso 2015
Rondinella, Corvinone, Corvina Veronese, Molinara - 13.5% Valpolicella Classico, Italy Heavenly aromas of ripe cherries, burnt strawberries and chocolate. The palate is very seductive, smooth yet mouth-filling while the finish is fresh and long in this stylish red. Pure pleasure.
Silvano Bolmida Conca del Grillo 2015
Barbera - 14.5% Barbera d'Alba DOC, Italy “A serious red from radical winemaker Silvano Bolmida in Piemonte. It has terrific concentration and ripeness with underlying fresh acidity, nicely balanced. Just a touch of oak is the perfect seasoning.” Tom Doorley, The Irish Daily Mail
3x White
Was €133.75 6x Red
6x White
Was €267.50
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €110.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €218.00
Meet the
Winemakers: Marta Rovira Carbonell Finca Mas D’en Gil Bellmunt Marta Rovira Carbonell abandoned a career as an aeronautical engineer in Munich to return home to Catalonia and take over the family wine business that began in 1918. Marta quickly introduced organic methods at Finca Mas D’en Gil and has moved towards biodynamic practices in the vineyard and winery. Finca Mas D’en Gil’s natural approach to winemaking was influenced by Marta’s grandmother Pilar, an expert in lunar cycles and local medicinal plants. In her family’s high-altitude vineyards Marta produces a vibrant style of wine that stands in contrast with the heavy, over-extracted Priorat wines of her father’s time. Marta’s Bellmunt and Como Vella make better use of the altitude and terroir at Finca Mas D’en Gil, providing fresh and engaging examples of Grenache-Carignan blends.
Decanting: An elegant decanter is stylish, but just pouring your bottle into a carafe gives the wine enough air contact to open it up. If you spent years in a sealed bottle, you’d want a breath of air too!
23
SAVE
OVER
15%
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS We carefully chose these wines to bring you the classic flavours of French winemaking this Christmas. There is skill and sophistication aplenty here with some of our best bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire and the Rhone. This case is ready to be enjoyed and is sure to be remembered fondly long after the decorations have come down.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Domaine Serge Laloue Cuvée Silex 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - 13% Sancerre AOC - France “An aromatic wine with gooseberry, Cox apple and a hint of green pepper. I love the minerality and the spot-on fruit/acid balance.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
Domaine Tatraux Jean & Fils Clos Jus 2015 Pinot Noir - 13% Givry 1er Cru, France “From a tiny estate south of the Cote d’Or and a family who have been making wine here for nearly three centuries. Heaven in a glass.” Tom Doorley, The Mail on Sunday
Meet the
Winemakers: Jo Landron Domaines Landron le Fief du Breil
Thevenet & Fils Mâcon Villages 2014
Château Puy Castera 2011
Le Fief du Breil 2013
Domaine de Montvac Cuvée Vincila 2011
Chardonnay - 14% Mâcon Villages AOC, France “Absorbing, rich-but-subtle wine from people who know a thing or two about good burgundy.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
Melon de Bourgogne - 12% Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOP, France “Fresh and lively with aromas and lingering flavors of flowers, minerals and apples.” Eric Asimov, The New York Times
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17CC6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17CC12
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc - 13% Haut-Médoc AOC, France “Developed attractively leafy aromas and elegant light red fruits. Refined, mature Bordeaux.” John Wilson, The Irish Times
Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah - 14% Vacqueyras AOC, France “This has some class and style.” Raymond Blake, Food & Wine Magazine
3x White
Was €149.60 6x Red
6x White
Was €299.20
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €125.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €245.00
Working on the beautiful lands surrounding La Haie-Fouassiere in Sevre-et-Maine, Jo is one of Muscadet’s great winemakers. He creates his admirable wines using Melon de Bourgogne, a variety from Nantes, making the most of his estate’s different terroirs. The result is a range of wines that includes everything from direct, fresh and fruit-focused wines to the delicious, complex minerality of his flagship wine, le Feif du Breil. Jo’s father, Pierre, established the estate at the end of World War II. Some of the vines planted then still produce grapes that go into Jo's wines today. On the estate, the use of chemical fungicides, pesticides and herbicides is totally prohibited; fertilisation is with biodynamic compost, and the vineyards are ploughed to manage competition from weeds. This is not easy work. It would be much simpler to spray and make wine by numbers (like other winemakers). But Jo Landron is determined to make the best Muscadet possible, and to achieve this, he believes in using as little “interference” as possible. It’s hard to argue with his convictions when you taste his wine! Sending wine as a gift? Make it personal by getting us to include your message on a Christmas card.
25
SAVE
OVER
15%
CHRISTMAS STAR Christmas is a special time when you have the freedom to indulge yourself, so we created this selection to bring a little extra magic and elegance to your festivities. From the sophistication of the Champagne to the supple prowess of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, through the luxury of Bordeaux and Burgundy, these are some of the finest wines available in Ireland today.
online@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579
What’s in the case? Whites
Reds
Charpentier Brut Reserve NV
Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir - 12% Champagne AOC - France “There is seductive champagne throughout the Charpentier range, this was the best. Complex and classy.” Ernie Whalley, The Sunday Times
Domaine du Pere Pape 2013
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault - 14.5% Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, France A smoother, younger style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Exciting complexity of flavours and aromas including cocoa, forest fruits and spices.
Domaine Christian Moreau 2015
Château Haut-Segottes 2011
M. de Malle 2015
Domaine Huguenot Fixin Petits Crais 2011
Chardonnay - 12.5% Chablis AOC, France “The family here makes this beautiful Chablis from classical vineyards. A superb benchmark for Chablis.” Tomás Clancy, The Sunday Business Post
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5% Graves AOC, France “An elegant wine with a fullness we don’t expect of the Graves region. There’s a bare hint of oak and the balance of fruit and dryness is perfect.” Roz Crowley, Freelance Food & Wine Writer
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Order Code: P17CS6
12 Bottle Case Order Code: P17CSt12
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon - 13% Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, France Taste the art of blending! Very expressive with blackberry and cassis flavours and a lovely mouthfeel. Most of the best restaurants in the St Emilion area have one thing in common – they carry this red wine on their list.
Pinot Noir - 13% Côte De Nuits AOC, France “Great colour, plus great fruit intensity and freshness with plenty of more-ish morello and a creamy oak-derived palate.” Martin Moran MW, The Sunday Times
3x White
Was €211.55 6x Red
6x White
Was €423.10
1 Bottle of each wine
Now €175.00 2 Bottle of each wine
Now €345.00
Meet the
Winemakers: Paul-Henry de Bournazel Château de Malle M. de Malle
Château de Malle has a long and aristocratic history. The estate was built in the 17th century but fell into disrepair only to be reinvigorated by Count Pierre de Bournazel in the late 20th century. Count Pierre had a genuine love for the land and brought Château de Malle back into production. After his death in 1985, his wife, Nancy, took over the task of running the estate and carried the torch with great elegance and refinement. Today, she is ably seconded by her son, Paul-Henry de Bournazel. The vineyards of Château de Malle straddle two prestigious AOC; Graves and Sauternes, with the latter representing most of the production. Château de Malle is one of the few historical monuments of the seventeenth century in the Gironde, and its Sauternes was recognized by the very first classification in 1855. Today, Paul-Henry de Bournazel honours his forbearers with fabulous wines worthy of their heritage.
Finding a wine to match Christmas Dinner can be a real challenge. There are just so many different flavours going on between the turkey, ham, stuffing, and the vegetables. Crowd pleasers like full-bodied Chardonnay, Rhone reds or Australian Shiraz are the way to go!
27
Party Cases JOYEUX NOEL
BUON NATALE
Call your friends, get your cheese board ready and don’t worry about finding a corkscrew! These deliciously easygoing French wines are ideal guests for any Christmas party: they’re fun and approachable with enough character to keep your celebrations interesting.
3x La Ferme Petit Paul Reserve Blanc 2016
Colombard, Vermentino - 12% Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
6 Bottle Case Order Code: P17JN6
28
3x White
3x La Ferme Petit Paul Reserve Rouge 2015
Colombard, Vermentino - 12% Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
3x Ciù Ciù Oris 2016
Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino - 13% Marche, Italy
6 Bottle Case
3x Red
Was €74.85
As friends and relatives start to come home, get ready for a Christmas catch-up to remember. These two critically-acclaimed organic wines from primo Italian winemaker Walter Bartolomei are perfect for bringing some Italian flair to your Christmas get togethers.
Now €60.00
Order Code: P17BN6
3x White
3x Ciù Ciù Bacchus 2016
Montepulciano, Sangiovese - 13.5% Marche, Italy
3x Red
Was €84.90
Now €70.00
Party Cases FELIZ NAVIDAD
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Bring a little Spanish sunshine to your Christmas parties with three of the coolest contemporary wines we have. There’s a stylish Albariño, a smooth southern rosado and a powerful spicy red - all three wines pair excellently with old friends.
2x Altos de la Hoya 2015
Monastrell - 14% Jumilla DO, Spain
6 Bottle Case Order Code: P17FN6
2x Olivares Rosado 2016 Grenacha, Monastrell - 12.5% Jumilla DOP, Spain
2x Red
2x Rosé
Was €88.70
2x Atlantik 2016
Albarino - 12% Rías Baixas DO, Spain
2x White
Now €75.00
Christmas is all about gathering loved ones together and celebrating. And what better way to celebrate than with a fabulous selection of wines? There’s something to suit everyone’s taste: an aromatic and sophisticated white, a smooth and intense red as well as some exciting bubbles. This case is sure to be the perfect companion to your Christmas festivities.
2x Marsuret Spumante Superiore Prosecco NV Glera - 11.5% Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy
6 Bottle Case Order Code: P17CP6
2x Domaine de Millet 2016
Sauvignon Blanc - 12% Côtes de Gascogne IGP, France 2x Sparkling
Was €109.40
2x White
2x Château de Vaugelas 2015
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan - 13.5% Corbieres AOC, France 2x Red
Now €90.00
29
Visit our Retail Stores
Get your wine shopping sorted in style in our Mullingar Headquarters or our chic store in Arnotts, Dublin. With over 350 wines from nine countries, a host of Christmas gift ideas, and different wines open for free tasting daily, it’s no wonder our stores have become a haven for wine lovers and those escaping the hectic high street. See you there!
Christmas Opening Hours - Mullingar HQ
Christmas Opening Hours - Arnotts, Dublin
Shop Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 11am - 7pm Saturdays - 11am - 6pm Sundays 12.30am - 6pm (26th Nov, 3rd, 10th, 17th Dec)
Shop Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10.30am Sunday 12.30pm
49 Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath
From 18th Dec: Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 8pm Christmas Eve (Closed)
30
Shop Closed On: Christmas Eve (Sunday) Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Monday 1st January Phone: 044 9394 050 Email: shop@winesdirect.ie
Lower Basement Level, Abbey Street Entrance, Dublin 1
Christmas Closing Hours vary from 7pm to 10pm across December, please refer to the opening hours page online at Arnotts.ie for further details.
Shop Closed On: Monday 25th December Phone: 01 8733 631 Email: shop@winesdirect.ie Discover wines by the glass in store at Arnotts
Christmas Ordering How can I order? You can order online or over the phone. Simply start shopping on winesdirect.ie or call Susan, Jackie, or Nicky on 1890 579 579. They will be glad to help you with your selection and to arrange gift deliveries. I like your wines but I’m not sure about the cases? No problem. Creating your own case is easy. Simply go to winesdirect.ie and start combining your favourites or alternatively call us on 1890 579 579. Can I send my wine as a Christmas gift? Of course you can. You can assign a gift message to each delivery and have it delivered to any address in Ireland. What’s the deadline for Christmas orders? To ensure your wines arrive in time for Christmas please order by Tuesday 19th December 2017. After this date we will try our hardest to ensure your gift arrives on time but we cannot uphold our 48 hour delivery guarantee during Christmas week. Common sense applies so order early to avoid disappointment. How do I know the status of my deliveries? We keep track of all of our deliveries as soon as they leave our premises. If you’re concerned about a particular order just give us a call on 1890 579 579 and we will be happy to give you an update on its progress.
*Please note that prices and vintages may change at any time without notice. Mixed case selections are subject to stock availability. Should any wine run out of stock, we will substitute the bottle with another one, of the same value | Errors and omissions may occur.
31
Join
The Wine Explores Club Join us on a journey of discovery from only €69 per month!
Ireland’s Finest Wine Experience Are you getting bored of the same old wines? Join the Wine Explorers Club and get 6 exclusive wines delivered to your door every month. Just choose your level and whether you want a red, white or mixed case. Then we scour the globe to find new artisan wines for you to explore. Every month, 6 carefully curated bottles will appear; each with its own tasting notes, food pairings and information about the winemaker. Even better, every quarter you get a free upgrade to your wine worth €20.
For a present that’ll be remembered long after the tinsel has come down, a subscription to the Wine Explorers Club makes an inspired gift.
Choose Your Level Great wine starts here. Red, white or mixed cases are available at every level. Remember, you’ll get upgraded to the next level every third month!
Online Ordering: online@winesdirect.ie Order online at: winesdirect.ie Sales Office: sales@winesdirect.ie LoCall: 1890 579 579 Tel: 044 934 0634
Voyager
Navigator
Commander
Start your wine exploration with our best value bottles.
Superb value and quality from the best independent vineyards.
Enjoy a premium selection of wines every month.
€69/month
€89/month
€109/month
Subscribe at winesdirect.ie