Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 75cl S V
Tasting Note
Aromas of poached pears and melon, with underlying notes of quince and ginger. A full bodied and luscious palate, showing a fine balance between texture, fruit weight and acidity.
Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 75cl S V
Tasting Note
A bright, ruby hued wine with aromas of black cherry, violets and savoury spice on the nose. A fleshy palate with notes of plum and spice, silky tannins and a firm finish.
Green Matters
When it comes to sustainability and the environment, Yealands is no stranger to world firsts, having been the first winery in the world to be certified carboNZerocertTM since inception. Sustainability is at the core of our business with many positively impactful initiatives in place, such as the use of miniature Babydoll sheep, burning of vine prunings and solar and wind power. Another notable initiative is our composting programme, which addresses an industry-wide landfill problem. While composting has been used by farmers for centuries, Yealands’ innovation comes from working beyond its vineyard boundaries to secure positive environmental impact. Along with our own grape marc waste, partnerships with the aquaculture and forestry industries have driven compost production to more than 50,000 tonnes annually providing benefits to the wider Marlborough region.
Laudun Chusclan Côtes du Rhône Blanc Quatre Cepages 75cl PO V
Tasting Note
Light gold colour, expressive nose of stone fruit and floral notes.
Laudun Chusclan Côtes du Rhône Rouge Quatre Cepages 75cl PO V
Tasting note
On the first nose, very present red fruit flavors, after aeration, to notes of fresh eucalyptus. This very flattering set in the mouth is combined with fine and silky tannins. We will retain from this cuvee its delicacy (nice sweetness), its generosity (density and structure) and especially its charm, elegance and finesse.
History
These two villages, 6km apart on the right bank of the Rhône, and not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the opposite bank, symbolise a new spirit of dynamism for the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation. The two joined forces in 2008, uniting 250 growers, many of them young and distinctly modern in their approach, and all determined to breathe new life into an area with a winemaking history dating back to Roman times.
Both Laudun and Chusclan are ‘named’ Côtes du Rhône villages, and both are beautiful, but their characteristics are quite different. Chusclan tends to produce denser, juicier red wines, with an underlying freshness from hillside plantings. Meanwhile, Laudun wines veer towards a lighter, more mineral style, and it’s little surprise that white wines are a particular strength here.
Green Matters – Strong commitments to preserve the future generation.
“Protection of the environment: Sustainable development”
“Protection and value of the heritage”
In partnership with other local players Laudun Chusclan Vignerons has taken part in developemnt of the « pole d’excellence rurale » for Laudun and Chusclan. For this reason Laudun Chusclan Vignerons has created two wine trails « La vigne dans te temps (The vine through the times)» in Laudun and « La vigne des sens (the vine of the senses) ».
These initiatives in wine tourism such as the trail and the guided tours « Wine and heritage » « Feria des vins de Laudun »and the History of the harvest in Chusclan, are putting heritage at forefront: Sustaining the property and giving an opportunity to the generations to come.
“Sustain the priority of the partners”
Laudun Chusclan Vignerons also helps to sustain the property of its young partners (coopérateurs) who wish to continue their future here. This is made possible through the distribution of vineyards to those who cultivate together and allows them to continue with the job they love.
d’Arenberg Originals The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 75cl MI V
Tasting Note
The Viognier certainly takes centre stage on the nose in the guise of stone fruits, candied ginger and florals. In the background for those keen on honing their senses, Marsanne adds slightly more exotic notes of green mango, hay and almond. The palate has a lovely medium bodied weight to it, without any of that oiliness that over ripe Viognier can deliver. Precise acid throughout and a mild pithy texture on the finish ensure freshness and spice to keep the sweetness of the fruit in check. Food Matching: Aperitif, shell fish and seafood.
d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Shiraz Grenache 75cl MI V
Tasting Note
A winemaker’s favourite. Year in, year out this traditional Shiraz Grenache blend continues to deliver beyond expectation. 2015 is no exception. Depth of character on the nose is a feature with each subsequent sniff revealing something new. Dark, earthy Shiraz notes, complimented perfectly by fruit driven, pure Grenache. The palate is equally rewarding. Rich and powerful, but not in an overbearing way. The blend of the chunkier Shiraz tannins, interwoven with the more spritely Grenache tannins enhances the texture of the wine. Flavours seem to flow infinitely on the palate and acidity is on point. This wine will definitely benefit from decanting whilst young, but don’t be afraid to let it age a few years yet in a well-conditioned cellar.
d’Arenberg Wines – Environmental Initiatives
Harmony between environmental sustainability and wine industry practice is a strong commitment upheld by d’Arenberg in carrying out operations throughout the entire business, and the goal of d’Arenberg’s current custodians is to pass on a sustainable business to the next generation. We have invested in a number of projects with environmental benefits, including but not limited to, the following:
- Installation of a 200 kW solar PV generator which generates approximately 30% of the electricity use of our manufacturing process and reduces greenhouse gas emissions at the site by more than 181 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year – a 30% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions
- Comprehensive recycling program
- Recycling 100% of wastewater on site
- Involvement in the McLaren Vale Sustainable Winemaking Program
- Signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant with packaging reduction and recycling programs in place
- Minimal input viticulture practices, with all d’Arenberg estate and leased vineyards NASAA Certified for organic and biodynamic processes
- Minimal input viticulture is employed across d’Arenberg owned, leased and contracted vineyards. This includes minimal or no irrigation, no soil cultivation and no herbicide. This natural and environmentally friendly philosophy encourages strong root systems that penetrate multiple levels of soil which is reflected in lively tannin structures, soil characters and fine minerality. These practices also ensure that yields are kept low with concentrated flavours and excellent natural acidity resulting.
- Throughout the winter months of May, June, July and August weed growth is managed with 200 agisted sheep in the vineyards, with the added benefit of the sheep providing manure to feed the vineyard area.
- Biodynamic products are used on the vineyards under the recommendation from Biodynamics Australia, utilising the biodynamics calendar to maximize these holistic processes.
- Pests and diseases are managed with careful monitoring and by reducing canopy and crop densities to minimize the use of organic fungicides and pesticides.
Trapiche Melodias Winemakers Selection Malbec 75cl MI V
Tasting Note
A juicy, medium bodied wine with notes of ripe plums, black cherries and a touch of sweet spice.
Trapiche Melodias Winemakers Selection Chardonnay 75cl MI V
Tasting Note
This Chardonnay exhibits crisp pear, lemon blossom, crème brulé, lemon pie and brioche flavours, which are enhanced by a refreshing acidity.
Trapiche Landscape and Biodynamics
Biodynamic practices stand out as the purest forms of ecological agricultures, which are aimed at preserving the natural properties of crops by eliminating the use of chemicals, herbicides and fungicides and calculating the moon cycles for the harvest. Those practices also look to sustain ecosystem balance and biological diversity and to recover bacterial activity in the soil.
The winery is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards managed under those practices, which include the use of organic plant and animal fertilizers from a farm located at the back of the winery and owned by Trapiche.
Viña Falernia Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 75cl PO V
Tasting Note
Nose is intense reminiscent of figs, elderflowers, grapefruits and sage. Good character and acidity with a long crisp finish on the palate.
Viña Falernia Reserva Carmenere 75cl PO V
Tasting Note
Fairly deep red with a pale rim. Very sweet ripeness on the nose, possibly red gooseberry jam and a hint of green pepper. Ripe fruit on palate with soft texture.
Elqui Valley
If your acquaintance with the vineyards of Chile doesn’t extend beyond Maipo, Rapel and Colchagua, the Elqui Valley might come as a bit of a shock. First of all, this northern enclave of earth tremors and UFO-spotting really does resemble a valley, running east to west and with a growing population of vines drawing on the vital irrigation of the Elqui River (there’s typically less than three inches of rainfall a year in this arid region).
At a time when Elqui was better known for distilling Pisco and for growing other fruit, Falernia was a true pioneer, led by cousins Aldo Olivier Gramola (who also makes Pisco) and Trentino winemaker Giorgio Flessati.
This Italian-inspired revolution has seen the planting of a 320-hectare estate on four sites along the valley, from the sometimes fog-shrouded, low-altitude area near the Pacific right up to more than 2,000 metres above sea level – some of the highest altitude vineyards on earth.
This diversity of microclimates and soil types allows for everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah to thrive here, expressing a purity of fruit and freshness that is the envy of many vineyards further south.
New last year from Falernia were a Riesling and a Malbec, the latter benefiting from Elqui’s combination of unrivalled sunny weather to concentrate fruit, and cool nights to preserve elegance and finesse.
Green Matters & Social Responsibility
Viña Falernia is highly committed to improving productive processes with the lowest environmental impact in the vineyards and in the winery as well.
In addition to the organic management of an important part of the vineyards, we are respecting the native trees of the area by planting new plants on the borders of the vineyards. Moreover Falernia uses products that respect and protect the ecosystem.
The limited water supply is carefully managed as well. A very modern drip irrigation system together with the constant monitoring of the soil water content, allow Falernia to increase its efficiency. We are recycling several products of the vines, transforming organic materials (skins, stokes, etc.) into compost that we use as fertilizer, reducing chemical needs.
Falernia For Life – Social Responsibility Certification
Confirms that workers enjoy fair safe working conditions covering all key labour aspects from core ILO workers rights to good employment conditions. It also evaluates the operator’s overall environmental performance and its role and impact in the local community. For Life Certification confirms that a company is committed to act as a responsible employer and promoter of sustainable practices and that producer groups have transparent internal structures with fair relations to producers.
Viña Falernia is strongly commited with the Elqui Valley community and one of the most important priorities is to contribute to the development of the local people.
Our employees are 95% from the Valley, we are training them both in the vineyards and in the winery and we are one of the very fiew wineries without an office in Santiago. For us, local people are our main priority for the future plans.
The company is also involved with the code of sustainability, reaching the highest quality production at a reasonable cost, better efficiency and respect for the local community.
Umani Ronchi Verdicchio Classico, Villa Bianchi 75cl PO V
Tasting Note
Brilliant straw yellow colour with greenish tints. The bouquet is fine and intense, fruity and floral. The palate is pleasant, vibrant and fresh notes, followed by a typically almond aftertaste.
Umani Ronchi Podere Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 75cl PO V
Tasting Note
Medium bodied and dry, with a finely textured structure and ripe, plummy fruit.
Umani Ronchi, Wine Producers in Marche and Abruzzo.
The Umani Ronchi story is one of ancient vines, land and people. Seasons waxing and waning. Harvests changing. Wines coming into being. The story began more than half a century ago at Cupramontana, in the heart of Verdicchio Classico country, and has spread further. Today Umani Ronchi is the wine estate owned by the Bianchi-Bernetti family, who since 1959 have been making superb-quality craft wines, coaxing the best out of the Verdicchio and Montepulciano that find their finest expression in Marche and Abruzzo.
Organic, a choice of quality
All our vineyards, from the Verdicchio to the Montepulciano, are farmed organically. For us, this was a technical decision rather than an ideological one. Organic farming requires balance in nature and a range of crops, trees and herbs that make up a biodiverse environment. The plants thrive on Umani Ronchi lands leaving space for a viticulture that gets the best out of the grapes we grow without compromising the quality of the wines. At Umani Ronchi, organic means quality.
Think sustainable
Umani Ronchi is driven by a strong sense of ethics and respects the environment lavishing attention on the territory and biodiversity. Our approach is highly practical when discussion turns to precision viticulture, machine management, vineyard treatments and organic fertilisers. Sustainability also underpins our choice of materials. Light glass bottles have a lower impact in terms of CO2 emissions and our synthetic cane sugar stoppers are 100% recyclable. Our energy is supplied by a photovoltaic array. Everything reflects a sustainable way of thinking and acting.