We are thrilled to have the wines of Domaine Marcel Deiss back in store, only this time with a wider range than we have had in the past. These cult French wines come from Alsace in north east France; the country's driest wine region and a territory long disputed between the French and the Germans. This history accounts for why these wines are made from grapes classically considered to be German in origin. All Deiss wines are certified organic, made from grapes grown biodynamically and they break new ground in style and quality. Many are field blends, made in homage to historical growing methods where many different grape varieties grew together alongside each other, were picked together and fermented together. 

This medium bodied, complex dry white is a blend of three classic Alsace white grapes, Muscat, Riesling and Pinot Gris with a little Pinot Noir added in, which comes from vines planted between 1977 and 1997, which are grown at high density of between 8,000 and 12,000 vines per hectare on white gravels. 

This grapes are pressed slowly from whole clusters for up to 12 hours followed by wild yeast fermentation with the wine being aged for 12 months in large old foudres.

The result is a complex dry white made from three great white grapes and one red. Maverick? Definitely. Delicious? Absolutely.

Domaine Marcel Deiss is located in Bergheim, a small village nestling in the heart of the wine region of Alsace, equal distance from the northern and southern boundaries of the region. The current winemaker is Jean-Michel Deiss, who was born into a long-established family of wine growers, living at Bergheim since 1744.

Today he manages the domaine, which consists of 26 hectares (52 acres) of hillside vineyards spread over nine communes and approximately 20 kilometres.

The wines of Domaine Marcel Deiss have cult status with wine collectors and drinkers alike so we are thrilled to have a wide range of them back in store, only they are in limited supply, so if you're a fan or a curious newcomer, get in quick.

This wine is a field blend with Riesling, Auxerrois and Pinots, and offers gorgeous fruit weight.

This lovely dry Sauvignon Blanc has delicious bright fruit flavours and a French-Kiwi connection as it is made in the Loire Valley, France, by a family that also owns a winery in Marlborough. 

Flavours here are remarkably aromatic on the nose with floral and fruit aromas of citrus, apple and gooseberry aromas with hints of passionfruit on the palate.

Chablis is one of the great white wine regions of the world in its northernmost location in Burgundy. This wine is a beautiful balanced expression of Chardonnay with fresh aromas of white flowers, brioche and leafy notes. The palate reveals power, richness and finness with mineral, mellowness and vivacious flavours of white peach, citrus and creamy mouthfeel in a complex dry white. 

Mourvedre is a southern French grape (also known as Mataro in Spain) and is known for its dark delicious chocolatey flavours and aromas of mocha, earth and bold black fruit ripeness. 

The late ripening Mourvedre grape is typically used as a blending grape but here it stands alone in a spicy, smooth, soft and fruity red. 

The Seguinot family has been in Chablis since at least 1590 and this estate is now managed by Daniel Seguinot and his daughters, Emilie and Laurence. It covers 20 hectares on a south west facing slope in this most northern region in Burgundy. 

Thee family makes four different wine styles from Chablis, ranging from Petit Chablis and  Chablis to the two Premier Cru, Fourchaume, and Homme Mort.

This wine offers very good value for money and highlights this classic traditional home of the much loved Chardonnay grape.

Country / Région:
France.

Color:
Light gold with silver & lasting fine bubbles.

Nose:
Pleasant fresh white Flower notes, typical of Chardonnay with seductive notes of fruit aromas.

Palate:
Dancing freshness with lots of vitality. The wine greets your palate with grapefruit zest with a touch of minerality.

Soil type:
Clay and limestone.

Grape varieties:
Chardonnay.

Vinification:
First fermentation in stainless steel tanks with temperature control to protect the delicate primary aromas of the Chardonnay. Light ageing on fine lees to perfect the structure of the wine and the base bubble. Then the “prise de mousse” is done in sparkling tanks with temperature control of 18-20° to create a fine texture, to reach a depth with a lot of aromatic sparkle at a pressure of 2.5 bars.

Alcohol:
12% Vol.

Moët Impérial is typically a blend of 30% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay and is made from grapes grown in several different sub-regions within the wider Champagne region.

It tastes medium to full bodied and dry with crisp acidity and a long finish. Flavours are of fresh apples and citrus. 

It is part of the large Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey (LVMH) group; the world's largest champagne producer. 

Veuve Clicquot is one of the world's biggest selling champagnes and is produced by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey in a range of styles and packaging. 

Veuve is named after the late, great Widow Clicquot, who was left not only a widow aged 27 but also in charge of running a champagne house. Her legacy is to have left both the brand and the region in better condition than she found them, mostly famously by inventing riddling; the turning of the bottle to remove the yeast sediment into its neck, prior to disgorgement. This resulted in higher quality, cleaner, fresher bubbles in both look and taste. Her quest was quality and she is widely credited with having raised it significantly in the Champagne region and in the bottles it produces.

The yellow label non vintage (NV) blend is typically made up of 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier.

A gorgeous wine, made with 40% Syrah, 35% Carignan, 15% Grenache Noir & 10% Marselan (a cross between Grenache & Cabernet Sauvignon) showing just what old vines can do when they find themselves in the right soils (in this case limestone terrace overlaid with gravel).

The Carignan grapes undergo semi-carbonic maceration whilst the Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes are destemmed and fermented at a temperature of 28 ° C for 14 days. Malolactic fermentation and ageing takes place in stainless steel to retain freshness of flavour.

The result is rich, juicy and fruit forward with aromas of white pepper, cassis, violets, and sage. Lush and decadent, with a lingering chocolate-raspberry finish.

This is a great wine from the home of Pinot Gris. The aroma is lively, floral and complex with notes of elderflower, citrus and green apple. The palate is rich, balanced and spicy, with crisp, pure fruit flavours.

Winery notes: With 80% Grenache and 20% syrah, this wine is a classic southern Rhône red with ample rich fruit and an appealing herbal freshness. The palate is lusciously textured with plum, strawberry and a touch of spice. Uncomplicated and deliciously drinkable yet serious enough to accompany food.

Pouilly-Fuisse is an appellation in the Maconnais region in Burgundy. It is known for producing refreshing and crisp Chardonnay. 

Tasting note by Veronique Boss-Drouhin

'A seductive wine and a really nice expression of the Chardonnay grape! The colour is golden, with some green reflections. Among the floral and fruity aromas, almond and ripe grapes dominate. On the palate, the wine is refreshingly pleasant, ethereal in its lightness. Long and refreshing aftertaste.'