Now that we’re all properly into the swing of another new year, as we adjust to the fact that we have to write 2023 at the end of dates, stop remarking “I don’t know where 2022 went” and hopefully, paid off the Christmas credit card bill- we can start looking at the new. What’s coming next? 

Well, we’re very happy to say that we have a plethora of shiny new things to grab your attention. Not only new wines, but new producers too. So let me introduce you to some of them… 

Gómez Cruzado Rioja Predilecto & Gómez Cruzado Viña Dorana Rioja Reserva  – NEW WINES

Based in the poshest postcode in Rioja, Gómez Cruzado are a top quality bodega making wines that tell a great story, and are fairly priced in comparison to some of the bigger name producers. Viña Dorana Reserva is polished and elegant, and a return to a historic label; whilst Predilecto is a fascinating wine for Rioja lovers, with a modern style that draws inspiration from the wines made in Rioja before the influence of the Bordelais. 

Domaine Haut-Marin, Côtes de Gascogne – NEW PRODUCER 

Established in 1920 by an adventurous Swiss winemaker, Domaine Haut-Marin remains a family run enterprise to the present day, creating thirst quenching, fruit-forward wines in the south-west of France. Elizabeth Prataveira is the 4th generation winemaker and adheres to the sustainable principles of HVE level 3, as well as using organic fertilisers. The land of what is now the domaine were covered by the sea 23million years ago, and so the soils are full of ancient marine fossils which are referenced in the names and labels of their wines. 

Château Haut-Bages Liberal, Ceres, Haut Médoc  – NEW WINE

This wine is notable as the the first ever no-added sulphur wine to be launched from a cru classé. As an organic and biodynamic wine, Ceres is aptly named for the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility and the style is “pure, supple, airy and in perfect harmony in nature”. We’re delighted to have such a market “first” in our portfolio. 

Domaine Felix et Fils, Bourgogne Blanc Cote d’Auxerre – NEW WINE

A new wine from a producer we have worked with since 1989. With Olivier, the next generation and the “fils” of the domaine name now in charge, wine-making is moving towards a less interventionalist, more natural approach. Fermenting with just the grape yeasts and a lower addition of SO2, Olivier is aiming for a more expressive ‘gout de terroir’ in all his wines. The Chardonnay grapes for this lovely regional white are grown on the same Kimmerigian clay soil as found in Chablis (which is only a few kilometres away) so the style is similar, chalky and mineral with a fine balance. 

Bodegas Ontañón Rioja Natura – NEW WINE

Our friends at Bodegas Ontañón have added another string to their bow with Natura, from 100% Tempranillo grown at 700-800 metres altitude. This wine offers further breadth to our ‘no added SO2’ portfolio – as it also incorporates oak ageing (15 months in American oak), less frequently found with these wines. A complex wine which combines bramble and plum fruit with meaty, savoury notes, all brought together by bright, fresh acidity.  

Daschbosch Méthode Ancestrale – NEW WINE

Winemaker WS Visagie flies planes and occasionally jumps out of them in his spare time. He likens producing Ancestrale wines to parachuting without a backup chute. But this delicious, sustainably produced Pet Nat from Verdelho has landed safely. The natural fermentation is completed in bottle with ageing on lees for 4 months before disgorgement. Bright citrus and yellow plum fruit, creamy and textural with lightly yeasty notes.  

Tenuta Aquilaia Chardonnay – NEW WINE

We’re seeing more demand for oaky whites and in particular oaked Chardonnays, and this wine from Tenuta Aquilaia completely fits the bill. Sourced from Uggiano’s new Testate in the Maremma region of southern Tuscany, it offers great varietal charcater, complexity and well-integrated oak for a wine at this price.  

Riondo Organic Spumante & Valpolicella Ripasso  – NEW WINES

A pair of wines from Cantine Riondo that offer good value for money. The sparkling Garganega from Veneto is fresh and crowd-pleasing, exactly what we need from a fizz at this price-point, and is organic to boot. The Valpolicella Ripasso is classic and approachable in style, and a worthy addition to the portfolio.

Soumah of The Yarra Valley – NEW PRODUCER

Soumah of the Yarra Valley is a relatively recent producer to the Yarra Valley wine scene, based in the higher hills of the Yarra’s Gruyere district.  The Chardonnay’s and Pinot Noir’ are amongst the most compelling, energetic and vital we have ever listed from the southern hemisphere, and the Savagnin a quirky delight. They display an outstanding balance of Australian joy harnessed by Old World finesse.  

To read more about these guys – have a look at the blog post from a few weeks ago.

All of these wines are currently in UK stock, so click through on any of them to find more information on our website, or speak to your Account Manager.

Happy discovering!