Take a minute to read the (literally thousands of) 5-star online reviews for Cabalié. This one is typical: “When my time comes to shuffle off this mortal coil, this is the wine I want in that final glass. It is simply, utterly, indescribably fantastic.” Its secret? It’s crafted by a master winemaker, Hervé Sabardeil, following the centuries-old style beloved of Roman centurions, who first made wine there. Raspberry-rich Grenache, with herby Syrah and Carignan, Cabalié has impressive concentration.
That’s due to the maturity of the vines, most well over 50 years old. The tiny berries they produce give Cabalié extraordinarily rich, ripe flavours. Boasting 8 Golds in as many vintages, this much-loved red is warming solo or with hearty dishes.
Cabalié’s popularity is down to a rare combination of imposing richness and easy-drinking smoothness.
Recreating that in white was no easy task. But Cabalié maestro Hervé Sabardeil has done it – years of searching, blending and hard work come to fruition in this, his ultimate expression of a southern French white.
The magical grape mix is Viognier for honeysuckle aroma and soft texture, Colombard to keep it all crisp and zesty, and Muscat for dazzlingly aromatic grapey notes.
And of course the other key ingredients are bright southern French sunshine, which ripens the grapes to perfection, and the Mediterranean breezes that keep them fresh and healthy.
Sample this fruity white in this handy taster size and you'll likely be back for more!
only 36 left
Mighty Cabalié is one of our best-loved ‘BIG reds’ and this latest old-vine version has even more of a swagger. Seriously intense Carignan gives a boost of inky dark fruit to soft, spicy Grenache in this stonking, velvety, southern French red.
Hervé Sabardeil, our winemaker with limitless talent, has been making Cabalié, the big, ripe Catalan red, for over 15 years. He added the old vine (Vieilles Vignes) edition in 2011, originally as a one off, but it was so popular we insisted he did it again. And again! The magic to this punchy red is really in the vines. At 60 to 100 years old, yields are minute (about half of a Grand Cru claret). As a rule of thumb, the smaller the yield, the more concentrated the fruit, the more flavoursome the wine! That’s why we call it Cabalié’s Big Brother. Still made in the same style that was beloved by the Roman centurions and now our customers too, it packs even more flavour than the original. Ideal with garlic-roasted lamb, rich stews or cheese.
only 13 left
The Rapeneau family has been producing Champagne for over a century and oversee the production of the Louis Dumont label.
Now 4th generation, they are committed to high quality through understanding the nuances of the various subregions.
With five main grape growing areas in Champagne, careful selection of the grapes is a major influence on the style of the fizz.
Louis Dumont is a delicious, fruit-forward bubbly, ready to be enjoyed. It’s crafted from grapes from Vallée de la Marne – known for its fruity Pinot Meunier and peachy Chardonnay – and Côtes des Bars, with its reputation for full-flavoured, ripe Pinot Noir.
It’s a Pinot-dominated blend, brimming with red fruit flavour, refreshing citrus, and classic brioche notes. Chill and enjoy.
only 44 left
Golds and many high scores for this luxurious Premier Cru, pure Chardonnay Champagne – rich and long.
Paul Goerg is a leading independent Champagne house, as this Premier Cru testifies. Owned by eight grower families, it was voted by Le Guide Hachette as the top Champagne out of 100 tasted – above vintage Veuve Clicquot and equal to Krug. Goerg is named after a respected 19th century mayor of Vertus, located in the famous Côte des Blancs. Here, Chardonnay is king and an impressive 85% of it is classified as Premier Cru.
The elegance, finesse and purity of this variety is the hallmark of the Goerg style, enriched here with 40-50% reserve wine. The chalky soils of Vertus lend a rich, yet refreshingly mineral quality, while three years’ ageing adds considerably to the wine’s complexity. Superb for celebrations and lovely with oysters.
only 9 left
Dubbed as the “Princess of Champagne” by the press, Virginie Tattinger worked alongside her father in the world-famous Tattinger Champagne empire for 21 years. But she left in 2006, now makes excellent Champagne in her own right.