RED WINES
When the juice of red grapes stay in contact with their skins and pips and even the stalks during fermentation, the magic of red wine is created. The skill of the winemaker shines through in our collection to create the perfect combination of fruit and tannins to match the amazing food of the Misty Isle.
Our current collection
Berne Grande Cuvée Rouge 2019 AOP
Château de Berne, Provence, South of France
La Grande Cuvée is an uncompromising cuvée; born from the desire to savour the oldest vines of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon on the Plateau plot in Chateau de Berne in the Provence region, south of France. The pairing of these grape varieties and limestone terroir works wonderfully, and the vinification now consists only of letting the intensity, the freshness and above all the almost chalky grain on the palate express themselves. The vineyard is in the process of converting to totally organic methods.
The harvest takes place at night and the grapes are sent quickly to the cellar. Maceration takes place in the closed press for a few hours, to promote exchanges between must and skins. Aging on lees for two weeks, with daily stirring, promotes the release of the aromatic qualities of the grapes, while giving the palate an incomparable richness. Fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel, partly in oak and acacia barrels, with aging on fine lees for 12 months. The result is obtained by the final reassembly of the wines from stainless steel tanks and the wines from the barrels, without the woody notes ever weighing down the bouquet or the palate. On the contrary, this process provides discreet velvety tannins which underline the structure of the fruit in the mouth, while ensuring good aging potential.
A significant wine that is punching alongside much more expensive examples.
- Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon.
- Flavours: Very expressive nose of ripe black fruits, spices, black pepper and subtle violet and vanilla, supported by well-integrated oak. The palate offers a surprisingly fresh mouth feel, well supported by velvety and smooth tannins. Beautifully aromatic with rich fruity depth on the palate of morello cherries and ripe black plum. Sensational length on the finish.
- Aging: 12 months in oak casks procures aromatic complexity.
- Food Pairing: Beef, lamb and BBQ. Equally an excellent wine to savour in front of the fire.
- Alcohol level: 12.5% alc
£40
Brightwell Pinot Noir 2016
Brightwell Vineyard, Oxfordshire, England.
Brightwell Vineyard was first planted in the late 1980’s and acquired by its present owners in 2000. It covers 16 acres and grows 8 varieties of grape including Bacchus, Chardonnay, Huxelrebe, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir.
Growing Pinot Noir in the mild climate and alluvial soils of their vineyard in the Thames Valley, preserves the elegant character of this noble grape. Gentle maturation in oak barrels has enhanced the delicate cherry, currant and summer berry flavours of this wine.
This Pinot Noir is a delightful smooth, barrel-aged wine showing the classic complexity you would expect and rightly is an awarding winning wine.
- Grapes: Pinot Noir.
- Flavours: Rounded subtle tannins. Hints of warm spices leading to a long dry finish on the palate.
- Food Pairing: All meats and cheeses but equally amazing on its own overlooking the Outer Hebrides from Trumpan Church.
- Alcohol: 12%
£22
de la terre Syrah 2017
de la terre vineyard, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Tony and Kaye Princhard’s self-built earth-brick winery is a family enterprise and a labour of love. They counter commercialised winemaking using Tony’s 30 years experience in the region’s wine industry. His rejection of the increasing industrialisation of wine production shines through his wines and they are literally members of the family.
This Syrah, rich and dark ‘black fruit’ style of Syrah, has been specifically selected because it has moved away from overtly pretty and lifted top-note fruit and replacing it with black olive, black cherry and black pepper notes, truly reflecting the typical varietal characteristics of this grape. It is un-fined and unfiltered to maximise its intensity and characteristics, and has been designed to benefit from medium to long ageing.
- Grapes: Syrah.
- Flavours: Complex aromas of black olive, black cherry (with a hint of ‘cherry sours’) and dark pepper spice. Nuances of fine-grained French oak. A strong backbone of ripe tannins holding together layers of dark and rich Syrah fruit and black pepper. The flavour is both long and persistent and highlights the impeccable balance between fruit, tannin and acidity.
- Aging: Ages for 18 months in mainly French barriques, approximately 20% new oak.
- Food Pairing: Beef, pork and lamb. BBQ. Great with spicy food – curries and Asian dishes. Enjoy from your accommodation with the MacLeod Tables in the distance, chilled or at room temperature.
- Alcohol: 13%
£29