We are very pleased to have overhauled our wine list and have a selection of tasty new bottles to offer you. We have narrowed the list down to 48 bottles and divided them into sparkling wines, Champagnes, rose, white, red, and sweet wines.
Sparkling wines & Champagnes
A bit of fizz goes well as an arrival drink and toast to a special occasion such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Sparkling wines are bottles not from the region of Champagne in France, which is why they are sparkling wines and not Champagne. A refreshing Dolci Colline Prosecco from Italy, which is fruity and zesty can be bought in the normal size 75cl bottle or a small 200ml bottle. Then a pale salmon in colour Cremant rose is available as a 75cl bottle or as a glass of 125ml.
Our selection of Champagne varies from our house non-vintage which is a Gremillet Brut, to Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage and Dom Perignon Vintage. The “Vintage” bottles of Champagne are only made in years when the grapes are at their very best, which is why the year on the vintage bottles is important to connoisseurs who are looking for something special.
There are 3 main grape varieties that go into making Champagne, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The Champagne houses will vary the amount of each grape variety depending on how the grapes have grown that season, for instance, they might need to balance the sugar levels with more of one and less of the other to get the taste profile that they are looking for.
Rose Wines
Rose wines can only be made using dark coloured grapes, as the dark skin is removed before imparting too much colour into the wine leaving various shades of pink.
The Californian Burlesque White Zinfandel on the new list is a perfect example of a rose made with the Zinfandel grape. A luscious strawberry ice cream flavour and an off-dry finish. A popular choice on the list for those who are looking for a lighter option.
White Wines
The white wine selection covers various countries, regions and grape varieties. Highlights include “Primordial Soup White Blend” (what a name!) from the prestigious cellars of Boutinot on the Western Cape of South Africa. An artful mix of classic South African wine varieties brought together to create a citrus palate and tangy finish.
Try the “Sepp Gruner Veltliner” from Austria, a dry and crisp wine that pairs well with mildly spiced dishes. Produced in the very heart of Austria’s top wine-making zone of Kremstal.
For a great value for money, high-quality white we would recommend the Spanish “Finca de Arantei Albarino”. The Albarino grapes for this wine are sourced from the single Arantei estate in Condado de Tea, Rias Baixas, and Galicia in northwest Spain. A 35-hectare vineyard, around 22 years old, located in the old river bed – where pebbles are the main feature and it’s this minerality that comes through on the palate.
Red Wines
We have three recommendations from our red wine list, from different regions around the world. The first recommendation is “Montresor, Urban Park, Appasimento” from the Veneto region in Italy. A colourful and street art inspired bottle with fresh cherry, bramble fruit and extra weight. Great with barbecues, slow-cooked and caramelised meat dishes, or strongly flavoured cheeses.
We have a preference here at The Falcondale for good quality Pinot Noir and would recommend Humberto Canale, Estate Pinot Noir from Patagonia in Argentina. This wine has an attractive Garnet colour, notes of spice and candied fruit; it’s aged in American and French oak casks for 12 months so has a smoky vanilla aroma and soft tannins. Pair this with meaty dishes and full-flavoured fish in rich sauces.
The front illustrated label of “The Good Luck Club Cabernet Sauvignon” shows the Good Luck Club, whilst the back shows the Bad Luck Club – shown in 19th century Japanese Kabuki masks. It has notes of shoe leather on the nose with a palate driven by deep cassis, vanilla, and the texture of a loll-stick sucked clean.
Sweet Wines
These dessert wines are meant to be enjoyed in small glasses and treasured like a glass of Scotch, which is why they are offered in smaller bottles and glass sizes of 125ml.
The “Kardos Tundermese Late Harvest” comes from the famous dessert wine region of Tokaj in Hungary. Can be easily drunk on its own or paired with creamy desserts such as crème Brulee, or a quality blue cheese.
Our recommendation
Good wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures; don’t be intimidated by the choice and various options available. As with anything a little knowledge goes a long way and finding your favourite wine varietal, growing region or wine producer will help in narrowing down your options. With that said, don’t always restrict yourself, we would recommend on the odd occasion to branch out and try something a bit more unusual. You may decide you don’t like it, or it may prove delightful, opening an entirely new avenue of wine exploration. Either way, you’ve added another dimension to your wine adventure.
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