£10 to £15

A South African Shiraz packed pull of delicious flavours. 

A ripe, juicy Shiraz packed with dark fruit flavours and black pepper

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13%

Grapes:  Shiraz

The coastal region of South Africa is renowned for its fine and expressive fruit. Produced from only free-­run juice and fermented on skins in stainless steel tanks. The wine is left on the lees for an extended period for greater palate weight and mouthfeel.

Evocatively named and beautifully packaged; the elegant aromatic profile comes from 100% Cinsault grapes grown in the Languedoc. Rose petal pink, fresh raspberry notes on the nose and complex palate with hints of cherry, pomegranate and touch of cassia.

Country: France

Region: Languedoc

Grapes: 100% Cinsault

ABV: 12.5%

Innovation is rare in the wine world, but the innovation of a new category, that of a year­round Rose drinking, is one of the few major changes of drinking habit that has occurred in the recent past. This is a style of wine that will help even the most hardened of sceptics see the wine through rose tinted spectacles!

From the Euganei hills in Veneto, Pinot Nero vines were planted by the Biscardo family over 20 years ago in volcanic soils, rich in minerals and clay. These characters are found in their Rosapasso: a smooth, fresh and structured rosé, light salmon-pink in colour.

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

Grape: Pinot Noir

ABV:12%

Good Côtes du Rhône that are worth their money are few and far between. We’ve kissed a lot of frogs to find this one!

Elegant bramble fruit aromas such as blackberry and raspberry, backed with a cedar and spice, lead into dark flavours and soft, supple tannins.

Country: France

Region: Rhone

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  80% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah

Food Match: Cold charcuterie platters or meaty stews

Great In Their Own Right:  For centuries Rhone reds were used to improve the colour of weedy Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. It became so common that Medoc wines that had been hermitage had the highest price. Today the practice is completely illegal and the finest Rhone wines are finally receiving the respect they deserve.

Fresh, vibrant and pale pink in colour. Dry in style with aromatic rose petals on the nose, this wine follows through with notes of cranberry and strawberry fruits on the palate with a crisp, dry finish.

Country: France

Region: Provence

Grapes: Grenache 50% Cinsault 30%, Syrah 20%

ABV: 13%

Delicate stone fruit aromas with zesty lemon and floral notes. The palate has bright citrus peel and peach characters, an appealing texture and minerality, fresh acidity and a gently savoury finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Grapes: Vermentino

ABV: 12.5%

Food match

Delicious with fish and seafood, and simple pasta dishes.

A fine pale-coloured rosé with delicate aromas of pomegranates and raspberry and a distinctive flintiness. There’s finesse and elegance on the palate with flavours of soft red fruits, a gentle silky texture and a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.

If you ask someone what is their favourite wine, most would mention a red or a white. Very few would give a rosé. But, (for us) South Africa has taken the 'common' rosé and turned it into an art form. 

Such a delicate and perfumed rosé. Take a bit of sophisticated Provence rosé, give it a little hint of international dynamic, a little bit of relaxed "take me as I am" S'African personality and the result is this deliciously drinkable rosé from Stellenbosch.

Country: South Africa

Region: Schapenberg, Stellenbosch

Grapes: Mourvedre

ABV: 13%

Biodynamic and Organic

Waterkloof Wines

Winemaker Nadia Barnard:

In October 2022 Penny had the great pleasure of visiting Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Stellenbosch with a few colleagues from the UK wine trade. They spent the good part of two days being driven around this beautiful, sustainably managed piece of land by winemaker, Nadia Barnard. All of the vineyards on the estate are farmed following organic and biological principles. Here at Cellar Door Wines we've always been huge fans of Waterkloof wines. It is always lovely to taste Nadia's wines in Saint Albans, but to be able to do so at Waterkloof, with the woman herself, was extra special. Tasting wine at the place of its birth explains the why and the how of its individuality. The people behind the vineyard and winery are also key components in the equation. The Cape and Waterkloof has such diversity of wine style with a great price quality ratio.

Garnet colour. Aromas of beeswax, cedar, blackberries and gherkins with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a pencil shaving, apple skin, and sour cherry nuanced finish with plump, chewy tannins. A very good table wine.

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Grapes: Tempranillo

ABV: 13%

An attractively fruity Shiraz in a cooler climate style.

Concentrated mulberry and black pepper notes with soft, plummy fruit flavours and smooth tannins.

Country: Australia

Region: Victoria

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  100% Shiraz

Food Match:  Grilled lamb chops

Vegan/Vegetarian

Quintessentially Australian, this is hugely appealing and has gained a loyal following. Reflecting our skill and experience in seeking out the very best of regional Australia, this wine captures ideal climatic conditions and pure varietal definition.

As close to a Provence rose as you can get. Just don't tell your guests...

A pale, sublime and very elegant Rose with a lovely soft texture; delicate,fresh, red fruit flavours combined with the aromatic herbs of the Southern Rhone.

Country: France

Region: Rhone

ABV: 13%

Grapes:  75% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, 10% Cinsault

The Great Pretender:  If you are particularly taken with the ever popular Provence style of Rose (pale, delicate, red fruit and a herbaceous note) but don't fancy shelling out over £10 per bottle, then this is the Rose for you! Made from a similar blend, this is a superb style and excellent value.

Green apple aromas with a refreshing, lemony cream finish. Great value traditional method Cava. Perfect aperitif or party wine.

Country: Spain

Region: Extremadura

Grapes: Parellada, Macabao

ABV: 11.5%

Vibrant with ripe, tropical and gooseberry fruit flavours with a zingy finish and impeccable balance.

A great aperitif or seafood wine, made for drinking young.

Country: New Zealand

Region: Marlborough

ABV: 12%

Grapes:  85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon

Food Match:  Mussels, garlic prawns

Sileni Estates: The winery is named after the Sileni who featured in Roman mythology alongside Bacchus, the God of Wine. They celebrated good wine, good food and good company. The vineyards and winery are based near Hastings, Hawke’s Bay ­ the oldest wine region in New Zealand.

A South African Chardonnay packed pull of delicious flavours.

A lovely balance of ripe, tropical fruits with a more refreshing and crisp citrus toned finish. An excellent all rounder for general drinking. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13%

Grapes:  Chardonnay

Full of zest and forward fruity flavours, typical of the Sauvignon grape. Bursting with exotic tropical fruit.

Country: Chile

Region: Central Valley

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

This is a big and powerful red wine, very dark red in colour. The nose has plenty of dark fruit aromas, plums, black cherries, chocolate, dried fruit and slight herbaceous notes. The palate is full, dense and rich with intense and sweet, ripe fruit.  The finish is has a touch of residual sugar, giving some natural sweetness, and is full, rich and lingering. 

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 13.5 %

Grape: Primitivo

Completely untainted example of Nero D'Avola - just as nature intended!

The wine has a deep purple-red colour & intense aromas of blackberries & blueberries. The palate is soft & silky, bursting with spicy flavours of black pepper, dark chocolate, wild berries & vanilla.  The tannins are elegant yet persistent.  The finish is long & lingering and offers a burst of wild cherries at the end.

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

ABV: 13.5 %

Grape: Nero D'Avola

Fun Fact: Zensa in Italian means “without” referring to the absence of any chemicals or pesticides in the winemaking process. 

A Viognier of intense power, character and zest; soft apricots, honeydew melon with notes of chamomile tea are followed by a rich palate and long perfumed finish.

Country: France

Region: Gard

Grapes: Viognier

ABV: 12.5%

Appealing aromas of citrus and white flower with a touch of white spice. The palate has orchard and stone fruit characters and a gently rounded, slightly nutty texture. Refreshing acidity balances underlying minerality.

Country: Italy 

Region: Piemonte

ABV: 12% 

Grape: Cortese 100%

This wonderful Piedmont wine is a fresh yet complex Gavi, made with established and old vine fruit. Made by winemaker Claudio Manera, the grapes are hand-picked, pressed and undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel. The wine then remains on its lees for 3 months. 

Straw yellow in colour with an elegant bouquet, reminiscent of pineapples and lemons. The palate shows hints of tropical fruit with a beautifully crisp acidity and a persistent finish. Only the best, handpicked, organically grown grapes are used to make this wine!

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Grapes: Grillo, Chardonnay

ABV: 12%

A wonderful example of the Fiano grape. Close your eyes and you could be in Southern Italy! (almost). 

Straw yellow in colour, with an elegant floral aroma of mango, peaches and sage. On the palate is crisp and refreshing, with tropical notes and exotic fruit.  The finish is incredibly well balanced, long and persistent.

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 12.5 %

Grape: 100% Fiano

Guaranteed summer drinking pleasure! Redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry notes with a hint of sweetness on the finish. Seriously lovely stuff!

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

ABV: 12 %

Grapes: Primitivo, Negroamaro

Meet Cabaret Frank & his Fabulous Facial Furniture! A 'proper' wine that, for the money, is generous on all fronts. 

Made predominantly from Old Vine Cabernet Franc, the balance of Cabernet Sauvignon brings out even more of the finesse to this wine. Full, rich and dark with cherry fruits and a smoky twist.

Country: USA

Region: Lodi, California

ABV: 14%

Grapes: 85% Cabernet Franc 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

In The Vineyard:  The Cabernet Franc grapes are harvested from 'old vines' (35 years) sourced from the world's largest grower of this varietal, which is located in Lodi, Central California

A delicious South African Sauvignon from the guys at Waterkloof, made with the care and attention normal reserved for wines of twice the price. Fresh and vibrant with grassy, gooseberry and citrus characters. Crisp, clean finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

False Bay Wine

Argentina's famous Malbec, blended with the lesser known Bonarda grape variety, giving this wine a delightful twist of individuality compared to other Malbec wines.

Dark, damson and savoury overtones on the palate with a smoothly rounded finish – a delightful expression of a huge, brambly Malbec

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: 60% Malbec 40% Bonarda

Malbec needs no introduction, and has become as closely associated with Argentinian wine as Pepperoni is to Pizza! - well in my mind (and stomach) it is……! Bonarda on the other hand is a lesser known ‘ingredient’ of Argentina’s wines. More often thought of as a grape variety originating in the Piemonte region of Italy, however arguments abound about whether this grape variety in Argentina is actually the same as the Italian one. Who cares, unless you are studying for a doctorate in Ampelography (the study of grape vine identification). All we care about is that it makes delicious wines and when combined with Malbec it offers a uniquely Argentine experience.

Inviting creamy nose with aromas of orange zest, fresh meadows and apples. Lively palate with flavours of citrus and quince. An incredibly charming and funky wine.

Country: Austria

Region: Niederosterreich

Grapes: Gruner Veltliner

ABV: 12.5%