{"title":"Grenache","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-value=\"{\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;:2,\u0026quot;2\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;These hardy grapes thrive in the hot, dry vineyards of southern France \u0026amp; Spain and are one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world, producing some truly fantastic reds. Free shipping and exclusive prices when you're a WineSpark member.\u0026quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":7105,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":0,\"10\":0,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0},\"15\":\"Arial\"}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThese hardy grapes thrive in the hot, dry vineyards of southern \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/collections\/france\"\u003eFrance\u003c\/a\u003e \u0026amp; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/collections\/spain\"\u003eSpain\u003c\/a\u003e and are one of the most widely planted \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/collections\/red-wines\"\u003ered wine\u003c\/a\u003e grape varieties in the world, producing some truly fantastic reds. Free shipping and exclusive prices when you're a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/pages\/become-a-member\"\u003eWineSpark member\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"martinelle-ventoux-2022","title":"Martinelle Ventoux Rouge 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eI’ve always loved the wines of Ventoux, especially as so many Rhône reds are so big and overblown these days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe altitude of the vineyards around the imposing Mont Ventoux, as well as the Mistral wind which blows through in the summer, keeps the grapes around here healthy and gives them a lovely balance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's literally a breath of fresh air!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker Corinna Faravel, seeing this potential over twenty years ago, made the brave move from Germany to buy her own vineyards here in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is her flagship wine - made up of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from her beautiful, organically-farmed estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe does everything in the vineyards to pick perfectly healthy and ripe grapes, and the winemaking is pretty simple from there. The wine is aged in concrete tanks and bottled with a tiny bit of sulphur to preserve all that vineyard character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love Côtes du Rhône but maybe you miss how it used to taste - this wine is for you. It's bright, fresh and juicy, with lovely flavours of raspberry, violets and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorinna sold her wine very briefly in Ireland around 10 years ago - she couldn’t be happier to be back, and I’m delighted to make it happen!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47533525729611,"sku":"MRTVTX22","price":19.81,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/MartinelleVentouxRouge2022.jpg?v=1716285525"},{"product_id":"domaine-olivier-hillaire-cotes-du-rhone-vieilles-vignes-2023","title":"Domaine Olivier Hillaire Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eOlivier Hillaire grew up on his parents’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard, and started making wine aged 18.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also played rugby for Grenoble and Bayonne - in the equivalent of the Top 14 back in the day. Although he told me back then there was \u003cem\u003e‘plus de bagarre que le rugby’ \u003c\/em\u003e- more fightin’ than playin’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe’s built like a bull, but played at inside centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhich is exactly how you could describe his wines - strong, powerful, but with a lightness and deftness which is the signature of great Grenache wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eOlivier makes this Côtes du Rhône in exactly the same way as his Châteauneuf-du-Pape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOlder vines, grown with organic principles and harvested manually - to promote the freshness and purity of fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA long fermentation in tank - to develop complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd a long maturation in oak and concrete - to add softness and structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah - so you get the red fruit and juiciness of the Grenache, along with the spice and power of the Syrah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’d been looking for a great value southern Rhône red for yonks - and as soon as I tried this at a wine fair in Paris, I knew I’d found the one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50842445021515,"sku":"HCDRVV23","price":17.67,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0122.jpg?v=1731685562"},{"product_id":"virgile-blanc-saint-saturnin-2021","title":"Virgile Blanc Saint-Saturnin 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Languedoc - with its high altitude, complex soils and rich tapestry of old vines - should be heaven for making white wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s got all the raw ingredients to be held right up there with Burgundy and the Loire, France’s other great white wine regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe it’s because there’s a better history of making reds here, that I’ve always struggled to find a white wine I’d be proud to hang my hat on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil I tried this wine when visiting Virgile and Magdalena Joly in the Languedoc recently!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint-Saturnin is an up-and-coming appellation in the Larzac’s southern foothills, with hot days and cold nights producing grapes with that perfect balance of full flavour and freshness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirgile’s Grenache Blanc on its own gives beautiful flavours of white peach, pear and a lovely minerality too. He then adds 20-25% of Rolle to the blend, which gives it extra complexity and takes it from good to great, and ages it for 18 months in fine French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine was awarded 98\/100 points and won Best In Show at Millésime Bio, a big organic wine fair in Montpellier that I go to every year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Burgundy getting more and more out of reach for people in France, Virgile tells me he’s winning hearts with this wine as a great alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo try it for yourself and see exactly why - for a really top French white, it's an amazing price too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50951558594891,"sku":"VJRBL21","price":24.13,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0232.jpg?v=1734249336"},{"product_id":"las-pedreras-pelito-lindo-garnacha-2023","title":"Las Pedreras Pelito Lindo Garnacha 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere’s a saying in the business that ‘great wine starts in the vineyard’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the winemaker’s job is to guide the grapes into bottle, leaving the drinker with a vivid sense of where the wine comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s exactly how the best do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of those amazing vineyards, Las Calzadas, is the main component in this wine from Gredos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGredos is Spain’s answer to Burgundy, and its patchwork of old vineyards dotted around a remote, mountainous region of imposing granite peaks makes it all the more dramatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've had the pleasure of visiting it with winemaker Bárbara - even better I’d enjoyed the wine at lunch just moments before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is named after the vineyard’s previous owner, an old guy who lived in nearby Villanueva de Ávila.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of old people in Spanish villages have nicknames - I’ve heard of \u003cem\u003eLa Loba\u003c\/em\u003e (the wolf) and \u003cem\u003eEl Ratón\u003c\/em\u003e (the mouse).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePelito Lindo\u003c\/em\u003e means ‘beautiful little hair’ - Bárbara tells me he was bald with a fringe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis amazing fact aside, the wine is one of the best Garnachas in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are over 100 years old, and the vineyard faces south east. It produces an elegant, refined Garnacha with serious perfume and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of Châteauneuf-du-Pape meets Côte-de-Nuits Burgundy, and you’re in business.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m very lucky to work with winemakers who in turn work with some of the most special vineyard sites in the world - and this is definitely one of them!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51745196638539,"sku":"PLTLND23","price":49.48,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/LasPedrerasPelitoLindo21.jpg?v=1715952830"},{"product_id":"domaine-boucabeille-les-orris-2022","title":"Domaine Boucabeille Les Orris 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eForça Réal is also known as the Black Mountain - it’s an imposing peak in the Roussillon that has served as a landmark for centuries for sailors, soldiers and now, wine drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its scorching sun, rugged mountains and smorgasbord of complex ancient soils, the Roussillon was once the heart of France’s thriving fortified wine scene.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat made it perfect for such great fortified wines then, makes it ideal for big reds today:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlate soils force the vines to struggle and dig deep for nutrients, in turn producing wonderfully complex and intense grapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouth and east orientation gives warm morning sun, so the grapes ripen slowly and gently rather than getting scorched in the late afternoon heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 400m altitude means it’s windy, warm and dry - the perfect environment for organic viticulture which ensures the purest and healthiest fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLes Orris Rouge is Jean’s top wine - if \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/products\/domaine-boucabeille-monte-nero-2021?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=0b40e1bcc\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMonte Nero\u003c\/a\u003e is all about Grenache on slate soils, then Les Orris is all about Syrah on slate soils. Think punchy black fruit, perfume and spice à la Côte-Rôtie - up to a third of the wine ages in new barrels, which really ramps up the intensity and power.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean reckons this patch of land would be a nailed-on Grand Cru if it was in Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd as soon as you taste this wine, I’m sure you’ll agree!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52633370001739,"sku":"BOUCOR22","price":27.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0240_1.jpg?v=1755778905"},{"product_id":"virgile-rouge-saint-saturnin-2023","title":"Virgile Rouge Saint-Saturnin 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eSaint-Saturnin sits in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac, an elevated plateau at the foothills of the Massif Central, around 40 minutes from Montpellier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conditions here are ideal for producing world-class reds:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe elevation means it’s a bit cooler than the rest of the Languedoc - so the grapes ripen with great freshness and elegance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThey get more rain too - about the same amount as Bordeaux - which keeps the vines productive and vibrant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe soils are the same as you’ll find in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas - the limestone and clay pebbles help retain water and minerals that nourish the vines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the word’s getting out there - Terrasses du Larzac is now home to the Languedoc’s priciest reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Virgile's most precious wine. It’s the 2022 vintage of the first ever wine that he made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd he tells me it’s exactly the wine that he dreamed of making, when he started on his long and illustrious winemaking journey back in 2000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo expense or detail is spared in the making of this. The grapes are carefully hand-picked and hand-sorted, it’s vinified in his new state-of-art winery, and aged in the finest French oak he can get his hands on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose leaps out of the glass with aromas of pure black fruit, pepper and wild herbs, while the palate is dark, rich and powerful, but it has a lovely freshness and elegance to it too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo if you like the power and ripeness of a good Rhône, with the complexity and structure of a Bordeaux, then you should try this wine!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52658523996491,"sku":"VJRSS22","price":26.42,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/VirgileRougeSaintSaturnin2016.jpg?v=1716285475"},{"product_id":"martinelle-beaumes-de-venise-2023","title":"Martinelle Beaumes-de-Venise 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeaumes-de-Venise is a real hidden gem in the Rhône valley - it’s best known for producing long-lived fortified wines made from the Muscat grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut up in the foothills of the imposing Dentelles de Montmirail, you’ll find pockets of vineyards ideally suited to making amazing red wines - capable of giving nearby Vacqueras and Gigondas a serious run for their money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker Corinna Faravel found two such magical plots for sale in 2006 and snapped them up immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards are based on a mixture of limestone, clay and oxidised iron - this gives a vivid red colour to the soils. Corinna says this soil gives a lovely freshness and concentration to the fruit - it never tastes jammy or overcooked, no matter how hot the weather gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe farms the vineyards organically which preserves and enhances the lovely raspberry, herbaceous and balsamic flavours in the fruit, which is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the hard work done in the vineyards, there’s nothing complicated left to do in the winery. It’s aged for 10 months in old oak barrels to give it serious power and muscle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like an unapologetically big southern French red, like a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then you have to give this a try!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52658563809611,"sku":"MRTBDV23","price":22.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/MartinelleBeaumesdeVenise2022.jpg?v=1716285400"},{"product_id":"el-bufon-de-arrayan-garnacha-2021","title":"El Bufón de Arrayán Garnacha 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve vaguely heard about Cebreros and wondered what the fuss is all about, then you’ve come to the right place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a high-altitude, single-vineyard Garnacha from Maite Sánchez, one of the region’s rising star winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGarnacha is also known as Grenache, and you’ll find it in some of the best (and most expensive) Chateauneuf-du-Papes and Priorats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think however the style of this wine is somewhere in between Burgundy and Barolo, which is no surprise given Maite’s influences and experience making wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe’s previously made wine at some of the world’s most iconic wineries, including Vega Sicilia, Clos Mogador and Comte Armand in Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cebreros vineyard is based on steep slopes made up of slate soils, which gives a lovely perfume to the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are old - 80 years - so what little fruit they produce is very concentrated and pure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation starts gently and spontaneously to preserve all that vineyard character and build complexity, and the wine is aged for 14 months in old French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose is elegant and subtle, with hints of dried fruit and wild herbs in there. On the palate it’s rich, structured and creamy, with bright and floral aromatics and a balsamic core. It finishes so fresh for a wine of its age, and there’s easily 5-10 years still in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this wine is from the dead-centre of Spain and not somewhere else more famous, the value is spectacular!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52781572325707,"sku":"ARRBFG21","price":24.69,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0230.jpg?v=1732722360"},{"product_id":"la-suerte-de-arrayan-garnacha-2019","title":"La Suerte de Arrayán Garnacha 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eGarnacha is all the rage in Spain right now, and after tasting this wine, hopefully you’ll agree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grape’s thin skins and light colour remind some people of Burgundy Pinot, but you get more power and more alcohol. It’s ideally suited to the heat and altitude of central Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine is from the Méntrida region, in the mountains just south-west of Madrid. Until recently, most Garnacha from here was shipped up to Rioja to bulk up their reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTalented young winemakers like Maite Sánchez are driving the Garnacha revolution in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Suerte de Arrayán is a single-vineyard, high-altitude Garnacha from 70 year-old vines. The nose is delicate and creamy, with lovely juicy red fruit. It leads to a palate that is balanced, juicy and elegant, with tons of minerality and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but with extra elegance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarah Jane Evans MW gave the last vintage 93 points in Decanter magazine - for a wine of this age and quality, it’s a total steal at the price.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52781821002059,"sku":"ARYSRT19","price":19.91,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0241.jpg?v=1753255669"},{"product_id":"domaine-olivier-hillaire-chateauneuf-du-pape-2023","title":"Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eOlivier tells me that the best Châteauneufs come from old vines. Olivier only has old vines - so Grenache makes up the majority (90%) of this blend. 10% of Syrah is added for extra oomph and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe average age of the vines is 85 years. And you can taste the concentration and complexity in every sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a blend of a few of Olivier’s favourite vineyards dotted around Châteauneuf - some are on sand, others on pebbles, and others on limestone. Olivier is searching for great balance when he puts this wine together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne sniff and you know you’re looking at something serious - there’s lovely bright red fruit, but also a herbaceousness and earthiness that makes you want to dive straight in. Then on the palate, it’s weighty, dense and juicy, with lovely lifted aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s amazingly approachable for a Châteauneuf so young - so grab a couple of bottles, drink one and stick the other away for a while!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52952269422923,"sku":"HCDP23","price":32.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0121.jpg?v=1729090595"},{"product_id":"clos-leopold-gigondas-2021","title":"Clos Léopold Gigondas 2021","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is named after winemaker Julien Mazaloubaud’s grandfather, Léopold, who planted a vineyard in a remote corner of the spectacular Dentelles mountains in the 1960s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor decades the fruit was sold to the local cooperative. When Julien started working there himself in 2002, he noticed the amazing fruit coming in from his grandfather’s vineyard - only for it to be lost in huge blends destined for the supermarkets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere’s good reason why the fruit was so good. Clos Léopold is one of Gigondas’ highest vineyards at 350m, and it’s north-facing too. It means there’s a big difference between day- and night-time temperatures, and the vineyards are in the shade from the scorching late afternoon sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is fruit with a cooler profile - almost more northern Rhône than southern - full of pepper, vibrant fruit and violets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulien finally left the cooperative and started Clos Léopold in 2017, to do justice to his grandfather’s legacy. Today it’s a tiny, artisanal domaine where everything is done by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, vinified and aged mainly in concrete tanks, with around 10% aged in small oak barrels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s a more restrained and elegant style of Gigondas, which I love. You get lots of dark fruit, violets and garrigue on the nose, with layers of spice and complexity on the palate, and a long, delicious, peppery finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClos Léopold still flies under the radar, appreciated mainly by local winemakers and insiders in the know. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a WineSpark member, you can now count yourself among them with exclusive access to this wine!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53172397834571,"sku":"LEOGIG21","price":32.74,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0250_e0d1f256-083d-4c4d-955e-003637fbca32.jpg?v=1757081383"},{"product_id":"virgile-blanc-saint-saturnin-2023","title":"Virgile Blanc Saint-Saturnin 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Languedoc - with its high altitude, complex soils and rich tapestry of old vines - should be heaven for making white wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s got all the raw ingredients to be held right up there with Burgundy and the Loire, France’s other great white wine regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe it’s because there’s a better history of making reds here, that I’ve always struggled to find a white wine I’d be proud to hang my hat on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil I tried this wine when visiting Virgile and Magdalena Joly in the Languedoc recently!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint-Saturnin is an up-and-coming appellation in the Larzac’s southern foothills, with hot days and cold nights producing grapes with that perfect balance of full flavour and freshness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirgile’s Grenache Blanc on its own gives beautiful flavours of white peach, pear and a lovely minerality too. He then adds 20-25% of Rolle to the blend, which gives it extra complexity and takes it from good to great, and ages it for 18 months in fine French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine was awarded 98\/100 points and won Best In Show at Millésime Bio, a big organic wine fair in Montpellier that I go to every year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Burgundy getting more and more out of reach for people in France, Virgile tells me he’s winning hearts with this wine as a great alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo try it for yourself and see exactly why - for a really top French white, it's an amazing price too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53721876332875,"sku":"VJRBL23","price":24.13,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0232.jpg?v=1734249336"},{"product_id":"terre-des-dames-la-dame-2023","title":"Terre des Dames La Dame 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eIf you’re looking for the perfect easy-drinking red, then you’ve come to the right place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a classic Languedoc blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah, made by Lidewij van Wilgen, a rising name in the Languedoc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s from the Saint-Chinian region, which is traditionally known for pretty robust and rustic reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine couldn’t be any more different, and it’s all thanks to the quality of fruit in Lidewij’s beautiful organic vineyards. And her gentle winemaking which preserves the freshness of the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of vibrant blueberry, fresh herbs and red fruits leap out of the glass - there’s Carignan from a special 70 year-old vineyard in the blend, which gives it this gorgeous nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then on the palate it’s rich and elegant, with layers of juicy fruit and a long and fresh finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a family affair - Lidewij’s three daughters are actively involved with the business, working hard in the vineyards and cellar. The three hearts you’ll see on the label are Lidewij’s tribute to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe it lightly chilled and with literally anything grilled, for instant transportation to good times in the south of France!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53722069238091,"sku":"TDDLD23","price":17.68,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0157_1.jpg?v=1729868686"},{"product_id":"domaine-olivier-hillaire-chateauneuf-du-pape-rouge-2024","title":"Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eOlivier tells me that the best Châteauneufs come from old vines. Olivier only has old vines - so Grenache makes up the majority (90%) of this blend. 10% of Syrah is added for extra oomph and power.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe average age of the vines is 85 years. And you can taste the concentration and complexity in every sip.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt’s a blend of a few of Olivier’s favourite vineyards dotted around Châteauneuf - some are on sand, others on pebbles, and others on limestone. Olivier is searching for great balance when he puts this wine together.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne sniff and you know you’re looking at something serious - there’s lovely bright red fruit, but also a herbaceousness and earthiness that makes you want to dive straight in. Then on the palate, it’s weighty, dense and juicy, with lovely lifted aromas. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt’s amazingly approachable for a Châteauneuf so young - so grab a couple of bottles, drink one and stick the other away for a while!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53722077725003,"sku":"HCDP24A","price":33.66,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0121_6568f3ca-1a42-4204-bd40-bda634896f67.jpg?v=1776271598"},{"product_id":"domaine-boucabeille-monte-nero-2022","title":"Domaine Boucabeille Monte Nero 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany moons ago, I spent a month picking grapes in the south of France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was in the Côtes du Roussillon, to be exact. It was a tough experience, and one that I’m not keen to repeat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA couple of years later I returned and bought a few bottles of the actual wine whose grapes I’d picked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately it was pretty dreadful stuff, and I felt as if all my toil had been in vain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast forward 18 years, and I finally have my hands on an amazing Côtes du Roussillon that I couldn’t be prouder of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd all I had to do to find it was travel to wine fair in Montpellier and discover it.\u003cbr\u003eMonte Nero means ‘Black Mountain’, and it’s on the slopes of this imposing peak that you’ll find the grapes for this wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other interesting thing about winemaker Jean Boucabeille’s wines is that they’re all grown on schist soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives a delightfully punchy and spicy character to the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, and its dark and brooding fruit and impressive power really jumped out at me at the fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like your reds unapologetically big, then you have to give it a try!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56028908945739,"sku":"BOUCMN22","price":21.3,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/MonteNero.jpg?v=1716285358"},{"product_id":"vinyes-dolivardots-vdo-2-carinyena-emporda-2019","title":"Vinyes d'Olivardots VD'O 2 Carinyena 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are 19 officially-classified Grand Cru vineyards in all of Catalunya, and just one in Empordà. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinyes d’Olivardots are the lucky owners of that precious 115 year-old vineyard, and winemaker Carlota Pena makes this wine from it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll find the vineyard right at the entrance to the Olivardots estate. It belonged to a neighbour who used to make wine from it for him and his friends - I wonder did they realise the potential they were sitting on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is made in the same way as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.co.uk\/products\/vinyes-dolivardots-vdo-1-emporda-2019\"\u003eVd’O 1\u003c\/a\u003e, but the granite-sandy soils add an extra level of richness and intensity - this is just sensational.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note that due to extremely limited stocks, there's a maximum of two bottles per customer on this wine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56034034549067,"sku":"OLV2D19","price":37.6,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey_0256_259c96d7-6ef9-40de-8dca-0a76ba219ee0.jpg?v=1764773160"},{"product_id":"domaine-boucabeille-les-orris-2023","title":"Domaine Boucabeille Les Orris 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eForça Réal is also known as the Black Mountain - it’s an imposing peak in the Roussillon that has served as a landmark for centuries for sailors, soldiers and now, wine drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its scorching sun, rugged mountains and smorgasbord of complex ancient soils, the Roussillon was once the heart of France’s thriving fortified wine scene.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat made it perfect for such great fortified wines then, makes it ideal for big reds today:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlate soils force the vines to struggle and dig deep for nutrients, in turn producing wonderfully complex and intense grapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouth and east orientation gives warm morning sun, so the grapes ripen slowly and gently rather than getting scorched in the late afternoon heat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 400m altitude means it’s windy, warm and dry - the perfect environment for organic viticulture which ensures the purest and healthiest fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLes Orris Rouge is Jean’s top wine - if \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/winespark.com\/products\/domaine-boucabeille-monte-nero-2021?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=0b40e1bcc\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMonte Nero\u003c\/a\u003e is all about Grenache on slate soils, then Les Orris is all about Syrah on slate soils. Think punchy black fruit, perfume and spice à la Côte-Rôtie - up to a third of the wine ages in new barrels, which really ramps up the intensity and power.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean reckons this patch of land would be a nailed-on Grand Cru if it was in Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd as soon as you taste this wine, I’m sure you’ll agree!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56684874105163,"sku":"BOUCOR23","price":27.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0240_1.jpg?v=1755778905"},{"product_id":"las-pedreras-los-arroyuelos-garnacha-2024","title":"Las Pedreras Los Arroyuelos Garnacha 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to Spanish fine wine, Gredos is now the talk of the town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt’s all about Garnacha here, which is the same grape (Grenache) behind great Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe unique combination of high altitude and sandy-granite soils in Gredos produces Garnacha with intense flavour, but also great finesse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink Burgundian elegance with Spanish sunshine, and you’re in business.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautifully balanced Garnacha, a blend of different plots along the Alto Alberche valley. It has the juicy fruit of a good Côtes du Rhône, with classic Gredos structure and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpain's most respected wine critic, Ferran Centelles, gave the 2021 vintage 17\/20 points on JancisRobinson.com and also a big thumbs up for its value.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think this one's even better!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57047494426955,"sku":"ARYLS24","price":21.59,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0238.jpg?v=1753384767"},{"product_id":"las-pedreras-arquiton-rosado-2024","title":"Las Pedreras Arquitón Rosado 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a more serious rosé, so treat it like a lighter red or even a complex white.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s from the incredibly exciting Gredos wine region, high up in the mountains west of Madrid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of rosé out there is made using excess grapes or juice - but this is the complete opposite. Bárbara selects the vineyards carefully, with making a great, ageworthy rosé in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd again unlike lots of higher-priced rosé, the premium you’re paying here is for quality rather than marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Garnacha grapes come from south-facing vineyards in the San Juan de la Nava and Burgohondo areas - the soils here are quite fertile which means the grapes grow bigger in size, and you therefore get a higher juice to skin ratio compared to elsewhere in the valley. It’s the perfect raw material for making juicy, refreshing rosé.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow for some geeky stuff - Bárbara lets the malolactic fermentation start naturally - this gives more complexity and expression to the wine. This is a trick that she picked up in her time working in Champagne.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is aged in old white wine barrels for six months - before being bottled in the spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nose you get vibrant red fruit, wild herbs and even grapefruit - it’s so expressive and alive. On the palate then it’s structured, fresh and peppery, with that unmistakable minerality from the granite soils, and a gorgeous texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy it with nibbles like olives and cheese as an aperitif, and it will go with all sorts of mains - it will even offer refreshment to big meat dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou might have heard of places like Bandol and Tavel that make top quality, long-lived rosé - this wine deserves to be right in that category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy it now, but feel free to tuck a few bottles away and see how it improves over the next few years!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57047503962443,"sku":"ARQTN24","price":21.17,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0236.jpg?v=1753384855"},{"product_id":"las-pedreras-pelito-lindo-garnacha-2024","title":"Las Pedreras Pelito Lindo Garnacha 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere’s a saying in the business that ‘great wine starts in the vineyard’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the winemaker’s job is to guide the grapes into bottle, leaving the drinker with a vivid sense of where the wine comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s exactly how the best do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of those amazing vineyards, Las Calzadas, is the main component in this wine from Gredos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGredos is Spain’s answer to Burgundy, and its patchwork of old vineyards dotted around a remote, mountainous region of imposing granite peaks makes it all the more dramatic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've had the pleasure of visiting it with winemaker Bárbara - even better I’d enjoyed the wine at lunch just moments before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is named after the vineyard’s previous owner, an old guy who lived in nearby Villanueva de Ávila.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of old people in Spanish villages have nicknames - I’ve heard of \u003cem\u003eLa Loba\u003c\/em\u003e (the wolf) and \u003cem\u003eEl Ratón\u003c\/em\u003e (the mouse).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePelito Lindo\u003c\/em\u003e means ‘beautiful little hair’ - Bárbara tells me he was bald with a fringe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis amazing fact aside, the wine is one of the best Garnachas in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are over 100 years old, and the vineyard faces south east. It produces an elegant, refined Garnacha with serious perfume and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of Châteauneuf-du-Pape meets Côte-de-Nuits Burgundy, and you’re in business.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m very lucky to work with winemakers who in turn work with some of the most special vineyard sites in the world - and this is definitely one of them!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57047509991755,"sku":"PLTLND24","price":51.3,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/LasPedrerasPelitoLindo21.jpg?v=1715952830"},{"product_id":"la-suerte-de-arrayan-garnacha-2020","title":"La Suerte de Arrayán Garnacha 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eGarnacha is all the rage in Spain right now, and after tasting this wine, hopefully you’ll agree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grape’s thin skins and light colour remind some people of Burgundy Pinot, but you get more power and more alcohol. It’s ideally suited to the heat and altitude of central Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine is from the Méntrida region, in the mountains just south-west of Madrid. Until recently, most Garnacha from here was shipped up to Rioja to bulk up their reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTalented young winemakers like Maite Sánchez are driving the Garnacha revolution in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Suerte de Arrayán is a single-vineyard, high-altitude Garnacha from 70 year-old vines. The nose is delicate and creamy, with lovely juicy red fruit. It leads to a palate that is balanced, juicy and elegant, with tons of minerality and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but with extra elegance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarah Jane Evans MW gave the last vintage 93 points in Decanter magazine - for a wine of this age and quality, it’s a total steal at the price.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57547204034891,"sku":"ARYSRT20","price":19.77,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0241.jpg?v=1753255669"},{"product_id":"el-bufon-de-arrayan-garnacha-2024","title":"El Bufón de Arrayán Garnacha 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve vaguely heard about Cebreros and wondered what the fuss is all about, then you’ve come to the right place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a high-altitude, single-vineyard Garnacha from Maite Sánchez, one of the region’s rising star winemakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGarnacha is also known as Grenache, and you’ll find it in some of the best (and most expensive) Chateauneuf-du-Papes and Priorats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think however the style of this wine is somewhere in between Burgundy and Barolo, which is no surprise given Maite’s influences and experience making wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe’s previously made wine at some of the world’s most iconic wineries, including Vega Sicilia, Clos Mogador and Comte Armand in Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cebreros vineyard is based on steep slopes made up of slate soils, which gives a lovely perfume to the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are old - 80 years - so what little fruit they produce is very concentrated and pure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation starts gently and spontaneously to preserve all that vineyard character and build complexity, and the wine is aged for 14 months in old French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nose is elegant and subtle, with hints of dried fruit and wild herbs in there. On the palate it’s rich, structured and creamy, with bright and floral aromatics and a balsamic core. It finishes so fresh for a wine of its age, and there’s easily 5-10 years still in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this wine is from the dead-centre of Spain and not somewhere else more famous, the value is spectacular!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57547341168971,"sku":"ARRBFG24","price":24.56,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0230.jpg?v=1732722360"},{"product_id":"virgile-joly-le-joly-rouge-2023","title":"Virgile Joly Le Joly Rouge 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for an easy-drinking French red at an amazing price, then you’ve come to the right place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Virgile Joly first set up in Saint-Saturnin twenty years ago, he had mainly old vineyards - low-yielding vines that produced concentrated, complex wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the domaine grew, he bought some younger vineyards which produced more fruit. That gave him the idea for a different kind of wine - something fresh, lively and ‘\u003cem\u003efacile à boire\u003c\/em\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose vines are now 25 years old, no spring chickens themselves!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey’re farmed organically, with yields kept low. The grapes are picked ripe but not over-mature, then the wine is aged in concrete vats to preserve all that lovely fruit and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is a blend of mostly Syrah and Grenache - it’s juicy and easy-drinking, but with proper structure too. Think blackberries, plums and wild strawberries, with spice, wild herbs and a touch of liquorice and cocoa on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLe Joly Rouge is exactly what it sounds like - a joyful and generous red, bursting with southern French sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve admired this wine for years when tasting with Virgile - so I’m delighted to finally bring it to you. At this price, it’s an absolute steal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57953023066443,"sku":"VJJOL23","price":15.02,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey_0305.jpg?v=1787861279"},{"product_id":"virgile-joly-saturne-rose-2025","title":"Virgile Joly Saturne Rosé 2025","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou might remember Virgile Joly’s Rouge as one of my biggest discoveries of last year. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWell it turns out that he makes a mean rosé too! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVirgile is one of the Languedoc’s most talented and respected winemakers, based in Terrasses du Larzac - a region that I believe has France’s greatest untapped fine wine potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’re talking old vines, complex soils and a rich winemaking history going back to the 1950s - where the village of Saint-Saturnin was regarded right up there with France’s best.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault, and will transport you to the south of France in one refreshing sip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt will drink beautifully on its own, but it has the weight and finesse to be a delightful accompaniment to anything pulled from the grill.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57953220821323,"sku":"VJROS25","price":14.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0239.jpg?v=1753254076"},{"product_id":"martinelle-ventoux-rouge-2023","title":"Martinelle Ventoux Rouge 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eI’ve always loved the wines of Ventoux, especially as so many Rhône reds are so big and overblown these days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe altitude of the vineyards around the imposing Mont Ventoux, as well as the Mistral wind which blows through in the summer, keeps the grapes around here healthy and gives them a lovely balance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's literally a breath of fresh air!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker Corinna Faravel, seeing this potential over twenty years ago, made the brave move from Germany to buy her own vineyards here in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is her flagship wine - made up of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from her beautiful, organically-farmed estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe does everything in the vineyards to pick perfectly healthy and ripe grapes, and the winemaking is pretty simple from there. The wine is aged in concrete tanks and bottled with a tiny bit of sulphur to preserve all that vineyard character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love Côtes du Rhône but maybe you miss how it used to taste - this wine is for you. It's bright, fresh and juicy, with lovely flavours of raspberry, violets and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorinna sold her wine very briefly in Ireland around 10 years ago - she couldn’t be happier to be back, and I’m delighted to make it happen!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58043144241483,"sku":"MRTVTX23","price":20.42,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/MartinelleVentouxRouge2022.jpg?v=1716285525"},{"product_id":"martinelle-beaumes-de-venise-2024","title":"Martinelle Beaumes-de-Venise 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeaumes-de-Venise is a real hidden gem in the Rhône valley - it’s best known for producing long-lived fortified wines made from the Muscat grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut up in the foothills of the imposing Dentelles de Montmirail, you’ll find pockets of vineyards ideally suited to making amazing red wines - capable of giving nearby Vacqueras and Gigondas a serious run for their money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemaker Corinna Faravel found two such magical plots for sale in 2006 and snapped them up immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards are based on a mixture of limestone, clay and oxidised iron - this gives a vivid red colour to the soils. Corinna says this soil gives a lovely freshness and concentration to the fruit - it never tastes jammy or overcooked, no matter how hot the weather gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe farms the vineyards organically which preserves and enhances the lovely raspberry, herbaceous and balsamic flavours in the fruit, which is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the hard work done in the vineyards, there’s nothing complicated left to do in the winery. It’s aged for 10 months in old oak barrels to give it serious power and muscle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like an unapologetically big southern French red, like a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then you have to give this a try!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58043185332555,"sku":"MRTBDV24","price":23.52,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/MartinelleBeaumesdeVenise2022.jpg?v=1716285400"},{"product_id":"clos-leopold-gigondas-2022","title":"Clos Léopold Gigondas 2021","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is named after winemaker Julien Mazaloubaud’s grandfather, Léopold, who planted a vineyard in a remote corner of the spectacular Dentelles mountains in the 1960s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor decades the fruit was sold to the local cooperative. When Julien started working there himself in 2002, he noticed the amazing fruit coming in from his grandfather’s vineyard - only for it to be lost in huge blends destined for the supermarkets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere’s good reason why the fruit was so good. Clos Léopold is one of Gigondas’ highest vineyards at 350m, and it’s north-facing too. It means there’s a big difference between day- and night-time temperatures, and the vineyards are in the shade from the scorching late afternoon sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is fruit with a cooler profile - almost more northern Rhône than southern - full of pepper, vibrant fruit and violets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulien finally left the cooperative and started Clos Léopold in 2017, to do justice to his grandfather’s legacy. Today it’s a tiny, artisanal domaine where everything is done by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, vinified and aged mainly in concrete tanks, with around 10% aged in small oak barrels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s a more restrained and elegant style of Gigondas, which I love. You get lots of dark fruit, violets and garrigue on the nose, with layers of spice and complexity on the palate, and a long, delicious, peppery finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClos Léopold still flies under the radar, appreciated mainly by local winemakers and insiders in the know. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a WineSpark member, you can now count yourself among them with exclusive access to this wine!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WineSpark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58478880227659,"sku":"LEOGIG21A","price":32.74,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0512\/0645\/5483\/files\/WS-HighKey-0250_e0d1f256-083d-4c4d-955e-003637fbca32.jpg?v=1757081383"}],"url":"https:\/\/winespark.myshopify.com\/collections\/grenache.oembed","provider":"WineSpark","version":"1.0","type":"link"}