The Wine Merchant's Blog

Languedoc – Roussillon is huge region and if you want to push yourself further into the eclectic variety of wines, then this is the case for you. In the spirit of optimism, we have included a rose, the Flying Solo Grenache Cinsault Rosé. These classic red grapes from the region combine to offer soft, aromatic […]

The best way to know Languedoc-Roussillon is to try this alternative introductory case. Domaine Ventenac La Cuvée de Stephanie Merlot achieves the remarkable feat of being both sophisticated and approachable, giving this popular grape variety added kudos. The Cépage Grenache from Domaine Gayda is a beautifully rich and velvety red, smooth and full. Château de […]

The following is our selection of the best of Bordeaux 2016 wines from our tasting last week. Many of the wines were tasted three times, and almost certainly twice on different days. Outstanding Le Pin Calon Segur Petrus Vieux Chateau Certan Lafite Pontet-Canet Mouton Rothschild Margaux Pichon Longueville Tertre Roteboeuf Pavie Macquin La Fleur Petrus […]

There is a certain freedom to winemaking in the south of France. The warm Mediterranean climate, the long hours of sunshine, mild winters and warm summers mean that a sizeable number of both red and white grape varieties will thrive in your vineyards. Geographically, the Languedoc is enormous and there is plenty of scope for […]

Early April is when thoughts reflect on the latest vintage in Bordeaux. So last week we spent four 15 hour days searching out the gems from the 2016 vintage, covering more territory than the Trump election battle bus. We are now back home reflecting on the 400 wines tasted. It’s always necessary to set the […]

This great case unveils the breadth of styles available throughout this intriguing region. Discover Languedoc-Roussillon Twelve Pack Price £96 / €142 Six Pack Price £51 / €75 A newcomer to our range, the La Combe Saint Roch Rouge is a wonderfully smooth and soft red, representing the more approachable style of wine you can get […]

The vineyards of Maison Ventenac lie in the foothills of the ‘Black Mountain’, north of Carcassonne. The climate here is an interesting mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Alain Maurel established his winery here in 1973, blending classic Bordeaux varieties with their Mediterranean cousins. His son-in law Olivier joined him in 2009, bringing new ideas to […]

Chardonnay is the most widely-planted grape variety in the world, yet, unfortunately, not always the most popular. Quite polarising in fact. For me personally, it up there as one of my favourites – extremely versatile, it comes in many guises – cool, crisp and lean; rich and ripe with juicy fruit, full of texture and […]

In the not-too-distant past, Languedoc – Roussillon was the obvious choice as a source of copious amounts of cheap wine to impress the neighbours over the fondue.  Now, thanks to winemakers being encouraged to innovate and experiment, this vast wine region is home to some of the most exciting wines to be found anywhere in […]

We are so excited to have Shortcross gin joining us in the tasting room to teach us about the intricacies of gin production – and what makes a fabulous gin and tonic! Tickets are available to buy online here, in-store, or give us a call on 02844 830091.

If you love the full, bold flavours of Chateauneuf du Pape but consider it beyond your budget for the average  wet weekend, then meet our new arrival, Gadagne (pronounced Gad-an-ye). The similarities abound: region? Southern Rhone, Grape varieties? Mainly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre, Terroir? Large pebbles known as “galets”. Even the name – Chateauneuf […]

Recently arrived at JN Wine, and the perfect accompaniment to a dreary Winter weekend; the flying solo range from Domaine Gayda is sure to impress. As with all of the Domaine’s wines, they deliver extraordinary value for money, and an interesting story to boot. The team at Domaine Gayda introduced the Flying Solo collection to celebrate […]