The cat is out of the bag

Jan 23, 2024

Welcome back Club Members!

I know, I have been kinda off the radar in the past few weeks. Nothing major really, just got way too busy recently and the gloomy days don’t always help either.

But I am finally back and have so much to share with you! Pruning at the vineyard, lots of new wines and that long-awaited London trip is coming up. January might not be my favourite month but February is already looking good.

Did you miss how my vineyard adventure started? Head to our Home page where you can catch up on all our trips and favourite wines.

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The 4pm Club Christmas Party Highlights

It seems like a thousand years ago now but The 4pm Club Christmas party was so much fun! And the wines we had…I thought I had to share them with you, even though some of them were on the slightly expensive side but we decided to treat ourselves. After all, we were all working during the day, Chef until late, me freelancing with Friend. So by the time we all managed to be in the same room, it was time for champagne and dinner.

Simpsons Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé 2020

The Champagne was a lovely present for Chef and I was so pleased we saved it for this evening.

English sparkling wine can be hit and miss sometimes and the market is dominated by a few big names but there is way more good stuff out there than you would think so. I admit that I don’t spend enough time learning about these vineyards and discovering their wines but it is changing now!

Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent is a lovechild of Charles and Ruth ( husband and wife ). After their whirlwind journey in Southern France, where they had been making award-winning wines since the early 2000s; they decided to embark on a journey and start producing wine in the UK.

The Estate is situated in the Elham Valley; in the North Downs of Kent where the land, the climate and the soil are excellent for viticulture. Here the lime-rich chalk soil forms part of the same chalk ridge that stretches from southern England through Champagne and on to Burgundy.

Upon pouring, you are greeted by a rose gold coloured sparkling wine with very fine beads. Made out of 100% Pinot Noir grapes, the colour is strikingly beautiful, almost as if it was edited through a warm Instagram filter. Strawberries screaming of freshness, soft rose petals and a hint of sweet brioche on the nose. On the palate, there are crisp, wild berry and vibrant grapefruit flavours balanced with hints of almond and honeysuckle and a touch of rose again. A structured and complex wine with a generously long finish. Finesse and elegance all the way through. And I don’t often say this, but would be happy to have this instead of Champagne!

Name: Simpsons Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé 2020

Origin: Kent, England

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

ABV: 12%

Notes: Rose gold colour with very fine beads. Fresh strawberries, rose petals and a touch of sweet brioche on the nose, followed by wild strawberries and vibrant grapefruit on the palate, balanced with hints of vanilla and almonds. Complex, well structured with a generously long finish

Price: On sale now for £27.99, original price was £34.99!!

Where: Simply Wines Direct

The mighty Gewürztraminer

Do you remember that unbelievably good Vouvray that Friend and I had a while ago? The one we can’t stop thinking about? Well, let me tell you, this Gewürztraminer made it up there! Those of you who have been following my journey know I have the most love towards Riesling, Champagne and Gewürztraminer. I still remember the moment we poured the first glass, I had a quick smell and ended up moving the glass close to me, giving it a tiny hug.

Le Katz Noisette, Gewürztraminer

Following organic and biodynamic practises, this small estate of just 7 hectares is nestled on steep slopes in the heart of Alsace, France. The vineyard is full of fruit trees, dotted along the vines, attracting and providing shelter to wildlife. The whole harvest is carried out by hand, choosing the healthiest fruit to ensure the result is of the highest quality.

Golden-yellow colour, which looks thick, creamy and rich in the glass. It is so pure and expressive on the nose! Lychee, fresh mangos and rose, bursting with warmth and exotic tones. It is semi-dry but the sweet honey comes across on the nose so much you could almost taste it. That honeyed sweetness carries through the palate too, alongside those now overripe mango and lychee aromas. On the second try, beautiful and fragrant floral notes appeared on the nose. A hint of dried apricot on the palate. This wine had so many layers and so much to give! A new little surprise with every sip.

I wish we had 2 bottles. I am certain this had a long story to tell with lots more surprises between those layers.

Name: Domaine Klur, Le Katz Noisette, Gewürztraminer

Origin: Alsace, France

Grape: 100% Gewürztraminer

ABV: 13.5%

Notes: Golden-yellow colour, thick and rich with long legs. Lychee, fresh mangos and rose petals. Honeydew aromas and floral notes. Long finish with great acidity.

Recommend with: It is such a versatile wine, you could literally have it with anything. Asian food, as an aperitif, smoked meat, fish and even dessert!

Price: £24.50

Where: The Good Wine Shop

And a special mention to these beauties

I knew I wouldn’t be able to fit all the Christmas wines into one newsletter. But instead of doing Part 1 and 2, I thought I would mention the favourites. Some were great in their own price bracket and others were just absolutely brilliant. So every week, I will introduce you to them, one by one. And yes, we tried a few…

Lembranzas Albariño, Rias Baixas

Lemon yellow colour with hints of gold. Vibrant nose of pear, peach and apricot. Luscious, creamy and silky palate supported by lively acidity and a touch of salinity of the finish. This is as good as Albarino gets!

Origin: Rias Baixas, Spain

Grape: 100% Albariño

ABV: 12.5%

Price: £73.65 for a case of 6. This is the best price I found online, definitely worth buying 6 bottles.

Where: The Wine List