Given that we're constantly asked what our favourite wines are, we're putting together our Ultimate Wine List - which is basically a list of the best wines from every region across the world. We're keeping the list to one wine from each producer and sometimes it may not even be the producer's top wine that makes the list but we'll explain our reasons for each wine as we go along. And, please note, it's not only wines that we stock - it's an ever evolving list of wines that deserve their place. And it's great fun to do!
We'll post all the wines on Instagram (@elementarywine) if you wish to follow but please do check back here as we add the latest wines each month. Here's what we've enjoyed in April....
No. 29 - Domaine Belargus Quarts (Loire, France) - wow, what a wine! Belargus are redefining an area of France that is better known for sweet wines (much like Muchada-Leclapart below), and are producing sublime dry, terroir focused Chenin Blancs. This is truly exceptional with beautiful notes of apples, apricot, honey, quince, wet stones and smoke. Quite Burgundian in style, there's some sweetness on the opulent palate but the wine finishes dry with vibrant acidity and a great length of flavour. Stunning now and I think it will get better with time in bottle. Outstanding. Available here.
No. 28 - Muchada-Leclapart Elixir (Andalusia, Spain) - an exciting joint venture between top Champagne producer David Leclapart and Alejandro Muchada, who knows the region like few others. Their aim is to make world class still wines from an area best known for Sherry. Elixir is old vine Moscatel, naturally made and a tiny production (2000 bottles approximately). Bone dry with peaches, cream, lemon, baked apple, vanilla, minerals and saline. A really long, slightly oxidative style with great depth and richness of flavour. Progressive and exciting.
No. 27 - Guffens-Heynen Macon Pierreclos Le Chavigne (Burgundy, France) - we had a Burgundy focus this month with this, another stand out natural winemaker. Jean-Marie Guffens-Heynen is showing that its not just well priced wine that comes from the Maconnais. This, from a single vineyard in the village of Pierreclos, is a top class wine - flinty, smoky and reductive with notes of lemon, peach, galia melon, tropical fruit, popcorn, minerals, cream and warm spice. Complex and nuanced with zippy acidity and a huge length of finish. Stunning. Available here.
No. 26 - Jessica Litaud Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru Le Marechaude (Burgundy, France) - a lady making a name for herself with exhilarating Chardonnays. Having worked under the superstar Jura winemaker Francois Ganevat, she took over her 5 hectare family estate in 2019 and, adopting biodynamic principles, has elevated the vienyards and wines to a new level. They are highly sought after and we can see why - really, really top class white Burgundy - and delicious to drink.
No. 25 - Thymiopoulos Vrana Petra (Naoussa, Greece) - undoubtedly the best Greek wine I have had up to this point, a single vineyard Xinomavro from one of the country's top producers. From old organic vineyards, the light colour disguises what a subtly powerful and complex wine this is. Red cherries, berries, earth, smoke, herbs, pepper, minerals and spice. Exceptional balance and length of finish, a beauty and apparently ages wonderfully. Will be adding to our own personal cellar. Available here.
No. 24 - Quinta do Ermizio Chin Chin Vinho Verde (Vinho Verde, Portugal) - this may turn out to be the least expensive and best value wine on our Ultimate Wine List and it's turned out to be a bit of a cult favourite in the last couple of years. It is made in conjunction with the guys that own Noble Rot as they were looking for a house white that over delivered, and this does in spades. Crisp and fresh with a bit of spritz, plenty of citrus, a hint of minerality, moreish, it ticks all the boxes. Available here.
No. 23 - Miles Mossop Sam (Stellenbosch, South Africa) - this is Miles' top wine, a deep brooding Bordeaux blend that will age very gracefully. The whole range overdelivers but this wine is the icing on the cake, packed with supple cassis fruit, tobacco, cedar, mocha and toasty oak. Clearly New World but done very well and well worthy of its place on our list.
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