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‘I wish I knew more about wine!’

Article written by Jack Priestley.

I manage the Dorchester wine shop for Morrish & Banham and I am always met with people who wished they knew a little more about wine. Part of what we do at the shop is hosting private wine tastings and guided experiences. I am always thrilled to see people understand a little more about what they are drinking.

To me, wine is endlessly fascinating to learn about.. but I’m a bit of wine nerd. But what is important is that there is always something fun, interesting and engaging to learn about, regardless of your level of interest.

Would you simply like to find a more enjoyable wine for the evening? Maybe be able to navigate a wine menu at a restaurant? Perhaps you know what you like, but honestly, you’re not sure why! The more you learn about wine, the more interesting it becomes.

People like wine for different reasons.

For some people it’s all about the taste, the flavour, the aroma and the way a wine makes you feel. For others it’s about discovering the perfect pairing. Finding a wine that elevates a dish that you have prepared, or a food that makes a wine reach new heights. Maybe sharing a glass brings back fond memories of a previous holiday.

I’ve always been drawn to the stories of wine. Yes, broadly speaking, most winemakers have the same ambition; that is to produce wine to the best of their ability, for good people like you to enjoy.

But wine is produced all around the world, across different cultures and climates. And each winemaker is unique in their set of past experiences and future goals. What I’m trying to say is that each wine has the capacity to tell a story about the place it was from, and the people behind it.

Wine is for anyone who chooses to take an interest in it. The quality, value and accessibility of wine, along with information about it has never been better. That makes this year a better time than ever to start learning a little more about this uniquely fascinating beverage.

For information about the tastings we offer see our ‘Events‘ page or to arrange a private tasting visit here.

Do wines get better with age?

Article written by Jack Priestley.

That common phrase – to age like a fine wine. How much truth is there in it? Do all wines get better with age?

First of all, what does it mean for a wine to age and why might we do it? To age wine refers to storing a bottle for an extended period of time after it has been released. The hope is that over the years it will evolve, both in terms of the flavour profile (developing more interesting and diverse flavours) but also improve texturally on the palate. Some wines can appear a bit tough or tightly wound in their youth, and a bit of time in bottle helps them to relax and expand.

Wines that are are characteristically high in acidity or tannins (or both) have the best ageing potential. Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling are two of the great examples here. Acidity and tannin preserve the wine, providing a frame if you like, so that even as these elements diminish over time, great older wines should still have some freshness and body to gracefully carry all the intriguing flavours that develop.

Wines that have the capacity to age will often have a suggested ‘drinking window.’ This is essentially when wine critics, producers or wine people believe a wine will be best enjoyed. It’s important to mention that a lot of this is down to personal preference, however history has shown us at what age certain wines from different regions and grape varieties tend to show their best personality.

Most wines that have been matured in oak barrels throughout production, tend to show best, at least a couple of years after they have been bottled. This goes for both whites and reds. That time allows the oak to sink into the fruit, and all the flavours and components (think acids, tannins, sugars) of the wine to meld together in greater harmony.

I’d love to give you some hard and fast rules, but truth is, that a lot is down to the individual producer. Wine can be made in a light-fruity youthful style, or a more complex and intense, full-bodied style, and this is down to decisions made by the producer. Price can be an indicator, but not always.

I must point out that the vast majority of wines produced worldwide are unlikely to get better with any extended time in bottle. Most wines are produced with the intention for early consumption, meaning that they are best drunk whilst they are young, bright and youthful. Young wines typically have vibrant, fruity characteristics, and for the most part this is why we enjoy them so much! So when you purchase your average bottle of Cotes du Rhone or Chardonnay, the wine will keep in pretty good condition and stay reasonably fresh for a couple of years, but I’d steer clear of tucking it away for any longer.

If you pop to your local wine specialist they will often stock a number of older bottles, you’ll save yourself much of the trouble of having to store the wine correctly and avoid the risk of drinking it too soon! However you’ll likely pay a bit of a premium for this so why not ask for a recommendation to experiment yourself!

If you’re really interested is understanding how wines develop, it’s best to get tasting! This could mean buying several bottles of a wine and drinking them over a number of years. Or we often stock a number of older wines that are available to purchase already with some bottle age. Come and chat with us in the shop. We’ll help guide you towards a new loved wine or a favoured producer. We’ll use our knowledge to help guide you towards a wine that will help you discover this fascinating side of wine.

Keep on the wine trail!

Jack

 

Top Recommendations:

Kilikanoon, Clare Valley Riesling, Australia, 2021 – BUY HERE

A powerful but elegant Clare Valley Riesling with beautifully pure aromas of citrus and white flowers. Ageing potential of 20 years plus.

Chateau Andron Blanquet, Saint Estephe, Bordeaux, France, 2016 – BUY HERE

Red Bordeaux is one of the most traditional wine styles to leave to mature in bottle. This is a terrific example with plenty of earthy, dark fruit flavours and fine tannins. It is sure to gain complexity and a beautiful fine structure with age.  A handy rule of thumb is that much good Bordeaux is in it’s prime drinking window between 5-15 years after bottling. But do note that the quality level of red Bordeaux varies significantly, from some of the world’s greatest wines to simple table wine.

‘The best English still wine I have ever tasted!’

Article written by Mark Banham.

My experience of English Wine is longer than most. As a 15 year old boy I worked at the Priory Vineyard in Little Dunmow in rural Essex where I grew up. The wines from Germanic hybrid varieties were fruity & clean but the acidity was bracing to say the least! Over the intervening 35 years I have tasted wines from just about every region & vineyard that England has to offer; the good and bad, sublime to ridiculous! This is how I know that the Bride Valley Chardonnay (2020) is so good.

From a beautiful vineyard just a corks pop from the Jurassic Coast, Steven & Bella Spurrier have fashioned a wonderland of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier on lean chalk soils. Vineyard Manager Graham Fisher has created a bond with the soils, working thoughtfully in harmony with the existing flora & fauna and eschewing harmful short cuts. Careful viticulture, selective harvesting & fine winemaking have all contributed to make the Bride Valley Chardonnay (2020) the excellent wine it is!

Bride Valley, Dorset Chardonnay, 2020 – £25.00 – BUY HERE

Tasting Note: The best vintage to date of this wonderful Chardonnay from Dorset’s Bride Valley Vineyard. An excellent bright, pale yellow appearance with a precise, elegant nose of lemon peel, floral notes and minerality. The palate is delicious; ripe and rounded citrus fruit with honeyed, Burgundian style depth & weight all balanced by crisp, mineral acidity.

In all my previous write-ups, I have brought wines to your attention and gently suggested that you might consider them. I really do think you should buy a case or two of the Bride Valley Chardonnay (2020).

With best wishes,

Mark

 

Discover delicious rosé wines to enjoy with family and friends. As we look forward to the warmer months of the year, now is just the right time to find a few great bottles of rose that you can enjoy all summer long. We’ve hand selected four of our favourites, which are tasting absolutely fantastic right now and will do for many months to come!

 

Château L’Escarelle, Rosé, Côteaux Varois en Provence, France, 2020Chateau de L’Escarelle is one of the top wine estates in the heart of Provence, with 100 hectares of organically certified vineyards set in 1,000 hectares of beautiful woodland.The estate is famous for its beautifully aromatic and enticing dry rosé wines that are made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.

Wonderfully expressive and elegant rosé with delicate floral aromas, lively minerality and delicious strawberry fruit notes.

£14.99 per bottle 

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Domaine Mont d’Hortes Rosé, Cuvee des 4 Saisons, France, 2021

Domaine Mont D’hortes produce this excellent 100% Grenache based rosé from their delightful 30 hectare property located 60km South West of Montpellier.

A consistently award-winning pale, salmon pink rosé which is Provencal in style. It’s lovely, light and fragrant with delicate red fruits and offers tremendous value for money. A true M&B favourite.

£10.99 per bottle

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Piquepoul Rosé, Les Vignobles Foncalieu, France, 2020

Produced by our friends at the excellent co-operative Les Vignobles Foncalieu in the South of France; this is a rare example of a Piquepoul Noir rosé.

This is a native variety of the Eastern Languedoc and produces a wine with delightfully fresh, summer fruit flavours. Perfect for enjoying out in the sun.

£10.99 per bottle

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Furleigh Estate, Sea Pink, England

Sea Pink is a toast to spring and summer in a glass, wild strawberry notes hit you from first nose to last sip. Furleigh Estate near Bridport, Dorset produce this excellent wine, Ian Edwards having been producing first class sparkling and still wines since 2005.

The rosé has a deeper colour, is just off-dry in style, wonderfully balanced with a broad palate of summer fruit flavours making it dangerously easy to drink!

£13.99 per bottle

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Finding the perfect wine for a sunny afternoon.

Article written by Jack Priestley. 

Long sunny afternoons often have me thinking about whether there is a perfect summertime wine to enjoy? What would I most like to have in my glass that evening? Have I got a wine that I’m excited to pop open and to share?

At any time there is usually a handful of bottles on my wine rack, (or more often in the fridge) ready and waiting for an opportune moment to be drunk. But honestly, the real answer is that there’s never any one perfect wine for a situation, instead there are always loads of different wines and styles that work well with different situations. So a good policy for starters, is to avoid over-thinking about any bottle for a particular situation.

That said, it’s good to have some ‘wine rack essentials’ that are both personal favourites of yours and potential crowd pleasers for when the sun comes out.

For whites, my advice is that you’ll want something lighter that’s both crisp and refreshing. Something either fruit driven, or mineral in taste. Why not try an Italian Gavi (Il Gavi, Produttori del Gavi, 2021– £11.99) made from the Cortese grape, it’s light-bodied with fresh and fragrant aromas of passion fruit, pear and acacia. Or if you’d like to be adventurous seek out an Albariño from Uruguay, this sunshine filled grape has wonderful purity of flavour, peach, citrus and distinct mineral tones make this the ultimate summertime wine (Bodegas Garzon, Albariño, 2021 – £19.99).

Rosé is another obvious choice, it might be rather basic of me to recommend a Provence rosé (Chateau L’Escarelle, Provence Rosé, 2020 – £14.99) but the popularity of this delicate and fragrant wine style from the South of France seems to have no bounds. On a summers day, it’s hard to beat. Though if you explore other wine regions you can find a similar style, at often a very keen price. We stock Domaine Mont d’Hortes Grenache rosé, 2021 (£10.99) at M&B which provides much the same enjoyment at a far more modest price.

For those red lovers, why not try chilling down a bottle of a lighter style. From a recent trip to Greece I found the Liatiko grape variety works wonders here, it’s juicy, fruity, fragrant and ever-so drinkable (Lyrarakis, Liatiko Queen, Greece, 2021 – £13.99). Another favourite is the Italian variety Frappato (Cantine Paolini, Frappato, 2020 – £9.99) which works awfully well. This berry scented red is beautifully balanced, with lush red fruits brimming on the palate. The key is to avoid anything overly alcoholic or tannic. Just thirty to forty-five minutes in the fridge ought to do it. This’ll just add a touch of refreshment.

Happy wine drinking folks!

Jack

Article written by Jack Priestley.

‘England, the newest of the ‘New World’ wine regions.’

 

It’s a truly exciting time for the English Wine industry and for that matter, for any wine lover in the country. The English Wine scene continues to gain momentum. England, the newest of the ‘New World’ wine regions. A true cool-climate region capable of producing thrilling wines.

 

The geologically diverse soils and a cool, marginal climate make our island ideally suited to the production of traditional method fizz and crisp, aromatic whites. But it’s our talented and hardy grape-growers and wine producers that have taken production to a world-class level.
Our local producers are regularly receiving trophies and winning international competitions, a testament to the quality of their wines. England is the new frontier for sparkling wine, highly sought after across the globe.

 

‘Sparklers certainly dominate production, our finest wines are made in this way.’

 

Sparklers certainly dominate production, our finest wines are made in this way. When seeking out a bottle, a ‘Classic Cuvée’ is usually the signature wine of a producer and represents a classic blend of the trio of Champagne grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. You can blend these three grapes in almost any which way with exciting results, but each producer will develop their own house style.

 

If we think about how these grapes influence the final wine, Chardonnay is very fine and pure with flavours of citrus, apple and florals that dominate. Pinot Noir tends to produce more red fruit flavours like wild strawberry and plum whilst adding richness and body. Finally, Pinot Meunier, a touch more simple but a lovely fruity grape nonetheless and the final piece to the puzzle.

 

‘What’s more exciting, is the best is yet to come.’

 

English still wines also provide much to discover and enjoy. Bacchus and Ortega produce enticingly aromatic and crisp whites. These two varieties are very much at home here. Still Chardonnay is very exciting too, comparisons are often made to Burgundy but producers are carving their own way in the numerous styles that are produced. We are even seeing some promise with English reds with light, perfumed and fragrant Pinot Noir. This is just to say, that there is so much to seek out.

What’s more exciting, is the best is yet to come. English vines are beginning to mature, producing higher quality, more concentrated fruit. Potentially some of the best sites are still yet to be planted! Our producers continue to experiment and refine their methods. So what better time to taste and drink British?

 

‘Join the us on the journey. Support your local producers.’

 

Join us on the journey. Support your local producers. Pop along to one of our shops where we will be showcasing some of our favourite local wines this week. We’re here to give you expert advice and help you to understand English wines, the producers, the people, the methods of production and how our industry sits in the context of the wider world of wine.

Visit a local winery, many of which have a cellar door and offer both tours and tastings. What better way to discover a new favourite bottle but to see where the grapes are grown and meet the people who make the wines. I can assure you that a visit to a local vineyard will be a fun and informative way to spend an afternoon and one that you won’t forget.

Shop our full collection of English wines

 

 

Key labelling terms in Sparkling Wine:

 

NV – this means Non-Vintage. If you don’t see a ‘year’ labelled on a bottle it is a NV or Multi-Vintage wine. This is a blend of wine that has been produced across a number of years. This is very typical in sparkling wine production and does not lessen quality in any way. Producers blend for style, balance, complexity and consistency.

Vintage – Wine produced from a single harvest. The year will appear on the label.

Blanc de Blanc – ‘White from White,’ this French term refers to sparkling wine made only from white grapes. This will be a wine made from Chardonnay, these can be thrilling and very exciting wines that often get better with age.

Blanc de Noir – ‘White from Black,’ again a French term but this time noting a sparkling wine made from black grapes. Pinot Noir usually makes up the majority of the blend. Expect more richness and depth.

Brut – Dry in style.

Extra Brut – Even Drier.

Brut Nature – No dosage or added sweetness whatsoever.

 

A trip to Bride Valley Vineyards in early Spring

Article written by Jack Priestley.

 

‘The final frontier in a life of wine.’

 

In 2009, Arabella and Steven Spurrier first planted vines on their family farm in Dorset, England. The classic trio of Champagne grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Though many vines were being planted in the UK from the early 2000’s, few of those dreaming of producing their very own bottles of fine English wine will have lived a life of wine quite like that of Mr Spurrier.

In fact, few people have ever set foot in as many vineyards, nor tasted as many wines as he. Well regarded as one of the great wine commentators alongside the likes of Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. Technically he was not a vigneron, but had a clear vision for the estate – Bride Valley vineyards – the final frontier in a life of wine.

‘The Judgement of Paris.’

 

For those not familiar with Mr Spurrier, may I bring you back to the story which defined his early career. In the 1970’s, well established in the wine trade and running a wine shop in Paris, he visited  California. I should mention that in the early 1970’s the French were on top of the world, nobody challenged the French. In fact, the rest of the world had been busy trying to emulate the French… but the big question was – had they been resting on their laurels?

Thoroughly impressed by the quality of wines he tasted on that trip to California, a ‘new-world’ wine country. He went about organising a ‘blind-tasting.’ He organised for a panel of professional tasters in the wine trade to taste the best wines of the day from both France and California, in what became known as ‘the Judgement of Paris.’

When the results were unveiled, to the shock and horror of the French, the Californian’s had come out on top! Steven was nearly chased out of the country. The event caused huge embarrassment and for organising it, he certainly struggled to buy wine there again!

The ‘Judgement of Paris’ put Steven on the map, but the impact of this historic tasting cannot be understated. It changed perceptions across the world. It opened people’s eyes and minds to the wine being produced by these so-called ‘new world’ wine regions; California, Australia, Argentina. And the French, the French knew that it was time to up their game.

Beyond this, Steven spent a lifetime travelling the world, talking about wine and writing about wine. It is now a little over a year since his passing and he will long be remembered for his contribution over his career.

 

‘The vineyard is found in an almost natural amphitheater carved into the hillside.’

 

On an early day in Spring I went to visit Bride Valley to see Arabella and vineyard manager Graham, to taste the latest releases of their wines. The family farm is found in one of the most beautiful pockets of the county, in the heart of the English countryside – a must visit!

The vineyard is in an almost natural amphitheater carved into the hillside. The vines are planted on chalky soils and favourably face out mainly to the south, benefitting from long hours of sunlight. Day’s like my visit, with blue skies and only gentle breeze can lead you into the false, often romantic vision of what managing a vineyard entails.

But the English climate is harsh, wet and cool. With all the buzz around English wine people forget that we are just on the margins of where it is possible to grow grapes successfully. To give you an idea about this, in 2012 despite a fantastic summer (think back to the olympics), the weather took a turn for the worse and Bride didn’t pick a single grape! That’s the harsh reality of grape-growing in this country.

Conversely on a year like 2018 where we experienced a glorious Indian-summer, the wines were just thrilling, and that’s just from what we have tasted! Lots of bottles of fizz are lying in cool cellars awaiting release. The high’s are really high and the lows are really low , tears and laughter in equal measure!

‘If it wasn’t for our gloriously average weather- we wouldn’t be quite as good at making sparkling wines!’ – Graham, Vineyard Manager

 

In talking about this vintage variation, Graham the vineyard manager comments ‘if you have a tough year and end up with something really good – there’s a heck of a lot of joy. Like last year (2020), the yields were really down, but the quality of fruit really good.’

I’m reminded making wine isn’t about a strive for perfection. Every year is a bit of a challenge, some years more challenging than others and quite often that’s reflected in the wines that are produced. Part of the allure of wine is understanding the story that each year brings.

So we have our ups and down, but as Graham adeptly puts it ‘ if it wasn’t for our gloriously average weather- we wouldn’t be quite as good at making sparkling wines!’ With a cool climate and a long growing season, the grapes should just ripen in time for harvest. Each year vigneron across the country pray for some late summer sun before the Autumn rain set in.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier when just ripe, have wonderful acidity which is absolutely what great sparkling wine needs. And the flavours of these grapes, when blended together provide the perfect base wine that then undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in Champagne, to create that magical fizz.

Each year Bride Valley Vineyards are striving towards sustainable viticulture and aim to produce the highest quality fruit possible, in face of all challenges. They now makes 4x different sparkling wines and since 2018 they have begun making still wines also, which show great promise. In terms of winemaking, it’s a simple low intervention approach to keep a sense of purity and place for the wines.

The wines are fantastic. Tasting the latest releases I am reminded of the exceptional quality and the characterful wines that are made here in Dorset. Bride Valley exude quality and finesse and these are wines that I am always excited to share with our customers.

 

‘I am reminded of the exceptional quality and the characterful wines that are made here in Dorset.’

 

 

Bride Valley Dorset Cremant, NV

This Dorset Cremant is bottled at a lower pressure, and is the signature Bride Valley wine. Bright, pale lemon-green in colour. On the nose, attractive, lifted aromatics. Flavours of citrus, lemon, green apple and gentle shortbread, biscuity notes provide depth. On the palate, delightfully fresh, an almost chalky mousse coming from the delicate fizz. A broad approachable style, and very moreish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with fine seafood.

£29.99 per bottle

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Bride Valley, Brut Reserve, 2017

Roughly an equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Full-bodied, rich and generous but at the same time, bright with beautiful lifted acidity and a fine mousse leading to wonderful mouthfeel and texture. Complex with evolving flavours of orchard fruits, redcurrant, citrus and baked apple with a long finish. Outstanding wine.

£33.99 per bottle 

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Bride Valley, Rose Bella, 2018

A wonderful, delicate sparkling rosé made from predominantly Pinot Noir. The striking colour is achieved using the saignée method (essentially a short maceration on the skins of the red grapes). Amazingly intense aromas of red fruits, wild strawberry, pear and baking spice come from the glass, and follow on the palate. It’s fresh with wonderful intensity of fruit, great mouthfeel, and for an often overlooked wine style, this sparkling rosé is really very stylish. Enjoy as an aperitif.

£35.99 per bottle

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Bride Valley, Dorset Chardonnay, 2019

A terrific cool-climate Chardonnay, beautifully fresh and aromatic with classic green apple and pear notes. It’s very pure and well balanced with a great depth of flavour and a lovely crisp and refreshing finish. You could easily mistake this wine for a very good bottle of white Burgundy! The perfect partner to locally caught seafood!

£19.99 per bottle.  

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Shop our full collection of English wines

 

We all love a cheeky chocolate treat with a glass of wine as a way to unwind, which is why the latest tasting event hosted by wine merchants Morrish and Banham in conjunction with chocolatiers, Chococo, filled their Brewery Square store.

The sell out Wine and Chocolate Tasting event hosted at Morrish and Banham’s Brewery Square shop is part of the company’s regular wine tasting events, where they team up with other local producers to showcase excellent products. Guests were able experience a tasty inspiration for Christmas gifts with a selection of products from Chococo alongside Morrish and Banham’s most popular wine options.

Caroline Banham, from Morrish and Banham, said: “As a small company we have always enjoyed collaborating with other Dorset businesses for tasting events and post Covid, we are enjoying being able to do so again. Chococo are such a high quality company with exceptional products, we were delighted to be able to work with them to show how chocolate and wine can be happy partners.”

As well as regular tasting events, Morrish and Banham also host wine tasting for private groups, friends, family and work colleagues at any time during the year and run a series of more specialist tastings on a regular basis. There is also the option to meet with their resident wine expert, Jack, at impromptu drop in tastings in the Dorchester shop.

Mark Banham said: “It was lovely to meet with Claire and Andy of Chococo, they are a real inspiration. They’re real food heroes with a wonderful product and a great ethical stand point. We had a fantastic, jolly evening with all our customers.”

And Mark’s verdict on the best wine to enjoy with Chococo chocolate? He said: “The Morrish and Banham team’s favourite combination was the Arbequina and Dorset Sea Salt Truffle with our Rutherglen Muscat pudding wine – exquisite!”

Each year, Morrish and Banham hold their biggest tasting event in the run up to Christmas to bring a selection of over 100 of their wines and spirits, including locally produced drinks, from producers such as the Furleigh Estate and Black Cow Vodka, to customers.

View the original blog post on the Dorset Food and Drink website