Our trainee Jonathon is a real wine fanatic, has worked in the trade for 20+ years and loves to talk about the best Mother Nature's grape has to offer. Every week, he'll recommend something that he's buying for his own wine cooler at home and he hopes you'll enjoy it too!

"The sun is out and it's hot! You  reach for the fridge and you only have a chardonnay, sauvignon blanc etc. there! Whilst they are great to enjoy in the garden and relax with, how about a red that you can do the same thing with? Whilst you ponder which red, may I suggest one to consider? It's a Beaujolais, made with Gamay grapes from a vineyard beside a C14th chateau.

Chateau de la Terriere 2010 has a light, soft juicy aroma, blackcurrant and cherry are evident. The palate is smooth and juicy, blackberry and cherry coming thriough with soft tannins. This wine can be lightly chilled on the hottest of days but is soft and light enough to be drunk on it's own. Should you be having a barbecue and cooking sausages, or having a platter of cured meats with friends or family then this wine is a perfect match.

It's open in store so come and give it a try?"

For one week only, we have got an outstanding deal on one of the tastiest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's around! The Ned Sauvignon Blanc is at a fantastically priced £5.99 until the 28th May! Crisp and refreshing, with hints of gooseberry, cut grass and an elderflower note to finish, this is something extra special for a Summer's evening on the patio.

Don't miss out!

Provence trip- Chateau de Berne

I was lucky enough to win a trip to Provence courtesy of Chateau de Berne along with 5 other Majestic colleagues. Having just returned, I thought I would write this article to document and share my fantastic experience.

Day 1

Pulling into Nice airport was a spectacular sight with the clear blue sea highlighting the bustling coastline, framed by the snow covered Alps in the backdrop. Being guests of Chateau de Berne was fantastic. Chateau de Berne is one of the largest producers of Rose wine in the Provence region and pulling into the estate it was easy to see why. Boasting 1,500 acres with a winery, a hotel and two restaurants, Chateau de Berne was much bigger than I expected. We saw through the late afternoon and early evening with a Petanque tournament, which is similar to bowls but is played much more widely through France especially the Provence region. Of course accompanying our playing were refreshments which included the delicious Wild pig, a sparkling rose displaying a nose of summer fruits with a refreshing palate. A truly sumptuous gastro dinner concluded the evening followed by the obligatory glasses of Rose.

Day 2

We woke a little bleary eyed to be greeted with a tour of the winery. As you can imagine the winery was vast and no corners are cut when it comes to making wine. The rose is fermented in massive stainless steel tanks which are temperature controlled by modern technology. The reds and some prestige whites are aged and fermented in new oak barrels which are on rollers to allow them to be turned so it can interact with the lees on the bottom. Chateau de Berne's portfolio consists of 80% rose with whites, reds, sparkling and sweet wine making up for the rest. Amazingly Chateau de Berne only employ 3 winemakers. After the tour we strolled around the large outdoor market in Lourgues a typical French market with loads of cheeses and delicious treats for sale. After the market we geared up for a mountain bike tour of the vineyards. This sounds quite relaxing and calm but it was the total opposite. With 4 routes to choose from we went for the intermediate route, in hindsight we probably shoud have gone for the first. After 3 hours of frantic riding up and down the estate we were well and truly shattered however it was exhilarating and fun at the same time. After mountain biking we were treated to another gastronomic dinner followed by what felt like a sampling of the whole range of wines that Chateau de Berne produces.

Day 3

Our final day saw us visit Nice and to explore what it had to offer. With great views of the beach and the city it had bags to offer. A fantastic lunch in the sun topped off what was a very fun trip surrounded by good food, good wine, good company and good weather. How Provence rose should be enjoyed Cheers!
 

Our trainee Jonathon is a real wine fanatic, has worked in the trade for 20+ years and loves to talk about the best Mother Nature's grape has to offer. Every week, he'll recommend something that he's buying for his own wine cooler at home and he hopes you'll enjoy it too!

"The sun is out and it's hot! You  reach for the fridge and you only have a chardonnay, sauvignon blanc etc. there! Whilst they are great to enjoy in the garden and relax with, how about a red that you can do the same thing with? Whilst you ponder which red, may I suggest one to consider? It's a Beaujolais, made with Gamay grapes from a vineyard beside a C14th chateau.

Chateau de la Terriere 2010 has a light, soft juicy aroma, blackcurrant and cherry are evident. The palate is smooth and juicy, blackberry and cherry coming thriough with soft tannins. This wine can be lightly chilled on the hottest of days but is soft and light enough to be drunk on it's own. Should you be having a barbecue and cooking sausages, or having a platter of cured meats with friends or family then this wine is a perfect match.

It's open in store so come and give it a try?"

For one week only, we have got an outstanding deal on one of the tastiest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's around! The Ned Sauvignon Blanc is at a fantastically priced £5.99 until the 28th May! Crisp and refreshing, with hints of gooseberry, cut grass and an elderflower note to finish, this is something extra special for a Summer's evening on the patio.

Don't miss out!

Provence trip- Chateau de Berne

I was lucky enough to win a trip to Provence courtesy of Chateau de Berne along with 5 other Majestic colleagues. Having just returned, I thought I would write this article to document and share my fantastic experience.

Day 1

Pulling into Nice airport was a spectacular sight with the clear blue sea highlighting the bustling coastline, framed by the snow covered Alps in the backdrop. Being guests of Chateau de Berne was fantastic. Chateau de Berne is one of the largest producers of Rose wine in the Provence region and pulling into the estate it was easy to see why. Boasting 1,500 acres with a winery, a hotel and two restaurants, Chateau de Berne was much bigger than I expected. We saw through the late afternoon and early evening with a Petanque tournament, which is similar to bowls but is played much more widely through France especially the Provence region. Of course accompanying our playing were refreshments which included the delicious Wild pig, a sparkling rose displaying a nose of summer fruits with a refreshing palate. A truly sumptuous gastro dinner concluded the evening followed by the obligatory glasses of Rose.

Day 2

We woke a little bleary eyed to be greeted with a tour of the winery. As you can imagine the winery was vast and no corners are cut when it comes to making wine. The rose is fermented in massive stainless steel tanks which are temperature controlled by modern technology. The reds and some prestige whites are aged and fermented in new oak barrels which are on rollers to allow them to be turned so it can interact with the lees on the bottom. Chateau de Berne's portfolio consists of 80% rose with whites, reds, sparkling and sweet wine making up for the rest. Amazingly Chateau de Berne only employ 3 winemakers. After the tour we strolled around the large outdoor market in Lourgues a typical French market with loads of cheeses and delicious treats for sale. After the market we geared up for a mountain bike tour of the vineyards. This sounds quite relaxing and calm but it was the total opposite. With 4 routes to choose from we went for the intermediate route, in hindsight we probably shoud have gone for the first. After 3 hours of frantic riding up and down the estate we were well and truly shattered however it was exhilarating and fun at the same time. After mountain biking we were treated to another gastronomic dinner followed by what felt like a sampling of the whole range of wines that Chateau de Berne produces.

Day 3

Our final day saw us visit Nice and to explore what it had to offer. With great views of the beach and the city it had bags to offer. A fantastic lunch in the sun topped off what was a very fun trip surrounded by good food, good wine, good company and good weather. How Provence rose should be enjoyed Cheers!
 

As we are all aware, this summer is going to be great for celebrations of all descriptions, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June and on the sporting front, the European Football Tournament in Poland and Ukraine in June, and of course, the Olympic and Paralympic Games in July and August. Not forgetting, Wimbledon Tennis, Royal Ascot Racing, Henley Rowing Regatta and The Open Golf Championship.

I’m sure that some celebrations will go by unreported such as weddings, birthdays, passing exams whether they’re A Levels, a driving test, graduating from University or just having a perfect day.

First off is St George’s Day and whether we celebrate his famous victory over that dragon or any other celebratory event, some sparkling wine and still wine will be required.

At Majestic, we can help and why not celebrate with something made here in England. English wine has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, some English sparkling wines have won top awards beating major Champagne producers in blind tastings.

One of these award winning sparkling wines has just arrived in Banbury;

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2004

Located in West Sussex and sharing the same the same chalk downs that are found in Champagne of Northern France, Nyetimber sparkling wine is made using the same grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and is also produced using the traditional method (the same way as Champagne is made).

The wine has citrus flavours along with shortbread and brioche. The bubbles are finely formed and are soft and gentle in the mouth.

An elegant and supreme wine, it has won awards beating many Champagne houses during blind tastings!

Consider this one if you want a prestige sparkling wine rather than Champagne!

Also at Majestic, we stock the Chapel Down range of English wines.

Chapel Down Brut NV

Chapel Down are one of the largest producers in England. Located in Kent, using Rivaner, Riechensteiner and Pinot Noir grapes, this sparkler is balanced and has a very refreshing taste.

The bubbles are fine and coat the mouth smoothly.

Another superb wine that would be a good alternative to Champagne.

Chapel Down English Rose NV

This white sparkler is made by the traditional method but using the grapes used for the Brut NV mentioned above.

With delicate hints of rose petals and a soft strawberry taste this crisp but medium bodied wine will accompany any occasion.

Chapel Down Rose Brut NV

This pink sparkler is made of 100% Pinot Noir grapes and has strawberry on the nose with a ripe fruity flavour. The acidity is balanced with the fruit and smoked salmon would be an ideal partner to this wine.

Chapel Down also produce some still wine, details of which are below:

Chapel Down Flint Dry

This white wine is made with a variety of grapes, predominantly Huxelrebe, Bacchus and Schonburger. The wine has spent some time on the lees, giving the wine body, flavour and complexity.

With a floral flavour, some minerality and a hint of smokiness as the name suggests, this wine has a slight similarity to Pouilly Fume.

Chapel Down Bacchus 2010

Named after the Roman god of wine, the Bacchus grape gives the wine floral aromas, with some herbal aromas and lychee. The taste is of apple and pear and is well balanced.

If English wine does not fit the bill, how about Pimm’s?

Pimm’s is a gin based spirit, 25% alcohol and is made from a secret recipe. Served 1 part Pimm’s to 4 parts lemonade, ice and sliced fruit, ideally orange, apple, lemon and cucumber, Pimm’s really is summer in a glass.

If you prefer a dry style, use tonic water instead of lemonade.

I hope these suggestions help with any event that you are planning and here’s to a celebratory 2012!

Cheers!

Now if the weather….

 P.S. We also stock products from Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Please ask instore?

While discussing Burgundy with some of my majestic colleges we realised that our knowledge was fairly basic as a result I decided to make it my mission to decode the region. In order to do so I chose wines starting at regional AC going all the way up to premier crus.

Macon Village, it is a regional Appellation Controllee which is at the base of the hierarchy in Burgundy so commands a low to medium price tag. The Chardonnay grape is used to great affect here to produce a wine with crisp acidity matched by fresh apple and citrus fruit. There will be small amount of creaminess as they encourage malolactic fermentation by increasing the temperature of the must after alcoholic fermentation is complete.

Cotes de Nuits village. A small step up from the regional AC to village AC wine is permitted from any of the surrounding villages. Village appellations account for about a third of all wines produced in Burgundy. The region in the North of Burgundy produces some of the longest lived and fullest bodied Pinot Noir's of the region. It can command a medium to high price tag.

Chassagne Montrachet premier Cru named after a specific vineyard that has the potential to produce greater wine than ordinary village level appellations. A red from the Pinot Noir grape coming from the Cote de Beaune region the village is famed for making some of the finest and most expensive wines anywhere. The area has almost perfect conditions of soil, drainage and exposure, the wine itself is aged in new French oak to add further body and can take a decade to reach its peak.

Chablis Grand Cru so named because the vineyard has the greatest potential for producing the longest lasting,expressive and complex wines. Grand Crus account for a tenth of all production in Burgundy. The wine is made form a Chardonnay grape a palate of green plum fruit with a high acidity. This coupled with a secondary characteristics of stoney, smokey minerality can command a high to premium price.