Dorchester

There's more to New Zeland than Sauvignon Blanc

Sat, 26 May 2012 17:49:35 UT

We often just think of New Zealand as producing millions of bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, such as Cloudy Bay's and Saint Clair's highly reveared Sauvignon Blancs. But infact, New Zealand has a huge range of other grape variaties to offer such as chardonnay, grown best in areas such as Gisborne and Riesling in Central Otago. Hawke's Bay is one of the main areas for making Pinot Gris remonisant of the old world Alsace style Pinot Gris. There is also Grüner Veltliner which is relativly new to New Zealand, as well as a small, but high quality production of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, viognier.

The Champions League Final

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:16:38 UT

With Bayern Munich hosting the Champions league final on Saturday 19th of May what better way to enjoy that with some German Beer, we have the Bitburger so pop down to store we are open to 7 pm on saturday. Perfect Time for us to get home and watch the game. Or even if Chelsea manage to pull off a win against the home side with a sweet strike from Drogba why not enjoy some english sparkling wine for the occasion. We have the Nyetimber or Chapel Down wines, prices start from £14.99. You Never know if they can defeat last year's winners Spanish giants Barcalona anything could happen!!!!

Thank You

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:54:08 UT

A massive thank you to everyone who turned up to our customer invite tasting last night. It was a great chance to try a massive selection of wines, amoung the most popular where the Lanessan Haut-medoc and the Pouilly-Fuisse Cordier. We still have these wines in stock if you wish to place an order feel free to visit us in store or alternatively give us a call on 01305 259 962.

A Small Thank-you

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:57:48 UT

Thank you to everyone who braved the miserable weather to show their support for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and join us for our annual tasting at Lulworth Castle last Thursday. Having looked through the orders, our customers generosity is very evident. Its no suprise the Vina Ardanza and Pinson Chablis Premier Cru were the most popular wines on the evening. We look forward to working with the trust again in the future and hope to see you all at future events.

Summer Wine Evening

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:53:19 UT

There are still places left on our Summer Wine Evening on Thursday 17th at 7:00pm. We will have about 12 different wines open to try. This is a great chance to taste some wines you may not have had before. To book your place please give us a call on 01305 259962 or email us on dor@majestic.co.uk to book your place.

Alsace

Sun, 06 May 2012 15:26:00 UT

I Have recently been reading about Alsace for my WSET exam which I sat on monday, thank goodness it's out the way just got to wait for the result's!!! For those of you that don't know Alsace is located in North East France, and has a cool continenatal climate. The grapes grown here receive long dry summers and autumns due to the Vosges Mountains which lie to the West protecting the region from getting too much rain and cloud cover. The 7 main varieties used within the region are Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Riesling which are all noble varieties, others are allowed but less commonly used are Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. The majority of vineyards are small but produce good quality wines and are famous for their fine white wines that are richly textured and spicy.

Fine Wine Friday

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:35:10 UT

Brio de Cantenac Brown

As the Second Wine of Chateau Cantenac Brown this offers superb value for money. A taste of the top wine at a fraction of the price!
This offers a classic claret nose of graphite and pencil shavings with wild dark fruits that are also evident on the palate. Well structured, this will keep for several years but is drinking very nicely now!

£18.99 when you buy 2 bottles

Last of the Spring Wine

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:58:07 UT

Time is running out to take advantage of our offers before our Summer price list is released on Tuesday.

Currently on offer (Until 8pm Mon 23rd April):

20% off Spanish Wines

20% off South African Wines

Fairleigh Estate Sauvignon Blanc £5.99 when you buy 2+

And many many more!!

Wine of the Week: Vinalba Malbec

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:00:00 UT

Previously a Decanter medal winner, this wine is consistently brilliant vintage to vintage. Sumptuously wrapping flavours of ripe plum, chocolate and coffee around every corner of your mouth. I can't think of a better or more appropriate wine to illustrate Malbec at its very best. Juicy and rich you can beat this for £7.99 for 2+

Happy Malbec World Day!

Goodbye Dorchester!

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 UT

Today's my last day in the wonderful world of Majestic Dorchester, I'm moving on by a whole 42 miles to the giddy metropolis that is Salisbury. I'd like to take the time to say a big thank you to all the brilliant customers in Dorchester, always nice, always friendly and always ready for a good chat. Thank you and goodbye I've had an excellent 18 months here...

Wine of the Week: Paul Mas Marsanne

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:17:35 UT

Delicately delicious, it's nice to see Marsanne as a single varietal and as always with Paul Mas this wine doesn't disappoint, showing the grape off in all it's glory. Characteristic floral notes are layered with hazlenut, pear and honey to produce a complex sophisticated white at a great price; £6.99 for 2+. If this does delight the taste buds I would recommend exploring further with the world of Paul Mas, Malbec, Carignan, Vermentino these are just a few grapes that are given the chance to shine in the wonderful range of singles varietals they produce.

Fine Wine Friday: Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2010, Seguinot-Bordet

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:51:00 UT

A tantalising treat for a bright Easter weekend, our Fine Wine Friday offering is a superb Chablis 1er Cru. Fresh citrus and apricot, cleansing acidity and typical pebbly minerality. My garden and the sunshine are beckoning, with a glass of this in my hand I couldn't ask for more!

Easter Opening Hours

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:54:21 UT

We are open throughout the Easter weekend, so there are plenty of opportunities to stock up before, during or after you parties!

Good Friday 6th April - 10am - 8pm

Saturday 7th April - 9am - 7pm

Easter Sunday 8th April - 10am - 5pm

Easter Monday 9th April - 10am - 5pm

Wine of the Week: Luis Felipe Edwards Carmenere

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:22:45 UT

This wine boasts to be one of the best value Carmenere's in the store. "More than anything else, this wine is fruity I got blackcurrants and blackberries. Much to my satisfaction, however, I found other interesting notes. Earthy/smokey? Yes probably. Smoky? In fact, thought there was more than a hint of something green and herbaceous - blackcurrant leaf, maybe mint. I think this "green" quality makes it a good flavour match for spicy food, giving it a little lift. The full body, intensity and soft tannins will allow it to stand up to a good lamb curry without emphasising the chilli heat too much. If you are someone who eats a lot of spicy food and drinks a lot of red wine, this is a good everyday wine to have with your lamb rogan josh on a friday night." one of our customer reviews, see our website for more of the above.

Press mentions

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:50:53 UT

Saturday times

Jane MacQuitty – 3rd March 2012

2011 Rioja Blanco, Muga, Spain
Winter’s still here, so lap up this big food-loving white rioja with
lashings of refined, oaky, appley fruit.

2006 Château Romefort, Cru Bourgeois, Haut-Médoc
2006 was a good, not great, Bordeaux vintage and this vibrant
merlot/cabernet sauvignon, with a dash of cabernet franc, punches well
above its weight.

Independent -

Anthoyn Rose - 3rd March 2012

Lindauer Rosé, NV, New Zealand
It's a superior classy pink fizz from New Zealand, whose yeasty aromas and
raspberry ripple-style mousse display a complexity akin to that of
champagne.

We have all these wines in stock!

Dorchester Loves - Part 2: Red Wine

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:26:55 UT

Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Villa, Casillas and the one beginning with 'T'. Great things to come out of the beautiful and culturally diverse country of Spain.

That 'T' word of course refers to Tempranillo. The premier league of Spain's black grape varieties, it is grown throughout the central and northern regions. And, it makes up the majority of the great Riojas of the country's wine production.

When I arrived at the Dorchester store, I had already sampled some of the wonderful Riojas Majestic have to offer. Too many to relay here, but you cannot get much better than the Rioja Reserva 2006, Berberana £7.49 (for 2+) to kick off your taste buds. A title-winning example of why I love the old style Riojas so much.

The beautiful silky ruby red colour leads to ripe cherries and red fruit on the nose. And then that unmistakeable first slurp hits me. Succulent dark fruit with lashings of woody smokiness thrown in. There's sweet spice and my old favourite, vanilla (see white burgundy too!) from time spent in oak barrels. I always think that I'm down in the Spanish 'caves', the ageing riojas in their barrels giving off this sensational, exquisite smell and taste. Just me?

So, my top three?

1. Rioja Gran Reserva 2005, Berberana £8.99 (for 2+) (a steal!)

2. Rioja Reserva 2001, Vina Ardanza £18.00 (for 2+)

3. Rioja Crianza 2007, Vina Eguia £6.99 (for 2+)

So, there you have it. A Crianza, a Reserva and a Gran Reserva on my list. A minimum ageing time of three years between them. About as much time as it takes any team in the world to get the ball off Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Villa and Co...

I raise my second glass to Nat and Jim!

Dorchester Loves - Part 1: White Wine

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:52:05 UT

As I reach the end of my time at my first store as a Trainee Manager here in Dorchester and head for pastures new, or should that be waters new, as I will be moving a little further east along the coast to our Poole store, I reflect on a busy, frantic, exciting, upwardly mobile learning curve of a six months. I still haven't grown those bionic arms to aid me in the art of heavy lifting, but I have learnt to use them wisely when raising a glass.

The major thing Majestic does so well for a newbie is rapidly enhance your knowledge and understanding of wine - from climate and vinification to the wine regions and their differences to the delights of the finished product on the eye, nose and palate.

I arrived in Dorchester with a penchant for the Domaine Sainte Rose wines of the south of France. Two crackers are 'Le Marin Blanc' Marsanne Rousanne 2010 £6.99 (for 2+) and 'La Nuit Blanche' Rousanne 2009 £8.99 (for 2+) - both full of honey, melon and ripe fruit with gorgeous perfumed notes.

As my education has developed, I quickly acquired a taste for the somewhat more expensive but elegant, rich and complex white wines of Burgundy. My love of all things Burgundian was confirmed to me just last week when I noticed my ridiculously childish and over-zealous response to watching the effervescent and irrepressible Raymond Blanc guide us through one of the best vineyards, not just in Burgundy, but in the world. Puligny-Montrachet. A majestic ten minutes of television ensued... No wonder the people of Burgundy have their own wacky song/dance when deliriously happy!

Butter, vanilla, caramel, creme caramel, creme brulee, popcorn, nutty bites, fresh ripe fruit, sparkling citrus, a hint of minerality. Elegant, refined, well-balanced wine. Do not need to say much more.

So, my top three?

1. Pouilly-Fuisse 'Terroirs Rares' 2010, Christophe Cordier £17.99 (for 2+)

2. Macon-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2010, Christophe Cordier £11.99 (for 2+)

3. Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009, Domaine Jomain £11.99 (for 2+)

I know, I know... expensive taste. Therefore, as an introduction to what you can expect from a white Burgundy, there's no better place to start your adventure than with Bourgogne Chardonnay 'Les Chenaudieres 2010, Cave de Lugny £6.99 (for 2+). A great way to get your taste buds tingling!

I raise my first glass to Nat and Jim and thank them for guiding me through my first six months. Cheers!

Wine of the Week

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:03:17 UT

Domaine Jomain Bourgogne Chardonnay

~~£12.99~~ £11.99 when you buy 2 bottles

This wine has a fantastic buttery character with a refreshing acidity and layers of minerality, citrus fruit and subtle spice to add depth of flavour. A versatile wine, this could match the crispness of a grilled chicken salad with lunch or the creaminess of a carbonara pasta dish with dinner.

The Anti-Valentines Part 2

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:09:44 UT

As Jim established in 'The Anti-Valentines List' we are seterminedto stay in this Valentines night, to support this endeavour the TV gods have arranged a delectable and diverse array of viewing. For those who like to embrace the slush and revel in the romance 'You've got Mail' will do the job, but for the rest of us, let me take you on a Wine and TV matching experience...

For those out there looking for a gritty reality tale of heroism and bravery look no further than 'Saving Private Ryan: The True Story' on C5 @8pm. Match this with a meaty, gutsy Umbral de los Tiempos Malbec, Argentina ~~£12.99~~ £9.99 (for 2+) deep, rich and robust, ripe juicy bramble fruits on the palate with sweet spice tones, wonderful winter warmer.

Looking for a different type of reality? Then look no further, 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' back on C4 @9pm! OK, I know this is cheating our 'Anti-Valentines' slightly since weddings are involved, but I feel a celebration of this series return is necessary with a bit of sparkle. Undurraga Brut NV, Chile ~~£8.99~~ £6.99 (for 2+) is a perfect match, and why not add even more fun and frivolity with Funkin Peach Bellini Mix 99p? Fresh and light the bellini mix enhances the stoned fruit tones of the wine.

Feeling the need for a mystery and some drama, then I think 3 episodes of 'CSI' on C5 starting @9.55pm should keep us entertained. For this we need something a bit different, a new experience... St Clair Pioneer Block Gruner Veltliner, New Zealand ~~£16.99~~ £13.59 (for 2+) Big and fat, this is a surprising wine that will test your preconceptions, as Jim refers to it... 'Sauvignon Blanc on steroids.'

I have to admit that my guilty pleasure viewing, for some fun retro TV has to be 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' on VIVA @8pm, always entertaining and endlessly watchable, I'm going to make everyone cringe by matching this with Chateau Bel Air, Pomerol ~~£19.99~~ £14.99 (for 2+) I know it's not exactly subtle, but had to be done! Plumy fruit, oak tones and fine tannins provide a fleshy and delicious wine.

To wind up this little adventure through 'Wine and TV' matching, I'm going to deviate from wine completely and recommend the classic match of Beer and Football! Live UEFA Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona (kick off 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2) to be precise and to add a final twist the beer I'm going to recommend is neither German nor Spanish, but Peruvian! Cusquena 12x330ml £13.49. Yum, enough said.

That rounds up our 'Anti-Valentines' special two-parter, we hope you've enjoyed our grumpy and un-romantic wine recommendations! Cheers!

The Anti-Valentines List

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:51:23 UT

If you are a proud bachelor/bachelorette or you and your partner prefer an evening away from the snuggly-cuddly cutesie-wootsie world of Valentines Day, the chances are you will be spending the evening at home to escape the masses of infatuated couples crowding into pubs and restaurants everywhere.

A good home-cooked meal (particularly in this current sub-zero chill), will fill you with happy thoughts, and what better way to enhance some great cooking than with a nice bottle of wine. So we have listed our top 3 Anti-Valentines Wines to help you stay sane on Tuesday (And not a pink wine in sight).

DMZ Syrah, South Africa ~~£9.99~~ £7.99 (when you buy any 2 South African wines)

Big bold dark fruits and hints of sweet spice to warm the cockles of you heart, not as sickly as the honeymoon couples though - this has a lovely savoury character that makes it very morish!

Saint Clair 'Pioneer Block' Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ~~£17.49~~ £13.99 (when you buy 2)

Intense flavours of exotic fruit, fresh grass and gooseberrys are balanced by a lovely minerality that refreshes the palate and brings this wine back down to earth - unlike many couples who will have their heads in the clouds...

Green-Point Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine, Australia ~~£16.99~~ £14.99 (when you buy 2)

For someone intending not to celebrate anything, Champagne is maybe a step too far. How about this sparkling wine from Aus instead - although it is Champagne in style, it isn't - so you can justify opening this with no funny glances from the Pro-Valentines brigade. This is brimming with fresh appley fruit backed up by a caressing mousse of fine bubbles. About as extravagant as you can get away with.

Stay posted for Part 2 where we will be matching wines with T.V programmes...

Lulworth Castle Wedding Fair

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:55:44 UT

On Sunday 26th February from 10.30am to 4pm we will be running a stand at the Lulworth Castle Wedding Fair. And yes, we will be bringing some Prosecco with us! This event is always a great opportunity to get ideas on all aspects of your wedding, from ice sculptures and horse-drawn carriages to slightly confused bands who like to play such classic wedding songs as "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash...

All our staff are experienced in helping to organise drinks for large events and we will be on hand to offer advice and suggestions for your special day. Admission to this event is £4 for the day and is payable on the door.

The Majestic Bargain Hunt

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:10:22 UT

Our new spring promotion is the perfect time for a bit of a clear-out to make way for 2012's exciting new wines, so we have just knocked a third off the price of loads of bin ends in the first ever Majestic Bargain Hunt!

The selection is available in-store now - if you can't visit us in person to hunt out your bargain, please call us or email for more details of what's available.

The top 10 wines in the Majestic Wine Dorchester Bargain Hunt:

~~Rosso di Sicilia £2.99~~ SOLD OUT

~~Bianco di Sicilia £2.99~~ - SOLD OUT

Heritage Road Moonstone Chardonnay/Semillon £2.99

~~Fitou L'Exception £6.66~~ - SOLD OUT

~~Domaine Les Yeuses Le Sirius £5.32~~ SOLD OUT

Domaine Peche Rome Tempranillo £5.32

~~Maray Limari Carmenere £6.66~~ SOLD OUT

~~Costero Riesling £6.32~~ SOLD OUT

~~Winemakers Lot Cabernet Sauvignon Blend £7.49~~ SOLD OUT

Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc £6.66

~~Clos d'Yvigne Cuvee Nicholas £6.66~~ SOLD OUT

Majestic Bargain Hunt

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:46:39 UT

Imagine a world in which the antiques crusader and all-round bon viveur David Dickinson is faced with his favourite barrels of orange perma-tan going out of production. He has one last chance to stock up. The dilemma is stifling. But then, he's told he can have the lot for a fraction of the price. He'd snap your arm off and race you to the tills because this is an offer too good to miss. It's so incredible, you could probably make a cult daytime television programme out of the premise.

In a strange quirk of fate, Majestic is to release its very own 'Bargain Hunt'. To go along with our upcoming Spring promotion, we will be running a bin end sale from Tuesday 31st January. There are several lines on offer with a staggering 33% off the price, ranging from Bordeaux to a large selection of Regional French to a sprinkling of New World favourites.

Come in and discover some of our wonderful end-of-lines. The hunt is on to pick out a little gem for the last time. Look out for the neck tags on selected wines.

Not quite 'cheap as chips' but 'cheap as wine' has a certain ring to it...

Good Game, Good Game

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:56:34 UT

So one of our customers very kindly gave me a brace of pheasants the other day, and I have been contemplating what to do with them. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube I am now feeling more confident about preparing the birds, ready to roast with seasonal veg, celeriac and bacon.

To accompany what I am hoping will be a gastronomic delight (or ,if my usual cooking pace is anything to go by, midnight feast) I think I will go for a decent red from Burgundy.

The Burgundy region in France is as famous for its reds as for its whites. It is divided into many sub-regions, partly a consequence of the varying soil types along the Cote d'Or and partly due to the divisions of land following the collapse of Monastic power.

Red Burgundy varies from light fresh wines full of fresh red fruit flavours, to heavier styles offering subtle nuances of complexity and great intensity. Since pheasant is on the lighter side of the game flavour spectrum, I think something like a Savigny-les-Beaune is a good choice. It is not as light and simple as the cheapest Burgundies - it offers a touch more weight and more excitement and intensity on the palate. The reason red Burgundy (and other Pinot Noir based wines) works so well with game is that many actually have an element of savoury meatiness in the flavour of the wine. Also, the lightness never overpowers the flavours in the meat - try an Aussie Shiraz with pheasant and you may as well be eating turkey twizzlers!

If I was cooking something like venison which has a deeper, richer flavour it would be sensible to opt for a more powerful red such as Gevrey-Chambertin that can match the intensity of flavour in the food.

So, decision made, all I need to do now is find the generous customer and thank him for his donation to the Jim Food Fund.

My First Three Months at Majestic

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:17:42 UT

Clinking and clanking, smashing and crashing. That’s not the sound of the myriad of wine bottles, but my bones after my first three months at Majestic. I found out very quickly that you need the speed of Usain Bolt, the handling skills of Michael Jordan and the dexterity of a gold medal winning gymnast (I don’t know any!) to be a top merchandiser. But, the more I do it - and we do it constantly - the easier it becomes and the more satisfying it is.

Don’t get me wrong. It has been a wonderful first three months as Trainee Manager at the Dorchester store. It is great to be doing something so varied and fascinating. The job stretches me every day and life is never dull. The skills you already have are tested immediately and the ones you need to develop take shape in no time. From organising deliveries to dealing with the major credit accounts; from keeping the tasting counter clean and well-stocked to learning about our huge product range; from serving our customers to running the store on my own for two days, the new and testing tasks are endless.

Those aches and pains I feel still - which I can’t blame on my age apparently - pale in significance when a good sale is made or a recommendation to a customer is appreciated or I feel I have played a part in giving our customers an enjoyable Majestic experience. And even more so when I get the chance to try what is on the tasting counter. From silky Shiraz to buttery white Burgundies; Chilean Carmeneres to meaty Pinot Noirs; spicy Riojas to floral Pinot Gris; the list goes on. I feel fortunate to have tried so many good wines already and the great thing is I have no choice but to continue for my advancement in my wine education. It can be such a hard life sometimes!

And now for Christmas. My Managers inform me that it is an experience to behold. One to get the heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing. It will be a crucial part of my development and I cannot wait. Jobs are assigned, the delivery van is ready to go and the cafetiere is primed to keep the team ready for action.

So, come and join us for a tasting or two – Fine Wine Friday, a new Champagne open every Saturday, a different region’s wines open each week, our incredible range of Port – and find the right wine to make your Christmas.

I’m off to find myself a pair of bionic arms…

And Finally, Z is for...

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:21:05 UT

Z is for Zinfandel
Known to most as a Californian grape variety, Zinfandel produces intense exotic wines, rich in berry fruit and often high in alcohol. It has now been established that Zinfandel made its way to the East coast of the US from the Austrian imperial nursery in Vienna in the first half of the 19th Century. However it was the Californian Gold Rush of 1849 and the flood of people to the West coast that really established the grape variety in the US. Many of California's new population turned to agriculture and Zinfandel provided a perfect opportunity with it's high yields. Now Zinfandel has become synonymous with California, but that's not the only place you can find it... Here's a few recommendations covering a range of styles achieved by Zinfandel.

I Monili Primitivo del Tarrantino £4.99 when you buy 2+ Full Price: £7.99
In the 90's it was established through DNA profiling that Zinfandel and Primitivo from Southern Italy are one and the same, and as such we think this fantastically priced Primitivo offers a great introduction to the grape variety. Plummy, juicy and intense this is a lovely option with or without food and certainly won't break the bank.

Fetzer White Zinfandel Rosé £5.99 when you buy 2+ Full Price: £7.99
As a producer Fetzer is recognised as a pioneer of environmentally sound wine-making, and this care and attention is shown in their wines. So for those with a taste for something a little sticky and sweet, this wines' gentle spritz livens the palate of raspberry and cherry fruit, well balanced with racy acidity.

Bonterra Zinfandel £12.99
For a fantastic winter warmer this wine is powerfully rich and spicy, showing a wonderful array of berry fruits. Bonterra produce wines from only organic grapes because the wines “simply taste better” that way!

So ends our A to Z of wines, I hope you've enjoyed our sometimes odd wine related articles, and remember to keep your eyes peeled for our next range of articles. Thanks for reading!

Y is for...Yield

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:52:55 UT

You may wonder about the significance of yield within wine making, 'surely more is better?' but actually it just isn't that simple...

Normally the units of yield are measured as the weight of fresh grapes or volume of wine per unit of land area such as acre or hectare. In some countries around the world the yield of a site is limited and very strictly controlled, and in others it's allowed a little freedom. I'll attempt to explain the impacts these approaches can have.

Even the Romans had an opinion about yields believing that low yielding vineyards produced the best quality wines. Opinion in Europe hasn't moved on much since then, with this belief shaping a great deal of European wine law, which often specifies maximum yield for specific areas to protect quality. To be fair to this opinion yield management by pruning and selective harvesting certainly has a more significant impact in cooler climates, as a low leaf to fruit ratio (high yield) can slow the ripening process and in marginal climates where grapes are already slower to ripen this is something to avoid. However to treat vines to the other extreme and have a high leaf to fruit ratio (low yield) can also affect quality, as exposure to sunlight is essential for developing flavour and phenolics. Obviously then controlling yields in warmer climates is not so essential as the ripening season is much more stable and predictable, however allowing high yields can have another impact, over-production. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have suffered from over production in the past resulting in a glut of wine flooding the market and ultimately having an economic impact on an areas wine production. Although, this excess wine can certainly lead to some interesting and creative experiments... Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc Rosé, anyone?

X is for Xarel-Lo

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:15:58 UT

You may have never heard of the grape variety Xarel-Lo, but I bet you have unwittingly tasted it! This grape is one of the power trio that makes up classic Cava – the world famous Spanish sparkling wine. Blended with Parellada and Macabeo, Xarel-Lo provides intense flavours which can carry a unique earthiness. Apart from this unique character it also has the benefit of being a productive variety allowing for high yields without affecting the intrinsic quality of the juice. It buds earlier than many other varieties, meaning that the delicate buds have matured and strengthened before the Spring frosts arrive and threaten the vines.

This is a great example of how growers have in the past decided upon the best varieties to suit their particular terroir (combination of local climate, soil and geographical features such as rivers or hills) in order to produce a style of wine that they set out to achieve.

It is now slightly overshadowed by the relatively recent arrival of Chardonnay to some Cava blends, as the trend leans more towards international styles with recognised varieties. But, suffice to say, Xarel-Lo will always play a part in Cava...

W is for... Wines we Love

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:13:46 UT

I think it's fair to say that most people have a favourite wine (or two), and we thought that we would slightly cheat on the letter W by highlighting a few wines that we here in Dorchester are currently enjoying! We have chosen 3 reds and 3 whites for you to consider next time you pop in...

As a lover of Italian reds, the Tignanello http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/keyword-is-tignanello/product-is-13753 by Antinori is a beautiful red blend from Tuscany. At £70 it is by no means cheap, but compared with similar quality Bordeaux, for example, it comes across as a bit of a bargain!

A red wine that has made a very good first impression is the Mocha Java Merlot http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/keyword-is-java/product-is-20261 from South Africa. This is a brand new product, standing out from the crowd by offering intense dark fruit and coffee flavours followed by a finish that evolves from cream to chocolate.

The final red that we will mention here is the Jim Barry Shiraz http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/keyword-is-jim+barry/product-is-19958 from Australia. This is a fantastically savoury style of Shiraz with plenty of complexity backed up by plump fresh fruit. This is a serious Shiraz at a not-so-serious price!!

For the whites, we have a wonderful new Sauvignon Blanc called Blind River http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/keyword-is-blind+river/product-is-37291 from New Zealand. Hugely crisp and refreshing, there is an explosion of fresh peas and tomato leaves followed by a wave of gooseberry fruit.

The Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc http://www.majestic.co.uk/find/product-is-37238 (currently our Wine of the Week)
is a unique take on New World aromatic grape varieties. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, this is barrel fermented to produce sublime aromas of fresh mint, guava, stone fruits, cut grass and a lovely creamy finish. Awesome stuff!

The final white; and yes we have harped on about it here before; is the Pieropan La Rocca Soave (currently not available online, but we have some!). It represents the peak of what Soave is capable of – crisp and fresh but with some intriguing complexity filled out with some integrated spice elements. Bored of white Burgundy? Try this...

V is for...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:25:00 UT

V is for Vintage
People spend a lot of time pondering the implications and relevance of various vintages, often baffling those around them. So we have compiled a brief cheat sheet, to allow you to astound your friends with knowledge of the best vintages from various regions of the last decade.

Bordeaux
2000 – Great year for classic style Bordeaux.
2001 – Coming out of it's shell now, good value for money.
2005 – Deep, rich, opulent wines, an exceptionally good vintage.
2009 – One of the greatest vintages for modern Bordeaux, especially where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates.

Burgundy
2002 – A great year for reds and whites alike, fresh and fruity.
2005 – For much of Burgundy the greatest vintages of the past few decades.
2006 and 2007 – Especially good for white burgundy.

Champagne
1995 – Rich, luscious wines, a treat if you can find one.
1996 – Great ageing potential, this one will run and run especially from the top producers.
2002 – Complex, this will benefit from cellaring, lots of different examples available in store from this vintage at the moment.

Rioja
2001 – Powerful, ripe wines, top tip from this vintage Castillo Ygay 2001 - £35
2004 – High alcohol and intense fruit flavours gives this vintage a shot at ageing well, but can be enjoyed now too.
2005 – Exceptionally good ageing potential, big juicy wines!

Port
2000 – Rich and ripe.
2003 – Classic style vintage, balanced and rich, great longevity.
2007 – Elegant and structured.

U is for...

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:09:52 UT

Ugni Blanc

Possibly the world's most widely planted grape variety, vastly overshadowing Chardonnay in France in terms of quantity, and infecting all but the most conscientious areas in Italy, where it is known as Trebbiano. It is in fact by this name that it is originally known, with many places in Italy using the name Trebbiano as part of village or commune name, that may give them claim to being the origin of this successful grape variety.

The reason for its popularity lies largely in its use in French brandy – in Cognac it accounts for around 95 percent of plantings in the region. Its resistance to disease and ability to ripen in very high yields make it an easy grape to produce in large quantities, whilst its high acidity and fairly neutral flavour make it an ideal base wine for producing brandy.

Unfortunately, its prevalence in Italy is not down to its suitability for producing spirit, but rather produces a plethora of Italian white wines. Not only is it likely to appear at least as part of the blend in most vino bianco, it is responsible for many of the DOC wines from around the country. Its plantings here in Italy however, are likely to continue to decline, thanks to the increasing demand for wine that delivers more flavour.

T is for...

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:59:36 UT

...Terroir

The all-encompassing French term for the climatic and geological
influences on a specific vineyard or site, terroir essentially describes
nature's influence on the viticulture process, and is responsible for the
unique character that the wine can achieve through its individual
mesoclimate.

There are, however, ways of controlling some of these factors, and some
would argue through the advancement in viticulture practices, terroir
individuality is lost. Temperature, rainfall, sunlight, altitude, slope
and aspect, along with the soil's chemical and physical composition
(determining mineral content and water storage capacity), all have a
strong bearing on the vine's ability to produce and ripen fruit adequate
for quality wine-making. Whilst a producer cannot choose the weather
during the ripening season, they can take a decision to cut back foliage to
provide more sunlight to the grapes, or use irrigation as a means of
providing the necessary ration of water to the vines.

Consider though, the difference in quality (and of course, price) between
a Grand Cru Chablis, and the far inferior appellation of Petit Chablis. It
is no coincidence that all the Grand Cru vineyards lie on the same parcel
of land, south or southwest facing along the slope of a Kimmeridgian
limestone-clay hill. The aspect of the vineyards provides them with the
maximum amount of sunshine each day, whilst the soil composition retains
just the right amount of water to hydrate the roots. Theorectially, the
terroir found on this iconic hill could be replicated to a certain extent
elsewhere in the world, by controlling the vines' exposure to the
necessary elements, ultimately mimicking the style of wine (provided the
grapes were then processed in a similar fashion of wine-making).

However, what these imitation-style wines would struggle to do, is to
capture the mineral-like quality that we associate with Chablis and many
other French wines alike. Apart from having the right balance for
water-retention and drainage, the soils that lie under the Grand Cru sites
have the sort of complex fossilised make-up that even in minute chemical
quantities in the resulting wine, produces a very detectable flavour that
allows us to distinguish that wine from a Chardonnay grown elsewhere in
the world. It is this upheld belief that underpins that Grand Cru system
in France in regions such as Burgundy and Alsace. Without terroir, there
would be no hierarchy of land, and no respect for the renowned areas which
nature has blessed with a talent for wine-growing. Chablis is a great
wine, but more importantly, the individual terroir of any given vineyard
around the world has the potential to give its wine a unique taste. From
Italy to New Zealand, it is not hard to differentiate between common
varieties grown in different parts of the world. This makes wine such an
enjoyable commodity – the adventure of discovering something that somehow,
inherently, tastes of the land on which it was grown.

S is for...

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:21:46 UT

S is for Sparkling Wine vs Champagne

In store we constantly hear the debate about Champagne and Sparkling wine raging. In general, Champagne is deemed to be the more expensive, more prestigious, more special. Sparkling wine is seen to be the young pretender, ideal for every occasion and suited to every pocket.
The truth, however is a bit more complicated:

Champagne is sparkling wine that only comes from the eponymous region in France. The method of production is lengthy and complicated (called the traditional method) and by law requires a minimum 15 months of bottle ageing before it can be sold. The unique part of this is that a yeast and sugar concoction is added to the still wine in the bottle, causing a second fermentation (the first being the conversion of sugars in the grape juice into alcohol to produce a still wine). The yeast feeds on the sugar and helps to create additional flavours, a touch more alcohol and substantial amounts of Carbon Dioxide as by-products. The end product is very distinct – the toasty, nutty, biscuity character from the yeasts merge seamlessly with complex fresh fruit flavours and streaks of minerality inherent in the original still wine. Worldwide demand for Champagne only serves to enhance its reputation and maintain its place at the top of the quality and price tree.

Prosecco may be considered one of the the highest quality sparkling wines in the world that doesn't use the traditional method. Instead, it champions the charmat method – a technique that emphasises a lighter fresher style by provoking the second fermentation in a large pressurised tank. The effect of the yeasts on the wine are less obvious as the time in tank is quite short, and is particularly suited to wines that wish to offer a fresher, younger style. So Prosecco (compared to Champagne) is lighter in body with gentler bubbles and displays none of the toasty honeyed character typical of Champagne.

Cava on the other hand utilises the traditional method to add complexity and creaminess to the core of green fruit and earthiness that is derived from the native Spanish grape varieties of Parrellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo.

Particularly in the New World, there are many producers who are emulating the Champagne style, using the same grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier) and the traditional method to create wines that can be extremely similar. Some Champagne houses even produce sparkling wines in other countries – Louis Roederer in particular springs to mind. Their Californian 'Quartet' sparkling wine is so good that tasted alongside their non-vintage Champagne there is very little difference. However, I have yet to come across a sparkling wine that can compete with the upper echelons of Champagne – The vintage styles and deluxe cuvées.

So just to conclude, it is true that sparkling wines can meet almost all of your demands if you choose carefully. But if you really do need to celebrate and are willing to spend a bit more, nothing can reach the heights of mid to top end Champagne in terms of quality, complexity, ageability and prestige!

R is for...Riesling

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:40:32 UT

Unfortunately for Riesling, it has become synonymous with sweet, sticky wines that don't appeal to many of us; the reason this is so unfortunate is because nowadays it just isn't true! Yes, Riesling can still be sweet but increasingly we are seeing fantastic dry Riesling becoming available, especially from Australia. So forget what you think you know about Riesling and read on to discover a few recommendations that canvas a variety of styles...

McGuigan 'The Shortlist' Riesling 2005, Eden Valley, Australia - £11.99 on offer
Many may not think of Australia as being traditional ground for Riesling, but they are capable of producing exceptional quality wines and in a very dry style that shows off the depths of Riesling's full fruit flavours, without the sweetness. Taken from a single vineyard site in Eden Valley, the cooler neighbour of Barossa, this wine has been bottle aged at the cellar to allow the wine to develop. Riesling has fantastic ageing potential and patience can reward a Riesling drinker with a fabulously complex wine for an equally fabulous low price. On the nose this wine has developed the typical petrol smell, and on the palate you are treated to the lime zest freshness we have come to expect from Eden and Clare Valley. Drink with fresh shellfish for a wonderful match.

Main Divide Riesling 2008, Pegasus Bay, New Zealand - £9.99 on offer
Another New World wine and one of my personal favourites, the Main Divide Riesling is grown in a sheltered portion of New Zealand's South Island. The warm days, cool nights and dry autumn season allows for an extended ripening period that enables the wine to develop full rich fruit flavours of apricot, peach, lime and a streak of minerality. The addition of a portion of botrytised grapes adds richness, complexity and gives it a touch of attractive sweetness. I can't sing the praises of this wine enough, I absolutely love it!

Dönnhoff Riesling Kabinett 2009, Nahe, Germany - £14.99
A German Riesling for my final recommendation, and despite being classified a Kabinett, this wine is still quite sweet. I'm a big fan of this sort of thing on occasion and I always think this wine delivers year on year. Dönnhoff is a prestigious producer from the Nahe region and has been producing wines since 1750, the hand picked grapes produce a wine that has wonderful lemon and lime scents and a delightful viscous quality. As I discovered a few evening's ago a great match with Stilton.

Q is for...

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:42:48 UT

Q is for Quinta

“Quinta”or 'Estate' is a term found on many wines of Portuguese origin, particularly Port, and refers to a vineyard plot. Whereas vintage Port comprises a blend of grape varieties from a wide selection of vineyards, 'Single Quinta' Port is the product of grapes from a single vineyard. These wines are usually made in years when a vintage Port is not made, when there is a large amount of high quality grapes available. The advantage of the 'Single Quinta' Port is that it is unique from vineyard to vineyard and offers vintage style quality at a fraction of the price.

Take Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas property for example. This Quinta, complete with granite lagares (troughs) for foot treading the grapes, is isolated up in the steep hills. It produces some of Taylor's best quality grapes. Taylor's Vinha Velhas bottling exploits the oldest vines planted here. Extremely limited in quantity, it will offer great longevity and complexity to compete with some of the greatest vintage Ports.

Somewhat cheaper is the Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas 2001 (Currently £26 when you buy 2 or more). It offers similar levels of body and intensity to the Taylor's vintage port offerings with a slightly sleeker early drinking style. This Port is absolutely brilliant, a massive step up from LBV in terms of quality and complexity. You will find us continually harping on about how good it is!

P is for...

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:57:56 UT

P is for Punt

The 'punt' is the indentation in the bottom of the wine bottle. An insignificant detail, you may think. However, it has proven to be a useful (if not vital) feature:

A few myths have developed around this feature, one of the most common being that the deeper the punt, the better the quality of wine. Although it is more costly to use bottles with deep punts and so it is most likely that the wine will be of good to exceptional quality, this is not always the case. Conversely, one of the most famous Champagnes in the world, Cristal, does not have a punt at all – the bottom is completely flat.

In 1876 Tsar Alexander II of Russia who first commissioned the Champagne for his court was (justifiably) concerned that he would be poisoned. The famous punt-less clear glass that Cristal is packaged in was designed specifically to enable detection of any poison in the Tsar's drinks!

Most other Champagnes have deeper than average punts because part of the winemaking process requires bottles to be inverted for a short period of time to allow dead yeast cells to collect in the neck ready for expulsion. Deep punts enable the bottles to be stacked on top of each other nose to tail, tucking into the punt of the bottle below. An efficient use of space...
A further feature is that the punt helps to strengthen the glass at what would be its weakest point – so don't go dropping any bottles of Cristal you have lying around!

The final use of the punt is a very useful purchase for the thumb when pouring, a trick many a sommelier will utilise!

G'day mate

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:29:08 UT

From Friday 10th until Thurs 16th June we will have a good selection of Australian wines open to try on our tasting counter. Pop down any time and try before you buy!

Check our online tasting counter to see what will be available to taste each day...

£3.99 parcel and £19.99 Claret this weekend

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:48:44 UT

If you are looking for something for entertaining friends and family while the sun is out, look no further than our brand new and strictly LIMITED parcel of Aussie wines, starting at £3.99!

If you want something a bit special for a dinner party, we will be opening a 'Gartieux de Pichon Lalande' 2003 (£19.99) tomorrow so that you can try before you buy. This is now hitting its stride with a few years under its belt, and is made from the young vines of Pichon Lalande in Pauillac. Well worth checking out if you are in Dorchester over the weekend.

O is for...

Mon, 30 May 2011 09:40:52 UT

...Organic wine.

With an ever increasing demand for transparency over what goes into making our food and drink, and growing opposition to artificial chemicals being part of the process, it is unsurprising that organic viticulture is on the rise. But how does this affect the final wine?

Organic growing – defined as: 'farming which uses no synthetic chemical products' - is in principle a movement that seeks to avoid the introduction of any unnatural substances into the biological system of the vineyard. This avoids imbalance within the soil's natural make up, and of course, any health implications to workers and to the environment. Where conventional production uses chemical fertilisers to enhance growth, and numerous other artificial sprays to protect against diseases, an organic vineyard must find alternative methods to treat the vines. Compost and manure are commonly used as fertilizers to increase the soil's microbial activity, whilst biodiversity within the vineyard is encouraged in order to increase nutrients in the soil structure, thus providing the vines with a stronger natural defence system.

In various parts of the world that boast a warm, dry climate, the increase in organic practice is largely for economic reasons, as its efficiency is most notable in these areas that have minimal vine diseases resulting from weather itself. It remains however, a more expensive method of production in most wine producing regions due to some of the labour intensive practices, and to the fact that less wine can be produced from the same sized vineyard. As a result, most organic viticulture is confined to smaller producers whose interest in quality is paramount, or whose ethics define their approach.

But where does all this concern for vine-growing methods leave the buyer when facing a likely increase in price for an organically-produced wine? How does the practice ultimately affect the quality?

The key attribute of any wine that has undergone such a process – from its time on the vine absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, through a wine making procedure that allows the wine to remain as natural as possible – is that it will ultimately reflect its true origin far better. In order for the fruit, and consequently the wine, to truly express the area and the climate – or 'terroir' from whence it came, it must be built from the core elements which that land possesses. Conventional wine-making methods that use fertilisers containing exactly the same nutrients as that which is to be used on any given vineyard around the world, limits its capacity for making wines with expression. True adherence to organic principles produces wines with character, that can be called interesting. This in my opinion, is a quality that fundamentally underpins what makes wine such a desirable commodity, - having a sense of place.

N is for...

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:25:22 UT

N is for New Zealand

A relatively late entry in terms of wine production, New Zealand has really found its feet over the last two decades. The Marlborough region, situated on the Northern part of the South Island, is where the majority of Sauvignon Blanc is grown. Central Otago and Martinborough are now producing world class Pinot Noir.

Even more fascinating (for us at least!) are the experimental producers who are producing an amazing array of white wines. Over the last year or two, we have seen more and more of these wines coming into our stores. Some are from internationally renowned producers, others from relatively obscure wineries hoping to distance themselves from the Sauvignon Blanc craze.

We would strongly suggest that next time you pop into your local Majestic, you head for New Zealand. Make a promise to yourself that you will try one of these unique wines – they are styles inspired by the Old World – regions such as Alsace and Germany – but retain that New World charm and accessibility. And the value for money is incredible when you think that you may be buying a high quality boutique wine only available in tiny quantities (for example, the St Clair Riesling listed below!).

All our New Zealand wines are 20% off if you buy any 2, until 29th August 2011.

Highly Recommended:

Mount Difficulty Pinot Gris, Central Otago   ~~£17.49~~   £13.99
St Clair Pioneer's Block Riesling, Marlborough   ~~£15.99~~   £12.79
Waimea Estate Pinot Gris, Nelson   ~~£11.99~~   £9.59
Prestige Parcels Gewurztraminer, Marlborough   ~~£9.99~~ £7.99

Wine Walks

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:48:33 UT

This Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May will see our first set of Wine Walks run in the Dorchester branch!

A new tasting initative, the Wine Walks offer customers an opportunity to try an array of wines new to the Majestic range, this Spring has a Mediterranean theme.

If you fancy joining us then feel free to email us at dor@majestic.co.uk or ring on 01305 259962 and we'll book you a spot.

M is for...

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:51:11 UT

...Malbec

Originally from France, this grape variety has become massive in Argentina, where the high altitudes provide cool climate conditions. The temperature difference between day and night help create complexity and preserve acidity. Maybe it has become so popular due to its natural affinity with the national speciality of Argentine beef steak.
Argentinean malbecs tend to be big, voluptuous, something akin to a fruit bomb. In France, they generally have more of a tannic backbone and less juicy fruits.

Why not try...

Château de Gaudou Cuvée Tradition 2008 Cahors
Predominantly Auxerrois (as Malbec is known in its historic heartland of Cahors), plus Merlot and Tannat. These were vinified separately and then blended together and aged for 9 months in old oak. Lots of ripe, black fruit with the Merlot rounding out the tannins to give a softer, more approachable appeal. Best served with grilled meats or cheese.

Viñalba Malbec Reserva 2008/2009 Mendoza
The Malbec Reserva from the Viñalba estate has previously won a Decanter award for its quality. Sourced from vineyards at the foot of the Andes, grown at different altitudes to achieve the perfect balance between tannin and acidity. This wine literally wraps itself around every corner of your mouth with its ripe dark plum fruits, sweet tannins and dark chocolate and mocha. Flavours linger for a long time. A full-bodied wine, yet with juicy tannins, this wine is best enjoyed with food. Peppered steak or lamb are ideal companions

L is for...Loire

Thu, 12 May 2011 18:51:20 UT

The Loire wine region extends halfway across France from the Atlantic coast, following the course of the Loire river. Situated quite far North in viticultural terms, the region is relatively cool. The main grape varieties grown are Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet), Cabernet Franc (Saumur-Champigny), Chenin Blanc (Vouvray), Pinot Noir (red Sancerre),and Sauvignon Blanc (white Sancerre).

The marginal climate here generally produces wines high in acidity. The whites can be extremely crisp and refreshing, and the reds remain on the lighter side. We can only generalise, as the soil types and microclimates differ as we travel from West to East.

Perhaps the best known wines of the region are the Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume in the Upper Loire. These vineyards sit on soil comprising a high proportion of limestone and flint. These well draining soils encourage the roots of the vine to dig deep to extract maximum nutrients, imparting a structured minerality to the wines that is very difficult to mimic elsewhere.

Muscadet, on the other hand, has a very neutral character. It is worth seeking out a “sur lie” bottling – meaning that the wine undergoes a period of contact with the lees (dead yeast cells) after fermentation is complete. This adds a slight creamy/doughy complexity and a very slight spritz. Refreshingly brilliant with a local dish of mussels. Unfortunately production has taken a hit due to several disastrous vintages and many producers going out of business during the recession.

Vouvray is arguably the most versatile of Loire wines. Ranging from dry through to exceptionally sweet, it tends to be bottled young without seeing any oak at all. This preserves the fresh flavours and high acidity typical of the wine. Good quality Vouvray can be one of the longest-lived wines in the world, and at its peak is certainly one of the best too.

The Loire in truth has an extensive list of wines it can call its own, and I can only recommend that you search through our lists in our brochure or online – there really is something for everyone!

K is for...Krug

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:27:27 UT

Having recently been spoiled enough to have shared a bottle of Krug NV with a very generous friend, I decided to make 'K' all about the illustrious Krug...

For those not familiar with Krug, it is a small but renowned Champagne house founded in 1830 by Johann-Joseph Krug, to this day it is still family owned and specialises in prestige cuvees.

Krug Grande Cuvee - £120 can be found stocked in Majestic stores nationwide. The £120 price tag will get you a golden wine, rich and intense on the nose, fruity and nutty on the palate. Krug's uncompromising attitude to production gives it an individuality within the champagne industry that is clearly displayed in this wine.

For those who fancy something even more exclusive, the Krug Vintage 1998/2000 is currently available via the Fine Wine section of our website at www.majestic.co.uk/finewine, you can get your hands on this beautiful wine for a cool £175 a bottle... I'm just waiting for some kind hearted soul to treat me to one, there's a good chance I'll be waiting in vain!

A refit on the horizon...

Sun, 01 May 2011 09:48:43 UT

We're lucky enough to be getting a Fine Wine refit this week, starting on Tues 3rd May. All of us here at Dorchester are a little over excited at the prospect, unfortunately it will mean a little disruption in store!

If you would rather avoid the chaos, then remember we offer free delivery on 12 bottles or more and you can order over the internet or by phone on 01305 259962.

But don't be put off coming into store as well, we've tried to make it as easy as possible to continue shopping while the builders are in, so feel free to come and see us!

J is for...

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:58:21 UT

J is for Jéroboam

The standard 75cl wine bottle is undoubtedly the size of choice for everyday wines, but there are various sizes available suitable for a special occasion, or more often than not, as a collector's item.

Most will be familiar with the Magnum – a bottle holding the equivalent of two standard-sized bottles of wine - but the term Jéroboam is a little more ambiguous. In Bordeaux, a Double Magnum refers to a bottle holding three litres of wine, whilst the term Jéroboam is reserved for a bottle of four and a half litres – six bottles' worth.

However, it is Champagne that has used the great Biblical names for its bottle sizes to a much larger extent, and differs from Bordeaux with the use of the name Jéroboam. In Champagne (and also Burgundy), Jéroboam is the name for a bottle four times that of a normal size bottle (3 litres), whilst Rehoboam, Methuselah, Salmanazar, Balthazar and Nebuchadnezzar indicate bottles equivalent to six, eight, twelve, sixteen and twenty standard bottles respectively.

It is worth noting that wine stored in a larger bottle size will age differently to that in a 75cl one. The amount of air left between wine and cork does not increase proportionately as the bottle size increase, thus the volume of wine relative to the oxygen in the bottle is much lower. This results in slower ageing of the wine, and in the case of Bordeaux, can be considered a desirable quality.

Essentially, whether it be a Jéroboam from Bordeaux or Champagne, we think you may need some help to drink it!

Easter Opening Times

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:05:54 UT

Easter Sunday : 10 - 5

Easter Monday : 10 - 5

Tues 26th - Thurs 28th : 10 - 8

Royal Wedding Friday : 10 - 5

Saturday 30th : 9 - 7

Sunday 31st : 10 - 5

Monday 1st May : 10 - 5

You might call us mad...

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:22:43 UT

...but we have dropped some of our Champagne prices, the best of which are as follows:

Louis Roederer Brut £24.99

Pol Roger Brut £24.99

Laurent Perrier Rose £39.99

Brenner Brut £13.99

These are further reductions, so get in quick and bag yourself a bargain to be slowly sipped (or guzzled) over the summer months!

I is for...Italy

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:19:36 UT

Italy is claimed to have over one thousand indigenous grape varieties. Considering its rich history perhaps this should come as no surprise. Wine was being made here well before the Romans. Greek settlers who began arriving in Southern Italy from the 8th century BC named it 'Oenotria' – Land of Trained Vines, because the Etruscans to the North already had an established wine culture.

Italy now has so many regions and grape varieties to contend with that it can be quite difficult to penetrate the label and find out what the wines actually are. The country can be divided into the North, the Centre, and the South. In the North, the red varieties of Nebbiolo (Barolo) and Corvina (Valpolicella, Amarone) dominate. There are many more whites, but two of the most unique are Garganega (Soave) and Tocai Friulano (various).

The centre of Italy is led by the area of Tuscany. The predominant red variety here is Sangiovese (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). The 'supertuscans' that have arisen over the last few decades have thrown off the shackles (and kudos) of the DOC classification system in order to use otherwise unallowed varieties. The first to do this was the estate of San Guido with their Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend called 'Sassicaia'. Many others followed, leading to the creation of several less restrictive IGT classifications and encouraging experimentation. The main white variety is Trebbiano, a faintly uninspiring grape that produces light quaffable wines and is used in many blends.

In the South, the reds take on a smooth full bodied character. Aglianico (Aglianico del Vulture) is a high quality grape. Primitivo is a variety closely related to Zinfandel. The whites again are a mix of the likes of Catarrato used mainly for blending, and higher quality varieties such as Fiano (Fiano di Avellino) and Greco (Greco di Tufo).

Here are some of my personal favourites, and I strongly recommend each and every one!

Ca'del Pipa, Corvina Rosso, £8.99*
The grape variety used for Valpolicella and Amarone, this wine is brilliant value. Juicy dark fruits, spice and liquorice all combine with the soft tannins and spine of acidity to create a wine made for red meats. Buy now to stop me picking up another 6-pack! Oh, and try this with a homemade pizza or a bolognese.

Poliziano, Chianti, £7.99*
Poliziano is a reputable producer praised for keeping the quality up but the prices down. 80% Sangiovese, this wine offers attractive cherry fruit and a touch of spice. Enjoy with tomato based pastas or some antipasti.

Fremondo, Fiano, £6.99*
From the DOC of Sannio near Naples, this unoaked style offers plenty of citrus character rounded out with blossom, honey and herbs. A touch of spicy ginger and fresh acidity will help this wine cut through the rich flavours and texture of a risotto.

Inama, Soave Classico, £11.99*
'Classico' shows that the grapes are from the highest quality part of the Soave region – but with a producer of this calibre you could have guessed that anyway! Low yields of old vines produces concentrated fruit that is fermented in stainless-steel to retain the fresh aromatics. This is proper Soave rather than the cheap stuff that helped give Italian wine such a bad reputation – the wine is filled out with stone fruit, honey and almonds whilst the marked acidity provides structure and zing.
Fish or white meats are a must with this wine!

ASK Micah??

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:59:31 UT

We've had a change of team here in Dorchester and alas Lance has left us for a more hectic existence in Chichester, we're sad to say goodbye and wish him all the best!

What does this mean for 'ASK Lance' and the collection of random questions we have from customers that are sat here waiting to be answered?

Well, our new trainee manager Micah assures me he is up to the challenge of addressing all of your queries. So never fear, more answers to those burning wine related questions will appear here soon!

H is for... Hermitage

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:37:40 UT

Hermitage is an extremely small appellation situated in the north of Rhone. Its size believe it or not is comparable with a single Bordeaux estate which means that the production of the wine is extremely limited. The scenery is full of steep south facing hills, and is home to some glorious hot sunny days. If the weather has not done it for you, then you can be sure that the wine will. There is much emphasis on traditionalism here and this is evident from how the wine is made, right through to the end product.

It is not unusual for a Hermitage Red to age for 2/3 decades before being declared 'ready to drink'. This is largely down to the power and intensity of the fruit and the high levels of tannin. It will continue to improve for many years until its smell and flavour are almost overwhelming. This however also means that it is very wise to decant these wines before drinking to ensure you experience its flavour and texture to the fullest.

Red Hermitage is traditionally made with Syrah vines alone, but the AC regulations allow for there to be a maximum of 15% of White Grapes blended in. The Syrah grape skin is fairly thick creating more substantial tannin's, which is an important reason to why the wine is best drunk many years after production.

Typically the wine will be heavily perfumed and appear deep ruby in colour. On the pallet the wine is extremely muscular and typically flavours of rich red fruit, spice and leather can be clearly identified.

Perfect for a special occasion or a truly rare treat!

To see the range of Hermitage available from our Fine Wine Centre check www.majestic.co.uk and explore Fine Wine.

The Majestic and Lay & Wheeler Fine Wine Plan

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:12:49 UT

For any of you out there who would like to occassionally drink some very special wines, we are now offering the opportunity for you to join our Fine Wine Plan. You can subscribe anything from £50 upwards per month, which is then accumulated and ready for when you want to make that special purchase. This Fine Wine Plan is ideal if you dabble in En Primeur, whether it be Bordeaux, Italy or Rhone.

There are a few extra benefits to signing up...

Not only are you consistently stashing some money away for a rainy day of wine buying, but we can also provide credit up to the value of 3 month's subscription - useful when you can't wait any longer!!

Our low rate of storage is only £8.40 per case per year. Everything you buy will be stored in the Vinotheque storage facility and will be specifically marked as your own case.

We will deliver the wine free of charge when you withdraw it from storage.

At the end of your first year on our Fine Wine Plan, you will receive £25 in Majestic vouchers.

Subscribe more than £100 per month and you will receive a free case (In Bond) of Croix de Beaucaillou 2009 Bordeaux.

You are free to end your subscription when ever you like, you are not tied-in for a fixed length of time!

If you are interested in discussing the Fine Wine Plan with us before you sign up, please contact us on 01305 259 962

G is for...Gewurztraminer

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:54:52 UT

Gewurztraminer is a fantastically aromatic grape variety, and certainly one of the most easily identifiable on the nose . Pungent lychee and rose tones are a dead giveaway that the wine in your hand is a Gewurz. The finest examples can still be found in Alsace where it is the second most planted grape variety, but it is now by no means exclusive to this region. Excellent Gewurztraminer can be found on an international level, New Zealand in particular is producing some wonderful wines.

Listed below are a few recommendations from areas across the world that I think are worth a punt.

Vinas Del Vero Gewurztraminer 2009, Spain - £5.99 when you buy 2+

This Spanish Gewurz (yes, thats right Spanish) grown in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is a fantastic option for those new the grape. A hint of sweetness is accompanied by the floral intensity you would expect, without too much bitterness. Drink with Spanish paella for a great food match.

Spy Valley Gewurztraminer 2009, NZ - £9.99 when you buy 2 +

We stock many Gewurztraminer from New Zealand, but by far my favourite is the Spy Valley. Aromatic and fantastically complex, an array of tropical fruit is complimented by ginger and pepper spice. I drank this at home with Salmon and Chilli Fishcakes and even managed to get my wine-phobic sister to enjoy it.

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2008, Alsace - £12.99 when you buy 2+

This is definitely one to approach with caution, but if you are a Gewurz lover this wine is massively rewarding! Dry and wonderfully delicate and complex, the perfumed nature of this wine and the inherent spiciness make this a classic match to Thai food. My personal favourite!

ASK Lance... What's your beef?

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:15:10 UT

I'm having my husbands parents over for Mothers day Sunday. I'm cooking beef wellington and want to know what the ideal wine to match it would be? I am looking for red wine in particular.

Georgina, Weymouth

Hi Georgina and thanks for your question. We have some excellent wines to match beef, particularly if you want something to impress your inlaws. The obvious match would be a nice Bordeaux. I would also suggest something with a bit of age, to ensure that the tannins are nice and smooth and compliment the delicious sounding meal you are serving. The Chateaux Senejac 2002 from the Haut Medoc in Bordeaux could be an ideal partner for the meal as it is has a very soft and smooth flavour and will not over power your main dish. It is at £14.99, so an affordable treat for a special occasion.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your meal!

-Lance, Majestic Wine Dorchester

F is for...Fermentation

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:33:51 UT

Experts believe that man first discovered wine when he (or she) drank the juice from some old grapes. Having been lying around for a while, the natural sugars in the grapes would have been converted into alcohol by yeast cells that are naturally abundant everywhere. As well as producing alcohol this process, known as fermentation, tends to alter flavours. So the pioneers of the wine trade all those thousands of years ago would have thought it some kind of magic to find grape juice that not only tasted different to normal but also followed up with a kick!
These days of course, winemakers tend to use much more controlled methods. Grapes are collated in large concrete, stainless-steel or oak containers before a specifically selected strain of yeast is added (different strains = different effects on the wine). The temperature during the fermentation process is carefully controlled to prevent high temperatures killing the yeast cells or low temperatures bringing the fermentation to an abrupt halt.

In Champagne, the method of fermentation is slightly different. The still 'base' wines are fermented as usual and then blended to create the style of Champagne desired. This blend is then bottled and a mixture of grape juice and yeast are added to the wine. This second fermentation is what creates the unique character of Champagne and other high quality sparkling wines. Carbon Dioxide, as a by-product of the consumption of the sugar by the yeast cells, is dissolved into the liquid as it cannot escape. When the cork is 'popped', this rushes out as fine bubbles. The action of the yeast cells in this second fermentation also add a toasty, doughy character.

Another form of fermentation is known as 'carbonic maceration' – a process most commonly used for Beaujolais Nouveau. This is an anaerobic process that relies on the weight of the grapes in a container to crush and split the ones at the bottom. Indigenous yeasts on the skins then get to work on the juice and proceed to ferment the juice as usual. The yeasts then slowly start fermenting the
intact grapes above. This unique process in the absence of oxygen produces light wines with very fresh fruit flavours but lacking complexity.

Controlling fermentation and making wise decisions at this point in the winemaking process is vital to producing high quality wine. This is where a lot of progress has been seen over the last few decades, with many wineries now operating temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

Come Wine With Me

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:16:03 UT

Warning - Mother's Day incoming! Sunday 3rd April is the date many of you will visit your families for a relaxing day of good food and sunshine. We thought we had better provide a helping hand with the all-important wine choices...

Turning up "Come Dine With Me" style, waving a bottle of Oeil de Perdrix Rosé Champagne is bound to impress the hosts. Soft, delicate red fruits with a touch of creaminess will delight everyone. This is currently £20 and a firm favourite.

Alternatively, the Green Point Vintage 2006 Rosé is a great New-World option. Made in a style that emulates Champagne, this Australian sparkling wine is fantastic value at £14.99, displaying a creaminess and complexity that is rare at this price.

If there are more than a few family members to entertain, your money may be better off with the Prosecco La Marca Cuvee. Packaged in a sleek black bottle it definitely looks the part, and is the bigger brother of our most popular sparkling wine, the Prosecco di Conegliano La Marca. Fresh apple and stone fruit flavours provide a refreshing and enticing glass for what will no doubt be a lovely warm day! At £9.99 this, again, is great value for what it offers.

To be perfectly honest, you cannot go wrong with any of these, so make your choice and stick with it. Trust us, it will be worth your while when you see the inane grin on your Mum's face!

E is for... Egg Whites

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:19:05 UT

Okay, so many of you might think that we are going wildly off topic by including 'Egg Whites' into our A-Z, but you clever ones may know the surprising importance egg whites have in the production of red wine...
The albumin content of an egg white characterises them as an ideal fining agent for young red wine. They perform this by acting relatively gently with the wine absorbing the harsh and bitter tannins as opposed to the softer ones. This is extremely important with thicker skinned grapes and is a vital tool in creating a smoother taste, with the soft tannins that so many of us enjoy.
As many as 5 or 6 egg whites in a 59 gallon barrel will be used in the absorption process. This may seem like a relatively small amount when considering the size of the barrel, although even in this quantity they perform key duties in creating a smoother texture in the wine.
The separating of yolks from the egg whites remains an important job in cellar work and egg yolks can be the reason for a large amount of product wastage..much to the distress of all you fine wine lovers.
Hopefully that justifies its inclusion into the A-Z and if nothing else you now have an interesting fact that you can share with your friends and family, or you can hang in there until the perfect egg white question undoubtedly pops up in your next pub quiz.

Incidentally, E is also for Espaňa. Our Spanish themed tasting week starts tommorrow, so pop in and try a range of our most interesting Spanish wines. Keep an eye on our virtual tasting counter to see what will be available!

ASK Lance... Put a cork in it!

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:56:37 UT

Q) How do they get the corks into sparkling wine/champagne bottles? John, Bridport

A) A good question and one I'm sure a lot of you have thought about at one stage as it is clear to see that sparkling wine corks are noticeably bigger than the neck of the bottle.

Many of you will recognize sparkling wine corks as large mushroom type shapes but that is after much time spent squeezed into the bottle. They start the process as wide cylinders with a facial area 3 times larger than that of the bottle. They are then mechanically compressed to a size that will fit and provide the adequate seal to prevent leaking or ullage. Finally a wire muzzle is attached to the cork for extra security.

And there you have it, a corking process that has been expertly masterminded from the winemakers of Champagne.

It is also worth mentioning that the size of the cork after popping the bottle is a great indicator of the age of the wine with the thinner the mushroom the older it is.

Thanks for your question!

D is for Dessert Wines

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:23:54 UT

This may not be the ideal time of year, but as a lover of most sweet things I am always willing to encourage and cajole when it comes to dessert wines!

As there are so many styles and an increasing array of classic regions for dessert wines, instead of berating you all with an extensive breakdown I am going to focus on 3 of my favourites from the Majestic range.

Chateau de Fesles 2001, Bonnezeaux 500ml, £14.99
Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, Bonnezeaux can be found within the Anjou region of Loire. Chateau de Fesles is the leading producer of the area and the sweet golden wine they produce can be expected to age up to 20 years in the best vintages. On the palate honey and caramalised apple reveal a wonderful match with apple and raspberry crumble.

Elysium Black Muscat 2009 375ml, £9.99
This heavenly wine from California is made from the under-appreciated Black Muscat grape, which delivers an intense purple black wine full of grape and lychee fruit with a full rich mouthfeel. My pick to match with chocolate fondue. Yum.

Vin de Constance 2005, Klein Constantia 500ml, £23.99 when you buy 2+ South African wines
When asked for a legendary dessert wine most will mention Chateau Yquem or Hungarian Tokay, but during the 19th Century the name Constantia denoted a legend to Kings, politician and authors alike. Constantia was a South African dessert wine of great renown production was halted by the end of the 19th century as a result of the devastating effects of phylloxera. Klein Constantia have put huge effort into recreating this wine in the form of Vin de Constance, and have succeeded in producing a beautiful wine, its delicious notes of orange peel and apricot, are followed by waves of vanilla and a long succulent finish. This is a real bargain at the moment at £23.99, and for the doubters out there we have it open to taste all week!

ASK Lance...

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:56:08 UT

Here at Majestic Wine Dorchester we are running a new online scheme, 'ASK Lance'. This is a chance for you Majestic customers and you wine boffins out there to catch me out with your wine related trivia. I am the trainee manager here at Dorchester and I have accepted the daunting challenge to try and answer any queries you may have about the wine industry.

We have been trying it out in store with customers placing their questions in the 'ASK Lance' suggestion box, with the promise that all their wine trivia would be answered online. We have had a fantastic response and some questions have certainly left me scratching my head.

So if you have any questions that you want to 'ASK Lance' please go ahead and email us on dor@majestic.co.uk. Be sure to leave your name and where you are from so we can reference you on our website.

All Questions and my answers will be posted online at www.majestic.co.uk/dorchester

Thanks!!!

C is for Chardonnay

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:14:41 UT

One of the most widely grown varieties in the world, chardonnay is responsible for an incredibly wide range of wine styles. From tropical Macon to lean Chablis, spicy Puligny-Montrachet to muscular Meursault: Chardonnay can do it all - and those examples are all from one sliver of land in the middle of France called Burgundy, the homeland of chardonnay. Considering the varying climates and geography throughout the world, the potential stylistic differences from one producer to another are limitless! But as well as producing some of the greatest white wines in the world, it also helps to create some of the best sparkling wines- chardonnay is a member of the triumvirate of grape varieties allowed in the production of Champagne. Chardonnay can also fit in at the lower end of the market, producing easy drinking wines that can be light and fresh or round and oaky.

Not all Australian Chardonnay is as oaky as we are led to believe, and the McGuigan Chardonnay £5.79 is a lovely rich, butterscotch and baked apple wine – no gobs of vanilla here!

Domaine l'Aigle Chardonnay by Gerard Bertrand is a creamy, nutty, floral style from the Languedoc. At £7.99* it is great value.

The Domaine Jomain Bourgogne Chardonnay is a very pure, lean style with lashings of spice. A proportion of the grapes used come from the esteemed vineyards of Puligny Montrachet making this wine very,very good for £10.99*.

For a special evening with friends, the Jermann “Dreams” Chardonnay is fascinating. At £35 it is by no means cheap but it comes from one of the most sought-after producers in Italy. This example is from Friuli in the North-East and is moreish. Lean spiciness is followed by delicate waves of fruit, held together by a butteriness reminiscent of top burgundy.

For a great sense of what chardonnay is capable of in good Champagne, try the Taittinger. £27 gets you a lively lemony mousse, with fresh green fruit backed by a refreshing nuttiness (that's the chardonnay doing its job!).

So there you have it, a swift guide to one of the noblest grapes on the planet. Hopefully I may even have persuaded you to go back and try a chardonnay or two. They are not what you think they are!

*When you buy 2 or more.

Wine Course Dates

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:42:33 UT

Roll up! Roll up!

A fresh batch of dates for our in store Wine Course are listed below. If you fancy joining us feel free to email at dor@majestic.co.uk or give us a ring on 01305 259962 and we will sign you up.

Sunday 3rd April

Sunday 17th April

Sunday 8th May

Sunday 22nd May

Sunday 5th June

Sunday 12th June

If none of these dates take you fancy, please contact us and we will happily try to book a different one for you.

B is for...

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:21:22 UT

...Bordeaux

When looking at famous historic wine regions, you cannot look much further than the world famous Bordeaux. With a history of wine growing dating as far back as 379 AD, this wine region has continued to impress and exceed the expectations of wine lovers across the globe.
Most of the vineyards are situated on flat terrain and rarely at altitudes of more than a few metres above sea level. The mild climate gives the wine a natural subtlety which has become so well associated with the region.
The region is split across two banks, the left which is home to Medoc & Graves, and the right bank, which houses St. Emilion & Pomerol.
The 5 most common red grape varieties that are grown in this region are Cabernet Sauvignon (particularly in the Left Bank), Merlot (Particularly in the Right Bank), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Why not try these:
Pauillac de Pauillac, 2005, Pauillac
-A really enjoyable red, soft and smooth on the pallet, with hints of violet on the nose and great intensity. Very versatile but is especially good when partnered with a beef casserole.
£17.99*

Chateau Ramafort, 2001, Medoc
-Similar to the very popular Chateau Griviere, this red has a great level of complexity with a good balance of fruit and a touch of earthiness. Drinks exceptionally well with beef or lamb.
£8.99*

Chateau La Rose Chatain, 2007, Pomerol
-Displays a soft pluminess, ripe black fruits and pencil lead with a smokey finish.
£7.99*

*when you buy 2 or more

A to Z of Wine...A

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:48:11 UT

And so begins our A to Z of wine, over the next 26 weeks we will be covering a letter a week. Our aim is to share some of our favourites, hopefully educate and occasionally entertain anyone who feels like following us on our alphabetical journey...

Luckily a whole array of options present themselves for A (unlike Q and X which are already giving us pause for thought) but since we are in the midst of some excellent offers on our Argentinian range and with a featured tasting week beginning on the Friday 4th March we couldn't miss the opportunity to use A for Argentina...

Nowadays Argentina has become synonymous for most with the red grape Malbec, huge gutsy, juicy reds with a cheeky spiciness that I am particularly fond of. However we sometimes let the renown of Malbec distract us from some of the other treats on offer from Argentina.

For reds why not try a Bonarda? Thought to be an Italian grape variety originally, it is the second most planted red in Argentina. Typically an inky purple, opaque wine, it shows intense fruits on the nose and palate reflecting it's heritage with luscious cherries, the finish can often be spicy with rich liquorice or chocolate tones. My tips for an introduction to this grape variety are the new Alamos Bonarda £5.99 for 2+, or the intense La Posta Bonarda £6.99 for 2+.

White wine wise no variety is hotter property in Argentina than Torrontes right now. Torrontes is excellently suited to Argentina's climate and why it can vary from region to region it most ofter reveals itself as a dry, aromatic almost Viognier-like wine. The palate is ofter peachy, with delicate layers of blossom, and jasmine. A great place to start is with the light Alamos Torrontes £5.99 for 2+, and my personal favourite the surprisingly full-bodied Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes £7.49 for 2+.

These wines will all be available to taste during our Argentinian tasting week, starting on Friday 4th March!

Wines of New Zealand

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:58:08 UT

A chance to taste a selection of wines from our NZ range on the tasting counter.

Wine Course

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:14:07 UT

An hour long, laid back introduction to the world of wine!