Flights of Fancy Menu #3
Try up to 18 different wines just a stone's throw away from the gorgeous Bushy Park.
Fancy trying a few different wines
Why not take one of our Flights of Fancy
It's all very easy...
- Choose any 6 wines from our Tasting Menu
- We'll serve you a taster size of each for you to contrast and compare
- Sit back and enjoy
The results -
1. Weinhaus Ress Spatburgunder Pinot Noir
Score - 7.85/10
In a nutshell: A light, fragrant and fruity German Pinot Noir from the Rheingau region on the banks of the Rhine
The lowdown: The Rheingau is one of Germany's well known and most productive wine regions. The vineyards here sit on south facing slopes on the banks of the rivers Rhine and Main either side of Wiesbaden. Christian Ress, the fifth generation of the family to run the estate, is the winemaker and produces some excellent Riesling and Pinot Noirs from here. This light and juicy Pinot Noir has lots of concentrated red fruit flavours with some delicate spice notes all backed up with an elegant body. It's a deliciously, moreish example of the modern German take on Pinot Noir
When to drink: Just the kind of Pinot Noir to chill slightly on a sunny day. It's great by itself and very veratile with food.
2. Signos de Origen 'La Vinilla' Chardonnay/Rousanne
Score - 7.31/10
In a nutshell: A complex and layered organic white blend from Chile's Casablanca valley.
The lowdown: Chardonnay, which forms more than 90% of this blend, is well suited to Chile's Casablanca Valley. The grapes ripen slowly round here allowing them to show off their very fruity and aromatic side. A small amount of Rousanne adds complexity, floral aromas and richness. After careful harvesting the must is part fermented in French oak followed by a further five months in barrel which gives a robustness and creamy feel on the palate complementing the upfront frutiness really well. It also has aromas of white flowers, honey, and ripe tropical fruits which follow onto flavours hinting of walnuts and almonds. The freshness of the fruit has been well maintained too which shows when it signs off with a lovely clean finish.
When to drink: Its good backbone of acidity makes it great with richly seasoned fish and shellfish. How about grilled octopus, or bouillabaisse.
Suitable for Vegans, Biodynamic
3. Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Score - 7.27/10
In a nutshell: A big and approachable American Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's oldest winery.
The lowdown: The Columbia Valley in the eastern part of Washington state has a dry climate and conditions are well adapted for varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Ste Michelle are good at getting the best out of it. Aged in oak, a third of which is new, for fourteen months it's rich and concentrated on the nose. The palate goes on to delivers complexity and structure, with robust blackcurrant and plum flavours, and soft, silky tannins that lingers very moreishly at the finish.
When to drink: Complex and well structured, it's a wine that can cope with robust, spicy flavours. Beef is a natural partner, but blue cheeses and dark chocolate also go well with it.
4. Quinta da Fonte Souto Rose
Score - 7.11/10
In a nutshell: A rounded, sophisticated, dry Portuguese rosé from the Alentejo region.
The lowdown: While Provence might get all the attention when it comes to premium rosé it is certainly worth looking further afield as well and here in the rural Alentejo region of eastern Portugal we have a rather serious, quality, very delicious example. Quinta da Fonte Souto is situated on the slopes of the São Mamede Range, rather than the hot and arid Alentejo planes, so benefits from cooling breezes and colder nights and therefore crisp fruit flavours with refreshing, balanced acidity. Their rosé is made with Aragonês (aka Tinta Roriz in the rest of Portugal or Tempranillo everywhere else) which is hand-picked before being hand-sorted in the winery followed by a gentle pressing. Fresh aromas of orange blossom, ripe citrus, apricot and pomegranate lead onto a dry, rounded palate with great structure and depth of flavour. Loads of fresh red berry fruit flavours, notes of lychee and white pepper spice all held together with taught, minerally acidity.
When to drink: Try with salads, meaty fish such as salmon or tuna, roast vegetables, or Asian cuisine.
Suitable for Vegans
5. Luis Canas Crianza, Rioja
Score - 6.94/10
In a nutshell: A layered and velvety Rioja Crianza with ripe, fresh red fruit flavours.
The lowdown: Certainly quite a grown-up Rioja with good, ripe, fresh red fruit flavours. In Rioja the term 'Crianza' on the label means the wine inside will have been aged for at least 12 months in oak barrels giving extra layers of flavour and tannins. This one spent its time in a mix of new French and American oak which has given it gently assertive vanilla, cedar and dried herb notes which complement the primary fruit flavours really well. It's full of rich red fruit flavours and the impressively dense palate has well rounded tannins and good levels of acidity giving it a clean fruity finish with a hint of eucalyptus..
When to drink: Very versatile when it comes to matching with food. Roasts, poultry, chorizo and meaty paella all go well.
Suitable for Vegans, Organic
6. Pauletts Trillians Sparkling Riesling NV
Score - 6.94/10
In a nutshell: A rich, generous and zesty sparkling Riesling from South Australia's Clare Valley.
The lowdown: The Clare Valley, north of Adelaide is renowned as the home of Australia's best Rieslings. True, it's not seen so often as a sparkling wine, but this example from Pauletts with a gorgeous citrussy feel, lively mousse and snappy finish is a worthy addition to the ranks. It's full of classic Riesling character and complexity with rich and lively mouthfilling flavours of zesty lime and tropical pineapple along with nicely judged floral and honeyed notes. With a refreshing crispness it hits a well balanced pitch of fullness, liveliness and depth of flavour.
When to drink: Gorgeously refreshing, it's a wonderful aperitif and also a great accompaniment to rich seafood like lobster, or scallops.
Suitable for Vegans
7. Mas Macia Cava Brut NV
Score - 6.88/10
In a nutshell: A fresh and creamy Cava from a well regarded producer in the heartlands of Catalonia
The lowdown: This cracking Cava is made from a blend of the classic grapes, Macabeo, Xarel-Lo and Parellada grown on the Can Macià estate near the small town of Odena not far from the traditional home of Cava, Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. The fruit from around here has a bit longer to ripen before harvest which adds complexity of flavour and with being traditionally made and matured for an extended period of 24 months before disgorgement the range of flavours and aromas further enchanced. It's full of white fruit and citrus aromas which lead onto a complex palate containing green apple and stone fruit flavours with a touch of white spice. The bubbles are fine and persistent right through to the long finish which has a gentle savoury twist.
When to drink: Delicious as an aperitif, great with tapas, but it also has bags of concentration and complexity which works well right throughout a meal.
Suitable for Vegans
8. Foncalieu Piquepoul Rose
Score - 6.64/10
In a nutshell: An attractively pale, fresh, crisp and clean southern French rosé.
The lowdown: Les Vignobles Foncalieu are largish cooperative based near Carcasonne in the Languedoc and in addition to the more regular styles of wine from this part of the world they also put some more rarely seen varieties to very good use as with this excellent value rosé. The grape used here is Picpoul Noir and is the dark-skinned sibling of the white grape used in the popular Picpoul de Pinet and, indeed, you'll be able to pick out some of the similarities in character. With a very pale pink colour it has delicate aromas of crushed rose petals with lemony notes that follow through onto the crisp and dry palate with great fresh strawberry and cranberry red fruit flavours. It's got a decent bit of weight making it a bit fuller in the mouth than some, but is still refreshing and easy drinking.
When to drink: An excellent alternative to a classic Provençal rosé it's quite simply a lovely wine to drink by itself, or to partner with shellfish and summer salads.
Suitable for Vegans
9. CVNE Monopole, Rioja Rosado
Score - 6.53/10
In a nutshell: A delightful, delicately floral and refreshingly dry rosé from Rioja.
The lowdown: Rioja, Spain's most famous wine region is renowned for its matchless reds, but there are also pretty good white and rosés from here which shouldn't be overlooked. This one, made by the famous Compania Vinicole del Norte de España (CVNE), while at an entry level price, is a great example of their style. It's made from a blend of white Viura and red Tempranillo grapes grown in the Rioja Alta region. Particular attention is taken in the winery to preserve the delicate, aromatic floral aromas. It's got a pleasing, soft palate with clean peach, apricot, strawberry and citrus fruit flavours backed up with fresh acidity.
When to drink: Perfectly balanced it's very versatile, perfect at a lunchtime, or for quaffing by itself.
Suitable for Vegans
10. Rabl Gruner Veltliner 'Loss', Kamptal
Score - 6.50/10
In a nutshell: A crisp, dry and aromatic white from the Kamptal, one of Austria's most prestigious wine regions.
The lowdown: Rudi Rabl Jr is well known for the quality of wines he produces and this superb example of Grüner Veltliner, Austria's signature white grape variety, is a perfect example of his skill. The grapes were harvested once they had reached the desired levels of maturity and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel in order to preserve the freshness and integrity of the Grüner Veltliner characteristics. It has a delightfully fresh, youthful nose full of tropical fruits, blossom and lime aromas which lead onto a honeyed palate with slight hints of white pepper and a crisp mineral finish.
When to drink: The spicy and citrius characteristics here will suit many types of asian recipes, firm fleshed fish dishes and even asparagus.
Suitable for Vegans
11. Pacheco Organic Monastrell
Score - 6.44/10
In a nutshell: A full-bodied organic red from Jumilla in hot, south-eastern Spain.
The lowdown: Elena Pacheco, the winemaker at Viña Elena specialises in getting the best out of the area's dominant red grape, Monastrell. Organically cultivated, non-irrigated bush vines are the source of the fruit here. The wine is made without oak ageing and is meant to be enjoyed young and vibrant. It has bright aromas of fresh raspberries, red cherries and strawberries together with some floral notes. On the palate there's lots of dark, sweet, spiced fruits with notes of balsamic vinegar and spice. With plenty of weight it's vibrant, refreshing and well-balanced with an elegant finish.
When to drink: A lot of wine for the money here and it goes well with things like paella, pasta and meaty fish such as turbot, or halibut.
Suitable for Vegans, Organic
12. Turckheim Brand Grand Cru Riesling
Score - 6.39/10
In a nutshell: Exemplary rich, dry and complex Alsace Grand Cru Riesling.
The lowdown: Probably one of the bargain's of our range. Alsatian Grand Cru wines are pretty much one of the best value wines of offer, the sheer quality on offer for the price is remarkable. Here we have one of Europe's finest co-operatives in Turckheim and their 2017 Riesling from the Grand Cru vineyard of Brand that sits overlooking the village of Turckheim itself a few miles to the east of the picturesque town of Colmar. Brand is one of the sunniest of the Grand Crus takes its name from the German for 'fire' where legend has it a battle took place between the sun and a dragon and in the following Spring this vineyard sprang up from the scorched earth. Hot and dry conditions lead to ripe grapes full of flavour with a finesse and balance.
Intense, complex aromas of ripe citrus and pear fruits with touches of petrol, white pepper and exotic spice. The palate is dry, broad and rich with citrus, grapefruit and pineapple notes with subtle hints of something smoky and saline and a definite minerally, steely, long finish.
16.5-20 - Julia Harding MW (jancisrobinson.com), 92/100 - Decanter World Wine Awards
When to drink: Drink now though will keep into the mid-2020s. Perfect pairing for rich pork or cheese dishes, or try with sushi or mildly spiced Asian cuisine.
Suitable for Vegans
13. Chateau Tour des Gendres 'Cantalouette', Bergerac Rouge
Score - 6.31/10
In a nutshell: A bright, fruity, yet velvety organic red blend from the Dordogne in South West France.
The lowdown: At Château des Gendres they make some excellent organic wines in styles not too far removed from their neighbours in Bordeaux that are generally a bit easier on the pocket, their Bergerac Rouge 'Cantalouette' being a case in point. It's made from Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc which are farmed strictly according to Organic and Biodynamic principles. Fermentation and lees ageing takes place in stainless steel - there is no oak ageing - to retain a bright primary fruit character. It has a lovely nose of cassis, mint and peppery spice and is soft and rounded on the palate with attractive plum and dark fruit flavours and a dry, savoury finish. Very moreish indeed.
When to drink: Brilliantly versatile and easy drinking it's also good with roast lamb, or rich feathered game dishes.
Organic
14. Olivier Coste Carignan Blanc 'Rare'
Score - 6.28/10
In a nutshell: Fresh, dry, aromatic white from the Languedoc made with the very rare Carignan Blanc variety.
The lowdown: There are less than 250 hectares of this rare Mediterranean grape left in existance and Olivier Coste has a tiny two hectare parcel by the sea near the village of Castelnau-de-Guers in the picturesque Languedoc region of South West France. Part of his 'Languedoc Stars' collection of wines that are all about a modern, fresh, fruit-forward interpretations of classic Mediterranean varieties made from old vines in a sustainable way. This vineyard benefits from cooling Mediterranean breezes allowing for balanced, natural acidity and a real freshness. This freshness is enhanced by harvesting at night and maturing in stainless steel tanks, which also preserves the wonderful aromas.
Clean and crisp floral aromas with citrus and stone fruit notes lead onto a dry, bright, medium-bodied palate with vibrant citrus fruit flavours complemented by touches of almond and a real flinty minerality running through the body of the wine.
When to drink: As the vineyard overlooks the Étang de Thau known for its oysters and mussels they make a perfect accompaniment.
15. Monte del Fra Bardolino
Score - 6.26/10
In a nutshell: A delicately fruity and fragrant northern Italian red from south east of Lake Garda.
The lowdown: Bardolino sits on the south eastern shores of Lake Garda and the red wines that carry its name bear some similiarities to Valpolicella which comes from nearby. This example from Monte del Frà is a Corvina led blend which undergoes a slow temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The result is a light and juicy wine with an aromatic nose of sweet, fresh cherries and summer berries. Fresh and easy drinking, it's got plenty of tangy red fruits, a pleasant touch of spice, and cranberry to finish.
When to drink: With its lightness of touch it makes super summery drinking and goes well with grilled fish, or cold meats and salads.
16. Marchesi di Gresy Langhe Sauvignon Blanc
Score - 5.87/10
In a nutshell: A serious, minerally and savoury Sauvignon from the Langhe region in Piemonte.
The lowdown: Marchesi de Gresy is a top Barbaresco winery producing a great selection of wines, including arguably one of the finest Sauvignons in Italy. This is very much in the old-school, old-Europe style rather than the punchy New World examples with bags of tropical fruits, so it's one for the Sancerre purists. The fruit comes from a selection of three vineyards in the Barbaresco and Alba regions that sit up to 1000 feet above sea level, no oak is used in the fermentation on maturing process, just stainless steel to preserve aromas and freshness. Intense fresh aromas of citrus, floral notes and freshly mown grass lead onto a medium-bodied, complex and crisp palate. Ripe citrus, pear and apple flavours are balanced by crisp acidity and minerally savouriness that follows through onto a long finish.
When to drink: A wine that has the capacity to age for at least 5 years. Try with goat's cheese, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or shellfish.
Suitable for Vegans
17. Domaine Papagiannakos 'Kalogeri' Malagouzia 2020
Score - 5.76/10
In a nutshell: An appealing, aromatic and zippy Greek white from an indigenous and increasingly fashionable grape variety.
The lowdown: Malagouzia, the grape variety used here, had nearly disappeared until rescued from obscurity in the 1980s. It has since undergone something of a revival in Greece and there are now some excellent, fullish and floral wines, such as this from Domaine Papagiannakos, being made with it. The grapes are hand harvested before a gentle pressing and temperature controlled vinification which retains all the essential fruity and floral character. It's got ripe aromas of peaches and apricots on the nose that lead onto a soft and rounded palate that is full of ripe stone fruits, hints of pineapple and red apple. Fresh and bright throughout, it has a good length and pleasing sign off.
When to drink: Finishing a nice touch of zestiness and lychee it goes well with souvlaki, greek salads and seafood.
Suitable for Vegans
18. Olim Bauda Centive Moscato d'Asti Frizzante
Score - 5.40/10
In a nutshell: A subtly sweet, lightly sparkling and low alcohol Moscato d'Asti from Piedmont in north west Italy.
The lowdown: These days it has a bit of a low profile but Moscato d'Asti was once Italy's best selling sparkling wine before the emergence of Prosecco. This is quite a different style of wine though, having a honeyed sweetness, bright aromatics, a modest level of alcohol and gentle sparkle. While certainly a fun wine it's nonetheless very well made. After pressing it's left on its skins for a while before fermentation which is halted at the right point to achieve the desired level of sweetness and it's bottled in the November following harvest. The result is a wine packed full of flavour, zesty with lots of rich, ripe fruits - red apple, peach, nectarine and mandarin orange and really well balanced, so there's a nice clean refreshing finish.
When to drink: Playful and enjoyable and with plenty of interest, it's great with cakes and desserts.
Suitable for Vegans
