The Wine Journal
Words by Hannah Crosbie
Wine being one of them. I’ve chosen to seek solace in a small village in rural England, far-flung from the winos of the city, one would have thought. But each day I make my (entirely essential) trip to the supermarket, I’m greeted with shelves full of air and gloating price labels for the missing wine. Along with the fact that many small retailers and winemakers are now having to close their doors for the foreseeable, it’s never been more important to strengthen the relationship between the drinker and the independent business. I’ve listed a few merchants that have pivoted their offerings to a self-isolation era and selected one bottle from each that can be delivered straight to your lair. Let’s drink to coming out of this together (and considerably merrier).
Five wines to get delivered in bed
As we now find ourselves in the throes of culinary hysteria, consider this an official dispatch from a country dwindling on essential resources. The obvious amenities were the first to disappear overnight - think toilet paper, canned chickpeas, rice - but now we’re facing a more complex national problem. Fully stocked up on essentials, the latest resource that seems to be evaporating off our shelves are the luxury items, the ones that exist to bring us joy, especially in a trying time.
Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Blancs, 2014 from Rathfinny Estate
Unlikely times call for indulgent measures. By indulgent, I mean a 2014 vintage from Sussex. Located just three miles from the sea, this English sparkling wine is Rathfinny’s first vintage of their Sussex Sparkling, and it’s unsurprisingly won awards the world over. Get it delivered for free through Selfridges or directly delivered if you live within 10 miles of the estate. Drink with delicate seafood or drink on its own via Facetime on a Friday night.
Region: East Sussex, UK.
Maker: Rathfinny Estate.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay.
Notes: Creamy meringue, apricot and finishing of apple strudel (no, really).
Dispatch Notes: Free UK Standard Delivery through Selfridges. Complimentary delivery within 10 miles of the estate.
Drink here.
‘Thomas’ Pinot Noir, 2018 from Renegade Wine
Although the humble Renegade Wine is a London child at heart (you can find their winery and bar under the Bethnal Green arches), they’ve launched something that everyone in the country can get behind. Not only do they have a wonderful selection of natural wines to pick from inspired by the faces of East End locals, they’re offering free next day delivery to anywhere in the UK with no minimum order. We opted for the ‘Thomas’ Pinot Noir, a fresh pinot that doesn’t hold back on flavour. Inspired by a local cabinet-maker of the same name, Thomas can be enjoyed with some charcuterie tomorrow night if you order right now thanks to Renegade’s delivery service. Truly a winery for the people.
Region: Lombardy, IT.
Maker: Renegade Wine.
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.
Notes: Aged in French oak, light but very flavourful.
Dispatch Notes: Free DHL next day UK delivery with no minimum order. 10% off orders over £100.
Drink here.
Ranmore Hill, 2017 from Denbies Wine Estate
As our travel links between foreign countries dwindle, there’s never been a better time to support some Great British companies. Take Denbies, a name almost synonymous with English wine production. This blend of white wine won an award last year, proving British still wines are a growing force to be reckoned with. This one can be drunk with a pork, chicken and creamy pasta dish. And, if you’re stocking up for quarantine (I suggest that you should), Denbies are even offering 20% off a six-bottle case, which should see you nicely through to the warm reaches of summer.
Region: Surrey, UK
Maker: Denbies
Grape: Blend of Pinot Gris, Bacchus and Chardonnay
Notes: Minerally and nutty. Flavours of white peach and melon.
Dispatch Notes: 20% off 6 bottles or more.
Drink here.
‘Wonderwall’ Field Recordings Chardonnay, 2016 from Nekter Wines
Winos of the world unite: virtual tastings are now a thing. To remedy the fact that we can’t go out to any events or tastings for the foreseeable future, the winemakers represented by Nekter Wines are hosting regular live video tastings to wherever you’re holed up in the world. This Wonderwall Chardonnay is just one of bottles featured in their tasting pack that you can drink along with the makers themselves. A brilliant burst of sunshine, this will be perfect to drink on its own while enjoying the beautiful weather (from inside your home, of course).
Region: Edna Valley, USA
Maker: Field Recordings
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Notes: Crisp with flavours of golden fruit and oak: a classic Californian Chardonnay.
Dispatch Notes: 10% off all orders with the code NEKTER10. Plus, virtual tasting sessions for self-isolators.
Drink here.
‘WTF’ What the Flor, 2016 from Newcomer Wines
I’m never able to round up a review without indulging in a bit of skin-contact. Newcomer Wines share their edgy Dalston home with over 500 labels of wine from around the world, with a focus on nurturing up-and-coming winemakers. So, their partnership with trendy Czech maker Milan Nestarec was a no-brainer. Only a few years on his local wine scene, his tongue-in-cheek labels and wine names have earned him suitable notoriety. Drink the timely-named WTF with some grilled or slow-cooked white fish.
Region: Moravia, CZ
Maker: Milan Nestarec
Grape: 100% Gruner Veltliner
Notes: Ripe apples and pears. Lingering notes of quinces.
Dispatch Notes: Same day delivery in London. Free delivery anywhere for orders over £50.
