Year: 2024

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Mr Whirly’s Top 4 reds for Christmas!

It’s December 1st and its time to arrange a few Christmas wines for you all!

Don’t forget, Mr Whirly delivers ” free to your door” to all SW London postcodes, sustainable, Organic, Vegan and great tasting wines!

Here are my top 4 Reds for you to indulge with over the festive season.

Three Drops Shiraz 2018, Mount Barker, WA : a delicious and elegant red from the cooler Great Southern region of Western Australia: its totally elegant and restrained for this signature grape of Australia, that pretty well put Australia on the world wine map 30 years ago. Rich Autumn hedge row berries with a touch of clover and tobacco. £29.50

https://whirlywine.co.uk/product/three-drops-shir…to-the-uk-market/ ‎

Three Drops Cabernet Franc 2018, Mount Barker, WA: So unusual to find this grape in a bottle as a single varietal, which is why I was originally drawn to it. I tasted it and loved it. The home of this grape is the Loire, where some of the wines tend to be quite “farm yardy” but this is anything but this! Clean and fresh and juicy, but not overly fruit driven, it oozes class and integrity. Winemakers notes” Succulent and perfumed, 3 drops Cabernet France in hues of red, with raspberry mulberry and liquorice notes continues to sing” £23.90

https://whirlywine.co.uk/product/three-drops-cabe…estern-australia/ ‎

Brick Kiln Shiraz, ” Single Vineyard” 2017, McLaren Vale, South Australia

One of my favourite imports over the last 24 years, this wine exudes Australian red wine making class!

” After a wet winter and cold Spring the grapes from the Nine Gums Vineyard were harvested later than usual on the 23rd March. Following open Fermentation for 10 days and basket pressing the wine was matured in predominantly American oak hogsheads ( 35% new) for 20 months. This wine is dark rich ruby red in colour with powerful aromas of blackberry, dark plum and rich chocolate, with some coconut and vanilla from the American oak. On the palate the wine delivers a wonderful array of dark red berries, rich red plums with caramel and peppery spice overtones. Fruit and oak tannins are soft and well integrated leaving a deep and lingering flavour on the mid-back palate.” £33.50

https://whirlywine.co.uk/product/brick-kiln-shira…-mclaren-vale-sa/ ‎

Chateau Les Graves de Viaud 2015, Côte de Bourg, Bordeaux

Delightfully elegant Merlot based wine that shows so much beauty and class. Vegan, bio Dynamic and Organic. Which is so unusual for Bordeaux wines, since they are very traditional in their thoughts and winemaking ideas. Positive bottle ageing, this wines show how good a little wine regions across the Gironde from St Estephe can show itself in the grand wine world of this region. £24. 50

https://whirlywine.co.uk/product/chateau-les-grav…mique-et-organic

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Garnacha Country! Aragon!

Earlier this month, October 2024, Mr Whirly visited Garnacha country in the middle of Spain. The ancient 13th Century kingdom of Aragon is at the heart of this region and indeed the the first possible historic name of this grape is Aragonese.

I would like to briefly share the highlights with you here and then focus on the new wine ideas Mr Whirly is looking to import very soon. Its been a while since we wrote here, so its great to be back. Whirly wines is still very much in business though, delivering wines made sustainably to the off trade ( farm shops and small retailers, delis etc) and private clients as well as looking for new markets with private chefs and events. But Mr Whirly still delivers ” free to your door” Organic and Vegan wines to most SW postcodes in London from SW2 to 21.

So if you require a few bottles over the coming months up until Christmas do remember to support your small, specialised wine importer rather than your local Tesco or Sainsbury’s to Aldi, since I need your support and I can guarantee wines of good quality too! Here is a link to some great Spanish wines, Organic and Vegan for only £10.50 a bottle.

https://whirlywine.co.uk/product/mixed-sustainabl…rly-wine-website/ ‎

On the wine trip we visited three wineries of different sizes over 3 days. Most of the wineries here in the various regions of Aragon are Cooperatives. The most interesting vineyard was was a small to medium size cooperative ( most of the vineyards in this part of Spain are Cooperatives) with about 70 members of small family vineyards. Being in Tierra Alta, a wine region of Aragon but also very close to Priorat they had a varied array of wines and I have always been fascinated with Priorat since it contains a percentage of my favourite red grape, Carignan, called Cariñena were in Spain. Indeed on the last day we visited the town of Cariñena and a very large commercial vineyard which is not really my passion, but we did taste an amazing 100% Cariñena wine which was incredible but it was seriously overpriced at around 140 Euros! Sadly a lot of these vines are no longer allowed to grow in the home of the grape due to commercial practices which I find really sad. It’s such an expressive grape so it makes no sense to me but comes down to money and ease of winemaking, apparently the Cariñena grape is more tricky to grow.The land out here is dry and barren, it was actually quite interesting to see. At this vineyard we tasted some great Garnacha More to follow on the wines tasted and potential wine imports very soon!

Discover the Richness of Garnacha from Aragon

Introduction to Garnacha

Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is a grape variety that thrives in the warm, sun-soaked regions of Spain. Among its most celebrated origins is Aragon, where the unique terroir and climate contribute to the grape’s exceptional quality. If you’re passionate about wine, understanding Garnacha from Aragon is a journey worth taking.

The Terroir of Aragon

Aragon’s diverse landscapes, from the high-altitude vineyards of Campo de Borja to the rolling hills of Calatayud, provide the ideal conditions for Garnacha. The region’s warm days and cool nights allow for a perfect balance of sugar and acidity, resulting in wines that are both rich and refreshing.

Flavor Profile

Garnacha wines from Aragon are known for their vibrant fruit flavors. Expect notes of ripe red berries, cherries, and plums, often accompanied by subtle spice and herbal undertones. The wines can range from light and fruity to bold and full-bodied, making them versatile for food pairings.

Why Choose Garnacha from Aragon?

1. Unique Characteristics: Aragon Garnacha stands out for its depth of flavor and complexity, influenced by the region’s distinct growing conditions.

2. Food Pairing Versatility: These wines pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and spicy foods to rich stews and hearty pasta.

3. Value for Money: Often, Garnacha from Aragon offers excellent quality at a reasonable price, making it an attractive choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

How to Enjoy Garnacha

• Serving Temperature: Serve Aragon Garnacha slightly below room temperature (about 16-18°C) to enhance its flavors.

• Decanting: Consider decanting young wines for an hour to allow their aromas to develop fully.

• Food Pairings: Try it with tapas, grilled lamb, or a rich chocolate dessert for a delightful experience.

Conclusion

Garnacha from Aragon is a treasure waiting to be explored. With its rich flavors and versatility, it’s a fantastic addition to any wine lover’s collection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Garnacha is sure to impress.

Explore our selection of premium Garnacha wines from Aragon and elevate your wine experience today! I will soon have some Garnacha wines imported from this trip so will advise you very soon when the wines are available.