New wines from the Old World for Autumn 2017
Our buyers have been busy - there are some exciting Old World producers being added to the Bibendum portfolio for Autumn 2017.
From England to Austria, these winemakers are creating some incredible wines and we can't wait to introduce you to them.
France
Languedoc
Domaine Sainte Rose
It all began in 2002 when Charles and Ruth Simpson bought the domaine near Servian in the Languedoc with a simple ambition: to create outstanding wine. Charles explains, “We are ambitious people, each giving up high-flying careers to pursue our dream. We have enormous respect for our Old World terroir, however we employ New World techniques in the vineyard, as well as in the winery, to ensure we harvest top-quality fruit and make clean wines with minimal intervention.”
Bordeaux
Chateau d'Arche
Steeped in centuries of history, Chateau d’Arche was established in 1580 by Henry d’Arche, dean of the city of Bordeaux. At the time, his wines were already some of the most famous Sauternes. The chateau covers 40ha, with winemaker Jerome Cosson producing Grand Cru Classé Sauternes.
Overlooking the village of Sauternes and offering a magnificent panorama, Chateau d’Arche is built on the summit of hills that overlook its prestigious neighbours, notably Yquem and Guiraud. This exceptional location enjoys maximum sunshine, and combined with varied soils, allows the development of wines with very specific taste qualities.
Italy
Puglia
Masseria Li Veli
Founded in 1999 by the Falvo family, Masseria Li Veli has earned a reputation worldwide for producing premium, authentic wines characteristic of Puglia, helping to transform the image of the region. Set over 33ha, Li Veli’s vineyards are planted to indigenous grapes, including some rarely-seen local varieties.
Located on an ancient Messapian site dominating the fertile and sunny Salento plain in southern Puglia, between the Ionic and Adriatic Sea. The range includes six reds and two white wines, including the Askos Susumaniello and Askos Verdeca, created using a selection of rare, ancient Puglian grape varieties.
England
Surrey
Litmus Wines
Based in Dorking, Surrey, Litmus Wines was established in 2008. Owned and operated by John Worontschak, Mike Florence and Matthieu Elzinga, Litmus Wines are made from the best fruit from sites spanning Surrey, Sussex, and Essex. Jamie Avenell, Bibendum buyer for England, says, “In the UK, the English sparkling wine industry is excelling and we've now found a real gem producing still wines. The Litmus Element 20, a blend of Chardonnay and Bacchus, was their first wine, but it is now joined by an excellent White Pinot, a Pinot Noir and an Orange Bacchus.”
Spain
Andalucia
La Guita
Located in Sanlucar de Barrameda, winemaker Eduardo Ojeda produces a range of Manzanilla sherries from Palomino grapes, including an En Rama (meaning unfiltered and unfined). The area of Sanlucar offers very special climatic conditions that influences the characteristics of the wines. Buyer for Spain at Bibendum, Jamie Avenell, explains, “This is a market-leading Manzanilla, which today is not only the best-selling Manzanilla in Spain, but the best-selling sherry full stop.”
Austria
Carnuntum
Glatzer
Located in Carnuntum, east of Vienna and south of the river Danube, Walter Glatzer’s vineyards cover 54ha. The vines benefit from the contrast of the warm Pannonian current from the east and cooler air from the Danube from the north, leading to attractive, fragrant, fresh and fruit-driven reds. The majority of their vineyards are planted with grapes typical of the region, like Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Gruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch. Walter’s consistent and uncompromising drive for quality and the numerous awards resulting therefrom, has inspired many young growers of the Carnuntum region.
We've also added 3 new German producers to our portfolio - you can read more about them here.