Moving into our 21 st year in business at Classic Drinks, our drive to continually adapt and improve is as strong as ever.
As part of the Sysco family, we have been able to continue investing meaningfully in our range, the knowledge base of our sales team, and the speciality of our business.
Our wine portfolio continues to evolve, anticipating changes in consumption and emerging market trends. To our range of spirits, beers, and other must-have beverage products, we have added new agency lines such as Clean Co, Blacks of Kinsale, Inno Bev, and Sailor’s Home - complementing long-standing agency relationships such as Stonewell Craft Irish Cider.
This enables us to continue delivering as your wine partner and spirits wholesaler of choice in an ever-changing market environment.
We remain committed to adding value to your business with in-house wine training, winemaker dinners, wine menu printing and design, and our unrivalled service proposition.
I would like to thank each of our customers and staff for their continued support on this journey together.
Here’s to a successful 2025.
Mark Donohoe Head Of Wine
m: +353 (0) 86 820 2999
mark-donohoe@classicdrinks.com
We are delighted to share with you the 2025 to 2026 edition of our wine portfolio. Over the last three years, we have been hard at work ensuring that our selection provides excellent quality for you and your customers - at all price points.
Recently, our focus has been on developing the regions of Burgundy, Campania, and Txakoli in northern Spain. In Burgundy, we are proud to now work with a collection of domaines that are true specialists in each village they represent. In Pommard, we are thrilled to have added the wines of Domaine Michel Arcelain. This domaine creates wines that express the essence of the commune: delicate, light, layered, and complex reds with aromas of ripe berry fruits and black pepper.
From Puligny-Montrachet, we have added Domaine Jomain Frères, which produces stunning whites packed with notes of lemon curd, sweet spices, and limestone minerality. For more information on our new range of domaines from the Côte d’Or, please turn to pages 22 and 24.
In Campania, we now work with the glorious wines of Roberto di Meo, who is truly the greatest living producer of Fiano di Avellino, Campania Falanghina, and Greco di Tufo. His white wines are complex, long-living and uniquely expressive of the volcanic mineral soils on which they are grown.
Lastly, we are very excited to have added a vibrant Txakoli to our range from the Basque region of Getariako Txakolina, close to one of the gastronomic capitals of the world - San Sebastián. The wines of Bodegas Rezebal are light, effervescent, and bursting with zingy aromas of citrus and green fruit, with huge gastronomic range.
We hope that you and your customers will enjoy these new additions. As always, we are on hand to support you with wine training, wine dinners, and menu development.
Thank you for your continued support.
Meet The Team
DAVID MCENROE
Managing Director
087 219 7231
david-mcenroe @classicdrinks.com
LAURA O’BRIEN Regional Sales Manager - West/NI
087 772 3155 laura-obrien @classicdrinks.com
DEIRDRE O’RIORDAN
Business Development Manager
West Cork 086 384 2501 deirdre-oriordan @classicdrinks.com
SEAN O’REILLY
Business Development Manager
Sligo, Donegal & Cavan 087 632 9238 sean-oreilly @classicdrinks.com
DALLAN D’ESTELLE ROE
Business Development Manager South Dublin 087 168 6423
dallan-destelleroe @classicdrinks.com
MARK DONOHOE Head Of Wine
086 820 2999 mark-donohoe @classicdrinks.com
NIALL CALLAN Regional Sales Manager - East
087 635 8667 niall-callan @classicdrinks.com
JONATHAN SALLEY
Business Development Manager
Cork City & East Cork 087 485 1437 jonathan-salley @classicdrinks.com
Bordeaux is the largest fine wine producer in France, made up of an incredible number of 65 appellations. Being a port city, situated 70km from the Atlantic coast, has enabled the region’s export capacity enormously over the centuries. Today, the wines of Bordeaux are sold in 170 countries worldwide.
Bordeaux’s winemakers have been able to continually invest in quality over the centuries due to the strong international demand for their wines. In the year 1740 alone, Ireland imported over 4,000 casks, compared to the 1,000 that were sent to England, thanks to a group of Irish emigrants (the Wine Geese) who relocated to Bordeaux and built lasting business. Today, a total of 14 world famous Châteaux still operating in Bordeaux boast distinctly Irish names. We include in our range of Grand Cru Classé estates, the wines of Ch. Léoville Barton, Ch. Phélan Segur, Ch. Kirwan and Ch. Lynch Bages, some of the most enduring names in the region.
Producer in Focus
Château Léoville Las Cases
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Julien, Château Léoville Las Cases is renowned for producing wines of extraordinary depth and longevity, often compared to the First Growths. Multiple vintages have received perfect 100-point scores from renowned wine critics like Robert Parker and the estate has won multiple gold medals and high ratings from Decanter. The lion that adorns the gates of the estate (as seen on the bottle label) is said to symbolise resilience and guardianship, standing witness to centuries of history, including the estate’s survival through wars and political upheavals.
Bordeaux France
Château Lynch-Bages AOP
Echo de Lynch-Bages AOP
Château Haut-Batailley AOP
Château-Grand-Puy-Lacoste AOP
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande AOP
Saint-Julien
Château Branaire-Ducru AOP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
Château Léoville Barton AOP
Château Léoville Las Cases AOP
Pauillac
The Two Banks of Bordeaux
The region of Bordeaux is split down the middle by the Gironde estuary, a river which runs parallel to the coast. Wine professionals refer to the west and east sides of the river as the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux.
The Left and Right Banks encompass a myriad of distinctions, including sub-regional styles, blends, winemaking techniques, historical backgrounds, size variations, and classification systems. The Left Bank vineyards are historically much bigger and lower in elevation than those of the Right Bank – with gravel (rather than clay or limestone) soils.
Soil type plays a huge role in influencing the unique style of each wine and estate. The finer gravel found in Margaux leads to an elegant and floral red wine while the wines of St-Estèphe and Pauillac tend to produce bigger tannins and more texture due to a higher proportion of clay.
Producer in Focus
Château Ramage la Bâtisse
Nestled in the heart of Haut-Médoc near Pauillac, Château Ramage
La Bâtisse is a distinguished Cru Bourgeois estate celebrated for its terroirdriven wines. Renowned oenologist Georges Pauli played a pivotal role in elevating its reputation, achieving Cru Bourgeois Supérieur status in 2003. The estate has a history of excelling in international competitions, for instance, winning the prestigious Grand Or award at the Frankfurt International Trophy (2015 vintage). These accolades have cemented its status as a reliable and highly respected producer in the Haut-Médoc.
Moulis-en-Médoc is the smallest of the six Médoc communes, with more limestone and clay soils than its neighbours. These wines can be beautifully perfumed like Margaux but often offer more power.
While there are no classified growths in Moulis, there are fantastic estates worth celebrating and bringing to your customers. Widely considered the leading estate here, Ch. Chasse-Spleen regularly outperforms many of the Médoc’s more renowned classed growths, earning top scores from critics such as Neal Martin, James Suckling, Jane Anson, and Robert Parker. Pessac-Léognan, south of the Médoc, is a relatively new appellation (1987), created out of the original Graves.
Collectors have intensified their focus on Pessac in the last decade and for good reason - they make fantastic wine here! One estate in particular, Château Haut-Bailly (Graves Cru Classé), is now counted among the top echelons of PessacLéognan wines.
Producer in Focus
Château Chasse-Spleen
Château Chasse-Spleen is nestled in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. The estate bears an evocative name, meaning ”to chase away the blues”, inspired by visits from literary greats like Lord Byron who reportedly praised the estate’s wines as a remedy for melancholy. With a rich history leading back to at least 1560, Chasse-Spleen is today considered one of the leading Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estates, offering wines with rich flavours, silky textures, and a timeless appeal.
Bordeaux France Bordeaux
Moulis-en-Médoc
Château Chasse-Spleen AOP 499278 | | 2018 | Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Graves Blanc
Château de Fieuzal Blanc AOP
Graves
Château de Fieuzal AOP 499193 | |
Pessac-Léognan
Château Haut-Bailly AOP
Château De Domy AOP (CO)
The Right Bank, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion and
Fronsac
Vineyard size and production volumes are lower on the Right Bank of the Garonne, meaning some of the more sought-after wines can be hard to find. Many of the best wines here are Merlot dominant from older vineyards with higher proportions of clay and limestone. Pomerol is an appellation relatively new to fame due to the success of wines like Château de la Dauphine Petrus and Lafleur, and unusually, it does not boast an all-important classification system. Much of Pomerol lies on warmer gravel over cooler clay leading to powerful and structured wines, perfectly illustrated by those of Château le Gay. The estate, formerly owned by the same family as Lafleur, has in recent years released some of the most outstanding wines from small yields of organically-farmed grapes.
Producer in Focus
Château Corbin Michotte
Château Corbin Michotte, is located in Saint-Emilion near prestigious neighbours like Cheval Blanc and Figeac. Home to the Boidron family since 1959, the estate stands out for its commitment to sustainability and ecological practices, ensuring that the vineyard remains a sanctuary for biodiversity. The Boidron family introduced hives into the vineyard to protect the essential bee population, creating an ecosystem that nurtures both the bees and the vines. This commitment is reflected in the estate’s second wine, Pollen, symbolising the connection between nature and wine production.
Bordeaux France Bordeaux
Blason Timberlay, Bordeaux AOP
Château Pascaud, Bordeaux Supérieur AOP (VF)(S)
Château Cantelauze AOP
Château le Gay AOP
| |
Château Corbin Michotte Grand Cru Classe AOP
Pollen de Corbin Michotte AOP
| |
Château de la Dauphine AOP (CO)(S)
Pomerol
Bordeaux Blanc
Potential in BlayeCôtes de Bordeaux
There is enormous potential to be found in Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux, a cradle of innovation, experimentation, value, and sustainability. Traditionally, most of these wines are sold directly to customers in France, with limited representation abroad.
As the presence of Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux grows in Ireland, we are expanding our range, driven by the exceptional value for money and promising potential we see. This gusto for experimentation challenges the traditional image of Bordeaux. Here is where we find single varietal wines which are not typical of the region, along with unconventional styles, such as Château Puynard’s organic Blanc de Noirs, a white wine produced from Merlot.
Producer in Focus
Château Puynard
Château Puynard was founded by Irishman Andrew Eakin, who brought a fresh vision to Bordeaux when he acquired the estate in 2016. Located in Blayes Côtes de Bordeaux, Eakin and his team craft contemporary, terroir-driven wines from 100% organic grapevines. In contrast to the exclusivity often associated with the grand cru classé wines of Bordeaux, Château Puynard offers a more accessible yet equally exquisite experience. The Puynard range began with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends produced using both traditional and modern techniques. From the estate, we offer an unoaked red blend (“Tradition”), two traditionally aged red blends (“The Steps” and “Prestige”) along with a low intervention rosé and a savoury scented Blanc de Noirs. These are thoroughly rewarding wines at fantastic prices for their quality.
Bordeaux France
Château Belle Coline AOP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
| | 2017 | Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Château Puynard Côtes de Blaye ‘Tradition’ AOP (CO)
PU220 | | 2018 |
Château Puynard Côtes de Blaye, ‘The Steps’ AOP (CO)
| | 2020 | Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Château Puynard Côtes de Blaye, ‘Prestige’ AOP (CO) PU222 | | 2018 |
Château Puynard Rosé AOP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
|
Château Puynard Blanc de Noirs AOP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
| | 2021 | Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Crémant de Bordeaux
Ballarin, Crémant de Bordeaux AOP
Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux
Chablis
Chablis is a historic white wine producing town and appellation in northern central France, located roughly halfway between Paris and the Cote d’Or of Burgundy. Only the regions of Champagne, Lorraine, and Alsace have more northernly vineyards and this geographical positioning both impacts and defines the wines of Chablis - contributing to a distinctively crisp, bright, and mineral style.
The wines of Chablis are leaner and fresher than the whites made throughout the rest of Burgundy. Textbook Chablis AOP is fermented in stainless steel to maintain the fresh, crisp character of the region. More premium Chablis wines, from Premier and Grand Cru sites, will generally spend a small amount of time in large oak barrels to add texture and complexity.
Producer in Focus
Domaine Gautheron
Cyril Gautheron represents the sixth generation of the Gautheron family to produce wines in Fleys, a small village in Chablis. The domaine comprises 25 hectares, divided among 40 parcels, which include a small parcel in Petit Chablis, 14 hectares in Chablis AOC, 7.5 hectares in Premier Cru sites of ‘Mont de Milieu’ and ‘Montmains’, and a small parcel in Grand Cru ‘Preuses’. Working closely with his wife, Agnès, the pair produce organic, terroirdriven wines in the mould of celebrated producers such as Francois Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat.
Domaine Gautheron, Chablis Premier Cru ‘Mont de Milieu’ AOP (NCO)(VF)(S)
| |
|
Domaine Gautheron, Chablis Premier Cru ‘Montmains’ Vieilles Vignes* AOP (NCO)(VF)(S)
Domaine Gautheron, Chablis Grand Cru ‘Bourgos’ AOP (NCO)(VF)(S)
Domaine Roy, Chablis AOP (NCO)
*Vieilles Vignes = ‘Old Vines’
Chablis
After a successful and abundant 2023 vintage, weather conditions in 2024 were not so favourable. Frost, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall throughout the growing season drastically reduced yields, with the harvest estimated to be about 50-60% smaller than the previous year. Despite these setbacks, the surviving grapes show promise, producing wines with vibrant acidity, citrus notes like lemon and grapefruit, and characteristic minerality, a fresher and more restrained style compared to some recent vintages.
Chablis is celebrated for its bracing, mineral white wines produced from Chardonnay. In combination with a cool continental climate, Chablis producers like to focus on the region’s complex soil types, which include limestone chalk and the coveted Kimmeridgian clay. These soils give the wines of Chablis their trademark smoky minerality. Like the Côte d’Or in Burgundy, Chablis contains Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites.
These south-facing vineyards, located on the mid-slope, produce richer, higher-quality wines that see a small amount of oak while maintaining their characteristic smoky minerality. Each Cru offers a distinct flavour profile. The cooler Premier Cru Montmains, for instance, produces a fresh, mineral and elegant style compared to the intensity and fruit concentration of the wines from nearby Vaillons.
Producer in Focus
Domaine Laroche
There has been wine production in the Obédiencerie monastery building of Domaine Laroche in the town of Chablis since 1128 AD. For centuries, Domaine Laroche has been synonymous with the traditional production of flinty Chablis wines of excellent quality. More recently, they have invested in an approach to sustainability that implies environmentally friendly viticulture.
Burgundy contains four main sub-regions: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and the Mâconnais. Most red Grand Cru sites are found in the Côte de Nuits (GevreyChambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Vougeot, etc.), while most of the whites are found in the Côte de Beaune (Puligny-Montrachet, Pernand-Vergelesses, etc.).
The white wines of the Côte de Beaune are celebrated globally for their incredible complexity, longevity and unique expression of terroir. These wines express minerality, lees ageing, malolactic fermentation, lemon curd and lemon sherbet aromas are accompanied by notes of sweet spice, toast and vanilla from oak ageing and intense flavours of honey and nuts.
Producer in Focus
Domaine Jomain Frères
Jomain Frères is a family-run winery in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, known for crafting some of the region’s finest white wines. Established by the Jomain siblings, brothers Philippe and Christophe, along with their sister Catherine, the domaine epitomises a dedication to tradition and terroir. They cultivate Chardonnay with meticulous care across nine hectares, producing wines that showcase Puligny-Montrachet’s hallmark elegance, minerality, and precision. The Jomain family’s wines are celebrated for their ageing potential, making them favourites among connoisseurs seeking the essence of Burgundy.
Bordeaux France Burgundy
Crémant de Bourgogne
Pierre-Marie Chermette, Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs Brut AOP
Domaine Lucien Boillot, Volnay Premier Cru ‘Clos de Angles’ AOP
Domaine Michel Arcelain, Pommard ‘La Combotte’ AOP
Côte de Nuits
The Côte de Nuits is a sub-region located in the northern part of the Côte d’Or in Burgundy, particularly celebrated for its production of red wines. These red wines, based on Pinot Noir, are the most powerful, structured, and age-worthy red wines produced in Burgundy. All but one of Burgundy’s red Grand Cru sites are found here, with renowned sites for production such as Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Vougeot. Maison Champy’s Mazis-Chambertin is stunningly complex, while Maison Champy’s is hauntingly elegant - truly the best the region has to offer.
Producer in Focus
Domaine Lucien Boillot
Domaine Lucien Boillot is a distinguished family estate in Burgundy, producing wines across the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Founded by Lucien Boillot, the domaine is now helmed by his son Pierre, who has continued the family’s legacy of producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. Pierre employs traditional winemaking techniques, with a focus on precise vineyard management and restrained use of oak, resulting in wines that are deeply expressive. Known for their ageing potential and purity, the wines of Domaine Lucien Boillot offer a classic interpretation of Burgundy’s most revered appellations.
Bordeaux France Burgundy
Domaine Lucien Boillot, Gevrey Chambertin AOP
Edouard Delaunay, Chambolle-Musigny AOP (VF)(S)
Edouard Delaunay, Nuits-Saint-Georges AOP (VF)(S)
Domaine Jomain Frères, Rully AOP
Chateau de la Tour de Lange, Mâcon-Villages AOP
Côte de Nuits
Côte Chalonnaise
Mâconnais
Beaujolais
A region that has grown hugely in popularity over the last 20 years, Beaujolais is no longer seen as the ‘poor cousin’ of Burgundy. Situated between the southern tip of the Mâconnais and just north of the Rhône Valley, Beaujolais has a warm continental climate, tempered by the Massif Central to the west and the Alps to the east. Famous for its production of Gamay Noir, grown on schist and granite soils, Beaujolais has developed a name for fantastic terroir in its Cru villages (Morgon, Brouilly, Fleurie) with quality to rival the very best of Burgundy.
Alexandre Burgaud
Alexandre Burgaud is a young and innovative winemaker in the mould of Foillard, Lapierre, Thévenet, and Breton. Based in the soon-to-beCru-classified village of Lantignié, Alexandre makes organic, semicarbonic wines. This produces an opulent expression of Gamay with ripe black fruit, violets, woody herbs, and minerality. His single vineyard ‘La Coline de Chermieux’ offers the kind of power and complexity you would expect from Grand Cru Burgundy.
Alexandre Burgaud Beaujolais-Villages ‘La Colline de Chermieux’ AOP (NCO)(VF)(S)
Brouilly
Fleurie
Champagne
Champagne is the most northerly region for grape growing in France, and its low average temperatures result in the delicate base wines required for the production of ‘traditional method’ sparkling wine. The Champagne style is known for its searing acidity with lemon curd and brioche flavours which derive from the unique ‘traditional’ method. The wines of Champagne are mainly blends of three primary grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. ‘Blanc de Blancs’ wines require only Chardonnay in the cuvée, whereas ‘Blanc de Noirs’ wines are produced from the red varieties. Most wines are non-vintage blends, but when there is an outstanding harvest, the Comité de Champagne will declare a vintage.
Producer in Focus
Champagne Pannier
The House of Champagne Pannier was established in 1899 by Louis-Eugène Pannier in the village of Dizy, just outside Épernay. Since their inception, Pannier has been committed to extra bottle ageing of their wines, and to this day each of their Champagnes is produced with a minimum of 36 months ageing on their lees to produce wines of incredible complexity. These gastronomic wines from Champagne offer a tremendous pairing experience with a wide range of cuisines, from traditional French fine dining to modern Japanese and Chinese dishes. The grapes for the Pannier blends come from three regions in Champagne, the Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs (including some Grand Cru sites). Pannier has been 100% certified in HVE and VDC since 2023, committing to goals such as water conservation, reduced carbon footprint and enhancing biodiversity.
Sancerre is located in the ‘Central Vineyards’ in the east of the Loire Valley. Most of the appellation lies on the south bank of the Loire River, directly opposite the equally celebrated Pouilly-Fumé. Famous for producing outstanding white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir is also grown, making light red wines and dry, mineral rosés. Sancerre is the Loire Valley’s most important export by value and volume and the demand from customers shows no sign of slowing. In a region that produces 170,000 hl of white wine, working with producers who respect the terroir of the region whilst guaranteeing quality and consistency, is important. Domaine Paul Thomas owns the largest vineyard on the chalky hill of Chavignol, reputed to be the finest spot in France for Sauvignon Blanc. He also produces grapes on the flinty soils of Silex, situated close to the banks of the Loire River. His wines are expressive and energetic, with whip-crack acidity and complex minerality.
Producer in Focus
Domaine de la Villaudière
Domaine de la Villaudière (HVE3) is a legacy of the famed Sancerre and Loire Valley winemaker JeanMarie Reverdy, whose two sons run the show today. Established on “Terres Blanches” marl soils, “Caillottes” limestone and flint soils, the estate offers wines from several appellations in the territory. New to our range is Pierre-Edgard ‘Lucy’, a floral and mineral style of PouillyFumé from the Villaudiére collection. From grapes grown on Kimmeridgian soil and with eight months ageing on fine lees in stainless steel vats, this Pouilly Fumé displays extraordinary complexity, complemented by an elegant minerality.
Bordeaux France Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé
Domaine Paul Thomas, Sancerre Blanc ‘Chavignol’ AOP (VF)(S)
Domaine Paul Thomas, Sancerre Blanc ‘Silex’ AOP (VF)(S)
Domaine Paul Thomas, Sancerre Rosé ‘Chavignol’ AOP (VF)(S)
Domaine Paul Thomas, Sancerre Rouge ‘Chavignol’ AOP (VF)(S)
Pouilly-Fumé, Pierre Edgar ‘Lucy’ AOP (VF)(S)
Sancerre Quincy
Domaine Bizet, Sancerre AOP
Sancerre
Les Terres Blanches, Sancerre AOP
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley represents one of France’s most diverse regions of production. Following the course of the Loire River inland, the climate changes from maritime to continental and encompasses numerous subregions, each with its own unique terroir and grape varieties. This facilitates the production of everything from dry white wines like Muscadet, off-dry rosé such as those from Anjou, off-dry whites like Vouvray and even the production of red wines like those of Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil and Chinon.
Loire Valley Wines, the overarching promotional body for the Loire wine industry, is aiming to achieve a rate of 100% organic or HVE (High Environmental Value) practices among winemakers within the next six years, placing substantial investments behind this initiative.
Producer in Focus
Jérémie Huchet
Jérémie Huchet is a producer we are thrilled to have added to our range of Loire Valley wines. He can be described as terroir-obsessed, a perfectionist when it comes to quality, very light-touch in the winery and, in his own words, a winemaker with “total respect for the microbic life of the soil”. Huchet runs four domaines across Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, including Clos les Montys, a new addition to the Classic Drinks’ portfolio. Huchet works with small vineyards to highlight unique soil types, such as the igneous bedrock at Montys which results in fleshy, structured, and mineral wines, alive with terroir. According to Huchet, Melon de Bourgogne has a “gentle character... not strongly varietal, which leaves lots of room for the terroir to express itself”. Time on the fine lees can sometimes last years, according to the vintage and the terroir.
Bordeaux France The Loire Valley
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Domaine Huchet ‘Le Grand Fief’ AOP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
| | 2023 | Grape: Muscadet
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Les Caves De Nantaise, AOP (VF)(S)
Famille Bougrier, Touraine ’Les Hauts Lieux’ AOP (VF)(S)(SC)
Caves de la Tourangelle, Touraine AOP (VF)(S)(SC)
Famille Bougrier, Vouvray ‘Douce France’ AOP (VF)(S)
Costières de Nîmes
The Costières de Nîmes is a sub-region of the Rhône that is gaining attention in wine circuits due to the rise of organic and biodynamic winemaking taking place, and because the typical style of wine here (light, fresh and elegant) provides a welcome contrast to the bigger styles from the northerly appellations. The soil is mostly a mixture of round pebbles, ‘galets,’ identical to the stone found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with sandy alluvial deposits and red shale. The soil depth, ranging from 3 to 15 metres, is largely responsible for the variations in style within this AOC. The climate is Mediterranean and is characterised by its proximity to the coast and cooling sea breezes. This leads to wines that are lighter, more savoury, and mineral than their Rhône Valley counterparts.
Producer in Focus
Mourgues du Grès
Mourgues du Grès produces terroirspecific, single vineyard wines that are certified organic and biodynamic. The wines reflect the changing taste for less extraction and more freshness and elegance. Run by husband-andwife team François and Anne Collard, the wines of Mourgues du Grès are complex, lifted, herbaceous, mineral, and light on the palate. This makes them utterly delicious on their own and perfect with a wide variety of food styles.
Bordeaux France Costières de Nîmes
Costières De Nîmes Blanc
Château Mourgues du Grès, Costieres de Nimes ‘Galets Dores’ Blanc AOP (B)(CO)(NCO)
Château Mourgues du Grès, ‘Terre d’Argence’ Rouge IGP (B)(CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
| | 2023 | Grape: Syrah
Château Mourgues du Grès, ‘Les Capitelles’ Rouge AOP (B)(CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
| |
The Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley covers a long strip of land in eastern France, producing diverse styles of wine across the north and south. The north is characterised by a continental climate, where we find the prototype for wines made from Syrah. The much larger southern Rhône is characterised by a warm Mediterranean climate and a wider selection of grape varieties, based around the essential trio: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Red wines dominate here, although rosé and white wines are produced in smaller quantities too. Overall, the trend is moving towards fresher, lighter styles of wine with lower alcohol levels. Due to the increasing value of the region’s wines, there has been a rise in the number of ‘grower-estates’ that produce and bottle their own wines, thus regaining control of the entire production process. These businesses operate alongside the traditional négociants who work with quality-minded growers.
Famille Ravoire
From Côte-Rôtie to Châteauneufdu-Pape, the wines of Famille Ravoire represent some of the most important appellations in the Rhône. Their approachable, fruit-forward style (curated by their outstanding winemaker Pierre Vieillescazes) is produced with gastronomy in mind, making them suitable for a range of cuisines and a broad customer base.
The Languedoc-Roussillon is France’s largest wineproducing region. The dry, Mediterranean climate enables the region to produce one-third of all of France’s organic wines. Côtes de Thongue is an IGP covering wines that are produced on the southern slopes of the Montagne Noire in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. It expands over the AOC Languedoc appellation, as well as the vineyards of Faugères higher in the hills. The Côtes de Thongue IGP covers wines that are not made according to the AOC specifications of these appellations.
Domaine Montrose
We love the crowd-pleasing wines of the Languedoc for their freshness, ripe fruit flavours and smooth texture. Family-run Domaine Montrose is a fantastic example of this kind of winemaking. Producing distinctive, single varietal, and blended wines that offer fantastic quality for their price!
Producer in Focus
Côtes de Thongue
Crémant De Limoux Rosé Grand Cuvée (Sparkling) AOP (VF)(S)
Languedoc-Roussillon
The Languedoc-Roussillon is well regarded for its inexpensive but high-quality single varietal IGP wines made from popular varieties such as Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Organic and indigenous varieties such as Picpoul de Pinet have grown rapidly in popularity in the last ten years.
Nearly a decade has passed since Picpoul de Pinet gained its AOC status popularity continues to thrive in both domestic and international markets. Domaine Delsol and its Picpoul de Pinet is a fresh and crisp white wine in the style of Vinho Verde and Albarino, produced solely from the local Piquepoul variety. It stands out as the only Languedoc appellation focused entirely on the production of dry white wine. The Piquepoul variety thrives in this warm climate thanks to its inherent natural acidity (the name Piquepoul translates to ‘lip stinger’) helping to satisfy the demand for this refreshing style of wine.
Producer in Focus
Domaine Delsol
Domaine Delsol is produced by the multi-award winning cooperative Foncalieu, located in the south of France. Representing 7,000 hectares of vineyards, brands like Domaine del Sol produce high-quality wines across a diverse range of styles thanks to substantial investments and a modernised winery. Their Picpoul wines are vibrant, fresh and clean with electric acidity and layers of zingy green fruit.
PI110 LG200 AL230 PI112 AL130
Bordeaux France Languedoc-Roussillon
Domaine Delsol, Picpoul de Pinet AOP (SC)
Les Pins de Camille, Picpoul Blanc IGP (SC)
Languedoc
Les Grands Arbres, Merlot IGP (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)(SC)
Cahors experiences a slightly warmer and drier climate than Bordeaux, which lies just to its north. The additional heat is an ally to Malbec, helping to ripen the grape’s assertive tannins. The best wines are found in vineyards along the upper plateau, considered the finest area for Malbec in Cahors, where Château de Haute-Serre produces a number of exemplary wines. Here, Malbec is locally known as ‘Côt’, and is famous for being rich, dark, tannic and incredibly age-worthy. In the past, the wines were colloquially referred to as ‘black wines’ (‘Vins Noir’). In more recent years, gentler winemaking techniques have resulted in a modern style with lower tannins and aromas of chocolate, ripe black fruit, and pepper and herbs.
Maison Georges Vigouroux
Maison Georges Vigouroux produces wine across several châteaux in Cahors, including Château de Haute-Serre. The vineyards at Haute-Serre lie at 300 metres on the historic hillsides of Quercy, some of the highest on Cahor’s upper plateau (the sweet spot for Malbec). Soils are Kimmeridgian in origin, more commonly identified with Chablis and Sancerre. We have chosen two Malbec wines, ‘Lucter’ and ‘Georges’, from Haute-Serre. Both are loaded with remarkable freshness, characteristic spicy and peppery notes, and beautiful length on the palate.
Producer in Focus
Bordeaux France Cahors
Cahors
Cavage, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne IGP (S)
| | 2022 | Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne
Cavage, Malbec, Grenache IGP (S)
499358 | | 2022 | Grape: Malbec, Merlot
Château de Haute-Serre ‘Lucter’ AOP (S) 499339 | |
Château de Haute-Serre ‘Georges’ AOP (S)
|
Provence
The fascinating region of Provence sits along the Mediterranean coast of France, bordered by the Rhône River to the west and the Côte d’Azur to the east. Wine has been made here for over 2,600 years, making Provence the oldest wineproducing region in France. The warm growing temperatures balanced by the cooling impact of the sea make Provence an ideal area to produce fantastic rosé. These delicate wines offer notes of citrus, watermelon, and Mediterranean herbs.
Manon
Produced in the heart of the Côtes de Provence, Manon is the result of a careful selection of the very best plots in the appellation of Mediterranean landscapes. Here vineyards spread out over 200 kilometres, growing on two main geological zones: the first is composed of limestone in the western and northern part of the appellation; the second covers the eastern part facing the Mediterranean Sea with a crystalline soil. The Provence region features soil that is poor and well drained. With no excess humidity, the grapes develop concentrated flavours reaping the benefits of an ideal orientation facing the sun.
Producer in Focus
HA220 JA220 JA211
Domaine de l’Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire, Côtes de Provence Rosé AOP
Manon Côtes de Provence, Côtes de Provence Rosé AOP (VF)
Les Jamelles, ‘Low & Nat’ Pinot Noir 9% VDF (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
Les Jamelles, ‘Low & Nat’ Rosé 9% VDF (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
Les Jamelles, Sauvignon Blanc IGP (VF)(S)(SC)
Les Jamelles, Chardonnay IGP (VF)(S)(SC)
|
Les
Les Jamelles, Syrah IGP
Les Jamelles, Pinot Noir IGP (VF)(S)(SC)
Les Jamelles, ‘Cépage’ IGP (VF)(S)(SC)
Les Petites Jamelles Rosé IGP (VF)(S)(SC)
Piedmont (Page 51)
Provence of Alexandria (Page 53)
Sicily (Page 67)
Lugana (Page 57)
Puglia (Page 67)
Abruzzo (Page 65)
Marche (Page 65)
Veneto (Page 55)
Valpolicella (Page 59)
Soave (Page 59)
Friuli (Page 59)
Trentino (Page 53)
Campania (Page 67)
Tusany (Page 61)
Piedmont: Barolo, Alba
& Asti
Piedmont is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, home to the ‘king of red grapes’, Nebbiolo. The wines here fall into either the DOC or DOCG category – there is no generic IGT option. This, arguably, has helped elevate the perception of Piedmont as a premium winemaking region run by small, quality-driven estates. Piedmont produces about 5% of Italy’s wine but accounts for nearly 20% of the country’s exports by value - a phenomenal feat! Reds produced here are noteworthy for their high acidity and even higher tannins. Indigenous varieties like Barbera and Dolcetto are gradually making their way into the mainstream, producing endlessly enjoyable, food-friendly wines.
Producer in Focus
Poderi Gianni Gagliardo
Poderi Gianni Gagliardo is a certified-organic, family-run estate who produce sophisticated wines across 30 hectares of vineyards in Barolo and neighbouring areas. The Gagliardo philosophy is unique in Barolo, to create wines that are ready to drink while expressing terroir. These wines are approachable on release, yet sophisticated, elegant and ageworthy, from the Langhe DOC to the top crus of Barolo. Over the years, the family have experimented with various ageing vessels and formats, as per contemporary taste, but they have now concluded to age most of their wines in the traditional fashion, in large oak casks for an extended period of maturation. Whatever the wine, the focus is always on small yields, hand-picked from unique plots.
The Italian region of Trentino lies in the foothills of the Alps, with viticulture concentrated on the lower slopes of the breathtaking Dolomite hills. Nearby Lake Garda tempers the climate and extends the ripening window into the Autumn, helping to produce crisp wines with ripe fruit flavours. Trentino typically produces inexpensive single varietal white wines from large cooperatives that contribute to over 80% of total production in the area. Quality-minded private estates are more of a rarity, so we feel lucky to count the world renowned and widely celebrated estate of Tenuta San Leonardo within our portfolio.
Tenuta San Leonardo
Tenuta San Leonardo’s iconic Bordeaux-style wines have been branded as the “Super Tuscans” of Northern Italy by the likes of Jancis Robinson. Principally red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère, these wines are wonderfully complex and age-worthy and regularly receive the highest possible scores from top wine critics.
Producer in Focus
Gavi di Gavi, Broglia ‘La Meirana’ DOCG (VF)
Veneto
Veneto is Italy’s largest wine-producing region, home to Prosecco and Pinot Grigio delle Venezie. The very best sites to grow Glera (Prosecco) are found within the sub regions of Ogliano and Conegliano Valdobbiadene. Here, limestone soils, vineyards situated on steep slopes, and cooler growing conditions come together to produce high-quality fruit reserved for the DOCG Prosecco Spumante wines which offer glorious quality, complexity, and longevity at competitive prices.
Producer in Focus
Masottina
Moving into their third generation of viticulture and winemaking, the Del Bianco family of Masottina is a known and well-respected name in the region. They produce excellent sparkling wines across a range of quality levels, from Prosecco Frizzante all the way to single vineyard ‘Grand Cru’ Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spumante R.D.O., which offers glorious, honeyed fruit, toasted cashew nuts, chalky minerality, and fantastic capacity to age in the bottle. The forward-thinking producer is partially converting to organic cultivation and researching into the use of renewable energy sources to help reduce their carbon footprint.
Masottina, Prosecco Spumante Superiore ‘Contrada Granda’ Extra Dry DOCG (NCO)(VF)(S)
Ogliano
Masottina, Prosecco Spumante Superiore ‘R.D.O. Levante’ Extra Dry DOCG (NCO)(VF)(S)
Lugana & Franciacorta
Lugana is a picturesque viticultural region in northern Italy, specialising in white wines. The vineyard area straddles the regional border between Lombardy in the west and Veneto in the east and sits at the southern end of Lake Garda. Chalky soils and regulating cool air from the lake create the perfect conditions for the growing of Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana) – the varietal of the region. This results in light-bodied wines that are aromatic and packed full of aromas of citrus, white flowers, almonds, and salt.
Producer in Focus
Avanzi
For over eighty years, Avanzi has been producing wines using the highest quality grapes grown in the Lake Garda region. Owners of more than 138 acres of vineyards and olive groves, a proven passion for Garda and Lugana wines has inspired Avanzi, to continuously seek improvement in all aspects of wine quality and production.
Lugana & Franciacorta
Lugana, Avanzi ‘Sirmione’ DOC
| | 2023 | Grape: Trebbiano
Lugana Rose, Avanzi ‘Rosavero’ DOC
| | 2023 | Grape: Barbera, Gropello, Marzemino
Colle del Principe, Pinot Grigio DOC (NCO)(VF)(S)(SC)
Franciacorta
Romantica, Franciacorta Brut DOC
Treviso
Jeio, Prosecco Spumante Brut DOCG
Lugana Veneto
Valpolicella, Soave, & Friuli
The DOC(G)s of Valpolicella and Soave are found in Veneto. Here, a warm continental climate is tempered by cooling breezes from the Northern Alps and the western Lake Garda. Soils are infamously fertile here so high quality production is limited to the better-drained hillside vineyards. In Italy, these mid-slope hilly sites are delineated as ‘Classico’ zones. Monte Santoccio Friuli is north of Veneto and borders both Austria and Slovenia. Producers here excel in producing refreshing, aromatic white wines thanks to the relatively cool climate, working with a range of grape varieties, including well-known international ones like Pinot Grigio and lesser-known local varieties such as Friulano.
Monte Santoccio
New to our range are the exquisite wines of Monte Santoccio from Fumane in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. A family-owned estate, Nicola Ferrari and his wife Laura make their wines from a modest 4ha of vines at 350 metres altitude. Production is approximately 30,000 bottles per year - this is a discreet operation and their wines are nothing short of sensational. Nicola learnt the craft of winemaking from time spent working for the late Valpolicella producer, Giuseppe Quintarelli, considered the ‘father’ of Amarone. Consequently, there is great attention paid to detail. The estate practices organic farming, hand harvesting and vine training on the old-fashioned Pergola system. His wines are deep, complex, layered and share a feathery light, weightless quality.
Monte Santoccio, Valpolicella Classico DOC (NCO)(S)
Monte Santoccio, Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG (NCO)(S)
Monte Santoccio, Valpolicella Ripasso DOCG (NCO)(S)
| |
Monte Santoccio, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (NCO)(S)
Tenuta Frescobaldi, Attems DOC Ramato (VF)(S)
Soave Friuli
Tuscany: Chianti
Classico & Chianti
Rufina
The historic region of Tuscany is the birthplace of Sangiovese, Italy’s most widely planted grape variety. Sangiovese thrives in Tuscany’s warm Mediterranean climate and powerful clay soils. Most of the region’s iconic DOCGs are made from this varietal, including Chianti, Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. In fact, the region produces a large quantity of PDO wines. In 2021, the region represented 8% of the PDO volume for Italy and produced 11% of the national value.
Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi is one of the most prominent winemaking names in Tuscany and their wines adorn the pages of wine lists in Michelinstarred restaurants across the world. Over the centuries, the family has carefully selected and acquired estates across the length and breadth of the region, such as Tenuta Castiglioni in Chianti and Castello Pomino in Pomino. Benefiting from shared resources and expertise, each estate can work towards the same vision for high-quality winemaking and the upholding of tradition.
Tuscany’s red wines made from Sangiovese display high acidity, red cherry aromas, and grippy tannins. Sangiovese grows well in a multitude of soil types, from marl and limestone in Chianti Rufina, to shale-clay in Chianti Classico, to calcareous-clay in Montalcino. Sangiovese will express different characteristics depending on variances in terroir and climate. The cooler sites of Chianti lead the wine to express vibrant red cherry and herbal notes. While the warmer plots found in Montalcino lead the wine to showcasing notes of cherry jam and coffee.
Tenuta CastelGiocondo
Tenuta CastelGiocondo is situated at an altitude of around 300 metres in the town of Montalcino, ideal terroir for the production of Sangiovese. The village of CastelGiocondo overlooks the historic estate built in 1100 to defend the road leading from the sea to Siena. The property is one of the first four to begin producing Brunello di Montalcino in 1800. The vineyards of the CastelGiocondo estate enjoy perfect growing conditions for ripe Sangiovese with sun exposure to the south-west, and free-draining marl soils.
FR204 FR220 FR221
FR106 FR205
Producer in Focus
Classic Drinks
CastelGiocondo, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (VF)(S)
With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Marche has the ideal climate for the cultivation of Montepulciano, producing the deep-coloured wines of the DOCs Rosso Piceno and Rosso Conero. The main promotional body focuses on the region’s unique indigenous grapes and these less familiar DOCs are worth seeking out for their excellent value and point of difference. White wines are based on the white grape, Verdicchio, which fares well on the cool limestone-clay soils, producing fresh, yet rich and nutty, styles of wine.
Garofoli
Garofoli is a fifth-generation winemaking family who produce a range of styles across the region’s DOCs. From their bestselling Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi ‘Serra del Conte’ (a saline expression of Verdicchio grown in coastal vineyards) to more powerful, Burgundian styles like ‘Podium’, a wine with longer lees ageing from low-yielding old vines. Garofoli produces an impressive range of high calibre wines from entry level to mid-priced.
Producer in Focus
Marche & Abruzzo
Garofoli, Verdicchio dei Castelli Jesi Classico ‘Serra del Conte’ DOC (S)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Verdicchio
Garofoli, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore ‘Macrina’ DOC (S)
| | 2022 |
Garofoli, Verdicchio dei Castelli Jesi Classico Superiore ‘Podium’ DOC (S)
Sicily is Italy’s largest and oldest wine region, with almost 100,000 hectares under vine. The main red varietal grown is Nero d’Avola, which produces rich and smooth wines with black fruit and Mediterranean herbs. In recent years Sicily has placed a major emphasis on producing premium wines from across its wide range of appellations. Sicily’s naturally warm and dry climate creates the perfect conditions for organic and biodynamic winemaking. Currently, it accounts for an impressive 28% of Italy’s total organic grape-growing area.
Assuli Puglia forms the heel of Italy, a remote part of the country where real value can be found. Full-bodied Red Wines produced from the region’s signature grape, Primitivo, proved to be a massive success in export markets, including here in Ireland. This year, we are pleased to introduce a new addition to our expanding selection—an organic Primitivo from Plantamura.
Producer in Focus
Di Mio
The Di Meo winery was born in 1986 when Ermina, Generoso, and Roberti Di Meo acquired the 18th century estate from their parents in the province of Avellino. Their goal was a simple one: to produce the finest wines from the indigenous varieties of the region, Fiano, Greco and Falanghina. The wines are processed and moved with the utmost care, with maximum respect for the product: soft pressing is used to extract as much of the aromatic varietal essence from the skins as possible, using an inert gas (mainly nitrogen) to prevent oxidation and maintain the aromatic qualities. As a result, their wines are widely celebrated for being the very best that Campania has to offer, with intense expression of typicity and terroir while offering incredible ageing potential.
Sicily, Puglia, & Campania
Azienda Agricola Di Meo, Fiano di Avellino DOCG (VF)(S)
Fonte Della Vigna, Sangiovese, Merlot DOC (VF)(SC)
Tini, Sangiovese IGT (SC)
Valdeorras (Page 79)
Bierzo (Page 75)
Ribera del Duero (Page 89)
Rias Baixas (Page 79)
Rioja (Page 83)
Getariako Txakolina (Page 81)
Priorat (Page 77)
Penèdes (Page 81)
Bierzo
Bordering Galicia, Bierzo DO is part of the region of Castilla y León, a large, high plateau enclosed by mountains. Quality grape growing in such an extreme climate marked by very hot summers and cold winters, is achieved by growing at high altitudes. Many of the vineyards lie at 850 metres above sea level which provides a much-needed cooling influence. The local varietal, Mencía produces red wines that are both powerful and elegant, with rich aromas of wild berries, herbs, and tobacco.
Producer in Focus
Riccardo Perez
The nephew of Álvaro Palacios (who is widely considered to be one of the world’s best winemakers) - Riccardo Perez revived viticulture in Bierzo in the 1990s. Old vines of Mencía are well-adapted to the region’s slate and granite soil, lending the wines their ‘mineral’ character. Winemaking here follows the Burgundian model, with individual vineyards identified for ‘Grand Cru’ quality production. Ricardo produces wines from sites such as La Faraona, Las Lamas, and Moncerbal. Bierzo is now one of Spain’s rising stars, and we offer a world-class range of these wines, including the much-loved Petalos del Bierzo.
Corullón
Priorat
Priorat is a small, prestigious sub-region of Catalunya and represents one of only two DOQs in Spain. Very old vines of Cariñena and Garnacha are planted on steep, schist slopes (known locally as ‘llicorella’), leading to extremely low yields of highly concentrated juice, which translates to deep, inky red wines. Priorat stands out as one of the rare world-class styles based on Grenache, a distinction it shares only with Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With its tiny vineyards situated on steep terrain, and the difficulty of working them, Priorat will never be cheap but the payoff can be felt in these utterly world-class wines.
Producer in Focus
Álvaro Palacios in Priorat
The founder of modern worldclass winemaking in Priorat, Álvaro Palacios, has been very active in introducing the Burgundian concepts of villages and cru to the region. Álvaro is the worldleading expert in the cultivation of Garnacha on single-vineyard sites around Gratallops. His L’Ermita is lauded as one of the most essential Spanish wines of the 20th century for its pure expression of the local grapes. Our range includes a wide choice of Álvaro’s wines from Priorat, wines which are a musthave for any complete fine wine list.
Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat DOQa (CO)(NCO)
| | 2021 | Grape: Garnacha, Cariñena
Alvaro Palacios, Les Terrasses DOQa (CO)(NCO)
Alvaro Palacios, Gratallops Vi de Vila DOQa (B)(CO)(NCO)
| |
Alvaro Palacios, Finca Dofi DOQa (B)(CO)(NCO)
Alvaro Palacios, La Baixada DOQa (B)(CO)
Alvaro Palacios, Les Aubaguetes DOQa (B)(CO)
Galicia: Valdeorras
& Rías Baixas
Situated on the coast of north-western Spain, Galicia has a moderate maritime climate and is home to the very best sites in the world for the production of Albariño and Godello. The Sub-region of Rías Baixas is, by far, the best terroir for aromatic white wine production. Complex soils composed of granite and limestone lend themselves to producing mineral white wines, with intensely aromatic stone and tropical fruit profiles, and hints of sea salt. Valdeorras is the most easterly DO of Galicia, a rainy part of Spain where free-draining schist and slate soils greatly benefit grape production. The region boasts extremely old vines of Godello, going back to 1885, and original cuttings were replanted in vineyards, called Pezas, across the Sil Valley.
Producer
in Focus
Bodegas Valdesil
The much-celebrated wines of Bodegas Valdesil are made from the indigenous white varietal, Godello. The wines are produced from very old vines in small, single vineyard plots that are scattered across the most extreme slopes of the Valdeorras valley. They are naturally fermented using native yeasts, boosting aromatic intensity and complexity, before being aged on the fine lees and bottled unfiltered. Run by the Prada family over four generations and now under the direction of Raul Prada Lugeno, the focused, mineral-led white wines of Valdesil have a mouthfeel reminiscent of the finest white wine of Burgundy.
Bodegas Terras Gauda, ‘Piedra del Mar’ DO (SC)
Bodegas Terras Gauda, ‘Abadía de San Campio’ DO (S)
Bodegas Terras Gauda, ‘O Rosal’ DO (S)
Rías Baixas
Valdeorras
Getariako Txakolina
& Penèdes
Bordered by the Atlantic coast to the north and the formidable Pyrenees to the east, Getariako Txakolina is one of only three recognized areas for the production of Txakoli. The tiny Getariako Txakolina region established its own DO in 1990 and even though Getariako is the smallest of the three Txakoli DOs in terms of area, its production outstrips that of the other two. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and vineyards planted on coastal hills results in a perfectly cool climate for the production of these racy and bright wines. Txakolis wines are also slightly sparkling, giving them a tingly feel on the finish. A pleasant bitterness will often linger, too with flavours of green apple juice, grapefruit and lemon. The native Hondarrabi Zuri is the main grape variety in Getariako Txakolina, accounting for nearly 95 percent of total plantings. Hondarrabi Beltza is also permitted.
Rezabal
Located in the picturesque town of Zarauz, the Rezabal Winery has earned a reputation as one of the most outstanding txakoli producers in the Basque Country. This family winery combines tradition and modernity to create wines that capture the essence of their terroir. Focusing on producing only four wines – their mission is to express the unique essence of Getariako Txakolina through heir winemaking. Here sustainable viticulture is a priority. The vineyards are cultivated with the utmost respect for the environment, resulting in fresh and authentic wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
Rioja, Spain’s most renowned wine-producing region, has evolved in style since gaining international acclaim in the early 20th century. Aligning with global winemaking trends, a swath of producers are adopting a less extractive approach to showcase a nuanced and elegant expression of Tempranillo. While renowned for red wines, Rioja also produces distinctive white wines, often aged in American oak or partially oxidised. A recent reform by the Rioja Consejo Regulador in 2018 has shifted focus from oak ageing duration to grape origin, allowing producers who meet the relevant criteria to include regional information on labels, such as the three official zones (Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental), or specific village or single vineyard details. The traditional ageing categories—Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—still apply.
Bodegas Santalba
This multi-generational familyowned estate focuses on blending their wines to express the best of their multiple vineyard sites across Rioja Alta.
For their red wines, alongside Tempranillo, they also cultivate Garnacha Tinto, Graciano, and Mazuelo, leading to smooth and elegant wines full of complexity.
For white wines, they cultivate Viura, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rioja Malvasia, which produce wines that are light and fresh with notes of ripe orchard and yellow fruit.
CO204 499325 HE100 HE201 HE202
Producer in Focus
Rioja
Alta
de los Andes, Blanco DOCa
Conde de los Andes, Blanco 1983 DO
Conde de los Andes, Tinto DOCa
de los Andes, Tinto 2004 DOCa
Rioja
Alta
Viña Hermosa, Crianza DOCa (NCO)(VF)(S)
Santalba Viña Hermosa, Reserva DOCa (NCO)(VF)(S)
Santalba Viña Hermosa, Gran Reserva DOCa (NCO)(VF)(S)
Santalba Viña Hermosa, Reserva ‘Ogga’ DOCa
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Alavesa is the smallest and northernmost of the three Rioja sub-regions and is greatly influenced by the Atlantic. High altitude and cooler temperatures lead to longer ripening periods, resulting in fresher wines with more aromatic complexity. The wines of Rioja Alavesa are known for their elegance and lifted aromatic profile.
Producer in Focus
Bodegas Muriel
Muriel’s flagship brand, Bodegas Muriel, was founded in 1926 by José Murúa Villaverde. The estate is now run by Julián Murúa and his son, Javier Murúa. Experts in the cultivation of Tempranillo, Julián and Javier have mastered the art of ageing wine post-fermentation in wooden vats. This leads to rich wines offering great harmony between fruit and oak aromas. One exciting development has been the addition of specific regional information on the labels of the Crianza and Reserva wines, in accordance with new regulations published by the Consejo Regulador in 2018. Muriel’s Rioja Crianza label will soon specify the zone of origin of the grapes (the cooler zone of Alavesa, in this case) and their Reserva label will reflect the municipality of Elciego, an area that stands out for its unique terroir.
MU102 MU103 MU205 489004 MU203
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Alavesa
Bodegas Muriel, Blanco DOCa (VF)
Viña Muriel, Blanco Reserva DOCa (VF)
Bodegas Muriel, Crianza DOCa (Magnum) (VF)
Bodegas Muriel, Reserva DOCa (VF)
Bodegas Muriel, Crianza DOCa (VF)
Bodegas Muriel, Gran Reserva DOCa (VF)
Rioja Oriental
The Rioja Oriental region is strongly influenced by a Mediterranean climate, making this area the warmest and driest of the Rioja sub-regions and resulting in deeply coloured wines. Traditionally seen as a region for producing entry-level, bulk wines, the emergence of world class producers has propelled Rioja Oriental to international fame and celebration.
Producer in Focus
Álvaro Palacios in Rioja
Álvaro Palacios comes from a prestigious wine family in La Rioja. Having completed his studies of oenology in Bordeaux, he trained under Jean-Pierre Moueix, the world-famous winemaker of Château Pétrus. In 1989, upon his return to Spain, Álvaro founded his first winery in Priorat, producing some of the most sought-after wines made anywhere in the world. In 2000, upon his father’s death, Álvaro assumed responsibility for Palacios Remondo and committed to elevating the estate to new heights. Under his inspired leadership, Palacios Remondo is now a rising star in Rioja.
Álvaro Palacios, Remondo, ‘Quiñón de Valmira’ ViñasViejas* DOCa (B)(CO)(S)
*Viñas Viejas = ‘Old Vines’
Rioja Oriental
Ribera del Duero
In the mountainous centre of Castilla y León, plots of very old bush vines produce concentrated berries that translate into the iconic red wines of Ribera del Duero. Vines are planted at altitudes reaching nearly 1,000 metres above sea level, providing an essential cooling influence in a warm climate. Ribera del Duero focuses on red wine production. The local clone of Tempranillo (known as ‘Tinto Fino’) produces small clusters with more tannins than those we see in nearby Rioja, lending power and structure to these opulent wines.
Producer in Focus
PradoRey
PradoRey, located in the eastern part of Ribera del Duero, is situated in one of the highest-quality areas of this DO for altitude, climate, and soil composition. The team works with the Burgundian model of single vineyards and smaller plots and have prioritised a return to the old ways of making wine—using amphora clay pots for ageing and slow, native yeast fermentations. As a result, their wines are rich and extremely complex, with a beautiful balance between powerful tannins, dark fruit, and sweet oak influences.
Ribera del Duero Blanco
PradoRey, Blanco DO (S)
PradoRey, Blanc de Noirs ‘El Cuentista’ IGP (S)
| |
|
del Duero Rosado
PradoRey, ‘Lía’ Rosé IGP (S)
Ribera del Duero Tinto
PradoRey, Ribera del Duero Roble ‘Origin’ DO (S)
| |
Ribera del Duero
Ribera
Pouring Wines Of Spain Spain
Rioja
Castilla Y León
Chelva
Pouring Wines Of Spain Spain
Salinas, Macabeo DO (VF)(SC)
Sierra Salinas, Bobal, Tempranillo DO (VF)(SC)
Coviñas, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo DO (VF)(SC)
Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet DO (VF)
Chelva
Tierra de Castilla
Pouring Wines Of Spain Spain
La Mancha
La Baldosa, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc IGP (NCO)(VF)(SC)
La Baldosa, Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc IGP (NCO)(VF)(SC)
La Baldosa, Garnacha, Tempranillo IGP (NCO)(VF)(SC)
La Baldosa, Bobal, Tempranillo IGP (NCO)(VF)(SC)
El Volquete,
Volquete, Macabeo IGP (NCO)(VF)(SC)
Pouring Wines Of Spain
Utiel Requena
Peña Tejo, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc DO (VF)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc
Peña Tejo, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet DO (VF)(SC)
Campo del Moro, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo DO (VF)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo
Campo del Moro, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet DO (VF)(SC) 499432 | |
Marques de Plata, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeo DO (VF)(SC)
Marques de Plata, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet DO (NCO)(VF)(SC)
Auténtico, Tempranillo, Bobal DO (CO)(NCO)(VF)(SC)
Vienna (Page 97)
Vienna
While the winemaking regions of Austria share a similar latitude to Burgundy, those of Austria are more centrally located within Europe and at higher altitudes. This results in a cool growing environment with bright and warm summer days — perfect conditions for cultivating fresh and aromatic wines with good body and fine character. The most important grape variety for white wine production in Austria is Grüner Veltliner. This indigenous varietal produces wines that are aromatic and full-bodied. At the ‘village level,’ these wines offer aromas of green apple, thyme, and white pepper; while in single-vineyard production, they yield glorious, age-worthy white wines with notes of honey and stone fruits.
in Focus
Weingut Zahel
Weingut Zahel has a long history in Vienna. Run by Alex Zahel, the winery now produces wine entirely biodynamically and organically. His DAC Grüner Veltliner wines are fresh and concentrated, featuring green and citrus fruits, while his range of ‘Ein Wildes Glashen’ showcases the complexity that modern low-intervention winemaking can achieve. Native yeasts are used for fermentation, which increases the aromatic intensity of the wine, and amphorae clay pots are employed for ageing, to develop the wine and produce ‘tertiary’ aromas of dried fruits and nuts.
The Mosel is one of the coldest wine producing regions found anywhere in the world. Viticulture is only possible here due to the Mosel’s long daylight hours throughout the ripening season, the steeply angled south-facing slopes and the impact of the Mosel River itself, which reflects sunlight onto the vines. Riesling is Germany’s flagship variety, and its winter hardiness makes it right at home in this cooler part of the world. The refreshingly dry, aromatic, low-alcohol style of Riesling is becoming more and more popular with consumers and represents excellent value for money compared with similar wines from top appellations in France.
Villa Huesgen
The Mosel is the oldest and most famous of Germany’s wine regions and this is where we find Villa Huesgen, named after the Art Nouveau style villa where the family live today and which appears as the logo on the wines’ labels. Adolph Huesgen runs the estate with his wife and two daughters. The unique combination of steel slopes, slate soils, and the cool climate of Mosel gives Villa Huesgen its distinctive character. Their low intervention and plot-by-plot approach leads them to create expressive, light, and age-worth white wines with huge gastronomic range. Villa Huesgen is a member of Fair’n Green. To be certified, wine estates must show evidence of lowering CO2 emissions, enhancing biodiversity in the vineyards and achieving fairer wages.
HU114
Producer in Focus
Villa Huesgen, Weißburgunder (NCO)(S)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder)
Villa Huesgen, ‘By The Glass’ (NCO)(S)(SC)
Villa Huesgen, ‘Blaushiefer’ (NCO)(VF)(S)(SC)
| | 2022 |
Villa Huesgen, Alte Reben* ‘Enkircher Steffensberg’ (S)(SC)
| | 2020 | Grape: Riesling
Alte Reben = ‘Old Vines’
Alentejo (Page 105)
Douro (Page 105)
Lisboa (Page 105)
Vinho Verde (Page 105)
Portugal: Vinho Verde, Alentejo, Lisboa & Douro
Portugal is a fascinating and diverse country for wine production. With mountains, river valleys, coastal areas, and sandy plains, and allied to hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, Portugal produces one of the widest ranges of wine styles in Europe. In Vinho Verde, young, fresh, zippy white wines (often with a hint of spritz) are made from indigenous varietals such as Trejadoura, Arinto, Avesso, and Loureiro. The Douro produces rich reds with hearty tannins and dark fruit, as well as complex white wines that age well in oak. In Lisboa, fruity and easy-drinking wines are produced from varietals like Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira, while the mineral and oaky reds of Alentejo are a must-try for Rioja aficionados.
Casa Santos Lima
A family-owned company, Casa Santos Lima is dedicated to the production, bottling, and distribution of a wide range of Portuguese wines, encompassing various regions and styles. Known for their commitment to excellence at all price points, they have been one of the most decorated and awarded producers in Portugal over the past several years.
The English wine industry is one that has greatly benefited from rising global temperatures. Due to shared characteristics with Champagne, such as a northerly latitude and soils with significant amounts of chalk, high-profile Champagne houses, such as Taittinger, have invested in up-and-coming British wine estates. The wines are made using the Champagne grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier. However, the English wines have a more pronounced acidity and tartness, balanced by excellent fruit concentration from low average yields.
Gusbourne Estate
Gusbourne Estate are an outstanding and visionary producer of modern sparkling and still wines. Their forward-thinking approach is at the very heart of the winemaking revolution taking place in the south of England. Here Burgundian clones of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay yield small volumes of intensely flavoured fruit. These vineyards are hand-harvested and vinified by plot. The debut vintages of Brut Reserve 2006 and Blanc de Blancs 2006 were released in 2010 to critical acclaim. Since then, Gusbourne Estate’s sparkling and still wines continue to win international industry awards every single year.
Producer in Focus
Gusbourne Estate, Brut Reserve (VF)(S)
Gusbourne Estate, Blanc de Blancs (VF)(S)
Gusbourne Estate, Rosé (VF)(S)
Gusbourne Estate, Chardonnay ‘Guinevere’ (VF)(S)
Gusbourne Estate, Pinot Noir (VF)(S)
Francschhoek (Page 113)
Robertson (Page 113)
Robertson
Robertson is a mountain-ringed valley in the Western Cape of South Africa. The region’s heat is moderated by the influence of south-easterly winds from the Indian Ocean. These breezes cool down the vineyards, especially at night, which in turn slows the ripening process and allows the grapes to develop their aromatic complexity. As a result, Robertson has the ideal terroir for the cultivation of aromatic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Franschhoek
Originally a French settlement, Franschhoek (the ‘French Corner’) is a premium wine-producing valley in the south-east corner of Paarl, on the coastal Western Cape. Franschhoek has a warm, continental climate. This makes it ideally suited to the production of robust red wines, such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, and rich, fruit-driven white wines. Vineyards at higher altitudes also produce crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. The shadows cast by the surrounding mountains help to slow ripening and build complexity in these fantastic wines.
Producer in Focus
Springfield Estate
Springfield Estate is a family-run wine farm owned by ninth-generation descendants of French Huguenots who came to South Africa from the Loire Valley in 1688. Their estate is made up of many varying soil types: quartz, limestone, sand, and loam. Making the most of this extraordinary terrain, winemakers Arbie and Jeanette Bruwer cultivate multiple varietals in a range of styles. Once the berries reach the winery, the process of long, slow fermentation begins, using only native yeasts cultivated from their own vineyards. This slow, masterful fermentation takes great skill and results in beautifully aromatic red and white wines with a huge amount of complexity and at excellent prices.
Franschhoek
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest and most renowned wine-producing region. The historic area covers over 12,000 hectares with nearly 1,000 hectares of old vines and approximately 150 wineries. Stellenbosch is known for the ‘big six’ varieties; Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Much change has taken place in the last 10 years across this fascinating region, to keep up with some of South Africa’s more dynamic regions, like Swartland. There has been a particular focus on terroir and how fruit is handled and aged (experimenting with alternatives to the barrique). Rising quality levels is partly attributable to an increased understanding of how the mountain ranges, soils, and unique climatic features influence grape growing. The region’s climate is relatively hot and dry, although a maritime influence comes from False Bay in the south.
Mooiplaas Estate
At the Mooiplaas Estate, Tielman and Louis Roos produce a range of wines rooted in the traditional techniques of fermentation and barrel ageing that maximise the potential offered by the Stellenbosch terroir. A master of wild yeast and natural fermentation, Louis produces intensely aromatic wines from Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.
Producer in Focus
South Africa Stellenbosch
Helderberg Post House, ‘Mailing May’ (VF)(S)(SC)
Post House, ‘Stamp of Chenin’ (VF)(S)
Post House, ‘Blueish Black’ (Unfiltered) (VF)(S)
Post House, ‘Black Mail’ (Unfiltered) (VF)(S)
Post House, ‘Missing Virgin’ (Unfiltered) (VF)(S)
Post House, ‘Penny Black’ (Unfiltered) (VF)(S)
Bottelary Hills
Marlborough (Page 119)
Nelson (Page 121)
Marlborough
New Zealand’s wine industry has been enjoying extraordinary success. The country’s wines represent only one percent of global production and despite a small 2023 vintage and surging production costs, exports rose by 25% in the year to May 2023, meaning they are set to become the 6th biggest exporter by value. The Sauvignon Blanc craze is clearly here to stay. Marlborough is the largest and most well-known of New Zealand’s wine regions and its maritime climate, with enviable sunshine hours and limestone soils, makes it highly suitable for the crisp and aromatic styles of Sauvignon Blanc that customers go crazy for. Despite its popularity, Marlborough continues to represent excellent value considering the quality of production across the board. Although the spotlight has been on Sauvignon Blanc, customers are also starting to appreciate the elegance of alternative varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Huia Estate
Winemaker Josh Lee of Huia Estate (formerly of Greywckye, Nyetimber, and Dog Point) is a strong believer in a natural approach to winemaking. The team here have continuously endeavoured to become more in tune with the environment around them, working in harmony with the countryside that helps them produce their wine. Now practising biodynamic methods, their wines are lifted and elegant with increased aromatic intensity due to native yeast fermentation.
HU160 HU161 HU200
Producer in Focus
Hunky Dory, Sauvignon Blanc (CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)(SC)
Huia Estate, Sauvignon Blanc (B)(CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
Huia Estate, Pinot Noir (B)(CO)(NCO)(VF)(S)
Nelson
The Nelson wine region is situated in the northern part of New Zealand’s South Island. This beautiful area is characterised by its sheltered coastlines, rugged mountains, and long sandy beaches. The historical town of Nelson, which sits perfectly on the banks of Tasman Bay, serves as the centre of this wine region. Around Nelson, the region’s first vines were planted by the town’s early settlers, who were also the first winemakers to cultivate aromatic varietals like Sauvignon Blanc on the South Island.
Producer in Focus
Seifried Estate
The story of Seifried Estate began in 1973 when Austrian-born Hermann Seifried and his New Zealand wife, Agnes, dreamt of making wines in Nelson—New Zealand’s sunshine capital. From humble beginnings, where Hermann and Agnes grafted vines late into the night, the business has now evolved to include all three Seifried children, who have returned home to help grow the family business. Seifried Estate is deeply committed to sustainable winegrowing and aims to produce the very best that Nelson has to offer. Before Hermann Seifried arrived in the 1980s, it was widely believed that the South Island was not conducive to quality wine production. Hermann proved to be a pioneer, being the first to grow not just Sauvignon Blanc but also Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris in the region. Prior to this, the area mainly produced bulk wine from Müller-Thurgau and Sylvaner grapes. Hermann’s success emboldened more producers to venture south. In fact, he sold the first Sauvignon Blanc cuttings to the winemakers of Cloudy Bay and Oyster Bay, among others.
Seifried, Riesling (VF)(S)(SC)
Seifried, Pinot Gris (VF)(S)(SC)
Seifried, Grüner Veltliner (VF)(S)(SC)
Seifried, Chardonnay (VF)(S)(SC)
‘Sweet Agnes’ (Half Bottle) (VF)(S)(SC)
Pouring Wines Of New Zeland New Zealand
RED
Island, Sauvignon Blanc (VF)(SC)
Pouring Wines Of South Africa
Stellenbosch
Mooiplaas, ‘The Peach’ (VF)(S)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Chenin Blanc, Viognier
Mooiplaas, ‘The Coco’ (VF)(S)
| | 2023 | Grape: Merlot
Leopard’s Leap, Chenin Blanc (VF)(S)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Chenin Blanc
Leopard’s Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon (VF)(S)(SC)
| | 2023 | Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
(6)
Western Cape
McLaren Vale (Page 127)
Barossa Valley (Page 127)
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale has been a wine-producing region since 1838. The region boasts over 7,000 hectares of vineyards with Shiraz making up nearly half of all plantings. A range of sub-regional styles can be found but dark chocolate, blueberry and spice characters are typical. The region also excels in the cultivation of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. This diversity in grape growing is made possible by the region’s rich and varied soil types. From red-brown sandy loams to red or black friable loams, McLaren Vale offers a wide array of growing conditions.
Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley has a warm Mediterranean climate that allows it to produce the powerful red wines for which it is known. Soils are mostly rich and deep, varying widely from clay loam to sandier types, which give birth to the many personalities of Shiraz. Due to an absence of Phylloxera in many of its vineyard sites, Barossa boasts some of the oldest vines cultivated anywhere in the world, which contribute to the rich, savoury nature of the wines made there.
Producer in Focus
Angove
Angove Family Winemakers is a fifth-generation, family-owned winery situated in McLaren Vale. They specialise in crafting super-premium and single-vineyard wines from their organic vineyards in the region, as well as offering a diverse range of organic wines from other distinguished wine-growing areas in Australia. Angove’s commitment to sustainable farming practices not only promotes the health and resilience of their vines but also contributes to the production of top-quality fruit, which in turn has resulted in award-winning wines. They specialise in crafting super-premium and single-vineyard wines from their organic vineyards in the region, as well as offering a diverse range of organic wines from other distinguished wine-growing areas in Australia. Angove’s commitment to sustainable farming practices not only promotes the health and resilience of their vines but also contributes to the production of top-quality fruit, which in turn has resulted in award-winning wines.
The heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza is located on the eastern side of the Andes. With a hot Mediterranean climate, the terroir of Mendoza could almost be described as arid. However, the extensive altitude and use of irrigation, available through man-made channels delivering melted ice water to vineyards, facilitates the production of high-quality wines with intense flavour profiles. The soils are composed of alluvial clay, sand, and granite, and provide an ideal environment for cultivating Argentina’s most famous varietal, Malbec, which accounts for over 20% of national planting conditions for Bordeaux varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cafayate
The Cafayate wine region is one of the highest places in the world that is suitable for viticulture, as the majority of the region’s vineyards are located at 1,800m above sea level. The altitude affects both the climate and the terroir, having a cooling effect on the harsh heat experienced in Argentina and slowing ripening, leading to more fragrant and aromatic wines.
Producer in Focus
La Moscata
La Mascota is run by celebrated winemaker Rodolfo ‘Opi’ Sadler. Opi belongs to a family of third-generation winemakers. His grandfather was born in Sadleri, a small Italian village where he worked planting vines. Having settled in Mendoza, and acquiring his vineyard, he built a small winery, starting a family tradition. Years later, his grandson Opi founded his own winery, La Mascota, located in Maipú in the northwest of Mendoza. With soils of alluvial and clay-loam, and rocks at a depth of approximately 60 centimetres, Opi is a master at cultivating generous, mineral red wines with notes of black fruit jam, pepper, and chocolate from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Mendoza & Cafayete
Pouring Wines Of Argentina Argentina
Promesa, Chenin Blanc, Torrontes (S)(SC)
Mendoza
RED
Santa Ana, Malbec (SC)
Pouring Wines Of Argentina Argentina
Mendoza
Monterey (Page 143)
Lodi (Page 143)
Napa (Page 141)
California: Napa & Central Coast
California represents a huge growing area that is, by far, the biggest viticultural region in America. It has a hot Mediterranean climate, which is offset by cooling fogs drawn in from the sea. In Napa, vineyards planted mid-slope in the valleys, amongst the Vaca and Mayacamas mountain ranges, benefit from cooling Pacific influences, ideal for producing the highest-quality and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
Producer in Focus
Rutherford Ranch
Of the sixteen sub-appellations in the Napa Valley, the Rutherford AVA may be the most renowned. Legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff said, ‘It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.’ Rutherford Ranch Winery has multiple vineyards throughout the AVA, where they produce Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest quality. Their cooler sites produce fruit that offers an aromatic profile, tannins, and acidity, while their warmer vineyards lend alcohol, body, and complex fruit aromas to their wines.
California: Monterey County & Lodi
Situated in the northern section of the Central Valley, the warmer AVA of Lodi is where prized old vines of Zinfandel can be found, representing 40% of California’s total share of this red grape variety. Lodi was an early supporter of the green movement, pioneering the first sustainable wine-growing certification programme in the United States, called Lodi Rules. The Arroyo Seco AVA has a ‘transitional climate,’ with cool, foggy weather to the north and hot, sunny weather to the south. Here, complex soils and cooler temperatures make perfect conditions for elegant Pinot Noir and rich, oak-aged Chardonnay.
Scott Family Winery
Based in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey, California, Scott Family utilise the cooler climate and limestone soils to produce incredible Burgundianstyle wines. Cultivating Burgundian clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winemakers at Scott Family make elegant wines that are incredibly light and complex, with layers of tart fruit, sweet spices, and minerality.
RU100 RU200 RU203 RU204
Producer in Focus
Rutherford Ranch, Chardonnay (S)
Rutherford Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon (S)
Rutherford Ranch, ‘Two Range’ (S)
Rutherford Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (S)
Scott Family Arroyo Seco, Chardonnay (S) SC110 | |
|
Napa Valley
Monterey Lodi
Port & Sherry
Port is a sweet, fortified wine made from grapes grown in the region of Porto in the upper Douro Valley. A mountainous region, most vineyards here are planted on terraces supported by ancient stone walls known as ‘Quintas’. With a hot climate and soils of schist, Porto produces low yields of grapes that are full of flavour intensity. After fermentation and fortification, these wines are either aged in wooden barrels for anywhere between 5–30 years (Ruby & Tawny port), or bottle-aged, where the wine spends 2 years in wood followed by a long ageing period in the bottle (Vintage Port).
Sherry, or ‘Jerez’, is a region famous for producing fortified wines in a range of styles, from bone-dry to the sweetest wines found anywhere in the world! Each wine, from biological styles like Fino to oxidised styles like Oloroso and even the rich and luscious Pedro Ximénez, is aged post-fermentation in a complex system known as the ‘Solera’ system. Here, the wines are moved from barrel to barrel and are blended between vintages to create a final wine that has a distinct style.
Producer in Focus
Osborne
Osborne is a Spanish company with 250 years of experience and is internationally recognised for the artisanal production of fortified wines in both Portugal and Spain. The history of Osborne dates to the end of the 18th century when a young English merchant, Thomas Osborne Mann, arrived in the Cádiz region to sell wines from the area. He soon began to do business in El Puerto de Santa María, where he acquired various wineries that he later consolidated under one brand: Osborne. Producers of Sherry and Port, they prioritise sustainable production, and each of their wines showcases the very best that their regions have to offer.
Port & Sherry
Fino Sherry, Osborne OB211 | | NV | Grape: Palomino
1.1 In these terms and conditions the “Buyer” means any party who agrees to purchase Products from Sysco Ireland; an “Affiliate” means, in relation to a party to these Terms and Conditions, any person who is “connected” to such party as defined in section 10 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997; an “Affiliated Account” means any account whatsoever held by the Buyer or an Affiliate of the Buyer with Sysco Ireland; “Contract” means the contract between Sysco Ireland and the Buyer for the sale and purchase of the Products in accordance with these Terms and Conditions; the “Equipment” means all equipment which is sold, distributed, rented or supplied by or on behalf of Sysco Ireland including, but not limited to, any fridges, coffee machines or dispensing machines; “Invoice” means an invoice or delivery docket issued to the Buyer by Sysco Ireland in connection with an order received from the Buyer to purchase Products; “Sysco Ireland” means together and individually: Sysco Foods Ireland Unlimited Company (registered in Ireland with company number 188507) including by its trading names including Pallas, Pallas Foods or Pallas Green; Sysco Foods NI Limited (registered in Northern Ireland with company number NI066355); GHS Classic Drinks Limited (registered in Ireland with company number 387013); Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company (registered in Ireland with company number 126277); Crossgar Foodservice Limited (registered in Northern Ireland with company number NI020409); Arnotts (Fruit) Limited (registered in Northern Ireland with company number NI034859); Pallas Foods UK branch (no FC031924 with UK Establishment no BR 016994, trading as Crossgar Pallas); and any of their respective Affiliates, as defined in section 10 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (each a member of Sysco Ireland); “Products” means all products sold, distributed or supplied by Sysco Ireland; and “Terms and Conditions” means these terms and conditions of sale as may be amended by Sysco Ireland from time to time without notice. References to “Ireland” in these Terms and Conditions do not include Northern Ireland unless expressly stated.
1.2 These Terms and Conditions will apply to all sales of Products and sale or rental of Equipment (as applicable), and no variation or purported variation (including in particular any terms and conditions on the Buyer’s contract or order form, or any terms implied by trade, custom or practice or course of dealing) will have effect unless expressly agreed to in writing on behalf of Sysco Ireland.
1.3 A Contract will be deemed to be concluded between the Sysco Ireland and the Buyer in respect of the purchase of Products and/or sale or rental of Equipment (as applicable) when Sysco Ireland acknowledges acceptance of the Buyer’s order or commences delivery of the Products or Equipment to the Buyer, whichever occurs earlier.
1.4 The contractual rights which the Buyer enjoys by virtue of sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1893 (as amended) are in no way prejudiced by anything contained in these Terms and Conditions save (if the Buyer is not dealing as consumer or in the case of an international sale of Products) to the extent permitted by law.
2. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
2.1 All Products will remain the property of the relevant member of Sysco Ireland until that member has received payment in full for all sums due and owing on any account by the Buyer or any Affiliate of the Buyer. Sysco Ireland shall at all times retain all right, title and interest in all Equipment.
2.2 If the Buyer sells or otherwise disposes of the Products before payment in full as aforesaid has been made, the Buyer will in such case hold all monies received from such sale or disposal in trust for Sysco Ireland.
2.3 So long as the property in the Products and the Equipment remains in Sysco Ireland, the Buyer will hold the Products as bailee for Sysco Ireland and will store the Products so as to clearly show them to be the property of Sysco Ireland, and Sysco Ireland will have the right, without prejudice to the obligations of the Buyer to purchase the Products, to require the Buyer to deliver up the Products and/or Equipment, or to retake possession of the Products and/or the Equipment (and for that purpose to go upon any premises occupied by the Buyer).
2.4 Nothing in this clause will confer any right upon the Buyer to return the Products. Sysco Ireland may maintain an action for payment in respect of any Products notwithstanding that property in the Products has not vested in the Buyer.
2.5 The Buyer will not in any way pledge or charge by way of security for any indebtedness any Products or Equipment which remain the property of Sysco Ireland.
3. EQUIPMENT
3.1 For such time as the Buyer has possession of any Equipment it shall:
3.1.1 be responsible for the maintenance of the Equipment in good and substantial repair;
3.1.2 be responsible for and ensure that the Equipment is used in a safe manner and at all times in accordance with usage instructions;
3.1.3 be responsible for loss or damage caused to the Equipment;
3.1.4 be responsible for loss or damage caused by the Equipment;
3.1.5 keep the Equipment at premises which are pre-approved by Sysco Ireland;
3.1.6 retain possession of the Equipment;
3.1.7 use the Equipment only for the designated purpose;
3.1.8 indemnify Sysco Ireland in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages, costs or expenses arising out of or connected with any failure to comply with any of the terms contained in this clause 3.1, which may be suffered by Sysco Ireland or any of its Affiliates (and for the purposes of this clause 3.1, any loss suffered by any of Sysco Ireland’s Affiliates shall be deemed to be a loss suffered by Sysco Ireland).
3.2 Sysco Ireland makes no warranties in respect of the Equipment. Sysco Ireland will, to the extent that it is able and upon the Buyer’s request, at the sole cost and expense of the Buyer, assign or make available to the Buyer the benefit of any warranties or guarantees relating to the Equipment obtained from the manufacturer thereof.
4. DELIVERY
4.1 Any times quoted for delivery are estimates only and Sysco Ireland will not be liable for failure to deliver within the time quoted.
4.2 The Buyer shall give Sysco Ireland adequate delivery instructions, provide access to its premises and a reasonably accessible delivery location for the purpose of making the delivery, and use best endeavours to ensure that a responsible person is present at the delivery location to take delivery of the Products or Equipment. To the extent that the Buyer does not comply with these obligations, Sysco Ireland reserves the right to charge the Buyer for the cost of any failed delivery and any losses incurred as a result.
4.3 Sysco Ireland may make partial deliveries or deliveries by instalments, and the Terms and Conditions herein contained will apply to each such delivery.
4.4 Deviations in quantity of the Products (representing not more than 10 per cent by value) from that stated in the relevant Invoice will not give the Buyer any right to reject the Products or claim damages, and the Buyer will be obliged to accept and pay at the applicable price for the quantity of the Products delivered.
4.5 Where the Buyer collects Products from Sysco Ireland premises, the Buyer agrees to be solely responsible for the transportation of such Products in a manner that provides appropriate temperature and sanitary protection for the Products and
in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. In the event of any claims or charges of any kind against Sysco Ireland related to transportation of Products after being collected from Sysco Ireland premises, the Buyer shall fully defend and indemnify Sysco Ireland.
5. RISK OF LOSS OR DAMAGE
5.1 Notwithstanding that the property in the Products may not have passed to the Buyer, the Buyer will carry all risk of loss of and damage to the Products from the time when the Products are delivered to them and section 32(2) and (3) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1893 will not apply.
5.2 From when the risk of loss of and damage to the Products commences to be carried by the Buyer until Sysco Ireland is paid in full for the Products, the Buyer will:
5.2.1 indemnify and keep indemnified Sysco Ireland against all losses, liabilities, claims, damages, costs or expenses suffered by Sysco Ireland or its Affiliates arising out of or connected with any loss of and damage to the Products and against any reduction in the re-sale value thereof below the price to be paid therefor by the Buyer (and for the purposes of this clause 5.2.1, any loss suffered by any of Sysco Ireland’s Affiliates shall be deemed to be a loss suffered by Sysco Ireland);
5.2.2 insure and keep insured the Products in an amount at least equal to the price to be paid therefor by the Buyer; and
5.2.3 hold upon trust for Sysco Ireland absolutely all proceeds of such insurance.
5.3 For the purposes of this clause the Products shall include Equipment.
6. PRICES AND PRODUCTS
6.1 Sysco Ireland reserves the right to, at any time prior to delivery, discontinue or change the specification of any Product without prior notice.
6.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all prices will be as specified in the relevant Sysco Ireland Invoice and will be exclusive of VAT and any other applicable taxes.
6.3 Sysco Ireland reserves the right at any time prior to delivery of the Products to adjust the price of any Product including, but not limited to, to take account of any increase in costs.
6.4 Unless otherwise stated, the price includes cost of delivery to the Buyer’s address agreed between Sysco Ireland and the Buyer.
6.5 Any drawings, descriptions or serving suggestions contained in catalogues, brochures or sales material or on websites of any member of Sysco Ireland are produced for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the Products and shall not have any contractual force.
7. TERMS OF PAYMENT
7.1 Where Sysco Ireland is satisfied with the creditworthiness of the Buyer, Sysco Ireland may at its absolute discretion grant credit to the Buyer. Where credit is granted, all payments will be made by the Buyer in accordance with the credit terms and payment terms stipulated by Sysco Ireland as amended from time to time by written notice to the Buyer. Unless otherwise stipulated, all Invoices must be settled in full without deductions within 14 days from the end of the calendar month in which the invoice was raised. Where Sysco Ireland does not grant credit to the Buyer, payment will be made to Sysco Ireland upon or before delivery of orders. Sysco Ireland reserves the right to demand the deposit of cash on account in respect of the supply of Products, as may be agreed with the Buyer from time to time.
7.2 Where credit has been granted to the Buyer, Sysco Ireland reserves the right to review the creditworthiness of the Buyer from time to time. In the event that such review reveals, in the opinion of Sysco Ireland, any deterioration in the credit worthiness of the Buyer, or in the event of the Buyer entering into an insolvency arrangement, Sysco Ireland reserves the right, without limiting any other rights or remedies it may have, to withdraw, limit or otherwise vary the credit terms offered to the Buyer.
7.3 Sysco Ireland may, at its absolute discretion, offer rebates, discounts, allowances or credits to the Buyer. Any such rebates, discounts, allowances or credits offered by Sysco Ireland are subject to, and contingent upon, compliance by the Buyer and any Affiliate of the Buyer (in respect of all Affiliated Accounts) with these Terms and Conditions, and/or any other commercial terms or payment or credit terms agreed between the Buyer and Sysco Ireland. Sysco Ireland reserves the right to withdraw any of the Buyer’s or any of its Affiliates’ rebates, discounts, allowances or credits (whether accrued and/or paid or otherwise) where the Buyer or any Affiliate of the Buyer fails to comply with such terms. At all times Sysco Ireland, at its absolute discretion, reserves the right to revoke or to alter the terms on which such rebates, discounts, allowances or credits are granted.
7.4 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment must be received in full by Sysco Ireland in respect of all Invoices within such credit and payment terms as may be agreed with Sysco Ireland from time to time. If any amount remains due and payable thereafter Sysco Ireland may charge interest on overdue payments calculated on the day-to-day balance at a rate of interest equal to the higher of the European Central Bank’s main refinancing rate plus 8% or the maximum available under applicable law. Unless otherwise stated the Buyer will pay such interest on demand. The interest may be charged and added to the balance of overdue payments and thereby compounded from time to time as Sysco Ireland may determine. A statement from Sysco Ireland as to the rate of interest applicable under this paragraph will, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive.
7.5 Sysco Ireland reserves the right to seek the recovery of all legal and associated costs incurred when securing payment of overdue debts. Failure to pay by the due date shall entitle Sysco Ireland to suspend delivery of all unexecuted or future orders.
7.6 The Buyer may not set off any sums payable by or due from Sysco Ireland to it against any sums payable by or due by it to Sysco Ireland.
7.7 Sysco Ireland may, at its sole discretion and without notice, and without limiting any other rights or remedies it may have, set off and apply any sums (or any part thereof) payable by or due by it to the Buyer from time to time in or towards the satisfaction of any liabilities or account payable by or due to it from the Buyer on any account whatsoever. The Buyer hereby agrees that such set off is good and valid discharge of such sums without the need for further permission whatsoever.
7.8 Sysco Ireland retains the right to refuse to supply Products below such minimum quantity as it may specify from time to time.
7.9 In the event that the Buyer is not registered for Irish VAT or ceases to be so registered, it must notify Sysco Ireland immediately. Any loss or damage arising from a failure to so notify Sysco Ireland will be borne by the Buyer.
7.10 Sysco Ireland will not be bound by any arithmetical or clerical error that may occur in any calculation or document issued by it and reserves the right to adjust at any time any Invoices, rebates, discounts, allowances or credits and to seek settlement of such errors with the Buyer.
7.11 Nothing in this clause (other than the provisions of clauses 7.6 and 7.7) will be taken as limiting Sysco Ireland’s rights under clause 9.
8. REMEDIES FOR DAMAGE OR DEFECTS
8.1 The Buyer must, on receipt of a delivery, satisfy itself that Products received are within recommended time limits (the “Best Before Date”) and are free from damage (“Damaged Products”). The Buyer will be deemed to be satisfied in this regard unless it immediately refuses to accept delivery.
8.2 The Buyer must notify Sysco Ireland within five days of discovery of any defect in the Products which gives rise to a breach of any applicable condition or warranty. The relevant products must be within their Best Before Date at the date of discovery (“Defective Products”).
8.3 In respect of any Damaged Products or Defective Products Sysco Ireland shall at its sole option either repair or replace the Products or issue credit to the Buyer, provided that:-
8.3.1 the relevant Products are retained for collection by Sysco Ireland or returned to Sysco Ireland at the cost of the Buyer;
8.3.2 examination of such Products by Sysco Ireland discloses to its satisfaction that the damage or defect existed at the time of delivery and that a breach of an applicable condition or warranty has occurred and that the Products have not been affected by any act or omission of any party other than Sysco Ireland including, but not limited to, misuse, neglect, accident, improper storage, installation, handling or by repair or alteration not effected by Sysco Ireland; and
8.3.3 the Buyer will pay to Sysco Ireland the cost (as stated by Sysco Ireland) of any examination of the Products as a result of which Sysco Ireland does not admit liability.
8.4 No conditions and warranties other than those arising under section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1893 (as amended) will apply in relation to any Products
supplied by, but not produced by, Sysco Ireland, but Sysco Ireland will to the extent that it is able and upon Buyer’s request pass to the Buyer the benefit of any
guarantee, condition or warranty given to it by the relevant producer.
8.5 Sysco Ireland’s liability for any claim, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with or resulting from the manufacture, sale, rental, delivery, re-sale, replacement or use of any of the Products and/or Equipment will in no case exceed the price paid by the Buyer to Sysco Ireland for the Products and/or Equipment (as applicable) which give rise to the claim. In no event will Sysco Ireland or any of its Affiliates be liable for any loss of profits, or special or consequential damages suffered by the Buyer or its Affiliates, including interest charges. Nothing contained in this paragraph will by implication create any liability or obligation on the part of the Sysco Ireland, or effect or diminish any disclaimer or liability elsewhere contained herein.
8.6 Except as expressly stated above, all other warranties, conditions and representations, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, in relation to the quality or fitness for any particular purpose of the Products are hereby excluded, and Sysco Ireland will not be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any loss, damage, expense or injury of any kind whatsoever, consequential or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with the Products sold or any defect in them or from any other cause, whether or not any such matter amounts to a fundamental breach of a fundamental term of the Contract.
8.7 In any event, Sysco Ireland’s liability in respect of any Product will end on the later of the relevant Product’s Best Before Date or 3 months from the date of receipt of the Products by the Buyer.
8.8 The Buyer shall not reject any Products or cancel or purport to cancel the Contract or any part of it because of an alleged default unless and until Sysco Ireland has failed to correct such alleged default within thirty days of written notice specifying the default.
8.9 Nothing in this clause will be taken as in any way limiting or excluding any liability which Sysco Ireland may have to the Buyer under Section 2 of the Liability for Defective Products Act, 1991.
8.10 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall limit or exclude Sysco Ireland’s liability for: (i) death or personal injury caused by Sysco Ireland’s negligence; (ii) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or (iii) any other matter in respect of which it would be unlawful for Sysco Ireland to exclude or limit liability, including under Section 2 of the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991.
8.11 Subject to 8.10, Sysco Ireland shall not be liable for any losses, expenses, claims or damages suffered or incurred by the Buyer (or any third party) to the extent they arise as a consequence of any damage or defect in a Product which was caused by its unsatisfactory storage, treatment or handling (other than by Sysco Ireland or its representatives) or any act or omission on the part of the Buyer or its employees, agents or representatives.
8.12 The Buyer shall ensure that no Product it purchases from Sysco Ireland is sold (or otherwise distributed) after any ‘best-before’ or ‘use-by’ dates included on the Products or their packaging. To the extent any Product is sold (or otherwise distributed) by the Buyer after any such date, it shall be at the Buyer’s sole risk, and the Buyer shall indemnify and hold Sysco Ireland harmless against any losses, claims, expenses or damages it incurs howsoever relating to the same.
9. DEFAULT OF BUYER
9.1 If the Buyer or any Affiliate of the Buyer:
9.1.1 fails to comply with these Terms and Conditions (including stipulations as to payment); or
9.1.2 commits an act of bankruptcy, makes an arrangement or composition with creditors or suffers any distress or execution; or
9.1.3 resolves or is ordered to be wound up or has a liquidator, receiver or examiner (or any equivalent officer) appointed; or
9.1.4 sells or stores the Products in a manner which is unacceptable to Sysco Ireland, as notified to the Buyer from time to time; or
9.1.5 is in arrears on any account with Sysco Ireland or any of Sysco Ireland’s Affiliates; or
9.1.6 does anything which does, or has the capacity (in Sysco Ireland’s opinion) to undermine or damage Sysco Ireland’s reputation and/or brand and/or intellectual property rights; or
9.1.7 undergoes a change of control; or
9.1.8 Sysco Ireland reasonably apprehends that any event which is analogous with the above mentioned is occurring or is about to occur in respect of the Buyer or any Affiliate of the Buyer, then, in any such event, Sysco Ireland will have the right (without further liability to the Buyer and without prejudice to any other remedies) to
(a) cancel (in whole or in part) any uncompleted order; and/or (b) withhold or suspend (in whole or in part) delivery of further Products; and/or (c) demand payment immediately of all sums due by the Buyer to any member of the Sysco Ireland group; and or (d) recover from the Buyer damages for any loss or damage suffered by any member of the Sysco Ireland group arising directly or indirectly from the breach; and/ or (e) retake possession of any Products and/or Equipment and for that purpose to go onto any premises occupied by the Buyer or any Affiliate of the Buyer; and/or (f) withhold payment and/or cancel any entitlements to any rebates, discount allowances or credits (or anything analogous thereto) which are accrued but unpaid on that date; and/or (g) cancel any and all future rights of the Buyer or an Affiliate of the Buyer to such rebates, discounts, allowances or credits or other like benefit; and/or (h) cancel any current and/or future credit arrangements with the Buyer or an Affiliate of the Buyer.
9.2 In the event that Sysco Ireland exercises any rights it may have to stop Products in transit or to seize Products, Sysco Ireland may at its option resell such Products at public or private sale without notice to the Buyer and without affecting Sysco Ireland’s rights to hold the Buyer liable for any loss or damage caused by breach of Contract by the Buyer
10. ALTERNATIVE AND SUPPLEMENTARY TERMS
Sysco Ireland may at any time alter or supplement these Terms and Conditions, the most up to date version of which will be published on its website.
11. FORCE MAJEURE
Sysco Ireland will not be under any liability of whatever kind for non-performance or delayed performance in whole or in part of its obligations under the Contract due to causes beyond the control of Sysco Ireland or beyond the control of Sysco Ireland’s suppliers including, but not limited to, war (whether an actual declaration thereof is
made or not), sabotage, insurrection, riot or other act of civil disobedience, acts of the Buyer, any Affiliate of the Buyer or a third party, failure or delay in transportation, acts of any Government or any agency or sub-division thereof, Government regulations, judicial actions, labour disputes, strikes, embargoes, illness, pandemic, public health emergency, accident, fire, explosion, flood, tempest or other acts of God, delay in delivery to Sysco Ireland or Sysco Ireland’s suppliers or shortage of labour, fuel, raw materials or machinery or technical failure. In any such event, Sysco Ireland may, without liability, cancel or vary the Contract including, but not limited to, extending the time for performing their obligations pursuant to the Contract for a period at least equal to the time lost by reason of such causes.
12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
12.1 Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in the Products shall remain at all times the property of Sysco Ireland. The Buyer shall acquire no rights in the Products except as expressly provided for in these Terms and Conditions.
12.2 The Buyer may not reproduce, copy, duplicate, transmit, publish, display, distribute or sell any material from the Sysco Ireland websites. The Buyer may not use the Sysco Ireland websites or their content for any commercial purpose (including the collection and use of any listings, descriptions, or prices), make any derivative or commercially exploitative use of the websites or their content, download or copy account information, use any data mining, robots or similar data gathering and extraction tools without the explicit written consent of Sysco Ireland. Any unauthorised use terminates any permissions granted.
13. CONFIDENTIALITY
13.1 The Buyer undertakes that it shall not at any time disclose any confidential information concerning the business, affairs, customers, suppliers, pricing or other financial information of Sysco Ireland to any third party whatsoever other than as expressly permitted by this clause 13.
13.2 The Buyer may disclose Sysco Ireland’s confidential information (i) to its employees, officers, representatives or advisers who need to know such information for the purposes of carrying out its obligations to Sysco Ireland under the Contract, provided that such employees, officers, representatives and advisors to whom the Buyer discloses such information comply in full with this Condition; and (ii) as may be required by law, court order or any government or regulatory authority, provided that the Buyer gives as much advance notice of such disclosure to Sysco Ireland, as possible.
13.3 The Buyer shall not use Sysco Ireland’s confidential information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under the Contract.
13.4 Where the Buyer purchases from Sysco Ireland via a buying group or consortia (“Buying Group”), the Buyer consents to Sysco Ireland supplying to the Buying Group information relating to the Buyer’s purchases, its account and payment history, or any other information requested by the Buying Group in connection with the Buyer’s trading relationship with Sysco Ireland. The Buyer also consents to Sysco Ireland sharing confidential information with other entities within the Sysco Ireland group, including parents, subsidiaries or Affiliates of Sysco Ireland members.
14. NOMINATED PRODUCTS
14.1 “Nominated Product” means a Product which, at the request of the Buyer, Sysco Ireland has agreed to purchase from the supplier thereof and supply to the Buyer, either because it does not form part of Sysco Ireland’s standard range of Products, or because the Buyer has agreed specific purchase terms for directly with the supplier.
14.2 The Buyer shall be responsible for agreeing directly with the suppliers of Nominated Products all matters concerning Nominated Products including the specification and delivery conditions. Sysco Ireland shall have no responsibility for the selection of any supplier of Nominated Products or for their performance.
14.3 The Buyer shall be responsible for forecasting its requirements for any new Nominated Products for the first 6 weeks of the relevant supply.
14.4 Where Sysco Ireland has agreed to purchase Nominated Products, Sysco Ireland shall purchase Nominated Products from suppliers at the price agreed with the suppliers by the Buyer and on the basis of Sysco Ireland’s procurement and payment terms and Supplier Charter from time to time in force. The Buyer shall procure the compliance of the nominated supplier with such terms and with any delivery instructions notified by Sysco Ireland.
14.5 For the avoidance of doubt, Sysco Ireland will not be liable to pay the nominated supplier for Nominated Products unless and until it has received full payment in cleared funds from the Buyer in respect of such Nominated Products. Where the Buyer has made only part payment of total amounts invoiced by Sysco Ireland, monies received will be allocated first to the payment of Sysco Ireland’s wholesale product debt and then to Nominated Product stock ordered on the Buyer’s behalf.
14.6 For the avoidance of doubt, in no circumstance will Sysco Ireland be liable to pay the supplier of Nominated Products for such Nominated Products except as set out in clause 14.5 above, including, but not limited to, where a deterioration of the Buyer’s financial situation or its insolvency leaves it unable pay its invoices in full to Sysco Ireland and Sysco Ireland is holding stock of Nominated Products. Where the Buyer has failed to order or pay for Nominated Product stock for any reason and Sysco Ireland is holding stock of Nominated Products, the supplier will be offered the opportunity to collect the Nominated Product stock from Sysco Ireland, or alternatively will instruct Sysco Ireland to dispose of such Nominated Products at the supplier’s expense.
14.7 Sysco Ireland shall endeavour to set up new nominated suppliers within 28 days of the Buyer and the nominated supplier submitting complete and accurate information to Sysco Ireland, with the content and in the format required by Sysco Ireland from time to time.
14.8 The Buyer will give Sysco Ireland a minimum of 14 days’ notice of changes in prices charged by nominated suppliers and a minimum of 28 days’ notice of any new Nominated Products.
14.9 If the Buyer requires Sysco Ireland to cease deliveries of any particular Nominated Product (a “Delisted Product”) it shall give Sysco Ireland not less than 14 days’ notice of the date upon which it wishes Sysco Ireland to cease delivery thereof (the “Delisting Date”).
14.10 If at the Delisting Date Sysco Ireland is still in possession of any surplus stock of the Delisted Product (“Surplus Stock”), Sysco Ireland and the Buyer shall cooperate to ensure that such Surplus Stock is sold, or otherwise disposed of, in the most costeffective and ethical manner possible for both parties. However, if Sysco Ireland is still in possession of Surplus Stock within 14 days of the Delisting Date, the Surplus Stock shall be the responsibility of the Buyer.
14.11 The Buyer shall be responsible for any costs or losses resulting from Surplus Stock, or from the shelf life expiry, waste, discontinuance of stock, or unordered stock of Nominated Products at any time, including upon the termination for any reason of any Contract between Sysco Ireland and the Buyer. The Buyer will indemnify and hold harmless Sysco Ireland in respect of any liability, claims, or losses arising in connection with Nominated Product stock held by Sysco Ireland, including for the avoidance of doubt, any claim by a nominated supplier in relation to payment for such Nominated Product stock.
14.12 The Buyer shall be responsible for ensuring that all Nominated Products, when delivered to or collected by, Sysco Ireland, shall conform with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to: the Food Safety Act 1990 (as amended by the Food Standards Act, 1999); the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998; Labelling / FIC: Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011); Hygiene Package (EC) No. 852/2004 and 853/2004 and regulation (EC) No. 178/2002; Microbiological Criteria Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/624, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/625, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/626, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/628; and all local regulations and legislation. Sysco Ireland shall have no liability to the extent that this is not the case. In the event of any actions or claims of any kind against Sysco Ireland, and any liabilities or losses therefrom, related to the failure of Nominated Products to meet the requirements of this clause, the Buyer shall fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sysco Ireland
14.13 The Buyer shall be responsible for ensuring that the Nominated Products are sourced from reputable suppliers who have achieved a nationally recognised product safety standard or have been formally assessed by the Buyer as acceptable on product safety, legality, and integrity grounds.
14.14 Sysco Ireland may refuse or remove any Nominated Product at any time by providing notice in writing to the Buyer.
14.15 Sysco Ireland shall not be obliged to carry out any checks or quality control inspections in relation to Nominated Products and Nominated Products are sold by Sysco Ireland to the Buyer on this basis.
14.16 Sysco Ireland shall be entitled to charge the Buyer in respect of the stocking and delivery of the Nominated Products (the “Case Rate”). Sysco Ireland shall be entitled to adjust the Case Rate at its sole discretion.
14.17 The Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the inability of Sysco Ireland to perform any part of the Contract by reason of the performance deficiencies of any of the suppliers of Nominated Products shall not be deemed to be a breach of the Contract by Sysco Ireland, and that, in such circumstances, the Buyer will pursue its remedies directly against the defaulting supplier of the Nominated Product and no such performance deficiencies shall be counted in the calculation of any service levels agreed between Sysco Ireland and the Buyer.
14.18 Unless otherwise agreed, Sysco Ireland may in its sole discretion delist any Nominated Product where the Buyer’s requirement for such Product falls below 20 cases per week
15. DATA PROTECTION
15.1 “Data Protection Legislation” shall mean means any applicable laws concerning the protection of personal data or privacy to which the relevant party is subject, including: (i) the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (the “GDPR”); (ii) any legislation which supplements the GDPR; and (iii) any legislation which implements the European Community’s Directive 2002/58/EC, in each case as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time. Capitalised terms used in this clause 15 and not defined elsewhere in these Terms and Conditions shall have the meaning given to such terms in the GDPR.
15.2 Both parties will comply with all applicable requirements of the Data Protection Legislation.
15.3 The parties acknowledge that for the purposes of the Data Protection Legislation, each party will act as an independent Controller in respect of any Processing
of Personal Data carried out in connection with these Terms and Conditions. If and to the extent that the parties act as joint controllers, or one party acts as a processor on behalf of the other party, the parties shall promptly meet and negotiate in good faith to enter into an agreement which meets all applicable requirements under Data Protection Legislation in respect of such arrangement.
15.4 The Buyer will ensure that it has all necessary and appropriate consents and notices in place to enable the lawful transfer of the Personal Data to Sysco Ireland.
16. ANTI-FACILITATION OF TAX AVOIDANCE
16.1 The Buyer shall:
16.1.1 not engage in any activity, practice or conduct which would constitute either: (a) a UK tax evasion facilitation offence under section 45(1) of the Criminal Finances Act 2017; or (b) a foreign tax evasion facilitation offence under section 46(1) of the Criminal Finances Act 2017;
16.1.2 have and shall maintain in place throughout the term of the Contract such measures as are reasonable to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion by another person (including without limitation employees of the Buyer); and
16.1.3 promptly report to Sysco Ireland any request or demand from a third party to facilitate the evasion of tax within the meaning of Part 3 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017, in connection with the performance of the Contract;
16.2 The Buyer shall ensure that any person associated with the Buyer who is performing services in connection with the Contract does so in compliance with obligations equivalent to those imposed on the Buyer in Condition 16.1 (“Relevant Tax Evasion Terms”). The Buyer shall be responsible for the observance and performance by such persons of the Relevant Tax Evasion Terms, and shall be directly liable to Sysco Ireland for any breach by such persons of any of the Relevant Tax Evasion Terms. For the purposes of Condition 16.1, the meaning of reasonable prevention procedures shall be determined in accordance with any guidance issued under section 47 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and a person associated with the Buyer includes but is not limited to any subcontractor of the Buyer.
17. ADDITIONAL TERMS
17.1 The Buyer will not assign or transfer or purport to assign or transfer to any other person the Contract or the benefit thereof or the benefit of any condition, warranty or guarantee or other term or condition (express or implied) forming part thereof or relating to the Products.
17.2 Failure or delay on the part of Sysco Ireland in enforcing any provision of the Contract shall not be construed as a waiver of any of Sysco Ireland’s rights under the Contract. Any waiver by Sysco Ireland of any breach of, or any default under, any provision of the Contract by the Buyer shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or default and shall in no way affect the other terms of the Contract.
17.3 If any provision of the Contract is found by any Court, tribunal or other administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be wholly or partly illegal, invalid, void, voidable, unenforceable or unreasonable it shall to the extent of such illegality, invalidity, voidness, voidability, unenforceability or unreasonableness be deemed severable and the remaining provisions of the Contract and the remainder of such provision shall continue in full force and effect.
17.4 Sysco Ireland may make available certain promotions from time to time. The Buyer shall be bound by any additional terms that apply to any promotions and the Buyer shall be responsible for ensuring the Buyer contact registered to receive the promotion is correct and updated accordingly from time to time.
17.5 The parties to the Contract do not intend that any term of the Contract will be enforceable by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by any person who is not a party to it.
17.6 Telephone calls (inbound and outbound) and email correspondence with Sysco Ireland may be recorded or monitored. By using or accepting such communication methods, the Buyer agrees to the recording or monitoring of the same for quality purposes and training.
17.7 Any written communication given pursuant to the Contract must be sent by registered or first-class post to the registered office of the addressee or such other address as may have been notified in writing and shall be deemed to have been received by the addressee two days after the date of posting.
17.8 If the Buyer is a partnership the liability of the individual partners to Sysco Ireland shall be joint and several.
17.9 The signature on behalf of a Buyer who is a limited company by any person purporting to sign with the Buyer’s authority shall bind the Buyer and the Buyer shall be liable to comply with the terms of the Contract.
17.10 The Buyer shall be liable to comply with the terms of the Contract and pay for any Products which are ordered using its Buyer account number
This Contract will be governed and construed in all respects in accordance with the laws of Ireland and the Irish courts will have exclusive jurisdiction (except as set out in this clause 18) in respect of any disputes or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) relating to or arising from these Terms and Conditions. Where the Buyer’s principal place of business is located or incorporated in Northern Ireland, nothing in this clause shall limit the right of any entity within the Sysco Ireland group or any of its Affiliates to take proceedings against the Buyer in the courts of Northern Ireland.
