AGENTS OF CHANGE

We are a unique distribution service for boutique producers seeking direct access to UK independent retailers and regional wholesalers.
The traditional Agent/Importer model poses serious obstacles to a winery hoping to access the UK for the first time, not least because there are far fewer viable ‘slots’ in importers’ portfolios than there are bins on the shelves of quality retailers and wholesalers – and COVID has only made this bottleneck more pronounced. Witnessing the UK’s upsurge in retail and online sales (sadly at the expense of the On trade) producers have explored other routes into the UK, but this usually entails landing the stock here themselves – an expensive and risky endeavour.
That’s why we established Propeller. We provide ‘distribution as a service’ and set up their wines for long term success in the market, without the cost base or competing agency priorities of a ‘normal importer’. Our aim is to help them develop a viable business in the UK which we can then take to an agent in 12+ months’ time, or they can stay with us indefinitely. Producers only pay a fixed monthly fee to support our sales team meaning that they retain control of the product lifecycle and can set optimal pricing for their wines.
This unique model allows Propeller to tackle some of the regions (and styles) where regular agents fear to tread, and our warehousing and distribution capabilities mean that numerous producers can pool resources in a single shipment, enabling us to offer you a more varied and constantly evolving selection of wines, most of which have never been seen in the UK before.
Propeller was formed by Wild Ferment, a specialist consultancy practice founded by UK wine trade stalwart Jamie Wynne-Griffiths, when he saw an opportunity to take his producer-importer matchmaking skills and apply them to the outdated system of boutique producers’ ability to access the UK market. When this bottleneck essentially closed during COVID, Jamie wanted to find a way for producers to not only get into the UK, but have a full range of high-quality resources available upon arrival.
We’ll set you up Trade Account and assign one of our regional Account Managers, then it’s simply a case of ordering from us in the same way as you would a regular Agent. All stock is located at our bond at LCB, if you are an LCB bond customer and would like to discuss interbond transfers, please let us know. To request an account form drop Jo a line jo@propeller.wine
72 bottles, which can be mixed across the Propeller portfolio.
Enjoy!
Jamie and team
For over 20 years, Nicola Thornton, originally from Sheffield, had created a healthy network of farmers and winemakers throughout Spain in the wine business. She had lots of friends who were grape growers and wine producers and felt like she wanted to give back to them. The growers she knew personally felt disgruntled about being taken advantage of by larger producers and weren’t getting paid decent wages for their crops. She said they’d often tell the younger generations not to get into viticulture because it was a tough life for little reward.
Nicola decided she had an opportunity to make a difference and help these farmers make a good living, while also creating relationships for the farmers to work with smaller, independent winemakers who wanted to produce wines that were a true expression of time and place. Spanish Palate was born in 2016. We’re beginning our collaboration with one of her own creations; Botas de Barro, literally ‘dirty boots’, which is an homage to the generations of farmers that have tended the treasured old vines of their regions. These wines are made in traditional winemaking regions of Spain where the effort of generations of farmers and great quality winemaking go hand in hand.
Botas de Barro, Verdejo 2021 | Rueda
60+yearoldbushvines,plantedinlimestonerich,pebblysoils, cool ferment, no oak. Crisp, highly aromatic with intense lime and tropical notes.
Botas de Barro, Tinta de Toro 2020 | Toro 60+ year old bush vines, 720m above sea level, hand harvested, 5 months in American & French oak (50% new). Textbook characters of liquorice, blackberry and violet framed by subtle oak.
Botas de Barro, Garnacha Tintorera 2019 | Almansa 70+ year old vines, 4 months in French oak (15% new). Deeply coloured wine from one of the few red-fleshed varieties, packed with smoky wild berry flavours.
Botas de Barro, Monastrell 2019 | Jumilla 60+ year old, ungrafted Monastrell bush vines, 4 months in French oak. Intense purple/violet colour, dark fruit & balsamic notes, plump fruit flavours, mineral hints, very long.
Botas de Barro, Leon 2019
50-65 year old vines, 4 months in French and American oak (15% new). Bright garnet red, intense redcurrant aromas, plenty of acidity and pronounced tannins.
Botas de Barro Rosado, Toro 2021
60+ year old bush vines, 720m above sea level, hand harvested. Deep pink. Dried strawberry and cracked pepper aromatics. Vanilla-tinged, textural and juicy.
Rueda
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Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low SulphurSustainableThe sun-drenched vineyards of Domaine Pichard stretch across 23 hectares of dramatic rolling hillside in Madiran, the heart of southern France. Certified organic in 2015 and trialing biodynamic methods since 2019, this estate works in true harmony with its glorious surroundings to create a range of wines that are as lovely as their origins promise.
The family-owned business is managed by Rod Cork (surely a strong contender for the best name in winemaking), who is originally from Dorset but a Francophile at heart, having lived in France since 1984. A former solicitor, Rod became the co-owner of Domaine Pichard in 2005 and has pushed the Domaine forward with great passion and tenacity in partnership with his brother-in-law and business partner, Jean Sentilles. However, even the beautiful surroundings do not protect from challenges and hard times. Sadly Jean died suddenly in February 2020shortly before the first lockdown. Since then Rod and the wider team have redoubled their efforts to drive the Domaine to still greater heights in tribute to Jean.
60% Petit Manseng, 40% Gros Manseng
Simple, straightforward vinification at its best - a steady temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel is followed by 8 months in French oak. The result is a buoyant, deliciously aromatic white with plenty of citric freshness and balance. There is a serious core of generous melon and peach too; not to mention hints of starfruit, greengage and dried mango on the palate which elevate this wine into hedonistically textural territory.
55% Tannat, 45% Cabernet Franc
Meticulously chosen fruit from individual plots is vinified separately in thermo-regulated concrete tanks, followed by a generous 18 months in French oak and then further ageing in bottle. This wine sings in the glass – generous lashings of firm tannin and a tell-tale whiff of iron filings, but any heaviness is elevated by soaring, primary black fruit aromatics too. This is one red Madiran that you can enjoy without food… without needing a crash helmet for your palate.
‘Bouchy’ Cabernet Franc 2017
100% Cabernet Franc
A real surprise at the inaugural Propeller blind tasting – a textbook Cabernet Franc, with lashings of aromatic tomato and blackcurrant leaf alongside plenty of earthy cranberry and wild strawberry fruit. The finish is unexpectedly long and decadently silky, with oh-so-smooth tannins complemented by bright acidity and more generous fruit. Selection Massale, in which the vineyard is replanted with cuttings from the most exceptional old vines, is still practiced by Domaine Pichard.
‘Cuvee
85% Tannat, 15% Cabernet Franc.
Individual plots are harvested and vinified separately in thermo-regulated concrete tanks, followed by 24 months in French oak and then considerable further aging in bottle before release. This wine still has a long, long future ahead of it thanks to that robust tannic structure and intense Cab Franc aromatics, which will only soften and give more pleasure with every passing year. However, for the impatient drinker this is a superb option too. Right now, twelve years or so in bottle has created a sumptuous wine which offers a veritable feast of kirsch, dried rose petals, fragrant baking spice and a touch of tomato leaf and iron filings to remind us of that deft touch of Cabernet Franc. Product
Pichard Signature Madiran WILDFMADSIG
2016 £10.88 £19.99 75cl x 6
Pichard 'Bouchy' Cabernet Franc WILDFBOUCHY 2017 £10.32 £18.99 75cl x 6
Pichard 'Cuvee Aime' Madiran WILDFAIMEMAD
2010 £15.16 £27.99 75cl x 6
Pichard Pacherenc De Vic Bilh WILDFPACHESC 2019 £7.95 £14.49 75cl x 6
Ferruccio Ferragamo became the owner of Il Borro Estate in 1993. The area underwent major work to completely restore it for the purpose of enhancing the history, traditions and natural surroundings. Special attention was paid to the vineyards and the medieval cellar which has earned recognition as one of the most important designer cellars of Italy.
Today, Il Borro is managed by two of his six children: Salvatore, CEO and Vittoria who is responsible for the garden and special projects.
The whole estate is certified organic and run in a sustainable way. Planted at the foot of Pratomagno the Il Borro Vinyard is in a privileged position for vine cultivation: mild winters, proper humidity and an excellent exposure. The parent rock is sandstone or strong stone, the base of a medium-textured soil rich in skeleton with a sandy-clayey matrix, a poor soil, yet ideal for the needs of the vine.
A blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah. The vineyards have a density of 4500 plants per hectare and are all located at an average altitude of 300 meters above sea level. Following thinning at end of August, each plant produces a maximum of 1 kilo of grapes. Maceration of the skins takes place for 22 days in steel vats at a controlled temperature. After fermentation, aging in barriques lasts 18 months after which time the wine is filtered and bottled. “Il Borro” is kept in the cellar for another 8 months for final refinement in the bottle before being sold on the market.
Grapes are harvested by hand and immediately cooled to 8 degrees overnight, before being selected on a double sorting table. The wine is fermented in oak barrels for 40 days in oak barrels (75% new, 25% a year), to allow for malolactic fermentation to take place. Ageing is on lees for 6 months, and then an aged oak barrel for 18months. This wine is limited edition, with a numbered label.
100% Sangiovese, partial carbonic maceration for fruit intensity followed by 12 months in French oak. Fragrances of cherry, peony and black pepper with notes of sandalwood, juniper, liquorice and rhubarb. Lively and well-balanced, the palate is seductive with fine tannins and a long finish with delicious balsamic and mineral notes
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35% Syrah, 40% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese - Valdarno di Sopra DOC 2019
The vineyards are planted at a density of 5000 vines per hectare with pruned-spur cordon trained system at 100cm above the ground. Each plant produces up to 1kh of grapes or 4500 kh of grapes per hectare yielding about 3,000 litres of wine. The production has been accomplished through an alternative system making use of large oak casks as well as the refrigeration of the grapes followed by a cold maceration lasting two days. The grapes are hand-harvested and refrigerated at 7°C. The cold maceration in large oak barrels allow to maintain the complexity of the aromatic compounds. Temperature-controlled fermentation (28°C) takes place and is followed by an aging of 10 months in large wooden casks.
25% Sangiovese grapes and 75% Syrah grapes balancing the traditional variety with an international one.
The vineyards have a density of 4.700 plants per hectare and are located at 200 meters above sea level. The two grape varieties are vinified separately, they are hand harvested in 10kg cases and kept refrigerated overnight at the temperature of 5°C , then destemmed and sorted by an optical device and finally pressed and gravity-fed into vinification tanks. Maceration of the must lasts 2 days in the stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 10°C. Then the alcoholic fermentation takes place at controlled temperature of 25/28°C for about 10 days and then the wine is left to macerate on grapes skins for another 20 days. After the racking, the wine is kept in steel tanks for 6 months and then decanted into used oak barrels where is left to mature for 12 months. After the ageing in barriques the wine is decanted once again into steel tanks where the two grape varieties are blended, decanted and gently filtered. The wine is then ready to be bottled and stocked for another 6 months.
100% Sangiovese
Petruna Anfora uses only clay amphorae for making and storing the wine. The vineyard is located at approximately 350 meters above sea level. The soil is Schistose with an optimal drainage capacity. At the end of August the plants are pruned leaving around 1 kg of grapes on each vine. The grapes, once they reach optimal ripeness, are harvested, de-stemmed and kept refrigerated overnight at 5-10° C. Then they are sorted by an optical device and then pressed and decanted in large terracotta amphorae. The must begins to ferment in the amphora while undergoing the daily practice of “follatura”, the process by which marcs are pressed down to the bottom of the amphora several times a day. The amphorae are then sealed with stainless steel lids and left to macerate on skins for 12 months during which the interaction of terracotta, wine and skins allows a characteristic maturation that makes this wine so unique.
100% Chardonnay
Produced by cold pressing Chardonnay grapes which are handharvested using 10kg cases which are kept refrigerated overnight at 5-10° C. The day after the grapes are de-stemmed and softly pressed in order to avoid the extraction of unwanted compounds. The resulting must is then decanted into stainless-steel tanks where the wine is clarified in order to remove all the sediments and then fermented at controlled temperature of 15-17° C. After the fermentation the wine is kept on yeast lees for about 60 days, then it is decanted and bottled thereafter.
Product Code Colour Vintage Bottle RRP Size Category
Borrigiano BORRIGINO19 2019 £11.47 £20.95 75cl x 6
Pian di Nova PIANDINOVA19 2019 £12.20 £22.95 75cl x 6
Petruna Anfora PETRUNA18 2018 £30.41 £51.95 75cl x 6
Lamelle LAMELLE21 2021 £11.72 £21.95 75cl x 6
www.propeller.wine
We are delighted to be working with Citizen Wines. Set up by a close-knit group of industry experts they hope to breathe some much-needed life into an all-too-often rigid and stuffy wine sector, by bringing innovative new approach to wine making and marketing.
They only work with producers that are fully committed to sustainability, sourcing wines that are sustainably grown and organically produced.
Keeping a close eye on market trends and tracking consumer behaviour means Citizen wines react quickly to produce the sought-after styles that the everyday wine citizen demands. Each of their wines has its own unique character and personality in a contemporary range of wines that delight the senses and over-deliver on price.
100% Monastrell. 30+ year old monastrell vines are grown in the chalky soils of Valencia, at 600m above sea-level. The grapes are hand harvest followed by strict manual table selection. Soft maceration with 25% whole bunch. The fermentation is temperature controlled for 10 days at 1214ºC, has 1 month in second use French oak, then filtered, clarified, and bottled.
Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay blend. Harvested in the cool of the Rueda night for protection, the grapes are swiftly crushed, chilled and pressed to produce pristine juice with intense varietal character. Gently fermented to preserve aromatics, the wine goes through light ageing on the lees to freshen and clarify into a bright and crystalline beauty.
100% Verdejo. Produced in Valencia, 20-year-old verdejo vines are grown at 600m above sea level. Hand harvested at night to protect the grapes, then follows a strict manual table selection. Grapes are cold soaked for 12 hours. Fermentation is temperature controlled for 12 days at 1012ºC, then pressed and racked then aged for 1 month on fine lees. At the final stages, the wine is, filtered, clarified and bottled.
100% Tempranillo. Hand harvested from 30+ year old vines . Grapes are gently pressed to obtain a light colour and slowly femented at 15°C and bottled soon after fermentation. A floral and fruity Tempranillo.
Product Code Colour Vintage Bottle RRP Size Category
Moda foca MODA20 2020 £6.02 £10.99 75cl x 6
Cluster Flock CLUSTER20 2020 £7.12 £12.99 75cl x 6
Hi-Tech HITECH 2020 £6.02 £10.99 75cl x 6
Miss Chief CHIEF21 2021 £6.02 £10.99 75cl x 6
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Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low SulphurSustainableEstenas was founded in 1945 by Francisco Martínez Bermell. He subsequently became one of the most revered winemakers in Spain and was elected honorary president of the Spanish Association of Oenologists, after being president for two terms (8 years) and vice-president of the International Wine Organization (OIV)
Vera de Estenas became the first Valencian winery to cultivate and elaborate varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and this has been the challenge that his sons have continued, especially Felix Martinez Roda, who year after year produces wines with their own stamp, being faithful to the concept of innovation, without losing the expression of their unique terroir.
Estenas were also early champions of Bobal, at a time when the variety was generally reviled and consigned to bulk blends. Their flagship Casa don Ángel is now approaching its 23rd vintage and ecapsulates the pioneering, singular approach which inspired the wider region and propelled Bobal’s international profile.
100% Tardana vinified in cement, followed by 2 months’ ageing in clay amphorae. Straw yellow colour, with gold sparkles. Intense aromas of fresh white fruits; pears, apples, apricot, banana skin, citrus notes. The palate is silky, fatty, velvety and wonderfully balanced.
100% Bobal vinified in cement, followed by 4 months in clay amphorae. Garnet color with a deep purple rim. Sumptuous black fruit aromatics with a lively, balanced palate characterised by sweet spice and mineral hints. Benchmark Bobal.
100% Bobal, 15 months in barrel. A long haul wine as previous vintages show. Intense colour with garnet rim. Ripe, dark fruit aromas, framed by toasty oak. The balance between velveteen fruit and spiced vanilla is impeccable
La Tardana De Estanas LATARDANA21 2021 £8.66 £15.95 75cl x 6
El Bobal De Estanas ELBOBAL21 2021 £8.66 £15.95 75cl x 6
Cava De Estanas CAVADEESTENAS NV £8.74 £15.95 75cl x 6
Casa Don Angel CASADONANGEL19 2019 £15.85 £28.95 75cl x 6
Angel began life in LA, Miami and London’s top nightclubs and at one time boasted none other than Mariah Carey as its US Brand Ambassador. Now under English ownership Angel is taking a more considered strategy into luxury retail and is enjoying astronomical success in Japan and China.
We’re delighted to be working with the team on their UK launch and have been hugely impressed with both their vision and fastidious attention to detail. Made under the watchful eye of Elizabeth Sarcelet, one of the region’s undisputed stars, each bottle is then shipped to the UK where the matt coatings and unique motifs are painstakingly applied by hand in Angel’s dedicated workshop.
The resulting packaging is nothing short of extraordinary and more than a match for prestige cuvées at double or triple the price. All the wines are based on 100% Premier Cru fruit from the Montagne de Reims.
Product
51% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Meunier, 12% Pinot Noir. 53% from vintage 2011, balance from 2010, 2009 & 2008. 30 months on lees. Magnum Available FRO252
La
Same composition as La Collection NOIRE but adorned with a striking, luminous label.
La
43% Pinot Meunier, 36% Chardonnay, 21% Pinot Noir, 53% from vintage 2011, balance from 2010, 2009 & 2008. 36 months on lees. Magnum Available FRO255
La Collection VINTAGE
60% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, 14% Pinot Meunier. 8 years on lees.
La Collection Brut NOIRE ANGBRUT NV £64.74 £99.99 £113.99 75cl x 6
La Collection Brut HALO ANGHALO NV £84.03 £129.99 £133.99 75cl x 6
La Collection Brut (Magnum) ANGBRUTMAG NV £129.62 £199.99 150cl x 3
La Collection Rosé BLANCHE ANGROSE NV £86.66 £133.99 £143.99 75cl x 6
La Collection Rosé BLANCHE (Magnum) AGROSEMAG NV £178.76 £278.99 150cl x 3
La Collection VINTAGE ANGVINT 2005 £125.76 £195.99 £195.99 75cl x 6
La Collection VINTAGE (Magnum) AGVINTMAG 2005 £258.75 £399.99 150cl x 3
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The Toro-born Kiko Calvo travelled around the world working in wineries before returning home to make his artisan, small production "rebellious" wine from his great-grandfather's vineyards. A very different TORO. Less oak, less exact, more freshness.
With his father in the vineyards and sister by his side, Kiko is quickly becoming a Toro legend. He follows his way of doing things, nonconformist with no boundaries and an insatiable appetite to experiment and explore the limits of his great-grandfathers' vineyards. He is pushing the boundaries of the region of Toro and has only just begun!
Bigardo 2019
100% Tinta de Toro under the D.O. Toro. The vines are between 40 and 60 years old, well established and mature enough to produce exceptional quality fruit. The soils are made of loose sandstone with a good portion of river stone, limestone, and some clay seams at different elevations. Aged for 10 months in a variety of oak barrels.
Intense red fruit aromas with raspberry and blueberry notes, alongside a hint of black fruit flavours, especially blackberry. Tannins are wonderfully inegrated and neatky frame the flavours of pine, cocoa, spice and liquorice flavour notes.
Miguel Garcia de Lara and his brothers and sisters are slowly reviving their historic, century-old family vineyards and winery, whilst all their neighbours are uprooting their vineyards to plant other things.
The family’s undeniably boutique project centres on their ancient Cencibel (Tempranillo) and Airen vineyards. Bush vines are stretched to their limits by the harsh, extreme climate in Toledo, bordering Madrid, where summers are very hot and dry, leading to intense flavours.
Miguel and the team are particularly focussed on reviving Airen’s reputation as a variety (at one point the world’s most widely planted) capable of making wines at a premium level.
Finca Villalobillos Airen (2019)
100% Airén. Planted ungrafted in 1935 on the “Villalobillos” family estate in Corral de Almaguer. Cultivated without irrigation in limestone-rich soil. Harvest: Manual, in late September. The grapes are destemmed and gently pressed to obtain only the free-run juice, finished with static racking. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks at a cool 14ºC for 4 weeks.
Notes of apple, fennel and a hint of butter. Lively acidity on the palate and an appealing herbaceousness. This finish is powerful and very persistent.
Cueva Colora (2018)
100% Cencibel (Tempranillo). The vineyard of “La Cueva Colorá” covers 5.47 ha and was planted in 1960 in the locality ofthesamename.Graftedinthefieldwithshootsfrom outstanding local vineyards. Cultivated without irrigation, in limestone-rich soil with a loose, loamy texture. Harvested by hand in early September. The very dry 2018 was hard on the vines, which produced low yields of concentrated fruit. Fermentation occurred spontaneously in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 13months in French and American oak (80/20). The wine, once bottled, underwent a further nine months of ageing before release.
Intense cherry red. Nuances of ripe black fruit to the fore, with hints of spice minging with tertiary, aged characters. The palate is powerful, concentrated and long with a delightful interplay between bright acidity and powdery tannins.
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Founded in 2004 by Belarmino Fernandez and Alfonso Chacon, Canopy has (quite unassumingly) played a significant role in helping the wider world to appreciate what the ‘New Spain’ is capable of – Michel Bettane even went so far as to acknowledge them as ‘architects of the Spanish renassiance’. Belarmino and Alfonso are self-confessed ‘terroir obsessives’, driven by a desire to bottle the unique characteristics of their little corner of Sierra de Gredos.
All the wines are foot-trodden and sulphur is kept to an absolute minimum. The philosophy is fundamentally sustainable and organic in practice, but not to the point of certification nor is it bound by particular strictures. As Alfonso puts it, “There’s no need to use alternative vine growing methods like biodynamics. We can make honest wines in Gredos; we only need what nature gives us. Soils, landscape and Garnacha’s clonal diversity are really interesting. You get wines that smell of thyme, lavender… the kind of plants that grow around here”.
90% Macabeo, 5% Verdejo & 5% Grenache. Stainless steel ferment. Elegant with its floral, grassiness but surprisingly complex too, with fennel, strawberry and peach notes.
100% Grenache. 45+ year old vines. Long pre-ferment maceration. 3 months in French oak. Vibrant blueberry and floral notes, wonderful acidity, buttery tannins.
An amalgam of the two founders’ names complete with its own bouncy castle, a tongue-in-cheek reference to France’s ‘grand vins’ and their imposing chateaux. 100% old vine Grenache from the granitic soils of El Real de San Vicente. Very much a ‘vin de soif’ but not at the expense of complexity, thanks to 6 months in French oak.
100% Syrah from 35 year old trellised vines in Camarena, Mentrida. Aged for 12 months in 500 litre French oak barrels. No stabilisation or filtration. Abundant dark fruit, Mediterranean herb, spice, balanced acidity, ripe tannins and heaps of concentration. Powerful, rich and persistent. Voted ‘Second best Syrah in Spain’ by Guia Penin 2020.
Fermented in steel and French oak and then aged in a mixture of steel and foudres with plentiful battonage. Named ‘Loco’ because apparently the team went completely bonkers when they found a 65 year old Garnacha Blanca vineyard, literally the only remaining example in central Spain. Each bottle wears it’s own strait jacket, in case you were in any doubt as to the wine’s distinct personality.
Product Code Colour Vintage Bottle RRP Size Category
Ganadero Blanco SP0111 2019 £7.21 £13.49 75cl x 6
Ganadero Tinto SP0110 2019 £7.21 £13.49 75cl x 6 Castillo de Belarfonso SP0112 2018 £8.67 £15.99 75cl x 6 Malpaso SP0113 2017 £12.17 £22.49 75cl x 6 Loco SP0114 2018 £21.19 £35.99 75cl x 3
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Ruth de Andres trained as a Chemist in Sheffield and was just about to embark on her PhD when she realised that she couldn’t bear the thought of spending another chunk of her life in a lab, so she returned to Spain and quickly fell in love with winemaking.
She started her formal studies there before moving to Bordeaux where she completed her degree and enjoyed a long stint working with Pascal RibéreauGayon and Michel Rolland at Chateau Pape Clement. Returning to Spain once again she began a five year stint with Bodegas Torres before going on to manage a number of boutique wineries. It was during this last phase that she saw first-hand how difficult it is for a small winery to make its way in an export market and this inspired her in 2008 to set-up Aleavini, a growing collective of boutique wineries and modern brands. Within the first three months she was swamped and called in help from her sister Ana, who at the time was working with an NGO in Bolivia contemplating her next move, having become disillusioned with her work as a psychologist consulting for major corporations. And the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the sisters’ particular knacks is finding wines that massively over deliver on flavour and then designing labels for them with stand-out shelf presence, and that’s where we’re starting our collaboration.
A Mediterranean red in every sense – super ripe and juicy but with ample tannic backbone. Unquestionably a ‘glugger’ for easy enjoyment, with or without food. Named after the poem ‘Song of the Pirate’ by José Espronceda, Ruth and Ana’s favourite bedtime story when they were growing up.
Bajel Pirata Blanco (Organic) (2021)
100% Merseguera. A grape Jancis Robinson once called uninteresting, we were blown away when we tried this lively, textured, and organic white wine from southern Spain for the first time. An underrated Mediterranean white grape, rarely seen on its own and in this style. Stainless steel fermented to retain the fresh, tropical fruit notes. Balanced acidity and a long, delicious finish makes you want another sip.
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Continued...
The Oh Sister Tinto is a mix of 2 vintages. The blend is made up of about 70% of wine from the previous vintage and about 30% of the young wine. And that’s the point. Mixing vintages can sound strange in modern times, but it was something very common throughout the winemaking history of Spain. It was a way to keep quality consistency: the vintage impact was balanced by mixing two different years. This technique is very useful for wines with great value. The De Andres sisters follow their own rules for this wine, which ensures the best price for the best quality.
The wine is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. After harvesting the grapes by hand, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally pressing with a gentle pneumatic press. The wine is then aged in barrels of second and third year for 6 months. After this period of ageing, it is kept under lees on stainless steel tank for 5 months. This helps to enhance freshness and fruity aromas.
100% Verdejo. Hand harvested during the night, to keep the freshly picked grapes at lower temperatures, and protect them from the heat of the sun. The vines vary in age and are between 10 and 40 years old.
Soft pressing and static debourbarge. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 12ºC. After fermentation, the wine is stabilized and gently filtered before bottling. This is an intensely aromatic wine with notes of pineapple, apricots, and mango. Delicate on the palate, with very refreshing acidity and an energetic and lively mid-palate. A perfect wine for shellfish and fish. Serve chilled with any appetizer, sushi selection, or spicy dish.
Tinta de Toro from Soria, the highest part of Ribera, characterised by its heavily calcareous soils. The combination of chalk and altitude results in a steady ripening and superfine tannins – and that’s the style that Ruth and Ana are striving for; purity, elegance and approachability rather than the more intense, bombastic style often found elsewhere in Ribera. Interestingly the wine isn’t stabilised or clarified conventionally but is instead wintered in the open air (in temperatures between 10°C-5°C) for a more natural version on the process. And the name? Alegra means ‘glad’. As Ruth puts it, “After so many ‘Castillo of Whatever’, ‘Duque of I Don’t Know What’ and ‘Señorio de Blablabla’, we just wanted to make a wine that makes people happy. Difficult to argue with that.
Rueda is one of the privileged areas where Sauvignon Blanc is very comfortable. These grapes are grown in a site where the microclimate allows for very even ripening, giving this Sauvignon Blanc lots of complex flavours and aromas. From ripe mango to fresh cut grass, this is a Sauvignon Blanc that will please a crowd and is extremely food versatile.
Product
Alegra Joven - Ribera del Duero SP0032 2019 £7.09 £12.95 75cl x 6
Alegra Sauvignon Blanc SP0033 2021 £7.09 £12.95 75cl x 6
Oh Sister Tinto SP0030 NV £6.11 £10.95 75cl x 6
Oh Sister Blanco SP0031 2021 £6.11 £10.95 75cl x 6
After stints at Southcorp, Fosters and McWilliams Nicholas Crampton and his wife Frances set-up Fourth Wave in 2009 with the aim of bringing a whole new level of topical relevance (and humour) to the Australian wine category. The extraordinary breadth of the Fourth Wave range today is testament to the fact that they’ve been able to create impactful brands that stand the test of time, not least thanks to the involvement of ex-Villa Maria winemaker Corey Ryan and a host of dedicated growers spanning SE Australia’s key regions.
Take It To The Grave | One of the Stalwarts of the Fourth Wave Wine portfolio, Take it to the Grave has a cult-like status. It is a joint venture between Nicholas and Corey, created to deliver interesting and rewarding wines whilst challenging a few established rules and preconceptions. The range is varied and always seeking to deliver incredible value whilst engaging wine consumers. Organic and vegan friendly are just two of the benefits of the No Evil Range that make these wines the ideal choice for those who are conscious of making the
right lifestyle choices when it comes to wine.
The No Evil wines are well packaged, well made and all sourced from vineyards across South Australia.
Hand-picked Adelaide Plains fruit, a fast & cool ferment, extended maturation on lees and a touch of Viognier for extra complexity.
‘Speak
Hand-picked, mature, dry-grown McLaren fruit. Matured in French oak, 30% new. Super-charged red berry fruit, with dollops of spice and milk chocolate.
Single vineyard Pinot Gris from a high altitude King Valley site in the Northerly Victorian mountains. Stainless steel ferment, 6 months on lees. Herbs, pears, a touch of spice and a mouth-filling palate
A wine solely motivated by the desire to show that it’s not impossible to produce high quality, varietally expressive but affordable Pinot Noir. 100% Adelaide Hills, mostly matured in steel but with a small component aged in 1st and 2nd year French oak. Decadent, lush, structured and long.
Product Code Colour Vintage Bottle RRP Size Category
‘Hear No Evil’ Sauvignon Blanc AU0001 2019 £7.32 £13.49 75cl x 6
‘Speak No Evil’ Shiraz AU0002 2020 £7.32 £13.49 75cl x 6
‘Take it to the Grave’ Pinot Grigio AU0058 2020 £7.70 £13.99 75cl x 6 ‘Take it to the Grave’ Pinot Noir AU0059 2020 £7.70 £13.99 75cl x 6
www.propeller.wine
As an elite athlete and world-famous tennis player, Sergiy Stakhovsky didn’t think wine had a place in his life. That is until he was offered a spot to play in the French Team Championship for the Bordeaux team, Villa Primrose. His time spent in Bordeaux began a life-changing experience of not only learning about wine from the terroir and the producers themselves but also learning to love wine as a wine consumer, something he’d not been previously.
In 2015, Sergiy was given the opportunity to take on a vineyard planted in the Westernmost part of Ukraine. His dream had always been to have a ‘really great wine cellar’, but this new venture allowed him to help raise the profile of wine being produced in his home country.
The vineyard, located in Zakarpattia, has vines growing on the hills with elevations from 50 meters to 200 meters, these hills are the footsteps of the Carpathian Mountains, which protect our plot from cold fronts from the east. On the other side, the vineyard overlooks the Pannonian Plane which is a massive plateau on which Hungary, Serbia, and parts of Slovakia are located. One could also say the vines are rooted in gold … just a few hundred meters away from the edge of the estate is the only operational gold mine in Ukraine. No expense is spared with these wines, they’re aged in ex Leoville Las Cases and Ruazan-Segla barrels, and are not only incredibly high quality but absolute crowd-pleasers.
Ace Merlot
The grapes are grown in the Zakarpattya region of Ukraine. Strong diurnal variations in the temperature keep the grapes retain their freshness and ripen evenly. Complex flavors and aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and forest floor. They were aged for 16 months in French oak. 23,000 bottles produced.
Ace Saperavi
Monocepage of Saperavi. The warm climate, in combination with an elevation of the winery (80m - 150m), gives the wine freshness and structural balance. Aromas and flavors of dried Carpathian black fruits, chocolate, and light notes of green pepper. 11 months in French oak. 22,000 bottles produced.
Ace Cabernet 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very Bordeaux-like in style. Aged for 18 months in French oak. Rich flavors of black currant, cherry, spices, and earth. 20,000 bottles produced.
Product
Ace Merlot STAKMER19 2019 £10.77 £19.95 75cl x 6
Ace Saperavi STAKMER18 2018 £10.77 £19.95 75cl x 6
Ace Cabernet STAPCABS19 2019 £11.69 £21.95 75cl x 6
www.propeller.wine
Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low SulphurBeykush Winery is a family winery located on the shores of the Black Sea, in the village of Chernomorka, which is set in the Mykolaiv region. Their founder, Eugene Shneyderis, setup the winery in a pretty unique location: a peninsula, surrounded by water n three sides. The peninsula, or Cape Beykush, as it is known, is a part of the flat watershed plateau between Bugsky and Berezansky estuaries of the Southern Steppe, with formed dark chestnut loamy soils.
The vineyards are literally located in a few hundred meters from the sea and are surrounded from three sides by water, they are constantly touched by sea breeze. This drastically helps mitigate disease and gives a less intense approach to the management of the vineyards.
This part of the Black Sea has routinely been shelled and attacked since the beginning of the war in March, 2022, and the team has stayed diligent, working “when they can” amidst the regular gunfire and threat of invasion. Staying ever optimistic, Beykush entered the Decanter awards for the third year and came out with a gold. A testament to the high quality wines they’re producing.
Ukraine
Beykush Artania Red 2020
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Pinotage. This wine spends 12 months in a mixture of neutral French and American oak. It has notes of wild berries, redcurrant, and plums. Great structure and soft tannins make this wine a crowd-pleaser.
Beykush Artania Rose 2021
100% Pinot Gris. A beautiful brilliant and juicy rose wine. Notes of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and pink grapefruit. Perfect with light bites or cheeses — or by itself in a glass.
Beykush Artania Reserve Red 2018
33% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Saperavi, 15% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc. This wine spends 24 months in neutral French and American oak. Complex flavors and aromas of bramble, dark cherries, cedar, and spices. The beautiful tannin structure underpins the long smooth finish that makes you want to go back for another sip.
Beykush White (Albarino) 2021
100% Albarino. Named one of the top Albarinos in the world by Decanter. Stainless steel fermented and aged. It has zippy but balanced acidity. Notes of melon, white cherry, green freshness, and a touch of salinity.
100% Rkatsiteli. This is a skin-contact white wine, the skins stay in contact with the juice for 2 months. The wine is then aged in American oak for an additional 24 months. It has notes of orange peel, nectarine, vanilla, and baked apple. The winemaker explains that the sandy tannin structure of the wine compliments the hint of savory and balanced acidity.
100% Rkatsiteli. A skin-contact white wine, the juice stays in contact with the skins for 1 month. It is then aged in amphora (Tinakhi) for an additional 5 months before bottling. Its amber color lends itself to being hugely food versatile. There are notes of apricot, Navel oranges, almonds, and saltines, but all under a layer of acidity that keeps it tasting fresh.
100% Telti Kuruk. A fresh and vibrant white wine, with floral aromas and flavors of jasmine and quince. A perfect accompaniment to poultry or shellfish like crabs and lobster.
Artania
Amphora
www.propeller.wine
Ukraine
Vinhol Oksamitnoe (Villa Tinta) is a family estate and winery that was founded in 1998 in the village of Oksamitne, located in the Bolgradsky district, which is near Odessa on the Black Sea. As of 2022, Villa Tinta owns 550 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards sit in their own microclimate and are ideal for the ‘Ukrainian” grapes, Odessa Black and Sukholimansky, which account for a majority of their plantings.
Like many modern producers in Ukraine, they’ve benefitted from their proximity to ‘Old World’ wine producing regions and have invested in high quality European kit, from Italian crushers and French pneumatic presses, to an Italian line for bottling still and sparkling wines. They also have a fully equipped and moder on site laboratory which helps them do all of the necessary checks and monitoring to ensure the wine is produced to their high standards.
The site itself sees a large number of sunny days in it’s coastal aspect. The terroir consists of loamy, sandy soils, which is great for drainage the vines need in this very continental climate. Wines from Villa Tinto are produced under two DOs, the “Geographical Indications in Ukraine”, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) “Yalpug”
Today, they are very proud of their ‘indegious’ grape, Odessa Black, which was born in 1965 in the shores of lake Yalpug . It’s predecessor were Cabernet sauvignon and Alicant Busche. Odessa Black relatively resistant to botrytis and mildew, which allows for a more gentle approach to vineyard management as well as minimizes environmental impact of spraying.
100% Odessky Cherny (Odessa Black). Odessa Black was born in 1965 on the shores of lake Yalpug. It’s a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Busche, therefore it has bright rich color with a violet tone. The aromas include intense notes of sweet cherry, plum, jam, fresh grass, and pepper. The palate is complex, and velvety, with silky, creamy tones and prunes appearing in the aftertaste.
Located on the same latitude line as Bordeaux, there is a Franco-Ukrainian winery that is producing incredibly high quality wines for the global consumer. The wines are produced in the Bessarabia region of the Ukraine, which is located on the same latitude as the Bordeaux region. The relatively small, privately owned vinery extends over 81 hectares, producing low yield but high quality wines.
Old traditions of wine production have been proudly maintained; all of the wines are hand harvested in the cooler early hours of the morning and are at the winery within 50 minutes of picking.
The founders of the Kolonist winery Ivan and Svitlana Plachkov have been working closely with the wine consultant Oliver Deuga whose reputation in the Bordeaux region precedes him. Dauga, nicknamed Le Faiseur de Vin, is best known for his work in Domaines Rollan de By in the Medoc – including Chateau Haut Condissas AOC Medoc. However, his work with Kolonist, a new winery in Danubian Bessarabia, on Ukraine’s border with Moldova and Romania, is also getting international recognition.
These wines are world class, and would compare favourably with any French, Italian or new world wines. There is already great excitement in the French market for his wines and many could argue Kolonist already has a bit of a cult following in the UK with consumers in the know.
The wine is made by classical method (méthode traditionnelle) with aging on the lees in bottle no less than 1,5 years. Bisser – Blanc de Blancs – is a classical brut from Chardonnay grapes from Kolonist’s own vineyards. Degorgaged manually. Notes of green apple, brioche, and fresh cream.
Produced from Ukrainian grape variety – Sukholymanskyi bilyi. This grape variety was crossed in the 2nd part of the 20th century in Ukraine. A Ukrainian flag on the front label shows that this wine is made from solely a Ukrainian grape variety. The nose is rich, and fruity, with tones of white plum, banana, pear, and flowers, with light notes of hazelnut. The palate is harmonious, with tones of lime, lychee, and nutmeg, with notes of quince and light acidity in the aftertaste.
Cabernet-Merlot ‘Haut de Gamme’ 2017
The wine is produced by the technology of whole berry fermentation in 100-year-old oak vinificators and aged for 15 months in new French barriques with ceramic firing. Elegant and deep, with moderate tannins, tones of red berries, and coffee, with a rich, long finish.
www.propeller.wine
The Movimiento de Viñateros Independientes - started back in the summer of 2009 when a group of 12 winemakers joined forces to show the world a new perspective on Chilean wine; wines made on a human scale, by hand, unique, far from the industrialization for which Chile was known at the time.
There are now 34 members, but the aims and aspirations remain the same. MoVI is not a regulatory body governed by a strict charter, think of it more as a winemakers’ guild where likeminded producers promote each other’s wines with as much passion as they do their own. The ‘initiation’ of new members involves everyone heading down to the candidate’s winery for a tasting, but it’s more of a family gathering than an audition and the criteria for membership is broad. Dry farming, organics, biodynamics, old vines and horse-drawn ploughing feature in varying degrees across the range, but all the wines are underpinned by a level of individuality that contrasts starkly with the ‘factory-made’ wines from the country’s big names.
Their combined production accounts for little more than 0.1% of national production, but we’re willing to bet that these wines change your mind about Chilean wine forever.
We’re honoured that these guys have entrusted Propeller with bringing these wines to the UK for the first time, and our hope is that the roster of participating producers will grow as consumers come to realise and appreciate the real Chile.
Casablanca | Chile
David Giacomini is Brazilian but moved to Chile in his 20’s to finish his studies as an Industrial Engineer. Soon after obtaining his first job as a trainee engineer in a large Chilean multi-national company, he applied for a mortgage to buy La Recova, a plot that he’d long admired but which at the time was just (in his words) a ‘savage hill’. He was successful, but on his entry-level salary he couldn’t pay the mortgage and rent a flat in the city, so he built a house at La Recova instead, taking Route 68 every day back and forth to the office.
As his role at the company grew he began travelling extensively and would visit wineries whenever he could. He embarked on various winemaking courses and researched which was going to be the best variety to plant at La Recova. That might seem obvious now, but at the time Casablanca was a relatively unknown region and La Recova was in the coolest extreme of the valley. Sauvignon Blanc was nonetheless planted in 2005 and was farmed organically from the outset, which meant that David needed to wait 5 years for his first commercial yield. A well-known Chilean brand started buying the fruit to complement their largely red portfolio. To David’s surprise that winery garnered significant praise for their Sauvignon (which David, of course, knew to be his), so much so that it was rated Chile’s top Sauvignon in 2011 – it was
then that he realised that he’d found a genuinely exceptional terroir, increasing his resolve to finally make his own wine.
He built the ‘wine cellar’ at the end of 2013, it comprised four 2000l tanks inside a shipping container. Just for good measure, he was fired from his job, but undimmed he released his first vintage of ‘D Sauvignon’ in 2014. The reception was borderline euphoric – he was awarded 91 points by Descorhados (at a time when no other Chilean white had exceeded 92 points) and the follow-on 2015 was awarded 92points by Tim Atkin, 91 by James Suckling, and (most satisfyingly) 92 points by Descorchados.
He was later embroiled in a trademark dispute with a large Chilean winery that claimed his ‘D’ brand. He only relented when the company agreed to fund a social project in recompense. He then changed his flagship wine’s name to ‘Avid’ (basically David without the ‘D’) in a delicious bit of passive aggression. Rather a nice David & Goliath story too. His 14% Sauvignon is uncompromising and distinctive (a stark contrast to the more mineral, moderate style espoused elsewhere) and now routinely achieves 95 points from Descorhados. His place amongst the highest ranks of Chile’s wine producers is finally assured.
Colchagua Valley | Chile
Matt Ridgway (originally from Jamie’s home town of Sherborne in Dorset) & his wife Ana Cattan run La Despensa, a refreshingly unconventional, boutique winery (in the truest sense of the word) inspired by Matt’s love of the Rhone.
It all began in 2003 when Matt, a backpacking English teacher, arrived in Ecuador. He spent a few months there before asking his travel agent to ‘roll the dice’ and sell him a ticket to ‘anywhere in Latin America’. One $60 ticket letter and he landed in Buenos Aires, just as Argentina was emerging from its massive financial crash and external investment was beginning to pour in. He bought and flipped a couple of properties and became established as a property consultant for foreign investors. In 2007 he moved to Chile and started renovating historic mansions in Valpariso, before ending up in Colchagua in 2009 where he continued his consultancy, again helping foreigners buy property but this time mostly agricultural land.
Dry farmed (on about 12” of rain a year) old vine Pais aged in flexitank to ensure maximum freshness and no oak influence. The Old vine Pais is at least 120 years old, most likely 150+, and comes from one of the very few remaining old vine Pais vineyards in Colchagua. Pais is of course known as ‘Mission’ in the US, hence the name! Whilst Maule boasts 3000+ ha of old vine Pais there are barely 40ha left in Colchagua, so much so that producers aren’t allowed to declare it – hence the name ‘Cold Shower’, which sounds uncannily like ‘Colchagua’ if you’re not paying attention. It’s way ‘more’ wine than a Maule Pais. More concentration, a bit more booze, much better colour. Only 2,500 bottles produced.
A hedonistic blend of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre plus an additional dollop of Marselan – although this also can’t be declared as it’s not a permitted variety in the DO. All the fruit is from Matt’s own, organic vineyard and is cofermented only using native yeasts. The vines were planted simply because he grew up loving these varieties in French wines and winemakers love making wine they want to enjoy themselves. It’s then aged in his homemade concrete tank for 10 months before bottling. Marselan is added just after malolactic fermentation, as we saw it gave a bit of an extra kick in structure and colour to the wine. Wine are bottled and aged for a further six months before release, so the wine is refined but still fresh.
Single vineyard (Quebrada del Pulgar), surrounded by hills but just 11km from the coast. Warm days but harsh nights (diurnal range of 25oC). High plantation density of 9,800 plants per hectare (unique in Chile). Vineyard is managed with high level of water stress to promote smaller, more concentrated berries. The ‘Vaguda Costera’ (Pacific morning mist) protects the vines from early morning heat and the eastern orientation further protects them from the extremes of afternoon heat. Delicate pneumatic pressing followed by fermentation in 50% stainless steel / 50% concrete eggs. Minimal stabilization and filtration.
In 2011 he bought his own piece of land in Santa Ana and renovated its earthquake-mangled, 100 year old adobe worker’s cottage. In 2013 he planted his vineyard (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, naturally) followed by Marselan, Cinsault, Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne in 2016-17. He now produces 5-7 different wines per year, including a Cabernet Sauvignon from a friend’s high altitude vineyard and a Pais from rom one of Colchagua’s very last remaining old vine vineyards (150 years old). Matt isn’t a fan of aged characters in wine, which is just as well because space in the winery is tight, requiring him to clear the last vintage before he bottles the next one. Consequently the house style is one of primary fruit immediacy and super silky tannins.
Colchagua Valley | Chile
Jose Gonzalez and his wife are both winemakers, with previous experience predominantly with some of Chile’s biggest brands, producing mainly bulk wine. By 2015 they’d grown tired of making wines to a formula and decided to branch out on their own. They had three daughters at the time (Trinidad, Margarita and Rosario) and combined their names to create Tringario. The subsequent arrival of their fourth daughter Sara caused a minor nomenclature crisis.
Their initial experiments were around Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah but they were also drawn to the idea of making an easygoing, juicy red. There were very few Marselans on the market at the time (anywhere, let alone Chile) so it seemed to be an appealing option. ‘Ludopata’ translates at ‘a gambler’ which, given the choice of variety and their decision to vinify it on concrete eggs, sums up the risks of the project rather nicely!
This wine is 100% Marselan, of which there are very few of in existence. An esoteric grape which in this cool climate produces a lighter style, more juicy fruit driven red wine. The name of this wine, “Ludopata”, translates to English as ‘Gambler’, which is an appropriate name as the first vintage of this wine, fermented in all temperature controlled concrete eggs, was very much a gamble. The concrete helps retain the freshness of the fruit while allowing for micro oxidation that steel does not, without imparting any additional flavor onto the wine. Only 5,000 bottles produced.
Colchagua Valley | Chile
Nerkihue (pronounced ne-reh-key-way) is a family winery located in Lolol, Colchagua Valley. Its vineyards grow on steep slopes that, together with the marine influence and shallow soils, give rise to aromatic, fresh, and supremely elegant wines.
The family has been farming grapes in Chile since the 1930s. When they first began, they were selling the grapes to bulk wine producers, but more recently Nerkihue was created as a way to continue the multigenerational family business and showcase the truly excellent grapes from the Lolol region. Loly works alongside her father on the overall running of the winery, but they’re each responsible for their own wines – dad focuses on his venerable, jaw-dropping Justo whilst Loly devotes her energies to Quiebre (literally ‘rupture’) which represents her generation’s bold move into wines characterised by their freshness and immediacy.
92% Cabernet Sauvignon 8% Petit Verdot. The vines are grown in a combination of granite and clay-loam soil slopes which are cooled by the Pacific ocean’s influence on the region. The vines yields are typically just 4 tonnes per hectare, a very small crop where fruit is selected by quality of the bunches. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, then the wine spends 14 months aging in neutral barrels (fourth or fifth use). The wine is bottled unfiltered as to retain as much flavor and sense of place as possible. The Quiebre Cabernet Sauvignon is a modern wine that seeks to surprise, be different and arouse curiosity about its aroma, freshness and flavor, it’s not your typical Chilean Cab. Very small production at just 2,800 bottles produced.
Colchagua Valley | Chile
Founded by friends Sven Bruchfield & Gonzalo Munoz in 2002 after they had both travelled widely around Europe studying winemaking, intending to establish their property. A glass of Syrah with some lamb in a café in Narbonne proved to be the inspiration for Polkura, recognised now as one of the pre-eminent producers of the variety in Chile. At 12ha Polkura is by far the largest winery in MOVI.
Polkura is the name of a small hill in the vineyard, literally “yellow stone” in the native Chilean Mapuche language, referring to large amounts of yellow granite spread along with the clay soils of the area. Decomposed granite imparts all Polkura’s wines with mineral acidity and elegance, whereas clay provides body and structure.
Located less than 30km from the coast, the marine influence is much bigger than in the rest of the valley, the mountain range separating Marchigüe from the coastal town of Pichilemu, prevents the sea breezes from entering with all their power into the valley. At 12 hectares, they implement a variety of sustainable farming techniques they also feel help showcase the quality of the land and the grapes. Wines from Marchigüe are the response to an “intermediate” climate. On the nose, typical cool climates notes such as black pepper and some herbs are found. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and has powerful tannins, which is characteristic of warmer areas.
In addition to Syrah a number of other varieties were planted in 2002. These are often used to supply other wineries but by 2015 Sven and Gonzalo realised that their quality was to high to sell entirely so they started to make an annually changing blend of the best performing parcels. The 2017 is 45% Syrah, 30% Malbec, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Grenache, 2% Tempranillo and 2% Petit Verdot – but not vintage is ever the same, hence the name. Just 1,400 cases produced, no stabilisation, fining or filtration.
87% Malbec, 13% Syrah. Vines are dry farmed to create stress on the vines and subsequently grow rich, concentrated bunches of grapes. This type of farming also minimalizes intervention and excess water dependency. Grapes are hand harvested where they are selected based on quality and crushed and then undergo 3-4 days old cold soaking to extract flavor and aromas from the grapes and improve the overall quality of the wine. Fermentation take place in 100% French oak, where it also undergoes full malolactic fermentation, followed by 15 months aging in barrel. Again no stabilisation, fining or filtration.
Casablanca & Maipo | Chile
Maurzio’s grandfather emigrated from Italy after World War I and arrived in Valpariso at the age of 16 with little more than his wits to sustain him. In the ensuing years he established a number of businesses before buying a vineyard in Colchagua. His son joined the enterprise in 1952, having studied enology back in Alba, Italy. They made wines together until 1973 when the Chilean government confiscated the land following the coup d’etat that brought General Augusto Pinochet to power.
Maurizio gained experience with winemaking stints at Villa Maria, Veuve Clicquot, Les Vins de Vienne, and various wineries in Portugal before returning the Chile to continue his father and grandfather’s legacy in 2013. He is unquestionably one of Chile’s rising stars, with his Sauvignon garnering 93 points from Robert Parker and Tim Atkin, and 92 for his red blend.
Vineyard is 18.5km from the coast, something that’s significantly reflected in the wine’s aromatic profile. The Vines are grown in shallow topsoil above weathered granite hillside. After hand harvesting the grapes the wine split into 70% fermented in stainless steel, 30% fermented in French oak, with 11 months on lees. This wine has an aging potential of at least 6 years.
Vineyard is 41km from the coast at an altitude of 800m on a weathered granite hillside. It’s a composition of 56% Malbec, 36% Syrah, and 8% Durif. Before bottling, the wine is aged for 20 months in French oak, followed by a further two years in bottle before release. This wine has an aging potential of at least 12 years.
www.propeller.wine
Situated around the village of Vidigueira, Quinta do Paral comprises 102 hectares of mature vineyards, olive groves and cork oaks. The estate was owned by the Count of Palma and the Countess of Santar until 2017 when it was acquired by German businessman Dieter Morszeck, realising his dream to own a top flight wine estate. One of the estate’s greatest assets is the wealth of old vine material with an average age of 45 years. To ensure that this crucial resource continues to flourish for many more decades Dieter and the team, led by winemaker Luís Leão have spent the last three years renovating the vineyards to lower yields and establishing strict new sustainability standards.
In the cellar, every detail matters. Since 2017, all wines produced at Quinta do Paral perfectly interpret the terroir of the Alentejo with its Mediterranean climate. In the vineyards, grapes thrive in prime locations for the specific varietal. Among them, old vines of the autochthonous varieties Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Vermentino, Syrah or Malbec. Handpicked and slowly matured in high-quality French oak barrels. With their fine structure, fruit and rich taste, they delight sophisticated connoisseurs and impress experts from all over the world.
Equal parts Antão Vaz, Verdelho, Vermentino & Viognier, stainless steel ferment. Intriguing waxy, pollen nose with notes of honeydew melon. Palate is rich and textural but pitch-perfect acidity keeps it in check. Totally delicious.
70% Antão Vaz, 30% Perrum. Fermented in French oak followed by extended ageing on lees. Aromatics reminiscent of Tokaji, with notes of crystalised ginger mingling with melted butter. Almost Burgundian in character on the palate. Rich and remarkably long.
Equal parts Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot & Petite Syrah. Stainless steel ferment. Ripe, brambly nose with piquant,redcurrant accents. Palate is concentrated and hedonistic with a perfectly judged mesh of acidity. Tannins are polished and silky.
Equal parts Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah. Fermented in lagar, followed by 9 months ageing in French and American oak. The nose is initially savoury with black olive and dried meat notes but then gives way to a flush of plums.
Aragonez 50% & Tinta Grossa 50%. Fermented in lagar, followed by 18 months in French oak. Delicate redcurrant aromatics, the palate is pure and elegant with touches of spice and smoke. Balanced, complex, masterful.
Ross Sleet launched Rascallion in 2018 with the aim of creating a collection of brands that were daring, unconventional, and centred on blends inspired by his travels in Southern France and the Iberian peninsula. Rascallion is wholly (and unashamedly) a négociant business, which leaves Ross and his consultant winemaker Rianie Strydom able to freely source wine to incredibly exacting standards and specifications, from Stellenbosch, the Swartland, Darling, Robertson and Piekenierskloof.
But whilst the wines are technically brilliant don’t expect a barrage of viti/vini specifications, as Ross puts it, “we want to change the conversation, not bombard consumers with history, terroir and jargon. Our role is to make wines for pure, unequivocal enjoyment.”
The opening UK range comprises: With Love From The Cape is a love letter from South Africa Winelands, with its rich array of people, vineyards, mountains and of course the oceans that wash the shores of the most beautiful Cape in the worlds. The range comprises 5 mono-varietal wines that celebrate South Africa’s key cultivars in an evocative, art deco presentation; Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage Rose, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A portion of the sales price of every bottle supports Dignity Dreams (www.dignitydreams.com) an NGO that provides comfort and menstrual health to young women and girls from disadvantaged and at risk communities in South Africa and Africa.
Product
Sauvignon Blanc LOVESAUV 2019 £5.18 £9.49 75cl x 6
Chenin Blanc LOVECHENIN 2021 £5.18 £9.49 75cl x 6
Pinotage Rosé LOVEROSE 2021 £5.18 £9.49 75cl x 6
Pinotage LOVEPINOTAGE 2019 £5.18 £9.49 75cl x 6 Cabernet Sauvignon LOVECAB 2020 £5.18 £9.49 75cl x 6
www.propeller.wine
South Africa | Western Cape
South Africa | Western Cape
Chenin Blanc (70%), Grenache Blanc (20%), Sauvignon Blanc (10%)
Highly concentrated yellow fruit flavors. On the palate, concentrated ripe citrus and peach from the Chenin Blanc, charming layers of apple and lemon curd from the Grenache while the rich Sauvignon Blanc adds depth and complexity. 91 pts Tim Atkin & Decanter.
The Devonian 2019
100% Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc 80%, Grenache Blanc 10%, and Sauvignon Blanc 10% A shimmering blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache & Sauvignon from 3 low yielding, single blocks around False Bay. Tim Atkins 92pts
Shiraz 85%, Grenache Noir 15%. A Southern Rhone-inspired blend of high-altitude Shiraz and Grenache blocks in Stellenbosch. Tim Atkins 91pts
The Word Series draws on Ross’s love of literature, but most especially his love of languages, having lived and worked in so many different countries around the world. Having fun with language is as much a part of human nature as enjoying wine in the company of good friends, no matter which language is being spoken. Product
85% Shiraz & 15% Grenache.
An exotic and vibrant wine with an inky core of prunes, blackberries and olive tapenade. This full-bodied wine has a juicy, creamy entry with soft round tannins and a long lingering finish. Textured, composed and elegant. 90 its. Decanter
Ross’s late father Rodney originated from Devonand had a stromg love of both geology and seafood, a connection which has proved very fitting over the years. Exposed rocks along the northern coast of his county, dating back to the Paleozoic era, were found to contain a huge array of fossils of fish; hence the Devonian era became known as the ‘Age of Fishes’. Although The Rascal’s father emigrated to South Africa in 1969, his life spanning two continents is celebrated with this wine, as is his love of wine, geology, and fish!
The vineyards for the Devonian are situated in Joubertskloof, 10km from Malmesbury on the Southern side of the Paardeberg. The fruit is taken from three individual blocks of old bush vine vineyards - all the sites are between 35-42 years old and are planted on southeast facing slopes of decomposed granite which sit at 100 - 200m above sea level. A natural fermentation took place in French oak barrels and the wine was aged on the lees until bottling until December 2019.
A Mother’s Journey 2018 100% Shiraz.
This wine honours Rascal’s Mother, a South African native, she spent her childhood years in 1930s and 1940s Cape Town, before heading off indulging her love of travel and adventure. This eventually led her to 1960s England and a final return to her homeland with The Devonian, two children, and a cat in tow! Her amazing journey as a nurse, mother, grandmother, wife, and well-read and travelled woman is celebrated in a wine full of the promise of new stories and experiences to come.
This wine is a combination of three different parcels from the Golden Triangle in the Helderberg mountains. Low yielding vines create grapes of wonderful intensity and concentration, with hand harvesting ensuring that only the very best fruit makes it to the final wine. A natural fermentation followed by 18 months in 2nd to 4th fill French oak barrels gives style and sophistication.
Shiraz (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cinsault (7%), Grenache Noir (7%)
The final installment in the unofficial family series, this wine is named after Ross’s grandfather. He was by many accounts a complete scoundrel (or should we say a real rascallion!?) and the namesake for the current Rascal, living a rich, unconventional, entertaining and often somewhat controversial life. However, he gave service bravely in WW2 for both the South African army and navy. This wine is a combination of fruit from three different parcels from the Golden Triangle on the Helderberg mountains, all planted between 1999 and 2008. The vineyards are pruned meticulously in order to ensure low yields and small berries with lots of concentration and lovely loose bunches. All varieties were vinified separately with a minimum of 14 days on skins, natural fermentation and gentle cap management techniques. 9 months maturation in old oak barrels completes a very pretty picture indeed.
Aquiver AQUIVER 2019 £6.48 £11.99 75cl x 6
Pandiculation PAND 2020 £6.48 £11.99 75cl x 6
Susurrous SUS19 2019 £9.21 £16.99 75cl x 6
Bombinate BOMB16 2016 £9.21 £16.99 75cl x 6
South Africa | Western Cape
The Vinyl Collection - If music is the wine that fills the cup of silence, The Vinyl Collection is the wine that fill your cup with music.
The Vinyl Collection evokes the nostalgia of playing music on vinyl records which somehow have a richer and more resonant sound than digital music. The resulting wines achieve their own compelling resonance thanks to interesting blends, offering fun and pleasure and great value. From low yielding, exceptional vineyards in the high lying Piekenierskloof region in the Citrusdal Mountains. These wines comprise of international varieties of grapes and therefore, seamlessly transcend international food borders, not unlike the magic of old records beloved by those all over the world. From Mediterranean dishes, to Asian fusion, to traditional braai, these wines are perhaps the most food versatile wines in our portfolio.
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A hedonistic mélange of Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache, Viognier and Verdelho from low yielding sites in Piekenierskloof.
Tim Atkins 89pts | Decanter World Wine Awards 92pts
A Northern Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tannat, also from low yielding sites in Piekenierskloof. Tim Atkins 89pts
We are both thrilled and honoured to welcome the Rolland family to Propeller. It’s fair to say that few consultants have had a more profound effect on winemaking styles across the world over the last two decades than Michel and his wife Dany. They met at the Bordeaux Oenology Institute and graduated together in 1972. A year later they bought into an oenology lab in Libourne, taking full control of it in 1976.
The lab grew quickly and today still employs 8 fulltime technicians, analysing samples from over 800 French wine estates each year. In 1985 Michel and Dany started consulting for wineries, both at home and abroad, and soon counted Chateaux Angelus, Clinet, L’Evangile, Giscours, Kirwan, Lascombes, Leoville-Poyferre, Pavie, Pontet Canet, Harlan Estate, Staglin, Ornellaia, Grover Estates and Lapostolle amongst their growing roster of clients. They coined the term ‘flying winemaker’ and played a fundamental role in the success of those estates, not least their acclaim from a certain Robert Parker.
Propeller’s work with them is however focussed on something that’s arguably more special – the family’s very own wines. In the 1986 Michel and Dany were in the market for a weekend home, away from the bustle of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. They came across a beautiful house in the Fronsac commune of Saillans. It came with 7ha of delipidated vineyards, a vat room and barrel cellar, and whilst making wine there definitely wasn’t part of the plan the temptation proved to be irresistible. Over the ensuing years they transformed the estate, naming it Chateau Fontenil after one of the vineard’s lieu dits, and have contributed significantly to the increased recognition of Fronsac as a commune of the highest calibre.
In 1988 the Etchart’s (a French-Basque family that had settled in Argentina’s Salta region) sought the Rolland’s help to overhaul their estate in Valles Calchaquíes, Cafayate. They had a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec vines at a dizzying 2035m above sea level, most of which has been
planted in 1913. Michel and Dany helped renovate the vineyard, including the importation of new vine material from France and subsequently bought 50% of the business to create Yacochuya. Michel relished the opportunity to work with his beloved Malbec outside Bordeaux and Cahors, and so began a love affair with Argentina that still persists today. From the over 60-year-old vines of Finca Yacochuya in Valles Calchaquíes, the grapes are handpicked and the wines are aged in French oak barrels. Yacochuya wines were the first to be barrel-fermented in Argentina.
Later Michel, with his friend Jean Michel Arcaute from Chateau Clinet, sought something they could call their own and the search brought them to an 850 hecatre plot in the Uco valley. They were joined by a number of other friends and together formed Clos de Siete. The principle behind the project is that the group combine their efforts to make the eponymous flagship wine as well as their own wines; Monteviejo, Cuvelier los Andes, DiamAndes and Bodega Rolland’s
Mariflor. The Mariflor vineyard, which spans 247 acres of the Clos de los Siete estate, is managed exclusively by Michel and Dany. A majority of the vines, 148 acres, is dedicated to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Mariflor also grows Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Verdot. A portion of the yield from the Mariflor vines also contributes to making Clos de los Siete wines.
Until the 2009 vintage, the grapes of Mariflor were vinified at the Bodega Monteviejo in collaboration with winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti. Today everything is produced at Bodega Rolland, the last winery built at Clos de los Siete.
The Mariflor Pinot Noir is a must-try variety; grown at an astounding 3,600 feet Mariflor’s Pinot is full of elegance with a taste of ripe fruit and good acidity and balance. The taste will leave you remembering the Uco Valley for more than its Malbec producing potential.
France
The 50 year old vineyards (85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) are predominantly southfacing, at the Fronsac plateau’s highest elevation and planted on soils rich in sandstone, limestone and clay. The grapes are hand harvested at optimum ripeness and totally destemmed before being fermented in a mixture of temperaturecontrolled, French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in oak (75% new) for 18 months. It is bottled unfiltered.
James Suckling 92/3 pts | Decanter 92ptsIn 2016 the Rolland’s replanted one hectare of the vineyard with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle and Semillon in deference to Bordeaux’s traditions, plus a parcel of Chardonnay because, well, they love Chardonnay. The vines have hit their stride now and all feature in 2019 debut vintage of Le Blanc de Fontenil. Fermentation takes place either in concrete eggs or French oak depending on the variety. This is an enthralling white, incredibly aromatic and prodigiously long.
100% Merlot from specific, much older plots, average age 90 years. The top soil is protected from rain penetration by a specialised canvas. Alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation and ageing (18 months all take place in the same barrels. This is perhaps the essence of Dany and Michel’s inimitable style – dense, chewy tannins, and layer upon layer of sumptuous, plush fruit. Spellbinding wine.
Robert Parker 90/2 pts | Decanter 94/5pts
Chateau Fontenil
Le Blanc de Fontenil CHFONTBW 2019 £25.28 £46.50 75cl x 6
Le Defi de Fontenil CHFONTDEFI 2015 £45.30 £75.99 75cl x 6
Predominantly Malbec with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, from some of Argentina’s (and therefore the world’s) highest altitude vineyards. Average vine age: 80-100 years. Fermentation in small stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic and ageing (18-24 months) in new French oak. The wine bursts with dark berry flavours, dried violets and cigar box spice. The ABV is comfortably over 15% but you won’t notice it, at least until you stand up.
James Suckling 93 pts
The ‘junior’ red (it’s anything but junior in style!) made from 85% Malbec / 15% Cabernet. Average vine age 60 years. Fermented in small stainless steel tanks and aged for 12 months in French oak (60% new). Unfiltered and unfined.
Product
Yacochuya YACO 2014 £23.30 £39.99 75cl x 6
San Pedro de Yacochuya YACOSP 2017 £11.94 £21.99 75cl x 6
www.propeller.wine
All of the red varietals follow a very precise and proven process Michel Rolland attributes to his style of winemaking and appreciation for the specific variety of grapes he has planted. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted for top quality. They are pressed manually in concrete pools (a bit like lagars) where they cold macerate at a temperature of 12°C for five days. After, the wine is gravity fed to French oak barrels where they undergo initial fermentation and malolactic fermentation. The wine spends an additional 15 months aging in barrel before they are bottled, unfined and unfiltered. Only 3,000 bottles produced annually.
Mariflor Sauvignon Blanc 2019 | Uco Valley
Fermentation in a combination of concrete eggs & French oak. The grapes are picked at a ripeness to retain a slightly higher acidity which is then rounded out by spending at least six months on the lees with regular bâtonnage to add texture. This is a unique wine as there is not much Sauvignon Blanc grown in Argentina.
Mariflor Malbec 2015 | Uco Valley James Suckling 93 pts | Tim Aitkin 92 pts
Mariflor Merlot 2017 | Uco Valley
Only 3,000 bottles produced annually.
Mariflor Cabernet Franc / Malbec 2018 | Uco Valley 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Malbec
Mariflor Pinot Noir 2014 | Uco Valley Robert Parker 91 pts | James Suckling 92 pts
Sauvignon Blanc MARISB 2019 £11.44 £20.99 75cl x 6 Malbec MARIMA 2015 £11.71 £21.49 75cl x 6
Merlot MARIME 2017 £14.37 £26.49 75cl x 6
Cabernet Franc/Malbec MARICF 2018 £17.42 £31.99 75cl x 6
Pinot Noir MARIPN 2017 £13.31 £24.49 75cl x 6
The idea for Ostara English Hedgerow Vermouth was born in the East Sussex countryside where founder Julian Davies grew up. A country boy at heart, Julian loves and is proud to champion the glorious part of the world that raised him, and Ostara is redolent of the fields and hedgerows around Lewes, the South Downs, and where he spends as much time as possible.
After a 15-year career spent in a variety of UK and Global roles with some of the largest behemoths of the drinks industry and most recently in gin, Julian wanted to create something that would offer a truly different choice to consumers; not to launch yet another gin, nor to jump on the no-lo bandwagon, but to look to our past and our environment to create something that loves and pays homage to our beautiful countryside.
Thus, Ostara was born. It’s a story of love for nature, and the formative memories our countryside can shape. The name comes from what our ancient ancestors called the Spring Equinox - representing
as it does that wonderful time of rebirth, of growth, and of new potential - things we could all use a little of at the moment perhaps! The liquid takes a blend of fine English wines from vineyards across the South East (masterfully blended by Julian and Cassidy Dart MW) and to that adds a concoction of countryside herbs and plants such as nettle, hawthorn leaf, burdock root, hyssop, thyme, dandelion, lavender, coriander seed, cassia, angelica root, wormwood, meadowsweet, southernwood and bilberry to create vermouths which are true to the style but eminently lighter, more approachable, and more attractive to a broader base of consumers.
The development of Ostara took over 2 years of painstaking research, trial and error, wine blending, botanical macerating, lockdown hiatus and prototype tasting to get to today’s juncture: a new approach and a house style of vermouth which is bound to breathe life into a familiar but slightly underestimated category.
Native Croatians Tomislav Anadolac and Hrvoje Bušić trained together as military pilots near Zadar in the mid ‘90s. Their passion for flying combined with a love for the finest spirits inspired them to establish their own Zagreb microdistillery in 2016, “Duh u Boci” (The Spirit in the Bottle).
Their first product could have been a whisky, but the cashflow implications of the long maturation process convinced them to take a fresh look at the gin category instead, and produce something genuinely unique, after all the Croatian mountains are home to reputedly the world’s best juniper. Their efforts were quickly recognised by the IWSC who awarded them the London Dry Gin Trophy in 2019, followed by a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The idea and subsequent recipe for Old Pilot’s London Dry Gin was thought up while Hrvoje was piloting a long flight home and is thus very much a gin created in the heavens! The base spirit is distilled with selected Croatian botanicals such as juniper and sage from Mount Velebit, lavender from Hvar island, bitter orange peel from Korcula, angelica root, and olive leaves from Mount Biokovo. It’s without cold filtration. On the nose there are aromas of fresh juniper berries, complemented by earthy notes and Mediterranean sage. On the palate there are earthy notes combined with sage and citrus. This gin has a long dry, earthy finish with hints of sage and olive leaves.
Ratios are slightly changed but still draw on the six key, handpicked Croatian botanicals. After distillation the gin in rested in five different barrels, split between American and Croatian oak. They differ by volume and toasting/charring levels, each giving their own signature and complexity to the final spirit. As you’d expect, the American oak lends sweet, smoky vanilla whilst the Croatian oak adds bitterness and dry fruit tones. Old Pilot’s Barrel Aged Gin is perfect in cocktails but extraordinary on its own as well, served neat in a rosemary-smoked glass.
Product Code Bottle RRP Size
Old Pilot’s London Dry Gin
OLDPLDG £28.23 £49.99 70cl
Old Pilot’s London Dry Gin (Boxed) OLDPLDGB £28.23 £49.99 70cl
Old Pilot’s Barrel Aged Gin OLDPBAG £41.49 £68.99 70cl
Old Pilot’s Barrel Aged Gin (Boxed) OLDBAGB £41.49 £68.99 70cl
Old Pilot’s London Dry + Barrel Aged Gin + Jigger Gift Box OLDPGIFT1 £76.05 £126.99 70cl x2
Old Pilot’s London Dry + 2 Glasses + Jigger Gift Box OLDPGIFT2 £48.83 £81.49 70cl
Old Pilot’s Gin was voted “Best Croatian Craft Gin” for 2018 and in 2019. “Best London Dry Gin in the World” by International World Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2019 and most recently won a GOLD at the IWSC 2021 competition.
www.propeller.wine
Sustainable
Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low Sulphur Club Oenologique Top 5 Barrel Aged GinsNew Zealand
Do you love gin? Do you love New Zealand? Do you love Sauvignon Blanc!? If the answer to any or all of these questions is a resounding yes, then Dancing Sands is the one for you.
Dancing Sands burst onto the New Zealand distillery scene in 2016, and in just two short years grew from a dynamic new start up to New Zealand’s most awarded distillery. Founded by husband-and-wife team Sarah and Ben Bonoma (who came into the industry with no prior experience but plenty of passion) the property sits at the heart of what is truly one of the world’s most amazing places. Perched at the very tip of the North Island, the distillery draws its water from the incredible Te Waikoropupū Springs, which pumps pristine water at an amazing 14,000 litres per second — this is in fact the clearest spring water in the world, with exceptional clarity of up to 81 metres.
Today, the Dancing Sands team numbers seven dedicated gin lovers (not to mention JC, the distillery’s magnificent copper still) all of whom maintain a relentless focus on quality and exacting attention to detail. We firmly believe that this is without question some of the best gin made in both the Southern Hemisphere …and the world!
Dancing Sands Dry Gin and its spice-forward profile delivers a crisp, refreshing finish. Taste and quality are further emphasised by that incredibly pure spring water, unique distillation techniques and a surplus of unusual botanicals, from strawberry to sea kelp.
The distillery team recommends a simple garnish of premium tonic and freshly sliced lime for the perfect pour.
Dancing Sands Sauvignon Blanc Gin Gin meets one of the world’s most popular wines in a match that is certainly made in heaven. This gin mirrors all the hallmark flavours of classic Sauvignon Blanc, offering abundant passionfruit, green apple, gooseberry and lime notes, while the undertones of
We at Propeller love a producer who does things differently … which is why Tanaka 1789 x Chartier was a natural choice to join our portfolio. The story began in Canada with François Chartier, a wine industry veteran, former World’s Best Sommelier and ‘aroma specialist’ who was inspired to bring the art of blending to the sake breweries of Japan after a visit to the Tanaka brewery in 2018.
The centuries-old art of sake making has never before used the art of blending (common practise amongst everything from luxury Champagne to First Growth Bordeaux and Grand Cru Burgundy), but the team at Tanaka were so impressed by the results of some initial experimentation from François that they immediately hired him as a master blender. The rest, of course, is history!
Today, François takes his inspiration from the elegant, vivid character of great wines from signature regions such as Burgundy and the Loire, striving to emulate what makes these wines special without compromising the soul of sake. His creation of several base sakes for blending and experimentation with local rice has created a range of truly extraordinary sake wines that the brewery aptly describes as the ultimate ‘sake for wine lovers’.
The Blend 001 was the inaugural release from this very special partnership - and what a debut it has been. Two different types of rice, three carefully selected yeast strains and no less than ten distinct steps are used to create an intensely aromatic sake that has been likened to ‘a young White Burgundy on the nose’ by industry expert Jancis Robinson.
Expect primary aromas of aniseed and freshly picked basil, with a dense and creamy palate which gives way to luxurious lingering flavours of pineapple, peach and almond. The unique nature of this sake makes it perfect for bottle aging, with even more complex nuttiness and dried stone fruit character developing over time.
Anne-Victoire Monrozier (Vicky to her friends) is a native Parisian who spent the first part of her career pursuing various high-powered roles in marketing and PR; she spent time working for some of the world’s biggest companies and lecturing around France. However, when her father returned to Fleurie in 2005 to take over the running of the family vineyard, Vicky’s life changed direction and now, drawn in by the compelling call of vineyard life, she is the fifth generation of her family to care for the Château des Moriers.
Today, Vicky lives, sleeps and breathes wine in every part of her life (and we mean every part … her partner is Christian Seely of Ch Pichon Longueville Baron fame and the two often take a very collaborative approach to winemaking) but she is focused on more than just production. Vicky writes regularly on French wine in national publications, organises events to encourage collaboration in the industry, travels the country on tasting tours, and still manages to find the time to convert her home vineyard to organic viticulture and take her son swimming!
Vicky is a true one-woman powerhouse who works constantly to broaden her own horizons and those of the wine industry around her, whilst also making some of the best Beaujolais we’ve had the pleasure of tasting in recent times – that’s not to mention the beautifully designed, eye-catching labels that offer a real insight into Vicky’s energy and passion. We are very proud to represent Vicky and her wonderful wines.
The Ô Joie Fleurie in bottle is, just the same as its canned cousin, a thing of real joy! A young, pure, 100% Gamay wine made from hand-harvested grapes from Vicky’s home vineyards; grapes from several plots are blended and spend a short time in 400l oak barrels before bottling. The result is quintessential Cru Beaujolais; exuberant, buoyant, juicy red fruit flavours of strawberry and raspberry, wellintegrated light oak spice and velvety tannins.
‘Ô Joie’ translates, quite literally and simply, to ‘oh joy!’ – and this delightful canned Fleurie is certainly the wine to make you jump with joy. Sustainability and the environment are at the heart of Vicky’s ethos, and her new canned format dramatically reduces impact on the world around us without any compromise on taste or quality whilst also being practical and lightweight. Made from 100% handpicked Gamay from granite soils in Vicky’s own vineyards, this is a classic crunchy, fruity Beaujolais with abundant red raspberry and strawberry fruit with an elegant touch of violet.
Along with the Ô Joie Fleurie, this excellent Muscadet is the first AOC wine in a can to be launched in the UK. This white is the result of a partnership between Vicky and her friend Dominique Martin, a fourth-generation winemaker from the Loire Valley’s famous Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC region – so you know he’s the expert! Melon Blanc grapes are given freshness and characteristic acidity by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, and create a zingy, zesty white wine which translates perfectly into a canned format. Ultimate summer’s day (or indeed, any day of the year) drinking.
Product Code Colour Vintage Unit RRP Size Category
Miss Vicky 'Joie' Fleurie (Case x24) OJOIECAN20 2020 £80.98 £145.00 25cl x 24
Miss Vicky 'Joie' Fleurie (75cl BOT) OJOIBOTS18 2018 £9.53 £16.99 75cl x 6
Domaine Martin 'Ocean' Musca det (Case x24) CANMUSCADET NV £73.16 £131.00 25cl x 24
Chateau Des Moriers 2018 (75cl Bot) MORFLEU 2018 £9.53 £16.99 75cl x 6
*Both these wines were awarded Gold medals at the 2020 International Canned Wine Competition – and it’s really not hard to see why …
www.propeller.wine
Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low SulphurSustainable
Verde | Portugal
Bowl Grabber (adjective) - someone who holds their wine glass by the bowl, not the stem. A so called wine faux-pax, but for many a sign you belong to a growing community of people who care more about what’s inside the glass than outdated wine “rules”. A Lawyer, an Ad Man and an MW walk into a bar… Bowl Grabber is the brainchild of branding and marketing expert Nick Palmer. Nick brings with him 15 years of experience working in the world’s largest advertising network (WPP). He has an intimate knowledge of targeting the Millennial buyer having worked across clients such as CocaCola, adidas and Mars. He currently runs the Content Marketing Division of MediaCom – the UK’s largest communications agency. The team also comprises Paul Peake (the lawyer) and Barry Dick MW. Propeller is delighted to be working with the team on their launch into the UK’s independent sector.
Bowl Grabber is also changing attitudes around the increasingly interesting ways wine is formatted for the consumer. In the Bowl Grabber range, you’ll always find the traditional 750ml glass bottle, but
you will also find wine in a can and wine in BIBs (Bag-In-Box). Inside a BIB is the equivalent of three bottles worth of crisp and easy drinking white wine that will stay fresh for up to six weeks after opening. So it’s the perfect companion for a party - or to have in the fridge for a weeknight glass. Wines in cans are becoming increasingly more popular due to their lightweight transportability, but also the solid can blocks out all harmful UV rays that could damage the wine. Put a few in a cooler and head out to your local park, beach, or garden and enjoy with friends.
Bowl Grabber, 2019 | Casa Ventozela, Vinho Verde 60+ year old bush vines, planted in limestone rich, pebbly soils, cool ferment, no oak. Crisp, highly aromatic with intense lime and tropical notes.
Bowl Grabber, 2019 | Rosé IGP Mediterranée
produced in a small area within the Côte d’Azur. The Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah gets gentle, brief skin contact, then is pressed incredibly gently so only the best of the juice runs off. Some white grape varieties, like the indigenous and admired variety Rolle, are added to bring extra floral flavours and some texture. Fermented in stainless steel.
Product Code Colour Vintage Unit RRP Size Category
Alvarinho 75cl bottle BTLALVAR 2020 £6.00 £10.99 75cl x 6
Alvarinho 225cl bag in box BIBALVAR 2020 £27.99 £167.99 225cl Box x 6
Alvarinho 25cl Can (Case of 12) CANALVAR3x4 2020 £3.99 £48.99 25cl x 12
Rosé 75cl bottle BTLROSE 2019 £6.00 £10.99 75cl x 6
Rosé 225cl bag in box BOWLROSEBIB 2019 £27.99 £167.99 225cl Box x 6
Rosé 25cl Can (Case of 12) BOWLROSECAN 2019 £3.99 £48.99 25cl x 12
www.propeller.wine
Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low Sulphur“Its Italian, it’s organic and it’s wet” Well, that’s certainly one way of putting it! This most modest of quotes comes from DEFY founder, proud Texanturned-Italian-winemaker Leslie Owensbury. Amongst his many talents, we can confirm that Leslie is a master of understatement; the wines that he so unpretentiously describes are genuinely electric.
Leslie’s casual words bely a philosophy which is much more fundamental and important. When you’re seeking a refreshing glass of wine, either because you’re on the move or just want to wake up without a raging hangover, you don’t need a techy backstory on terroir, canopy management and punch downs. Don’t get us wrong, we’re suckers for some technical detail - but there’s a time and a place for that, and it’s not here. Leslie created DEFY with wine drinkers like himself in mind - those who enjoy a glass or two of the good stuff, but don’t have the time, energy or inclination to want to delve deeper into their drink of choice. Driven by a desire to create something simple yet high-quality, aesthetic yet delicious, Leslie has perfected the art of unintimidating, uncomplicated drinking wine.
What’s more, the canned format is not only ecofriendly, but also convenient. These wines can accompany the drinker wherever they wish to go, able to become part of any experience; a message which Leslie’s drinkers have responded to with great enthusiasm. Such was the popularity of his first wine, an organic white launched in January 2021, that a rosé and a red followed in quick succession. All the wines are vegan-friendly and made with meticulous attention to detail, with certified organic vineyards and fruit vinified in small handpicked batches in the heart of Italy’s Abruzzo region.
Put simply, the moment we heard Leslie’s story we knew he would be the perfect addition to the Propeller portfolio.
White, organic and wet. Pure and simple, a refreshing Italian white wine with lashings of zip and zing. If you really wanted a little bit of tech talk we could perhaps stretch to lemon zest or gooseberry, but that really defeats the object of DEFY. Whether you drink it on the train, at the beach, or in the park … it’s simply a delicious white wine in a can.
Pink, organic and wet. A satisfying straightforward pink wine with all the crispness and refreshing taste that you’d expect. If you begged us for more, we might say something along the lines of fresh cranberry fruit or wild strawberries, but that really defeats the object of DEFY. Whether you drink it in the garden, at the zoo or on the bus … it’s simply a lovely pink wine in a can.
Red, organic and wet. A beautifully bold and gloriously drinkable red wine towarm the cockles of your heart. If you twisted our arm, we may discuss velvety tannins and ripe dark fruit, but that really defeats the object of DEFY (and please don’t twist our arms). Whether you drink it in the cinema, at the library or on the ski slope … it’s simply a glorious red wine in a can.
Defy Red 250ml (Case x24) WILDFDEFYCRED £78.49 £144.99 £5.99
www.propeller.wine
Quality may not be the first word that springs to mind when you think of bag-in-box wine … but Laylo are here to change that! Laura and Laura (yes, really!) met whilst working at Naked Wines and falling in love with all kinds of wines from around the world. Just a few years later, their joint vision of a world in which high-quality, premium boxed wines which are just as desirable as bottles led to the inception of Laylo in July 2020.
Everything is sourced, designed, tasted and loved by Laura and Laura. Nothing is given the Laylo stamp of approval until the girls are completely happy, and their passion and knowledge has created a fantastic range of painstakingly chosen wines from small producers around Europe that put many other boxed wines to shame! Not only are the wines delicious, but of course the environmental benefits of Laylo are many; minimal wastage, dramatically lower carbon footprints and significantly reduced energy usage are just a few of the ways in which boxed wines stack up against the manufacture and usage of traditional glass bottles.
We think that these exceptional wines really are ushering in a new age for the wine industry … and if all the great things we’ve already listed aren’t enough, each box features beautiful, intricate designs that will make your fridge feel fabulously fancy!
Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese
We all know that Sicily is a fantastic source of criminally undervalued, delicious wines – and Laylo’s Vino Rosso Vulcanico reminds us of all the reasons why. This is an expressive blend of Sicily’s two signature indigenous grapes, Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese, which are grown on the rich volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. This wine offers fresh spiced cherry and raspberry flavours alongside soft tannins which evoke the romance and warmth of the island. It’s a delicate, light red with complexity in abundance – just as delicious drunk chilled in the summer sunshine as it is by a winter fireside.
Neither Slovenia nor Pinot Blanc may feel immediately familiar, but you’re in for a treat with this vinous power couple. There’s something magical about discovering a wine that is slightly ‘off the beaten track’, and the Lot #5 is just the job, with delicate white grape sourced from a passionate producer in Slovenia and turned into a thing of beauty.
A dash of Furmint is added to give extra generosity and softness to the bright, high acidity and zesty citrus flavours of Pinot Blanc. It’s a clever and delicious blend, offering honeysuckle, jasmine and lemon curd notes and a creamy palate – so much so that this wine regularly tops the Laylo bestseller list.
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Vegan Vegetarian Organic Biodynamic Low SulphurSustainableHouse of Beja is more than just an Alentejano wine: it encapsulates the character and soul of this wine region and is synonymous with the Portuguese way of life — good food, good wine, love and tradition. This is proudly a Propeller project. We’ve teamed up with an amazing grower who has vines with an average age of 45 years old, and there’s an emphasis on preserving the indigenous Portuguese varieties f rom the region. We teamed up with artist and designer Miguel Almeida for the design of this label, which we think represents the best of this region and what the wine has to offer.
Branco 2019
A blend of Antão Vaz and Verdelho. The grapes are handpicked to ensure a gentle selection of bunches from the vines. After bunch sorting, the grapes are destemmed and pressed, fermentation occurs with controlled temperatures (12-16o) in stainless steel tanks. The blend of these two grapes creates a fresh wine that is surprisingly textural, not unlike a quality chardonnay with some age on it. A bouquet of dried flowers, orange with a touch of pineapple. Full-bodied, but with fine acidity, the orange citrus fruit is commanding. A beautiful white wine, with a modern profile but an unmistakably Portuguese personality. preserves the f reshness of Vidigueira.
A blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah. The grapes are harvested by hand in the cool hours before dawn to protect the grapes from the heat and the sun. The wine sees no oak. Soft and easy in the mouth, with super- subtle tannins and a burst of succulent, concentrated dark fruit flavours.
The 75cl Frugal Bottle is made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade liner to hold the wine.
The Frugal Bottle, which is comparable in cost to a labelled glass bottle, is the brainchild of British sustainable packaging firm Frugalpac, which creates and supplies recycled paper-based products with the lowest carbon footprint that are easily recycled again so they don’t need to go to landfill. We at Cantina Goccia are very committed to developing and using sustainable packaging and have worked very closely with Frugalpac in the development of this bottle and are the first winery in the world to use this packaging for our wine.
The reasons why we believe the Frugal Bottle is unique.
It’s lighter. The Frugal Bottle weighs just 83g so it is up to five times lighter than a normal glass bottle, making it easier to carry and lighter to transport. It’s better for the environment. An independent Life Cycle Analysis by Intertek found the Frugal Bottle, which is made from recycled paperboard with no chemicals, has a carbon footprint up to six and half times (84%) lower than a glass bottle and more than a third less than a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic.
It’s easy to recycle again. Simply separate the plastic food-grade liner from the paper bottle and put them in your respective recycling bins. Or you can put the whole bottle in your paper recycling bin and the liner will be easily separated in the paper re-pulping process.
It uses less plastic than a plastic bottle. The Frugal Bottle uses up to 77% less plastic. Only 15g compared to a 64g bottle made from 100% recycled plastic.
It stands out. As the Frugal Bottle is made from recycled paperboard, it allows for 360-degree branding across the bottle..
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Celi’, an Etruscan name meaning the month of September when the wine is harvested, is a blend of 60% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino and 20% Chardonnay grapes.
Rosa is a dry rosé wine; you can expect to discern strawberry & raspberry notes as well as redcurrant. Ideal for socialising and perfect for pairing with cold foods. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This is an unwooded Sangiovese with a hint of Merlot and Cabernet delivering a characteristic Umbrian red which is fresh, accessible and lighter in style. The wine is balanced with beautiful red and black fruit and a hint of dark chocolate.
Celi - Paper Bottle (2021)
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The name Goccia simply means 'drop' in Italian. Cantina Goccia is a new venture with very old roots and is based on the union of tradition, passion and innovation.
Umbria gave birth to this unique vineyard and our vision is to create extraordinary wines whose character strongly represents their origin while embracing the latest innovation and research.
D’Oro (2021)
This wine is made from 100% Grechetto. Concentrated Umbrian sunshine, this quirky Grechetto grape is refreshing with wonderful fruity aromas of citrus, white fruit and floral notes and a hint of almond on the finish. The wine is elegant, fresh and accessible with mineral undertones. In short: bags of flavour white.
Nodo (2012)
Nodo means ‘knot’ and these grapes are inextricably tied to their Umbrian origins. This wine is made from 100% Umbrian Sangiovese IGT, cultivated in the rich clay soils of the heartland of Colli del Trasimeno and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It is matured for 24 months in used french oak barrels. The wine is ruby garnet in colour with strong notes of bitter cherries and violets and a lingering savoury finish. It is well structured and balanced with good acidity and dry grippy tannins.
Ningxia, an autonomous region located in the centre of Northern China, has seen huge investment from the Chinese government, which has elevated a previously poor, remote area into one of the world’s most dynamic regions for fine wine production. An egg shape complex called Xige in Chinese, and informally known as Pigeon Hill in English, has risen from the dusty fields of Ningxia. Residents of those windswept plains have witnessed inspiring blueprints transform into a sprawling winery nestled within a curved stone wall.
The project is the brainchild of Zhang Yanzhi, a trained viticulturist and founder of the successful national retail group ‘Easy Wine’. The unashamedly modern winery (resembling a UFO set upon the sweeping foothills of the Dove Mountain range) houses state of the art equipment imported from France and Germany, overseen by superstar winemaker Liao Zusong.
The Dove depicted on the label originates from the “Peach Dove Album“ of Emperor Huizong, from the Song Dynasty.
A blend of Italian Riesling and Ugni Blanc. Very fresh with a pleasant acidity. It shows intense fruit and flower aromas such as jasmine and lime.
90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Gernischt, saignee method. Aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Fresh and elegant on the palate with balanced acidity, light structure and a delightful finish.
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot. Fruitydriven, round and elegant on the palate with silky tannins and good structure. It offers intense ripe red fruitsflavoursandsubtleoakcharacterderivedfrom 6 months’ ageing in 300L French oak barrels (20% new, 80% 1 year).
Jade Dove Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt 2018
100% Cabernet Gernischt from vines that are 20-30 years-old - genuinely ‘old vines’ by Chinese standards. Cabernet Gernischt’s most typical characteristics are delicate fine tannins, aromas of dry rose petals and Chinese medicinal herbs, and this is a benchmark example. The finish is long and elegant.
XIGE
XIGE ESTATE - Jade Dove Rose JADEROSE19 2019 £12.46 £22.95 75cl x 6
XIGE ESTATE - Jade Dove Red JADERED18 2018 £12.46 £22.95 75cl x 6
XIGE ESTATE - Jade Dove Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt JADECABGER NISCHT 2018 £20.68 £37.95 75cl x 6
The N28 range is focussed on single varietals, exploring their future potential and their ultimate expressions in the region’s unique terroir.
Fermented and aged in oak for 12 months. It combines both floral and ripe tropical fruits aromas, with a smooth creamy texture, refreshing acidity and a very long finish. N28 Chardonnay is testament to Xige’s incredible agility as an estate, drawing inspiration from Burgundy and intertwining it with a resolutely modern Chinese outlook.
Xige Estate were the first to spot Malbec’s potential here and were the first the plant it on a commercial scale. Despite the youth of the vines this wine has already garnered a cult following. It shows charming orchid lily aromas, followed by layers of violet and rose. On the palate it’s smooth with fine, persistent tann
Xige N28 Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in 300L French oak barrels (80% 1 year, 20% new). Stylistically its Bordeaux inspiration is unmistakable but this is aligned to an intensity of fruit that only the New World can provide. Astonishing wine.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Gernischt from Xige’s finest plots. So far this wine has achieved the highest critical acclaim of any Chinese wine - it’s a masterclass in structure, restraint and elegance.
XIGE - N28 Chardonnay JADEN28CHARDON NAY19 2019 £15.38 £27.95 75cl x 6
XIGE - N28 Malbec JADENMALBEC19 2019 £13.56 £24.95 75cl x 6
XIGE - N28 Cabernet Sauvignon JADEN28CABSAUV18 2018 £13.28 £24.95 75cl x 6
XIGE - N50 JADEN502018 2018 £16.32 £29.95 75cl x 6
The Parra family’s pursuit came from the devotion of the three brothers (Francisco, Javier, and Luis) to find a sense of place in their home of La Mancha. They founded their property in 1993 with the conviction to organically and biodynamically farm every vine under their care. At the time they were viewed not so much as pioneers but positively eccentric (how the world has changed) but they are now amongst the largest organic wine producers in Europe. The three brothers remain intimately involved in all aspects of the business, but if you ask Francisco he will admit that he handles sales and marketing, Javier concentrates more on winemaking and Luis does a bit of everything, as well as indulging his passion for breeding pigeons.
The Parra family works two large vineyards in La Mancha near the town of Las Messas (The Tables), totalling some 445 acres, or about 180 hectares. One of the vineyards is named Entresendas (‘Between Paths’) and sits within a dried river bed. Entresendas benefits from the rich, alluvial soils, common to old river beds and perfect for the cultivation of grapes. The other vineyard is officially named Olla del Monte (‘Cooking Pan in the Mountain’), but is known locally as the Cuesta Colorá because of the colorful scarpland soils of chalky clay covered in a fine layer of pebbles that hold the day’s heat well into the night.
100% Verdejo, simply fermented in stainless steel and bottled with no fining and only a light filtration.
Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, macerated separately on skins for 5-7 days in 200L clay vessels and 4,000L used French oak vats with daily pumpovers. Wine is then pressed off of skins and transferred to 3000L foudres where it’s blended and aged for 8 months.
100% Garnacha, fermented in stainless steel and bottled with no fining and only a light filtration.
Gulp Hablo Blanco GULPBLANC 2021 £10.29 £18.95
Gulp Hablo Orange GULPORANGE 2021 £12.47 £22.95
Gulp Hablo Tinto GULPTINTO 2021 £10.29 £18.95
An entrepreneur and an artist walk into a bar…No joke – it happened. That’s where they met Mikey. The rest, as they say, is history!
The UK founders Steve Cooper, Alan Walsh and Mikey Enright – respectively the drinks entrepreneur, the international artist, and awardwinning mixologist – all had one thing in common, a desire to do things differently. A chance meeting between the three in 2018 at Mikey’s awardwinning bar in Sydney ‘The BarberShop’ (did we mention it was voted the global best gin bar in 2020)…is where the Artisan journey began!
Whilst the business idea wasn’t quite drawn on the back of a beer mat, by the end of the discussion, and a few G&Ts later, the three had made the decision to do something about the lack of innovation in the mixer drinks categoryby creating a new type of mixer which combined the “artisan” skills of an artist and a mixologist.
The result is our ever-growing range of Artisan Drinks, all made with 100% natural ingredients, offering unique flavour combinations which have been developed by Mikey to truly complement craft spirits rather than drowning them in sugar or artificial ingredients. When this is combined with Al’s outstanding illustrations, each with their own story of where the art was created, you can see the artisan spirit behind this very different
Artisan wanted to do things differently and raise the bar higher by bringing craft quality to the mixer category…after all why blend in when you can stand out.
Product Code Case (6 x 4) x 4 pack RRP Category
Classic London Tonic CLASSICCAN £13.50 £4.99
Skinny Light Tonic SKINNYCAN £13.50 £4.99
Pink Citrus Tonic PINKCAN £13.50 £4.99
Fiery Ginger Beer FIERYCAN £13.50 £4.99
Amalfi Lime Tonic AMALFICAN £13.50 £4.99
Classic London Tonic CLASSICBOT £14.50 £3.99
Skinny Light Tonic SKINNNYBOT £14.50 £3.99
Violet Blossom Tonic VIOLETRBOT £15.00 £3.99
Barrel Smoked Cola COLABOT £16.00 £3.99
Pink Citrus Tonic PINKBOT £15.00 £3.99
Agave Lemon Tonic AGAVEBOT £15.00 £3.99
Fiery Ginger Beer FIERYBOT £16.00 £3.99
Amalfi Lime Tonic AMALFIBOT £15.00 £3.99
Bubbly Soda Water BUBBLYBOT £14.50 £3.99
Tokyo Tonic TOKYOBOT £14.50 £3.99
www.propeller.wine
The Kiss of Wine team led by its founder, Jennifer Browarczuk. “We believe that few pastimes are as enjoyable as discovering new wines. But the traditional wine industry can be stuffy and intimidating. So, we’re sourcing great wines from small, independent winemakers, then using simple language and beautiful design to communicate the taste and style. They’re wrapped up conveniently in cans, so you can enjoy the odd glass on a weekday evening or carry a can in your backpack on a sunset hike. We’ve travelled around Europe looking for the best independent winemakers”
What makes Kiss of Wine different from other canned wines? The quality and range. These European winemakers practice sustainable and organic grape growing and their usual volumes of production are small. These are not producers with tanks of wine going spare and they have taken some convincing to use their wine in a can!
So, who are Kiss of Wine’s rockstar artisan winemakers?
The Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from The Loire Valley is produced by winemaker Nicholas who trained in the prestigious Sancerre region and is owner of a boutique cave called Vendomois. Nicholas is part of the highly acclaimed Alliance Loire and follows the steps of L’agricultre raisonee.
Winemaking brothers Christoph and Thomas who produce outstanding Riesling from their home in the Rheingau, Germany. They are specialists in sustainable, low intervention techniques. They call it their “therapy for the vines”. The grapes for this wine come from 70-yearold vines, which helps produce high quality fruit, ensuring the much-loved characteristics of Riesling are present.
Corrado is behind the Nebbiolo and Dolcetto in Piemonte, Italy. His family were pioneers of the production of Barbaresco, one of the world’s greatest wines.
The Provence Rosé is produced by Pierre who farms most of his 600 hectare vineyard organically facing the SainteVictoire massif. He has a reputation as a true hidden gem, producing some of the best rose wines of the region. The power reds Garnacha Tintorera and Tempranillo from Valenica, Spain are produced by Rodolfo who organically farms 60 hectares of vines which have never used any herbicides or pesticides, as they seek to promote biodiversity and rewild their farm.
www.propeller.wine
Token was created by two UK-based Ukranians; Dmytro Goncharuk, a sommelier, and his partner Alyona Mykhailova, a hospitality specialist.
The project celebrates their wine travels and this, the first edition, is based in Friuli.
As Alyona puts it, “Token is a souvenir or a small keepsake. People keep memories through things, pictures, music, tastes, flavours... they want every bottle of Token wine to become this momento. Wine that reminds you of travel, meeitng friends for dinner, dates, picnics and beautiful weather in the park.”
The label design is drawn by hand in the style of vintage botanical illustrations and the stone originated from the very vineyard that produced these two incredible wines.
The nose is full of lemon, spices and green apple. The palate is quite full with a crisp, spicy finish and soft texture due to short skin maceration.
The nose shows aromas of summer berries, cherry, black pepper, and a hint of violet. This is medium light-bodied on the palate with light tannins and refreshing acidity.
Jamie founded Propeller in the middle of the 2020 Covid pandemic, at a time when getting into the UK market seemed almost impossible for boutique producers. He was determined to level the playing field. He brings to Propeller a broad range of industry experience, having worked in the UK wine trade for over 25 years. In that time he’s run sales teams for the likes of Bibendum, Enotria and OW Loeb. He’s also been a trainer, presenter, buyer and occasional columnist. When he’s not criss-crossing the UK selling wine he lives in Dorset with his wife, two kids and a menagerie of cats and dogs. There was also a rabbit at one point, but he’d prefer not to talk about that.
Graz started her FMCG career at Asprey & Gararrd, followed by a long stint with Jade Jagger and interspersed with modelling assignments in Japan, France and New York. She knows what she likes when it comes to wine and is of the opinion that her palate is better than that of her husband, Propeller’s founder Jamie.
Jo Moore, our Finance Accounts Manager and overall office superstar, is Dorset born and bred. She has over 20 years’ experience in both accounts and customer services, and decided it was time for a change and some excitement which is why she’s joined the Propeller Team. When she’s not in the office, she loves nothing more than popping off for weekends in my caravan with family and friends, sitting by the campfire with a glass of wine (or 2). She has also become our unofficial rosé taste tester as she loves rosés of all shades and grapes!
JAMES CAMERON | Northern UK Sales ManagerJames’s love of grapes started at 18 after spending a couple of months in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. He spent most of the next decade managing restaurants at every level of the industry, and in 2019 was part of the team to bring Manchester its first Michelin Star in over 40 years. His experience working in wine merchants and as a sommelier helped him find his passion for shining a spotlight on boutique winemakers around the world. During the 2020 Covid pandemic James; a little late to the game, discovered the power of social media where he regularly reviews wines from some of the lesser-known winemaking regions of the world. He lives in Manchester with his fiancée Meg and Springer Spaniel Paddy.
Schooled in Birmingham, Ben became a whisky aficionado while at university in York and quickly ran out of money. Wine’s greater diversity (and more accessible price point) came calling and he started his career at Loki Wine in 2018 while working his way through the first 3 WSET qualifications. His wife’s PhD studies then took them to Surrey, where he spent almost 4 years at independent merchant The Vineking. There he sold wine predominantly from small producers, sourced wines for the monthly wine club, ran tastings and dinners and studied for the WSET Diploma. Ben joined Propeller in 2022, a week after sitting his final Diploma exams, and now lives back in Birmingham with his wife Erin.
Jazmine, is our Digital Marketing apprentice, and has a background in Art and Design. She completed her Foundation Diploma at The Arts University Bournemouth with a Specialism in Graphic Design in 2022; and previously did A Levels in Fine Art, Art History and Media Studies. The focus of her work at Propeller is design and illustration, and enjoys drawing and making sculptures in her free time. She enjoys travelling and trying the local foods and drinks and recreating them at home.