Jack Rabbit - Carlsberg We Deliver More
Transcription
Jack Rabbit - Carlsberg We Deliver More
CO NTENTS News and views Wine tasting guide SWEET We have graded the wines throughout this guide to help you find exactly what you are looking for. White and rosé wines have a scale of 1–9, with 1 being very dry through to 9 having a dessert wine level of sweetness. Examples of wines which are typically graded 1 are Sauvignon Blanc, Italian and Spanish whites; 2 and 3 tend to be softer styles such as Chardonnay and Viognier; and the sweeter wines are the blush rosés, like White Zinfandel – graded at 5 or 6. Red wines are marked on a scale of A–E. Lighter reds, such as Beaujolais, Valpolicella or Côtes du Rhône will be graded A or B, while more chunky wines like Australian Shiraz, Bordeaux and Rioja are a D or E. 123456789 DRY Helpful information 01 Something different for 2015 27 A warm welcome 04 The magical world of Sherry 33 New spirits for 2015 05 Our partners and suppliers 37 Spirits trends 2015 11 41 New wines for 2015 15 From vine to glass – how your wines reach you Wine trends 2015 23 SWEET 123456789 DRY FULL-BODIED ABCDE EASY DRINKING To help make your selection even easier we have added a simple style guide to each of our still wines. So whether you want a light white to go with fish or a big gutsy red to enjoy with a steak the new style icons will help you choose the right wine. Light and delicate Full-flavoured and oaked Spicy and warming Juicy and ripe Dry and aromatic Oaked and intense Icons e Exclusive to Crown Cellars We have carefully selected a number of exclusive wines specifically for the On-Trade to allow you to offer that point of difference. P Pedley’s Picks The personal favourites of Jonathan Pedley, our Master of Wine, from the new additions to our 2015 range. S Screwcap (Stelvin) Wines supplied with a screwcap. Cork taint and oxidisation is a problem with corks. Exclusive wines to Crown Cellars 43 Wines France 45 New Zealand 91 Spain and Portugal 57 Chile 95 Italy 63 Brazil 101 Germany and Austria 69 Argentina 103 England 73 South Africa 107 Lebanon 75 Champagne and sparkling 113 Australia 77 Dessert and fortified 119 California 85 Simple serves 125 Spirits Vodka 133 Whisk(e)y 153 Gin 139 Liqueurs and speciality drinks 163 Rum 143 Competitive selection 175 Brandy 149 A screwcap creates a neutral airtight seal allowing the wine to taste as the winemaker intended. ‡ Available in full case only New to our wine range New to our spirits range Premium choices We have highlighted the premium choices in each country range for your convenience. Knowledge and support Our team 179 Marketing wine in your outlet 215 A day in the life... 185 Creating your wine list 217 Helpful tools from Crown Cellars 189 Pricing 223 191 Profit calculator 225 A word from our customers Food and wine 227 The Crown Cellars’ wine wheel 231 Marketing spirits in your outlet 193 Cocktails Awards abbreviations DBGM Drinks Business Global Masters IWSC DWWA Decanter World Wine Award SFWSC San Francisco World Spirits Competition IWC International Wine Challenge SWA ISC International Spirits Challenge 01 crowncellarswines.co.uk International Wines and Spirits Competition Sommelier Wine Awards 209 Customer Contact Centre 08457 820 820 crowncellarswines.co.uk Carlsberg UK Ltd, 140 Bridge Street, Northampton NN1 1PZ Carlsberg UK is a member of the Portman Group – promoting responsible drinking. Supply of products and services subject to Carlsberg UK standard terms and conditions, copies available on request. All details correct at time of going to press. Carlsberg UK reserves the right to change details without notice. For more information or support on wines and spirits please contact your local Carlsberg UK sales representative. 02 NEWS AND VIEWS HELPF U L I NF OR MAT I ON A WARM WELC OM E from Paul Waller Director of Customer Service and Third Party Brands This year we have made exciting additions to both our Wines and Spirits ranges. We always listen intently to the feedback and ideas you, our customers, give us on our Portfolio. We endeavour to use this in combination with the market knowledge of our Crown Cellars’ team, including our inimitable Master of Wine, Jonathan Pedley, to create a range that delivers exceptional choice, quality and value. We are exceptionally proud of this year’s range and hope you find the new additions to the Portfolio as exciting as we do When it comes to Crown Cellars’ wines, quality and value for money have very much been the driving force when selecting this year’s new additions. We are focussing on Spain where exceptional progress has been made in quality and value in the last couple of decades. We truly believe we now have a range to suit all tastes regardless of whether you are looking for the mainstays of any good wine offering or something a little more funky and different to inspire and excite your customers. 03 crowncellarswines.co.uk NEWS AND VIEWS Welcome to the 2015/16 Crown Cellars’ Wines and Spirits Portfolio In 2014-15 we placed particular emphasis on showcasing some of our On-Trade exclusive wines at industry recognised awards panels where we have achieved a pleasing number of medals. We are really confident that the quality of our own wines are genuinely second to none and are delighted with its increased recognition by the trade. The growth in Premium Spirits continues apace and is showing no signs of slowing down as customers increasingly look to treat themselves when in the On-Trade. We have therefore continued to develop our spirits range to reflect this and enable our customers to select from our ever expanding portfolio. In addition, our broader drinks Portfolio, including our successful and award winning Crafted Beer and Tapster’s Cask Ales ranges, has also received great feedback from our customers over the last 12 months. Along with this new expanded Crown Cellars’ Portfolio, we hope you can see that we are striving to ensure that we genuinely can make a difference to your business. We continue to invest in our people, in both resource and training, to ensure that we provide you with the market-leading you expect g support pp y p and deserve. Enjoy the Portfolio! tfolio! 04 NEWS AND VIEWS A superbly luxurious Vodka, Cîroc is inspired by more than a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship NEW SPIRITS FOR 2015 by Katie Hewitt, Spirits Category Manager The spirits journey continues with a number of new additions to the 2015 range. Gin continues to lead the premiumisation trend in the UK and is especially popular in stylish metropolitan outlets. Retaining traction in these trend leading areas is crucial for Gin, as other categories are following the path towards premiumisation. New additions to the Crown Cellars’ range in 2015 include Langley’s No.8 and Williams Chase Gin. Langley’s is produced at a distillery in the West Midlands, founded in 1920. This Gin is produced in small batches by hand and single-distilled using a blend of secret botanicals, all of which are classic Gin botanicals (nothing cosmetic) specifically Perfect Gin for a G&T, a Dry Martini and can even be sipped neat over ice as a digestif sourced from the best, most indigenous regions. The resulting Gin delivers juniper and coriander up front, complemented by citrus zest and zing on the mid-palate, combining nicely with spicy and grassy notes and hints of liquorice for a smooth lingering finish. Langley’s No.8 is a relatively ‘new’ 100% English grain Gin, launched in 2012 05 @CrownCellarsUK and citrus zest hit first on the palate, followed by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Williams Chase creates a well-balanced G&T or an enjoyable Sweet Martini. Williams Chase Gin is grown, fermented, fermented distilled and bottled on the family farm deep in middle England Williams Chase Gin is made from the Chase’s own single-estate Vodka. Infused juniper buds and berries ensure that the driest Gin possible is distilled, followed by ten fine botanicals including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, almond, coriander, cardamom, cloves, liquorice and lemon. On the nose it has dry juniper with zesty citrus and some warm, spicy notes. Juniper, dark chocolate Vodka remains the largest volume category in GB On-Trade despite declines in standard and now premium non-flavoured brands. Just two additions to the range this year, Cîroc Vodka and Cîroc Pineapple. A superbly luxurious Vodka, Cîroc is inspired by more than a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship. Produced using fine French grapes, Cîroc is distilled five times in an Armagnac-style pot still to create its distinct taste. The result is an exquisitely smooth, fresh and innovative Vodka experience. Cîroc Pineapple has a taste of luxury and really differentiates from other flavoured Vodkas. It is infused with the delicate natural flavours of fresh, crushed pineapple creating a refreshingly delicious tropical taste. 06 Brazil exports some excellent Cachaças, of which Velho Barreiro is certainly one Zacapa 23 is regarded as one of the finest Rums in the world Aged and blended in the ‘House Above the Clouds’ 2300m above sea level, the cool mountain air slows the ageing, allowing Zacapa time to rest and develop character. Zacapa uses a unique Sistema Solera process, based on a centuries-old Spanish way of ageing Sherries – blending Rums of different ages in a sequence of barrels which have held American Whiskies, sweet Sherries and fine Pedro Ximenez wines. Refined by craftsmanship and devotion, and overseen by Master Blender Lorena Vásquez Ampié. Secondly, Kraken! First launched in the UK in early 2010, it has an incredibly rich, spicy flavour. Named after the legendary sea monster, Kraken is a blend of Caribbean Rums that should suit any fans of rich, navystyle Rum. Whisky is the UK’s most premium and profitable spirits category. However blended variants have recently been in slow decline, losing relevance to the young adult. The opportunity to reinstate Whisky as young, global and cool is huge, and everything about Haig Club™ is designed with this in mind; from the versatile liquid designed purposely to appeal to Whisky rejectors, to the distinctive packaging, partnership with David Beckham and powerful launch strategy. Haig Club is a new innovation from the House of Haig ™ With 400 years of distilling history Scotland’s oldest Grain Whisky dynasty, the House of Haig, can trace its Whisky roots back to the 17th century. In 1824 John Haig established the Cameronbridge Distillery and it was there that he pioneered the art of producing Grain Whisky in continuous Coffey and Stein stills – an invention which laid the foundations for the growth and success of the modern Scotch Whisky industry. 07 crowncellarswines.co.uk crowncellarswines TINCUP is another addition to the range, also seeking to excite new drinkers to the Whisk(e)y category. TINCUP Whiskey is a ‘high rye’ Whiskey aimed at Bourbon drinkers who are educating themselves away from mainstream ‘American’ brands and positioned as house or premium pour. A Bourbon mash bill with an unusually high rye content at 32%, rye is hot! Produced from sugarcane juice as with all Cachaças Velho Barreiro is double distilled before being aged in large oak vats for an unspecified time. It’s then blended and bottled into a delightfully old-school looking receptacle. Velho Barreiro is one of the most appreciated Cachaças in Brazil because of its delicate aroma, due to the very careful double distillation production method. Use as the base of Caipirinha or any other fruit cocktail or simply pure, straight on the rocks! The TINCUP Boilermaker is a fantastic opportunity to introduce an exciting serve... ...as well as piggyback on the rapidly increasing popularity of craft beer. South America remains on-trend and this is reflected in our new listings. Despite producing one of the world’s finest spirits in Cachaça, the Brazilians keep the vast majority of it to themselves, only exporting around 6% internationally. This is a shame for spirit enthusiasts around the world who really should have the benefit of imbibing this fine spirit more often. 08 NEWS AND VIEWS Dark, Golden and Premium Rums are all seeing good category growth. We have two new Rums in the range for 2015. Pisco ABA is produced in the heart of the Elqui Valley, a long narrow oasis winding its way through the Chilean Andes. A boutique type of distillate made from the Muscat grape by the Aguirre family, Pisco ABA uses double distillation in small copper pot stills. Try Pisco ABA in a delicious Pisco Sour (Chile’s favourite cocktail) Also enjoy in a Pisco Punch, mixed with Cola (called ‘Chuflay’ in Chile) or with Ginger Ale or simply neat on the rocks (Piscola). In aristocrats had n the 19th Century, C ha a special preference for Mezcal. La Penca, new to the Crown Cellars’ 2015 range, is the name of the swordlike leaves that are stripped from the maguey plant when removing the piña. 09 @CrownCellarsUK Mezcal production differs from Tequila in that the maguey piñas are roasted or grilled over hot rocks in covered conical pits rather than slowbaked. This roasting caramelises the maguey sugars, giving the Mezcal its smokiness. La Penca is distilled from ‘Salmiana’, an outstanding form of Maguey (Agave), grown on the plateau of the San Luis Potosi state. Natural yeasts are used for fermentation. Distillation is carried out in copper and stainless steel pot stills. The Mezcal is aged in 220 litre American white oak barrels for 2 to 6 months, maintaining tradition and ensuring the distinctive flavour profile. A quality Mezcal; 100% Agave and packaged in a hand blown artisan bottle. Beltion Limoncello rigorously follows the traditional recipe typical of southern Italy The Italian Liqueur Limoncello is produced mainly in the south of Italy. It is the second most popular Liqueur in Italy and has recently gained popularity in other parts of the world. Restaurants and bars worldwide are now increasingly offering Limoncello on their drinks and dessert menus. New to Crown Cellars this year is Beltion Limoncello which obtains its flavour from infused lemon peel. Enjoy direct from the freezer or over crushed ice, with soda and/or fruit juice, as a mixer, as seasoning on ice creams, fruit cocktails, strawberries or on a favourite dessert. Two new flavours to this year’s Bols range include Apricot Brandy and Strawberry Bols Apricot Brandy uses fresh apricot juice to give it a richer, fuller flavour that matches its goldenamber colour. The apricot fruit’s stone (kernel), is crushed, giving Bols Apricot Brandy a faint amaretto flavour, supported by tones of orange. It has been the apricot Liqueur of choice for a while: used originally in the Mai Tai, Zombie and Apricot Fizz, it is also surprisingly tasty just with orange juice or soda. Bols Strawberry is a rich, striking red Liqueur, with a powerful but not overly sweet strawberry flavour, edged with a slight citrus tang. As it contains fresh strawberry juice, bartenders have a real strawberry Liqueur to add to drinks. Like raspberry, strawberry is very popular in modern cocktails, featuring mostly in strawberry versions of the Margarita, Martini and the Daiquiri. Syrups are not strictly a spirit, being non-alcoholic, however, mixing it up is key to adding value to the category Customers are looking for excitement and personalisation, and are willing to pay for it, seeking a broader value proposition not just linked to price. They want real, immersive, artisanal and engaging concepts. Syrups are ideally placed to ‘mix it up’ as they are so versatile, creating a wealth of new drinks solutions. Don’t just add to coffee, try mixing with beer, cider, soft drinks and spirits Teisseire provides an opportunity to drive high margin by adding value to existing serves. The unique use of liquid sugar creates a more rounded syrup mixing more effectively with a broad range of drinks. The Teisseire range in this year’s brochure consists of Almond, Caramel, Cherry, Coconut, Gingerbread, Grenadine, Hazelnut, Liquid Cane Sugar, Passion Fruit, Peach, Raspberry and Vanilla. 10 NEWS AND VIEWS Mezcal is known as ‘The Cognac of Mexico’ for its unique flavour and exquisite softness NEWS AND VIEWS SP IRITS TREND S 2 0 1 5 by Katie Hewitt, Spirits Category Manager Spirits account for almost 25% of On-Trade value. That’s £5.4 billion * The overall spirits market is in slight decline of 3.5% volume but has grown by 1.2% in value. Due to the nature of serve, spirits only account for 2.1% of total On-Trade volume but almost 25% of value!* This makes it a critical category that a successful venue has to ensure receives the right amount of focus. Within these numbers are some key trends that are worth noting to ensure you are getting your share of this increased value Overall market – MAT to 24.01.2015** Volume 000s hl Volume % change Value £m Value % change Price per litre Total Vodka 1,957 -5.6% 1,754 -0.9% £99.56 Total Non-Cream Liqueurs 700 -6.9% 627 -4.6% £99.63 Total Cream Liqueurs 151 -11.3% 92 -8.3% £67.71 Blended Whisky 499 -9.7% 411 -3.3% £91.48 Malt Whisky 115 +15.6% 153 +25.2% £147.04 Total Imported Whiskey 449 -2.0% 444 +2.6% £109.86 Total Brandy 224 -1.0% 247 +5.9% £122.51 Total Gin 483 +8.4% 457 +15.9% £105.22 Dark Rum 98 -5.6% 87 +12.0% £98.37 White Rum 234 -9.0% 204 -5.0% £96.89 Golden Rum 221 +9.7% 217 +14.2% £109.14 Total Tequila 127 +17.4% 131 +27.3% £114.67 Source: *CGA Total On-Trade MAT 01.11.2014. **CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 11 crowncellarswines.co.uk 12 • 40% of drinkers have bought a spirit and mixer in the last week* • The average customer drinks 2.9 spirit and mixer drinks per visit* • 58% of customers expect to pay between £2.50 and £3.50 for a single spirit mixer serve* Gin and tonic Cocktails with a few simple well- Cocktails provide the perfect opportunity to give your customers an experience that they can’t replicate at home due to the ingredients and process required to make them. More importantly they provide you with a fantastic opportunity to increase your margins. recognised favourites The most popular spirit and mixer serves are: Vodka and cola Start out Rum and cola Cocktails continue to be a key growth area which are driving the spirits category in the On-Trade. They are now stocked in nearly a quarter of On-Trade venues and this is seeing strong growth. • 42% of cocktail drinkers drink cocktails at least once a month* • 47% of frequent cocktail drinkers have bought a cocktail in the last week* • The average customer drinks 2.6 cocktail serves per visit* Gender % of those drinking cocktails* To make the most of the premiumisation happening right across this category why not offer the same good, better, best with your mixers allowing your customers to trade-up to the likes of Fever Tree or Fentimans? 22.4% 18.9% 9.3% -1.2% 0.2% -3.1% 19.3% 19.2% 0.3% Premium Specialities 0.3% Premium Cream Liqueurs 1.2% Premium Tequila 3.8% Premium Non-Cream Liqueurs Premium Rum Premium Brandy Premium Gin 6.4% Premium Whisk(e)y -11.7% Sources: *CGA consumer panel February 2015. **CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 13 crowncellarswines.co.uk MAT volume % share of premium spirits 11.7% 24.9% 24.8% MAT volume % change 44.5% Premium Vodka 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 30% 20% 10% 0% To put it in perspective – almost £1 in every £2 is spent on a 44% 39% 57% 95% 43% 40% 55+ 45-54 24% 35-44 52% of women 35% of men % cocktail drinkers enjoying a serve in each season* 62% 63% 25-34 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Premium spirits The On-Trade has continued to become increasingly polarised as regular sociable drinking declines. Customers are visiting the On-Trade less frequently but treating themselves when they do. This is undoubtedly increasing the importance of premium spirits to the On-Trade. This is highlighted by the fact premium spirits represent 46% of On-Trade total spirits value – compared to only 22% in the Off-Trade sector.** This trend is growing fastest within mainstream outlets, it’s not restricted to top-end style venues. Age group % of those drinking cocktails* 18-24 Always make sure these are clearly advertised with finished drinks pricing or offer a trade-up to a premium spirit. Make sure you also offer a trade-up option on your mixers Age groups It will come as no surprise that cocktail consumption massively over-indexes in summer so it is very important to ensure you have your offering spot on at this time of year. Whilst the perfectly made and served classics need to stay on your list, seasonal serves are a must. They can be a great way to try out a few new ideas and see which are popular enough to merit a permanent place on your list. premium spirit Premium spirits volume +6.5% Premium spirits value +12.4% For support on your cocktail offering turn to page 209 Sources: *CGA consumer panel February 2015. 14 NEWS AND VIEWS Spirit and mixers NEWS AND VIEWS Jonathan Pedley, Master of Wine and Crown Cellars’ wine consultant, shares his personal selection of highlights from the 2015 wine range NEW WINES FO R 2 0 1 5 by Jonathan Pedley, MW Wine Consultant to Crown Cellars Many readers of this article will have heard me on previous occasions ranting on about the exceptional progress made by Spain over the last couple of decades. Of all the significant wine producing countries, Spain offers a bigger bang for the buck (to use the tired cliché) than any other. The Crown Cellars’ love affair with Spain continues and this is reflected in the number of new listings 15 crowncellarswines.co.uk 16 NEWS AND VIEWS Where better in Spain to start but with the country’s great wine: Sherry Here is a wine that for centuries was revered in Britain (think of Falstaff in Henry IV Part 2 for a start) but fell from grace in the 1980s and came to be associated with maiden aunts and dotty vicars. Well it’s back, minus the blue rinse and Dick Emery’s clergyman. A few trendy tapas bars in London got the ball rolling, but the fashion for authentic high quality Sherry is now spreading around the country. We have listed three styles. The Piedemonte Navarra Crianza is an excellent example of premium quality ‘new wave’ Spanish red; it’s like Rioja with attitude The Alegría Manzanilla is a searingly dry Sherry produced in the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It has the classic pungent aroma that results from its maturation under a protective layer of flor yeast. Manzanilla is the perfect aperitif but can also be drunk with shellfish and other tapas At the opposite end of the sweetness scale is the rich and treacly Williams & Humbert Pedro Ximénez (PX). This decadent liquid is almost a dessert in itself, but is gorgeous poured over vanilla ice cream. However, my favourite (and I know Louise’s as well) is the extraordinary Dos Cortados Palo Cortado by Williams & Humbert. Don’t worry if Sherry is not your tipple, there are lots more ‘Pedley’s Picks’ to report from Spain. 17 @CrownCellarsUK . Louise now spends increasing amounts of time hanging around with journalists and sommeliers in London. After one of these forays she informed me that Bierzo was going to be the next big thing. This elegant red wine is a bit lighter and livelier than most traditional Spanish reds. Our Flavium Bierzo is well worth a try. As far as dry whites are concerned, we have a new Rioja Blanco from the famous CVNE winery. Finally from Spain we have a new pair of upmarket house wines under the Marqués de Alfamén label. Being brilliant value for money and medal-winners to boot, I put the Chardonnay/Macabeo into ‘Pedley’s Picks’ but I could just as easily have gone for the juicy Garnacha/Syrah. Although it comes from one of the longest established firms in the region egion iit is made very much in the modern fruit-led style 18 Now when I first heard of the Italian white grape called Pecorino I thought it was a wind up Everyone knows that Pecorino is a type of cheese. Naming the cheese ‘Pecorino’ is quite logical given that it is made from ewe’s milk. However, I can find no explanation as to how a white grape ended up with the name. Putting all this etymology to one side, the important thing is that Pecorino makes a delicious dry white wine. My other two Italian ‘Pedley’s Picks’ are both serious reds. The Negroamaro is a chunky dry red from Puglia. It is made by Cantine San Marzano, the winery responsible for the fruity Malvasia Nera that we have listed for a few years. des Bernardins As far as France is concerned, this year sees the welcome return of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. As we hop over the Mediterranean to our other European neighbours, bit by bit we keep finding gems to add to our range of Italian wines. Pliny the Elder wrote about wines like this two thousand years ago. So next time Nero pops in for a musical evening, don your toga and pour him a glass of Recioto. Our colleagues from Carlsberg Italy have found us some rather good Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Produced by Tenute Folonari, they are both quite solid and tannic examples of these Tuscan classics. NEWS AND VIEWS The word ‘Pecorino’ is derived from ‘Pecora’, which means ‘sheep’ in Italian We list a beautiful, perfumed variety from the historic Domaine If Spain has seen the most action in the Old World this year, Australia has received the most attention in the New World. For the last few years Louise and I have gradually expanded our range of premium, authentic, regionally defined Australian wines. The Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (complete with its famous black label showing the gabled winery) is a perfect example and I am proud that it is joining our portfolio. The Hill Smiths, of Yalumba, are one of Australia’s great winemaking families. I must admit to having a bit of a soft spot for Yalumba, not least because it was there that my daughter Ellen, who was two at the time, strode up to a large wooden object, kicked it, and proclaimed to the assembled company that it was a barrel. Well, both of the new Yalumba wines see some oak ageing. The Roussanne is a full-bodied but dry white wine made from this rare grape variety. The Grenache is also full-bodied. Whilst Grenache is no rarity, what is special is that the Hill Smiths have access to very old vines, some of which were planted in the 1890s The Recioto della Valpolicella is that rarest of wine styles, an unfortified sweet red 19 crowncellarswines.co.uk 20 NEWS AND VIEWS There are just a couple of other things to mention by way of housekeeping in Australia. Following the trend towards ‘regionality’, the William Hardy Shiraz and Chardonnay are now sourced exclusively from Langhorne Creek and the Limestone Coast respectively. Last stop on our journey this year is the South Island of New Zealand. The Waipara Hills winery is providing us with a pair of wines from the Pinot family: a Noir and a Gris. I could easily have gone for the succulent Pinot Noir as the last of ‘Pedley’s Picks’ but I am plumping for the Pinot Gris. These days, perhaps because of its popularity, Pinot Grigio (it is the same as Pinot Gris) comes in for some stick from the chattering classes. It is accused of being bland and mediocre. Well guess what, a lot of it is. However, this example from New Zealand shows that if you plant the right version of Pinot Gris, in the right place, and give it a bit of TLC, it can produce attractive and interesting wines. End of rant As ever, I hope that you enjoy thee new range and find some interesting ng wines for your bars and restaurants. 21 @CrownCellarsUK 22 NEWS AND VIEWS What do you think will be the big trends for wine throughout 2015? WINE TRENDS 2 0 1 5 by Louise Boddington, Wine Category Manager Customers continue to demand maximum bang for their buck and look to ‘safe bets’ such as the Old World Classics when they want to trade-up. We have seen good growth over the last 12 months in wines like Chablis (+38%), Sancerre (+26%) and Châteauneuf du Pape (+20%) where customers are confident of the quality that these established old favourites can offer so ignore them at your peril! Rioja, always a perennial favourite with the UK wine drinker 23 crowncellarswines.co.uk Spain is also performing well both at value and regional level – it is currently the country offering the best value, so great for good quality, entry level wines. In addition customers are starting to look for wines from regions other than Rioja. We have added wines from several new regions to the Crown Cellars’ list this year as we recognise this increased demand for something different. New for 2015 is the Flavium Mencia from Bierzo; the Piedemonte Crianza from Navarra, and a brilliant pair of quaffing wines under the Marqués de Alfamén label from Cariñena. See our Spanish range from page 57 24 NEWS AND VIEWS We have strengthened our offering from Puglia Argentina continues to grow but this is all because of Malbec We have seen en phenome phenomenal sales of Malbec overr last 12 mon months (+50%). UK customers have really taken to Malbec’s juicy style and this, coupled with the proliferation of steak houses, means demand for Malbec can only continue to grow. The Crown Cellars’ list currently includes four Argentinean Malbecs – from the easy drinking Elementos Shiraz/Malbec blend through to the full-bodied, gutsy Trapiche they are all great examples of this popular red grape. Our Argentinian range is from page 103 driven by the supermarkets’ need for cheap own label versions. I do think Cava’s time will come again – its style is completely different to Prosecco, with the second fermentation in the bottle adding much more depth, flavour and complexity. Considering the additional time and costs involved to produce Cava it’s a bargain compared to Champagne and I think it will eventually hit home with UK customers who’ll look for more refinement in their fizz than the simple, frivolous froth of Prosecco. Our Sparkling range is from page 113 And the rise In terms of wine styles popular at the moment... of Prosecco seems unstoppable Prosecco volumes were up 70% in 2014 and I can’t see this growth slowing over the next year. In the short term there may be some pressure on availability as the 2014 harvest was poor but our producers are confident they have enough to see us through until the new wines come on line in October. Cava sales have very much been at the opposite end of the spectrum, mainly I think down to its reputation for poor quality 25 crowncellarswines.co.uk ...it is aromatic, fruity whites such as New Zealand or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc... ...ripe, succulent reds like Malbec and Merlot, and rich, hearty wines from southern Italy. We’ve added a gutsy, y ripe Negroamaro under the exclusive Vitti label, produced for us by San Marzano. Our Italian offerings are from page 63 And finally closer to home the English wine industry is flourishing Rosé is an interesting area Whilst at Crown Cellars we have seen a very steady performance in Rosé wines over the last 12 months there is no doubt it is a category under pressure. There is now a lot of competition when it comes to sweeter beverages with the flavoured fruit ciders leading the way. I do think that rosé will still be part of many wine drinkers repertoire – mainly the sweeter Zinfandel rosé’s but also those from Provence. The volumes here are much smaller but I think customers are understanding the benefits of a drier style when enjoying with food. The delicious wine from Domaine des Martyrs is pale, delicate and a perfect example. See page 55 Increased demand by locals and visiting tourists alike means our home grown wines have never been so popular. English wine producers were also blessed with a near perfect vintage last year. So look out for some stunning 2014 wines. The Wine team recently tasted our two Chapel Down listings and agreed both were showing really well. The Bacchus is all flamboyant, aromatic character (perfect for all those Sauvignon Blanc lovers) and the Brut is a classic sparkling wine – elegant, rich and complex. See these on page 74 There certainly is a lot more emphasis on food matching throughout the drinks categories, not just with wine but also with beer and cocktails. Given the current popularity of fruity styles it would be great to see customers engaging in wines like Fiano or Viognier – our own Las Ondas Reserva Viognier on page 98. Made exclusively for Crown Cellars by top Chilean winery Cono Sur and offers bags of peachy fruit character with a touch of spice on the finish. A great partner to Asian-style dishes. 26 NEWS AND VIEWS What caught the eye of our Wines and Spirits Category Managers this year? SO METH IN G DIFFERENT FO R 2 0 1 5 Andalusian magic Ok, you need to put away those ‘vicars and grannies’ stereotypes. Poor old Sherry has developed a sad reputation in the UK for rather insipid, often sweet fortified wines. This is very far from the truth and you only have to go to Andalucía in south west Spain to recognise the heritage of the wines and how prestigiously they are valued. Visit any bar and you will see the locals – young and old – enjoying a range of Sherry styles So Crown Cellars has added three classic styles this year in handy 37.5cl size bottles for you to try. The Alegria is classic Manzanilla – bone dry with a salty tang; the luscious Don Guido is like liquid raisins – yes sweet, but with such a concentrated flavour; but the absolute star has to be the Dos Cortados Palo Cortado – dry, complex and full of flavour. I know that not all three styles will necessarily appeal to everyone but I urge you to give these wonderful wines a try. Find out more on page 34. Thanks to great wines like these, Sherry is starting to be appreciated in the UK 27 crowncellarswines.co.uk 28 Just to be clear – I have no issue with Pinot Grigio as such. I just despair that we cannot encourage wine customers to spread their wings a little and try some of the other (dare I say more interesting) white wines Italy has to offer. More than Rioja Yes I know we all love a drop of Rioja in this country and there’s nothing wrong with that. However Spain has so much more to offer. In recognition of this and the great value to be had from around Spain we have added several new wines to the Crown Cellars’ list for 2015. First up are an absolute cracking pair of wines from Cariñena – the Marqués de Alfamén Chardonnay/ Macabeo and Garnacha/Syrah are both hugely quaffable. Bierzo is another up and coming region and here it is the native Mencia grape that dominates red wine production. Mencia produces reds which are relatively light, fresh and elegant, quite different to the chunky Ribero del Dueros or mellow, oak-aged Riojas. But if it’s this latter style you crave, why not give the new Piedemonte Crianza from Navarra a try? It has that spicy oak-aged character backed up with plenty of decent fruit and offers Rioja style but at a fraction of the price. See our Spanish range from page 57 With very good value and stylish packaging, Marqués de Alfamén make a brilliant upmarket house wine pair 29 @CrownCellarsUK There are some great Pinot Grigios, from Trentino in particular, that are decent wines with plenty of fruit flavour. However there are just too many bland, over-produced examples and Italy can do so much better. If it’s a fresh, juicy white you want why not try the Gazzera Grillo? Similar in style to Pinot Grigio this flavoursome white from Sicily just has more body and character to offer palate it is dry but not too sharp. And I must not to forget to mention the Maya Lugana produced around Lake Garda in the north of the country – added to the range a couple of years ago it has become a firm favourite with the wine team. Mid-bodied but with rich texture on the palate and delicious vibrant fruit flavours. See our Italian range from page 63 New to the range this year is an interesting wine from Abruzzo. Most of you will probably think of cheese when you hear the word Pecorino but it is actually also a grape variety. The La Piuma Pecorino has a lovely youthful aromatic nose that shows blossom scents and lots of peach and apricot fruit whilst on the Enjoy La Piuma on its own or with informal Italian dishes 30 NEWS AND VIEWS Beyond Pinot Grigio In spite of some chatter from the naysayers about oversaturation of the category the rise of Gin seems unstoppable. It remains one of the few spirits categories delivering volume and value growth. Whilst growth may slow, the increasing number of brands entering the marketplace should continue to generate interest amongst the trade and drinkers alike. Why has Gin been so successful recently compared to other spirits categories in the On-Trade? The rise of craft beers and craft distilleries in the US has had a massive impact in the UK. It’s not just about premiumisation – there are some very specific aspects to ‘craft’ that really work for Gin. Sense of place and provenance are integral parts of the craft trend and Gin is a spirit that really can provide these by the bucketful. NEWS AND VIEWS Carefully crafted Gins Think South American spirits and your first thought will be Tequila Brands such as Chase, Sipsmith and Portobello are ones that spring to mind when you think of distilleries that have particularly ridden this element of the ‘craft wave’. Since 2008, the Chase family have slowly but surely been building a portfolio of Gins and Vodkas that have allowed them to become the representative distillery for British provenance and quality the world over. The other thing that is crucial for craft is innovative use of quality ingredients and the Gins that are experimenting with their botanicals are appealing to drinkers looking for something a bit different. Tanqueray Rangpur uses lime, Hendrick’s use cucumber and rose petals, Beefeater 24 uses Chinese and Japanese teas, Whitley Neill uses Cape Gooseberries and the fruit of the Baobab tree! There are hundreds of Gin brands available and the enthusiasm for local provenance and novel botanicals is likely to lead to even more brands cropping up – watch this space as we stay close to new brands over the next 12 months! More than Tequila Tequila has moved on from the ‘lickshoot-suck’ serve and a premium Tequila, such as 100% Agave el Jimador, should now be part of any back bar. Enjoy it as a sipping spirit, perhaps with a side of sangrita, or in a classic Margarita or Paloma. But there is more to Latin America than just Tequila as adventurous millennials are inspired by travel, sport and food culture to try something a bit different. Mezcal, which tends to get overshadowed by Mexico’s more famous sister spirit, has been enjoying a rise in popularity in the United States. Distinct and refined in its own right, Mezcal is not as confined by regulations on regionality, Agave ingredients or distillation methods as Tequila. Piñas are roasted (rather than baked or steamed) to give Mezcal a signature smoky, almost barbecued taste and it’s distilled only once (compared to two or three times for Tequila). The same trends have seen the Pisco Sour begin to appear on cocktail lists. Pisco is a Grape Brandy that has been produced in both Peru and Chile for hundreds of years. Extremely versatile in cocktails, its refreshing signature serve, shaken with citrus juice, sugar syrup, bitters and egg white, has a slightly frothy, silky texture. Brazil has 4,000 Cachaça brands and produces more than a billion litres of its national spirit every year. This makes it the third most popular spirit in the world – and over 96% of it is consumed by the Brazilians themselves. Velho Barreiro, our new Cachaça, is an excellent example and makes a fabulous Caipirinha with crushed lime and sugar. Our La Penca Mezcal is a worthwhile addition to any back bar 31 crowncellarswines.co.uk 32 These much undervalued fortified wines are slowly gaining the recognition they deserve These delicious and diverse wines are produced in the region surrounding Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia, south west Spain. The special combination of climate, soil (can be up to 40% chalk) and maturation process results in very unique wines found nowhere else in the world. Sherry encompasses a wide variety of styles from bone dry to incredibly sweet. The final style is governed by the long, complex ageing process together with the timing of the addition of the fortifying alcohol and its strength (grape spirit of between 15% and 22% abv). Whilst the category as a whole is seeing a decline in exports to UK this is driven by a drop in demand for the sweeter, more commercial Cream styles. Traditional dry styles such as Fino and Manzanilla are very much in growth with customers who recognise the quality and are keen to experiment with the different styles. The growth of Spanish restaurants and trendy tapas bars is no doubt helping to drive the renaissance in the category How to sell Sherry Whilst Sherry has found it difficult to shake off its '70s reputation in Britain of a drink supped warm by grannies at Christmas, in reality it's a complex and rewarding drink that matches well with Spanish food and offers lots of opportunity for additional sales. Visibility Make sure your customers know you offer a range of premium Sherries through displays, black boards and listed as food matches on menus 33 crowncellarswines.co.uk Communication Be creative Taste through the range with your staff to ensure they are confident on offering to your customers and are able to suggest suitable food pairings Add alongside food matches on menus or specials boards; offer Sherry flights to allow customers to taste each style with a good food match. Sherry is the perfect match with many tapas dishes so is ideal to offer as early evening drink with nibbles for hungry workers on their way home 34 NEWS AND VIEWS TH E MAGICA L WO RLD O F SH ER R Y NEWS AND VIEWS When it comes to Sherry styles it’s all about flor It’s a complex and rewarding drink matching well with food Flor is the protective layer of yeast that forms on top of the maturing wine under the right conditions preventing contact with air. So some styles will age anaerobically, some will be oxidised. Choose your style Light and pale Rich and dark These lighter wines should be treated as any other – once opened consume within a day or two and minimise contact with air. These more alcoholic styles can survive a few days opened, the higher alcohol level offering some protection. However as with all wines, it is always best to minimise contact with the air. • Fino Biologically aged, entirely under a layer of flor resulting in a yeasty, saline profile with notes of Mediterranean herbs and almonds. Pale, light and bone dry, this fresh, elegant style should be enjoyed as aperitif with green olives, toasted almonds etc. It is best served slightly chilled at 6°C to 8°C Food match: Enjoy Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe with crispy fried fish • Manzanilla Manzanilla is basically the same as Fino Sherry but produced and matured around Sanlúcar de Barrameda, closer to the sea than Jerez, and the only place where it is allowed to be made. The extra humid conditions give the resulting wine its classic ‘salty tang’. It is best served slightly chilled Food match: Williams & Humbert Alegria, Manzanilla di Sanlucar works well with a cheese and ham platter or seafood dishes • Amontillado An Amontillado is a Fino or Manzanilla that started with biological ageing under flor for the first three to eight years and then matured further in an oxidative way. The flor yeast is intentionally killed, simply by fortifying it to 17°C or 18°C. Although classically produced dry, many modern wines are created by blending to produce a more commercial, medium sweet style. Serve between 12°C and 14°C Food match: Try Harvey’s Club Classic Amontillado with roasted nuts or smoked fish dishes • Oloroso Oloroso is aged in the absence of flor, in an oxidative way. The base wine will be fortified to 17°C or 18°C which makes it impossible for flor yeasts to survive in these casks. Though naturally dry, the relatively high strength and full body of an Oloroso will give it an impression of roundness and even sweetness. Generally higher in alcohol than Finos and a stronger, richer type of wine. Pure versions are dry, dark and nutty though more commercial wines can be sweet. Serve between 12°C and 14°C Food match: Rich meat stews such as pork or oxtail • Palo Cortado These magnificent wines are the most complex – their initial development follows that of a Fino Sherry but along the way they make a switch and gain characteristics more reminiscent of an Oloroso – more colour, more depth and more flavour. Think dry fruits and toasted nuts. Serve between 12°C and 14°C Food match: Enjoy Williams & Hubert Dos Cortadas with savoury onion soup • Cream Much sweeter styles where the quality can vary enormously, many made from simple blends to which sweetening and colouring have been added Food match: Try Croft Original Old Pale Cream with a traditional mince pie • PX The ultimate sweet treat. Sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes produce an intensely raisined, thick, luscious wine. Serve between 12°C and 14°C Food match: Williams & Hubert Don Guido works well with vanilla ice-cream or salty blue cheese See our whole Sherry range on page 122 35 @CrownCellarsUK 36 Lorena Vásquez Ampié, Master Blender Lorena Vásquez Ampié is the Master Blender of Ron on Zacapa® Centenario and is a woman at the top of her field. For Vásquez, being a Master Blender is not a profession but a way of life. She considers herself as having one of the greatest jobs in the world and has devoted her entire career to Zacapa. Today, she is one of a small number of female Master Blenders in the world. S O ME OF OUR PA RT N E R S A ND SU PPL I E R S Jack Daniel’s Jeff Arnett, Quality Control Manager Millions of people have faith that Jeff Arnett will keep eep th them em in cconstant onstant supply of Jack Daniel’s, the world’s No.1 selling Whiskey. As manager of quality control and Whiskey maturation, he oversees all 77 warehouses and 1.7 million barrels of Whiskey maturing at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg (pop. 361), Tennessee. Jeff grew up down the road from Lynchburg in Jackson, Tennessee. He received a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Alabama and cut his teeth on food and beverage manufacturing for 11 years before coming to Lynchburg in 2001 as a quality control engineer. He must have done a good job, because now he’s trusted with the worldwide stock of Jack Daniel’s! Vásquez is largely credited for making Zacapa the distinguished premium spirit it is today. As altitude and a cool climate allow slow ageing, she chose to locate the Zacapa ageing facility, fondly known as the ‘House above the Clouds’, at 2300m above sea level. She also adapted the historic Solera ageing system used in Sherry to continually blend Rums of different ages and personalities before storing them in selected American Whiskey, Pedro Ximenez Sherry and French Cognac barrels to mature. Her personal supervision of each stage of blending, ensures consistency and unparalleled quality. Johnnie Walker Jim Beveridge, Master Blender Jim joined the company in 1979 as an analytical chemist investigating the he o origins igins of malt and grain Whisky spirit character. Jim’s interest in Whisky developed at an early age, as he began to understand the production process. Many hours were spent in malt distilleries, trying to unravel the mysteries of malt spirit character. His understanding of the science of sensory evaluation developed during this period, helping to develop a common language to describe the spirit. Jim uses his Whisky expertise in a variety of ways: chiefly in leading Diageo’s team of expert blenders, but also providing spirit mastery support to mentoring programmes, marketing initiatives, and product and process innovation projects. Jim is widely known and deeply respected among Scotland’s community of Whisky Master Blenders. Ketel One The Nolet Family, Distillers Whitley Neill Ten generations of passion and 300 years of Nolet family distilling expertise is at the centre of this Dutch distillery. The small ll batch b h Vodka V dk still ill uses the h copper pot stills that inspired Mr. Carolus Nolet Sr. to give it its name; ‘Distilleerketel #1’ (‘Pot Still Number 1’). Each batch is approved by a member of the Nolet family before bottling and the brand is built and developed based on one-to-one conversations with the bartending community. Johnny Neill, Founder “There’s nothing more exciting to us than talking to someone who shares our passion and dedication. That’s why we consider the bartenders we speak to as part of our family. It takes a certain skill, creativity and flair to be a top bartender. We can produce the Vodka, but they are the experts behind the bar.” Mr. Carolus Nolet Sr. 37 crowncellarswines.co.uk Founder Johnny Neill has distilling heritage with the Greenall Greenalll Whitley distill distilling lling family dating back eight generations and over 250 years. Johnny's dream was to create a first-class Gin, combining age old techniques with contemporary botanicals. Johnny's wife hails from South Africa and this is why Whitley Neill contains two very unique African citrus fruits - Baobab and Cape gooseberries. The mighty Baobab tree is an African icon, full of myth and legend, with some believed to be over 3,000 years old. The pulp from the fruit has a 'grapefruitlike' flavour that gives this Gin a unique citrus element. Blended with the tart citrus flavour and aroma of Cape gooseberries this helps to give Whitley Neill a completely unique and stunning flavour profile. 38 NEWS AND VIEWS Ron Zacapa Marian Vitriain, Winemaker Situated in the medieval town of Olite, the e heart of the Navarra region region, respect for the long tradition of wine making and intense passion for the land and its fruit are the hallmark of this winery and the inspiration for its winemaker Marian Vitriain. “Walking through our vineyards is a unique experience. Our guests travel back in time when visiting the estate where Bodegas Piedemonte is located and stroll along the old vine promenade in our pampered single vineyard ‘El Convento’ where the finest Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes have been growing for centuries, at the foot of the 13th century Franciscan Monastery.” Château Thieuley Marie and Sylvie Courselle, Owners Marie and Sylvie Courselle have taken over the running of Château âteau Thi Thieuley uley since their father Francis retired. Both sisters are qualified oenologists; and have enriched their experience by working in wine-producing regions across the world. Marie looks after the technical side of the winemaking while Sylvie runs the commercial side. Viticulture is traditional but with much higher density than is usually found in the Entré-Deux-Mers, resulting in low yielding vines. Château Thieuley was one of the few estates to buck the trend of replanting their white vines with red during the red wine boom of the ‘80s and ‘90s leaving them with a fine vineyard of old, mature Sauvignon and Semillon vines. Grass is grown between the rows to promote biodiversity and to encourage a low level of water stress, while green harvesting and leaf plucking is also employed. Pewsey Vale Louisa Rose, Winemaker Louisa Rose, cool climate enthusiast, is originally ginally from the Yarra Valley. She has been making the Pewsey Vale vineyard wines since 1996 and has a special passion for Riesling, which, she says, has a unique relationship with the site. “Often winemakers have to blend across different vineyards to make complete and balanced wines, but this is not the case at Pewsey Vale vineyard. The lean soils and cool climate mean the vines naturally set a low crop, and their deep established root systems achieve good ripeness and concentrated flavours. Monitoring flavour development and hence the timing of harvest are the keys to Pewsey Vale winemaking.” 39 @CrownCellarsUK Bodegas Williams & Humbert Paola Medina, Winemaker “As a winemaker, but also as a member of Medina family, owners ers of Bodegas Bo egas Williams & Humbert, I feel a strong and special attachment with the history and the wines of this house. Among the many wines of our bodegas with presence in the British market I would choose three which are very representatives of the different categories of the wines of Jerez: the Manzanilla ‘Alegría’, the Pedro Ximénez ‘W&H Collection’ and the Palo Cortado ‘Dos Cortados’. Alegría is fresh, delicated but with body and character. The W&H Collection is a 20 year old wine, excellent to finish a good lunch and the perfect companion for desserts and light charcuteria, both as a drink or as an aperitif. And the golden moment is for Dos Cortados, VOS 20 years old. It is a rare and certainly mysterious wine, half way between the Amontillado and Oloroso.” Yalumba Kevin Glastonbury, Winemaker The decision to become a winemaker was an n easy one for Kevin ‘KG’ Glastonbury, a country boy, who appreciates the synergy of soil, water and sun. A hands on, get dirty approach have been the key to his success as a winemaker. “Wine is a unique expression of the land. When you think about it, great wine is grown rather than made.” Often described as one of Australia’s unsung heroes, Grenache is naturally lighter in colour than Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon but continually provides us with wonderful big fruit flavours. Yalumba is extremely fortunate to have access to some of the oldest Grenache vineyards in the Barossa – with fruit for this wine sourced from vines planted between 1898 and 1973. “They are not good because they are old; they are old because they are good.” Waipara Hills Simon McGeorge, Head Winemaker Established in 2001, the Waipara Hills winery is snuggled in the Teviotdale ale H Hills ills in Waipara Valley just north of Canterbury. Simon McGeorge its Head Winemaker spent several years working harvests around the world (including in the Russian River, California and the Loire) after studying winemaking at the University of Canterbury. In 2006 he moved to Waipara Hills and has been producing award winning wines since! All the vineyards are 100% certified as sustainable under the NZWG programme. “Our Waipara Hills winemaking platform is based upon the regional varietal strength of the South Island. The extreme natural environments give the wines their intensity, character and complexity – expressing the true soul of the south.” 40 NEWS AND VIEWS Bodegas Piedemonte F R OM VI NE T O G L A SS Wines shipped in bulk to Germany Every year we ship thousands of hectolitres of wine from around the globe to Germany for bottling. Our friends at Zimmermann, Graeff and Müller, a leading German winery and still a family firm in spite of its impressive scale, bottle many of our exclusive ranges including Invenio. Transporting wine in bulk by sea container from its country of origin to the UK is much more efficient. Sea containers can carry 24,000 litres compared to 10,584 litres when wine is bottled – reducing the number shipments needed, costs and CO2 emissions. Wines shipped from source to Europe Whilst we ship many of our wines in bulk for environmental reasons, we also receive some conditionsensitive premium wines shipped in bottle. Hillebrand wine train This all starts with an exhaustive tasting process by our Wine Category Manager Louise Boddington and Master of Wine Jonathan Pedley who taste hundreds of wines every year to reach our final selection. JF Hillebrand strategically seek to minimise the environmental impact of operations for itself and its customers. In 2008 JF Hillebrand launched ‘The Wine Train’ after two years of planning and development and an initial investment of £1m. The innovative rail service (carries the equivalent of over 2m bottles of wine in bulk Flexitank containers each week) departs daily from Tilbury, Thamesport and Felixstowe to Bristol. The Tilbury to Daventry service, by conservative estimates, saves over 280,360gm CO2 emissions per container shipped. This equates to at least 21m grammes of CO2 savings per day. Once wine reaches the UK it’s transported to our Wines and Spirits depot in Birmingham, from where individual orders are sent out to customers via our in-house delivery service. North America Europe Shipping: 10 weeks Domaine Carneros Gallo Hahn Estate South America Shipping: 12 weeks Andean Vineyards Caliterra Concha y Toro Cono Sur Errazuriz Grupo Peñaflor Rio Sol Trapiche 41 crowncellarswines.co.uk Shipping: 3 weeks Aimery Bodegas Esteban Martín Bodegas Piedemonte Bortolomiol Cantina di Negar Cantine San Marzano Cecchi Château Massaya CVNE Fontanafredda H.Lanvin & Fils Les Grand Chais de France Louis Jadot South Africa Marqués de Cáceres Shipping: 10 weeks Moreau Bellingham Paternina Boschendal Segura Viudas Brampton Taittinger Douglas Green Tenute Folonari Flagstone Viticoltori Ponte Franschhoek Vineyards Williams & Humbert Stellar Australia Shipping: 12 weeks Banrock Station Grant Burge Hardy’s Houghton Tyrrell’s Wynns Yalumba New Zealand Shipping: 12 weeks Esk Valley Villa Maria 42 NEWS AND VIEWS We ship wines from all over the world...ever wondered how it’s done? A distinctive wine opportunity We offer two entry level exclusive ranges designed to provide your customers with great quality wine for any occasion. Whether you choose to opt for the classic presentation of our Invenio wines or take the plunge with our funky O&E range you can rely on these ranges to provide great value. New for 2015 New to this year’s Crown Cellars’ exclusive range are Marqués de Alfamén, a cracking pair of Spanish wines from Cariñena; the chunky Negroamaro from Puglia in southern Italy and two classic Tuscans, Anforio Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile de Montepulciano. See pages 61 and 68 A world of choice Over 125 of our 500 wines are exclusively available to the On-Trade through Crown Cellars We also offer an extensive choice of exclusive wines from around the world, with a wide range of styles and price points – whether your customers prefer New World, Old World or to indulge in a glass of bubbly we can guarantee that you will be able to find great quality wines that will offer a point of difference for your venue. Look out for the e symbol, denoting an exclusive wine, throughout the listings in this brochure. We understand that some customers find recognisable wine brands reassuring, but On-Trade exclusive wines are an important way for your venue to offer a point of difference too. We have carefully selected a wide range of high quality wines from both the Old and New World, each picked to be a great example of its grape variety or country of origin. NEW LABEL FOR 2015 43 crowncellarswines.co.uk 44 NEWS AND VIEWS E X C L U S I V E WI NE S T O C R O W N CELLA R S FRANCE Summer, what summer? by Jonathan Pedley, MW Paris WIN E RANGE One of the finest Septembers on record A mild and wet winter was followed by a warm, frost free, spring. June was glorious, the summer then went AWOL. July was not great; August was dismal with too much rain, low temperatures and a lack of sun. Then along came one of the finest Septembers on record, dry, warm and incredibly sunny which held well into October. As a result in Bordeaux the dry whites are pure and high in acidity. The sweet whites may be seriously good. The overall crop in Burgundy was of a decent size, it sounds as if the whites are particularly fine. In Alsace from a quality point of view the general standard is high. The cool summer meant that the grapes retained plenty of acidity even when they were ripened by the autumn sun. It was a similar story in the Loire where from a quality perspective the general message is encouraging. The key dry white wines and reds all seem to have done well. In the Rhône major challenges remained with fruit flies, hail and rain triggering rot. As a result quality is mixed. We can expect some excellent dry whites, and some good reds. Yields vary across Languedoc-Roussillon due to differences in rainfall. Encouragingly though initial reports regarding quality are positive. Champagne Alsace Chablis Loire Burgundy Sancerre, Pouilly-Sur-Loire Jura Cognac Lyon Savoie St Julien Bordeaux Sauternes Saint-Émilion Entre deux Mers Toulouse Languedoc Roussillon Rhône Provence 46 A crisp, fresh and fruity dry white wine. Demi-Sec, Vin de France A refreshing and fruity medium-dry white wine. Rouge, Vin de France A light red, with freshness and soft fruit. 1 75cl 18.7cl 056935 056966 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 2 75cl 18.7cl 056919 057092 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 C 75cl 18.7cl 056936 056968 6‡ 24‡ 2012 12.5% 12.5% e S e S £6.45 £1.84 e S e S £6.62 £1.84 12.5% e S e S £6.49 £1.84 12.5% e S e S £6.49 £1.84 Crisp and fresh with grassy, floral notes. DBGM: Silver 2014 Shiraz Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc Vibrant cherry pink, with juicy strawberry and redcurrant fruit. Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc Deep ruby colour, with perfumed red fruit character. C 75cl 18.7cl 056924 060975 6‡ 24‡ 2012 12.5% e S e S £6.28 £1.84 This is a soft, mellow and fruity red wine. 47 crowncellarswines.co.uk 6‡ 2013/14 12.5% S £6.50 1 75cl 061917 6‡ 2013/14 13% S £6.50 B 75cl 061918 6‡ 2013/14 13% S £6.50 2 75cl 057718 6‡ NV 12.5% e S £5.55 4 75cl 057714 6‡ NV 12.5% e S £5.55 2 75cl 057878 6‡ NV 13% e S £5.61 B 75cl 057715 6‡ NV 13% e S £5.55 1 75cl 18.7cl 060816 061967 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 12% e S e S £6.46 £1.82 C 75cl 18.7cl 060815 062010 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 13% e S e S £6.46 £1.82 Exclusive 061919 Style Guide 75cl A light, youthful and crisp dry white wine that has aromas of apple, banana and green leaves. Les Vignerons Grenache Merlot A pale peachy pink dry rosé that has delicate red fruit and moderate acidity. Les Vignerons Grenache Pinot Noir A mid to light-bodied red with soft tannins and a good attack of jammy, juicy red fruit. Dry White, Vin de France A fresh and fruity white wine with an attractive clean finish. Medium Dry White, Vin de France 2 4 75cl 056933 6‡ NV 11.5% S £6.50 A light, fresh table wine with soft fruit, balanced by good acidity. Rosé, Vin de France 75cl 056932 6‡ NV 11% S £6.50 A light-bodied dry rosé that shows just a hint of red fruit. Red, Vin de France B 75cl 056931 6‡ NV 12% S £6.50 A delightful mellow red wine with consistency and freshness. O&E 1 75cl 18.7cl 057289 059578 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 12% e S e S £6.04 £1.79 Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France Fresh and zingy with attractive citrus notes. Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc 2 75cl 057291 6‡ 2014 12.5% e S £5.89 C 75cl 18.7cl 057290 059579 6‡ 24‡ 2014 13% e S e S £5.78 £1.79 Stowells Merlot Les Vignerons Colombard Vermentino Maison des Bretons Invenio Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France Wholesale Price 2013/14 Cuvée du Seigneur Sec, Vin de France Cap 6‡ 24‡ WIN E RANGE The soft, fruity character of the Merlot grape makes this wine agreeably easy to drink. ABV 056925 056965 Marked leafy Cabernet aromas, with soft supple tannins on the palate. Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc Vintage 75cl 18.7cl This rosé wine has pleasant strawberry flavours and a crisp dry finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc Case Size 2 A grassy dry white wine with good acidity and a crisp finish. Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc Code Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc Size This white has fragrant, lively fruit on the nose and a good balance of weight and acidity. 1 Les Vignerons Aimery Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide FRANCE Taste Guide FRANCE B 75cl 18.7cl 056906 057720 6‡ 12‡ NV 12% S S £7.32 £2.12 Soft and juicy with perfumed red fruit character. O&E Merlot A comtemporary presentation for a soft and juicy red. 48 2013/14 12.5% S £6.30 2 A superb example of a crisp, immediately fruity ‘new wave’ white Bordeaux. 75cl 056926 6‡ 2013/14 12.5% S £7.50 B 75cl 056929 6‡ 2012/13 12.5% S £7.43 B 75cl 059506 12 2012/13 13.5% S 49 @CrownCellarsUK 2 75cl 058207 12 2013 12.5% £9.92 C 75cl 057129 12 2012 12.5% £11.23 D 75cl 057416 12 2010 13.5% £22.24 C 75cl 059451 12 2008/10 13% £49.61 C 75cl 057227 6 2012 13% D 75cl 057354 6 2007/10 13% £15.41 7 37.5cl 057844 12 2012 14% £8.64 Wholesale Price £10.54 Cap 12.5% Exclusive 2013 Style Guide 12 Margaux Domaine Zédé Ripe dark fruit, a good grip of tannin and a pretty long finish characterise this Margaux. 1 75cl 058218 6‡ 2013/14 13.5% £7.58 Saint-Julien Château Lagrange 3ème Cru Classé D This is a concentrated and complex wine with supple tannins and a long finish. 75cl 058217 6‡ 2013/14 14.5% £7.58 Saint-Émilion Fortin Plaisance Dark berry fruit and a touch of oak are followed by a mid-bodied palate. Macon 2014 Bronze award Château Jacques Noir Bordeaux A mid-bodied Claret that has ripe spicy fruit and yielding tannins. DWWA: Bronze 2014, Berliner Wine Trophy Gold 2014, Concours de Bordeaux Vins d’Aquitaine Gold 2013 057012 £6.30 Bordeaux Bordeaux Rouge, Chai de Bordes Château Thieuley, Rouge An exemplary ‘Petit-Château’ Claret, carefully made, showing stylish fruit and ripe tannins. A youthful and intense red that is mid to full-bodied on the palate with plenty of dark berry fruit, spice and oak. A crisp and dry white wine with smoky mineral notes in addition to the citrusy fruit. DWWA: Bronze 2014 Château Thieuley, Clairet From the saturated pink colour to the lush fruit on the finish this is a wonderfully decadent dry rosé. A light-bodied, crisp dry white wine that shows pronounced cut grass and elderflower aromas. Bordeaux Blanc, Chai de Bordes 75cl Entre-deux-Mers Château Thieuley, Blanc Vin de Pays Domaine de La Baume ‘Grand Châtaignier’ Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc ABV 6 A mid-bodied red wine that has yielding tannins, lowish acidity and a gentle fruitiness. Domaine de La Baume ‘Les Maries’ Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc Vintage Moreau ‘Select’ Grenache Malbec Case Size 060556 WIN E RANGE Quite a pale ruby colour with ripe toffee and berry fruit and light tannins. Code 75cl Delicate lemony fruit aromas are followed by a fresh lively taste. Moreau Merlot, Vin de France Size 1 A crisp and dry white wine that has a good intensity of attractive youthful fruit. Moreau Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc 1 Bordeaux Moreau Moreau Vermentino, Vin de France Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide FRANCE Taste Guide FRANCE 1 75cl 057224 6‡ 2013/14 12.5% e S £6.91 An initial blast of brambly fruit and oak is followed by quite a full and fleshy palate. e £11.55 Sauternes C Sauternes Lafleur Mallet 75cl 37.5cl 057223 057222 6‡ 12 2012 2010 12.5% e S e £6.91 £4.15 A textbook example of elegant Sauternes, the sweetness perfectly balanced by the acidity. 50 13% £16.28 B 75cl 061962 12 2011/12 13% £20.77 D 75cl 056802 12 2009/10 13% £33.69 D 75cl 057001 12 2007 13% £34.91 1 75cl 057005 12 2013/14 12% £11.94 1 75cl 37.5cl 057146 057145 6 12 2013 13% £13.49 £7.61 2 75cl 057241 6 2012/13 13% £20.34 3 75cl 058203 6 2013 13% £8.88 1 75cl 058202 6 2012/14 12.5% £7.30 Wholesale Price 2011 Cap 12 Exclusive 057210 ABV 75cl Style Guide Vintage Saint-Véran Les Plantés, Vignerons des Terres Secrètes Case Size 061935 6 2012/13 12.5% £11.42 Savigny-Les-Beaune, Rouge Girard A delicate and elegant red Burgundy that has wonderful aromatic fruit. 1 75cl 061155 6 2011/13 13% £12.56 Volnay Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard A beautifully perfumed and scented red wine. Lightish-bodied and delicate on the palate. 1 75cl 059507 12 2012/13 12.5% £8.81 Gevrey-Chambertin, Louis Jadot Silky-textured with a perfumed aftertaste, this is a rich and elegant red wine. 1 75cl 061960 6 2011/12 13% £10.71 2 75cl 057214 12 2012/13 13% £18.58 Nuits-Saint-Georges, Louis Jadot A fairly hefty red Burgundy whose fruit is underpinned by ripe chewy tannins. WIN E RANGE A youthful and refreshing Chardonnay that has plenty of yellow plum and butter aromas. Code 75cl Elegant and well-rounded, with aromas of citrus fruits and apricot. Mâcon-Villages, Thomas Bassot Size 1 A stylish white Burgundy that has a good intensity of fruit and is nicely balanced in the mouth. Mâcon Lugny, ‘Les Petites Pierres’ Louis Jadot B Burgundy Burgundy Bouchard Père et Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay La Vignee Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide FRANCE Taste Guide FRANCE Dry and mid-bodied, with vibrant acidity underpinning attractive ripe fruit flavours. Savigny-Les-Beaune, Blanc Girard Petit Chablis, Domaine Millet A lovely white Burgundy; rich, ripe and complex. Pouilly-Fuissé, Louis Jadot A stylish, rich white wine, smooth and full on the palate, with quite soft acidity. Meursault, Louis Jadot This great white Burgundy has a strong persistent flavour. It is rich and fat, with a long finish. Chassagne-Montrachet, Louis Jadot A lean and pure Petit Chablis, with restrained fruit and light body. 2 75cl 2 75cl 057154 056921 12 12 2011/12 2008 2 75cl 057002 12 2011/12 B 75cl 061156 6 2010 13% 13.5% £20.83 £31.61 13.5% £39.07 13% £12.85 A top class white Burgundy that combines ripe fruit and a complex minerality. Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Louis Jadot A classic red Burgundy nose with raspberries, and a good grip of tannin on the palate. 51 crowncellarswines.co.uk Chablis, Moreau Steely and dry with a hint of green in the colour. Like all fine Chablis, the fruit is balanced by crisp acidity. IWC: Commended 2015 Chablis Premier Cru, Montmains, Moreau This dry wine has a lemony tang of fruit on the nose and honeyed citrus fruit on the palate. Alsace Gewürztraminer, Jean-Rémy Haeffelin Ripe, firm, yet soft in the delivery; full of cherry, anise and clove spice. Côte de Beaune-Villages, Louis Jadot Chablis C 75cl 057122 12 2011 13% £15.77 Exotic and floral aromas are followed by a ripe roundness on the palate. Pinot Blanc, Jean-Rémy Haeffelin A light, fresh, dry white wine with green apple aromas and peach and yellow plum fruit flavours. 52 056799 056798 12 24 2012/13 12.5% £11.17 £6.16 B 75cl B 75cl 059457 6 2014 12.5% £8.89 057343 12 2011/12 13% £14.91 A crisp dry white wine, with a grassy, citrusy character. Sancerre, Les Pierres Blanches, Bougrier 8 37.5cl 061171 12 2013 15% £9.34 C 75cl 37.5cl 057235 057236 6‡ 12 2013/14 13% D 75cl 059455 12 2010/11 14% £9.49 D 75cl 059453 6 2010/12 13.5% £32.35 D 75cl 056975 12 2013 12.5% £12.08 D 75cl 057170 12 2011/12 14% £19.50 Wholesale Price £29.80 Cap 14% Exclusive 2010/13 ABV 6 Style Guide 059454 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Domaines Bernadines P Côtes du Rhône, Cuvée Saint Laurent e e £7.19 £4.16 1 75cl 057219 6 2012/13 12% 1 75cl 057220 6 2012/13 12% e S £6.88 £9.13 A knockout wine combining floral, fruit and spice aromas with a rich and robust mouthfeel. Côte Rôtie, Niero A fine red wine that displays Syrah at its most elegant and refined. Crozes Hermitage, Domaine Pradelle 4 75cl 057226 6 2012 12% e S £8.31 1 75cl 057232 6 2012 12% e S £7.79 1 75cl 057231 6 2012 12.5% 1 75cl 057151 12 2013 13% 4 75cl WIN E RANGE Sauvignon du Touraine, Bougrier A very stylish and subtle dry white wine that shows floral and ripe fruit notes. Côtes du Rhône Villages, Laudun, Château Courac Cox’s apple and pear fruit are complemented by the dry, light-bodied and high acid structure. This is a fragrant, slightly honeyed, yet refreshing white wine. 75cl Deep in colour, showing plenty of dark peppery fruit and a decent grip in the mouth. This white wine is delicate with marked acidity and a bite of green fruit. Vouvray, Bougrier Condrieu, Les Ravines, Niero A lusciously sweet white wine that has a beautiful rose petal perfume. Loire Muscadet Sur Lie, Château du Jaunay, Bougrier Vintage 75cl 37.5cl A Fleurie with a good attack of fruit and a touch of tannin on the palate. Muscadet de Sévre-et-Maine, Bougrier Case Size Fleurie, Domaine de Poncereau, Louis Jadot Code A lightish-bodied and delicately tannic red that has just a touch of dark fruit. Size B A fuller-bodied, more traditional style of Beaujolais-Villages. IWC: Bronze 2015 Fleurie, Château de l’Abbaye 2 Rhône Beaujolais Beaujolais-Villages, Combe aux Jacques, Louis Jadot Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide FRANCE Taste Guide FRANCE This red wine has rich flavours of pepper, eucalyptus and dark berries. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Père Pape A deep, rich, concentrated wine with a fine flavour and a warm, satisfying finish. e S £13.63 A well-structured dry white wine, with a stony, leafy, green fruit aroma. Pouilly-Fumé, Châtelain A very fine example of Pouilly-Fumé, with a real concentration of Sauvignon fruit. Rosé d’Anjou Bougrier A refreshing, delicate rosé wine with a hint of cherries on the palate. 53 @CrownCellarsUK 057230 6 2012 11% £15.96 S £7.00 NEW for 2015 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Domaines Bernadines One of our Master of Wine’s personal favourites. 54 2012/13 13% £5.78 1 75cl 060505 6 2013/14 13% £7.78 1 75cl 060445 6 2013/14 12.5% 2 75cl 061908 12 2012/13 13% £9.02 C 75cl 061907 12 2012/13 13% £8.35 Wholesale Price 6 Cap Vintage 060504 Exclusive Case Size 75cl ABV Code D Style Guide Size Taste Guide FRANCE Southern France Vin de Pays de la Principauté d’Orange, Domaine Le Grand Destré A mid to full-bodied red wine with ripe tannins and complex fruit and spice aromas. Provence Côtes de Provence, Domaine des Martyrs Rosé A classic French rosé, bone dry and light-bodied with delicate red fruit. Côteaux du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet, Cuvée Thétis A dry and light-bodied white wine that has a good balance of fruit and freshness. S £6.86 Corbières Château La Bastide, Corbières Blanc Charming, youthful, with ripe white fruit aromas. The wine is dry but has a gorgeous succulent texture on the mid-palate. Château La Bastide, Vieilles Vignes Corbières This mid-bodied red has ripe tannins and low acidity whilst on the nose there are plum and liquorice aromas. Picpoul de Pinet, Cuvée Thétis A perfect partner for grilled fish. 55 crowncellarswines.co.uk SPAIN & P O RTUG A L A mixed bag by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE Laxas are very happy with their Albariño Spain followed the generalised 2014 European weather pattern. A mild winter and warm spring resulted in early bud burst and flowering. July and August were cooler than normal and there was quite a lot of rain about. Conditions improved in September to everyone’s relief. However, wet weather returned in October to disrupt the harvest. From a quality perspective, reports are mixed. Over in Rías Baixas the team at As Laxas are very happy with their Albariño. By contrast it seems to have been much more of a struggle in Rioja, the autumn rain triggering Botrytis in some vineyards. However, the premium parts of Catalunya, such as Priorat, appear to have done well. Portuguese vintage reports, particularly those concerning the Douro Valley, seem invariably to involve complaints about a chronic lack of rainfall. Well, that pattern was well and truly broken in 2014. The winter months saw 44% more rain than normal. So drought was not an issue. As in the rest of Europe the warm winter and spring were followed by a cool summer. The quality of the grapes was a real mixed bag and selection was critical in both the vineyard and cellar. That said, a few generalisations are possible. The Douro Superior zone, stretching inland to the Spanish border, dodged the worst of the storms and has done pretty well. As for the grape varieties, Touriga Franca, Souzão and Touriga Nacional were the pick of the crop. Rias Baixas Rioja Ribera del Duero Vinho Verde Toro Pinhão Rueda Navarra Priorat Campo de Borja Barcelona Zaragoza Cava Calatayud Oporto Dão Madrid PORTUGAL La Mancha Manchuela Lisbon Valdepeñas SPAIN Seville 58 059711 6‡ 2014 2014 12% 12% e S e S £5.60 £5.60 B 75cl 059712 6‡ 2014 12% e S £5.60 75cl 057292 6‡ 2013 13.5% e S £5.65 @CrownCellarsUK e S C 75cl 058211 12 2011/12 12% £9.79 1 75cl 013656 6 2013 13% £8.27 1 75cl 057422 6 2013/14 12.5% S £8.94 1 75cl 057234 6 2013/14 13.5% S £8.52 C 75cl 057096 6 2009/10 13% £10.12 D 75cl 057097 6 2008 13% £14.87 D 75cl 057423 6 2005 13.5% £20.30 C 75cl 056922 6 2011 12.5% £9.30 D 75cl 056923 6 2009 12.5% £14.61 B 75cl 057589 6 2012 13.5% £9.98 C 75cl 057588 6 2008/09 13.5% £10.70 Wholesale Price 13% Cap 2013/14 Style Guide 6 £6.20 This modern style Rioja is mid-bodied, has just a touch of tannin and shows gentle spice and herb notes. Marqués de Cáceres, Blanco A crisp, light, delicately fruity dry white wine. Marqués de Cáceres, Rosé A ‘serious’ rosé, bone dry and fresh. 1 75cl 18.7cl 057789 058216 6‡ 24‡ 2014 2013 12% e S e S £5.36 £1.58 2 75cl 18.7cl 057791 058215 6‡ 24‡ 2013 2014 12% e S e S £5.36 £1.58 B 75cl 18.7cl 057790 058214 6‡ 24‡ 2012 12% e S e S Marqués de Cáceres, Crianza Dry and soft, with spicy black fruit and vanilla character. IWC: Bronze 2015 Marqués de Cáceres, Reserva Classic Rioja, with spicy black fruit, good structure and a long finish. IWC: Commended 2015 £5.36 £1.58 Marqués de Cáceres, Gran Reserva Wonderfully complex on the nose with tannins that are now softening up. Paternina, Banda Azul Crianza C 75cl 056909 6‡ NV 12% S £6.96 A traditional Rioja with soft redcurrant and vanilla oak on the nose and palate. Paternina, Banda Roja Reserva This is an elegant, full-bodied yet smooth red wine. DWWA: Bronze 2014 NEW for 2015 CVNE Monopole Rioja Blanco Enjoy this Viura-based Rioja with shellfish or tapas. 59 061964 WIN E RANGE B Stowells A round, spicy, quaffable red wine with plenty of fruit on the nose and palate. 75cl A crisp zesty dry white wine that is lightbodied and underpinned by lemony fruit. An easy-drinking fruity red with lots of strawberry fruit and a silky smooth finish. Tempranillo A surprisingly refined and complex mid-bodied red, showing dark fruit, spice and oak aromas. SWA: Commended 2015, DBGM: Bronze 2014 CVNE Monopole Rioja Blanco P Vibrant pink in colour and bursting with summer berry fruit flavours. Tempranillo, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Finca de Oro Medievo Selección Especial, Tempranillo An attractive dry white with floral aromas and a crisp finish. Tempranillo Rosé, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Exclusive 75cl 6‡ Lobo Loco Macabeo, Vino de la Tierra Castilla ABV 2 059691 Invenio A dry spicy red with soft red fruit flavours. Vintage 75cl Light and fruity with soft red fruit flavours and a touch of spice on the finish. Tempranillo Case Size 1 Off-dry rosé with tempting strawberry fruit flavours. IWC: Commended 2015 Tempranillo, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Code Tempranillo Rosé, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Size A crisp, dry white with a delicately fruity palate and attractive floral notes on the nose. C Rioja Castillo de Piedra Viura, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SPAIN Taste Guide SPAIN Campo Viejo Tempranillo Soft and velvety, with flavours of redcurrants, vanilla and chocolate. Campo Viejo Reserva A smooth, elegant wine with ripe fruit flavours and hints of clove, vanilla, black pepper and coconut. IWC: Bronze 2015 60 75cl 060659 6 2009 13.5% £10.11 C 75cl 013497 6 2011 13% £6.53 D 058249 6‡ 2011/12 14.5% e S £6.30 Portia Prima A magnificently powerful red wine, full-bodied in the mouth with plenty of chewy tannin. 2 75cl 058248 6 2013/14 14% S £6.14 Valtropin, Verdejo This is a fresh and youthful dry white wine with attractive peardrop and quince aromas. 2 75cl 013498 6 2014 13% e S £6.35 Vinho Verde, Adega de Moncão Plenty of spritz, a pale greenish colour, lively fruit and refreshing acidity define this modern Vinho Verde. C 75cl 013499 6 2014 13.5% e S £6.35 JP Azeitão Blanco Catalunya JP Azeitão Tinto 5 75cl 013825 6 2013 0.5% S £7.00 This mid-bodied red wine has a good intensity of dark fruit and some fleshy tannins. Jardim da Estrela, Dão Vibrant, ripe, jammy dark fruit, which carries through to the rounded, mid-bodied palate. NEW for 2015 Marqués de Alfamén Chardonnay/Macabeo This family-run, state of the art winery has produced an ideal house wine. crowncellarswines.co.uk 12 2013 12.5% £14.10 E 75cl 059471 6 2012 14.5% £20.02 1 75cl 058250 12 2013/14 12.5% 1 75cl 057441 6 2013 11.5% 1 75cl 060507 6‡ 2014 13% S £5.45 C 75cl 060508 6‡ 2014 13.5% S £5.45 C 75cl 012287 6 2011/12 13% £8.88 4 75cl 061713 6 NV 11% £7.43 Wholesale Price 057575 Cap 75cl Exclusive 1 ABV £7.98 Style Guide 14% e £6.30 Portugal Gloriously floral and grapey on the nose but surprisingly dry and light-bodied in the mouth. IWC: Commended 2015 Lush and intensely floral and fruity aromas. A light, juicy palate with a delicious, fresh taste of grapes. 2010 Rueda Juicy mid-bodied red packed with dark berry fruit. IWC: Silver 2015 Torres Natureo White 6 Ribero del Duero 75cl Fresh, light white with lots of juicy melon and pineapple fruit. IWC: Commended 2015 61 Laxas Albariño A beautifully aromatic and scented dry white wine that is refreshingly crisp. Cariñena Marqués de Alfamén Garnacha Syrah 013495 Rías Baixas A juicy and satisfying dry rosé that has a good intensity of ripe red fruit. Marqués de Alfamén Chardonnay/Macabeo P 75cl An impressively complex mid-bodied red with plenty of grip on the palate. Campo de Borja Marquesa de la Cruz, Old Vine Garnacha Rosé Piedemonte Crianza Coupage P WIN E RANGE Deep in colour with dark brooding fruit, grainy tannins and a mid to full-bodied palate. Vintage E Calatayud Tranquilo, Old Vine Garnacha Case Size A mid-bodied red with a decent grip of tannin and plenty of damsony fruit. C Navarra Bierzo Flavium Mencia Roble P Code A big and fleshy red wine that reveals prune and spice aromas. Size Alicante ‘Nauta’ Monastrell Crianza Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SPAIN AND PORTUGAL Taste Guide SPAIN Mateus Rosé Fresh, fruity off-dry wine. £6.85 62 ITAL Y Trouble in Veneto by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE Wines of finesse and purity Apart from the odd hailstorm, up until June everything in Italy was going well. The problems came in July and August with extended periods of cold and wet weather. In the Veneto, where much of the country’s Pinot Grigio is grown, many growers took the decision to pick as quickly as possible. The weather did improve in September and this staved off a complete disaster. The later ripening grapes (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon) benefited from the drier autumn weather and in these cases the news is more encouraging. The outcome is patchy even in premium regions such as Piedmont and Toscana. Fastidious growers who practise careful viticulture will have been rewarded with decent wines. Amidst the gloom there are some brighter stories: Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti and Prosecco all seem to have done reasonably well. Sicily is the star performer; it dodged the summer rain and took advantage of the cool temperatures to make wines of finesse and purity. Veneto Milan ITALY Piedmont Tuscany Umbria Rome Puglia Naples SICILY Palermo 64 A really characterful Pinot Grigio, with tempting apricot, peach and melon fruit. Pinot Grigio Blush A light and delicate pink Pinot Grigio that is off-dry on the palate. Merlot Corvina A light fruity red with delicious cherry and plum flavours. 6‡ 24‡ 2014 12% e S e S £6.44 £2.16 Bianco, Gio A clean, crisp and refreshing dry white wine. Rosato, Gio A straightforward, off-dry, pink fruity quaffer. Rosso, Gio 1 75cl 18.7cl 057143 057725 6‡ 12‡ 2013/14 13.5% S S £7.49 £2.10 A soft and approachable red; fruity and light. 4 75cl 18.7cl 012707 013735 6‡ 12‡ 2013/14 12% S S £7.49 £2.10 Pinot Grigio Very light and neutral, revealing just a hint of green fruit. Pinot Grigio Rosato 1 75cl 3 75cl B 75cl 058187 057865 6‡ 6‡ 2013/14 2013/14 12% 12% e S e S £6.81 A fresh and youthful off-dry wine that has a lovely rose petal pink colour. Merlot £7.11 A bright red wine with violet reflections, fresh, fruity and agreeably soft. 058188 6‡ 2013/14 12% e S £6.83 Pinot Grigio, Mezzacorona A crisp fruity white wine with a delightful full and ripe aroma. IWC: Bronze 2015 Merlot, Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Scented on the nose, with plenty of black fruit in evidence. Mid-bodied and fruity with soft, approachable tannins. 1 75cl 060814 6‡ 2014 12% e S £6.46 Clean, fresh and gently aromatic, with hints of both apple and citrus. 11% e S £5.34 3 75cl 061496 6‡ NV 11% e S £5.34 A 75cl 061497 6‡ NV 11% e S £5.34 1 75cl 18.7cl 057010 057038 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 2013 12% e S e S £7.07 £1.86 3 75cl 18.7cl 059452 060526 6‡ 24‡ 2013 2012 12% e S e S £7.07 £1.86 A 75cl 18.7cl 057041 057043 6‡ 24‡ 2012/13 2012 12% e S e S £6.25 £1.86 2 75cl 056732 6‡ 2013/14 12.5% e S £8.79 C 75cl 056760 6‡ 2012/13 13% e S £8.17 1 75cl 060650 6 2012/13 12.5% £8.70 C 75cl 059521 6 2011/12 13% £9.14 E 75cl 059503 6 2010 15% £22.50 8 50cl 013520 6 2012 12.5% £12.16 Wholesale Price NV Cap 6‡ Style Guide 061495 Veneto Stowells Pinot Grigio 75cl Trentino O&E Fresh fruity white with juicy flavours of lemon and lime. Exclusive 057288 057574 Lyric Pinot Grigio ABV 75cl 18.7cl WIN E RANGE Perfect for the summer, with floral aromas, notes of berries, apple and citrus flavours. Vintage Pinot Grigio Rosé Case Size A vibrant fruity white wine. Code 1 Jack Rabbit Pinot Grigio Size A clean fresh white with pear and apple flavours. 1 Viticoltori Ponte Invenio Pinot Grigio Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide ITALY Taste Guide ITALY 1 75cl 18.7cl 057334 060449 6‡ 12‡ NV 12.5% S S £6.54 £2.06 Maya Lugana Ottella A refreshingly crisp, dry white wine with real aromatic character on the palate. Valpolicella Classico Ripasso, Cantina di Negrar A concentrated and chunky mid-bodied Valpolicella with delicious rich ripe prune and damson notes. Lyric Pinot Grigio Blush A fabulous new look for our delicate summer star. Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Cantina di Negrar A massively full-bodied and robustly tannic red that has aromas of spice, game and chocolate. Recioto della Valpolicella Classico, Cantina di Negrar P An incredibly concentrated full-bodied sweet red wine. 65 @CrownCellarsUK 66 Gavi Crisp, dry white, light and elegant with a long nutty finish. Dolcetto d’Alba Juicy red in a lighter style with soft tannins and plenty of crunchy black cherry fruit. Barbera d’Alba 75cl 057684 6 2014 11.5% e £8.95 B 75cl 057685 6 2011/12 13.5% e £8.59 C 75cl 057687 6 2010/11 13% e £9.01 E 75cl Chianti Classico, Anforio The nose is mellow and shows stewed fruit aromas; the palate is mid-bodied with some dry tannins. IWC: Commended 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Anforio Quite a complex red wine with berry, oak and chocolate aromas. Barolo Deepish ruby in colour, well-balanced with a good fruity palate. 057686 6 2008/09 14% e £18.06 This brick-red wine has a complex, woody nose, with a lingering flavour of liquorice on the palate. Nebbiolo Langhe Attractive dried fruit aromas lead to a nicely balanced mid-bodied palate. Barolo A full-bodied red that has plenty of rich juicy fruit to balance the grainy tannins. 6 75cl C 75cl E 060506 6 2012/13 5.5% e £6.56 A dry white wine, with crisp acidity and flavours of almond. Pecorino, La Piuma P A delicious dry white wine that has a lovely youthful aromatic nose. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Itynera Deep coloured, with an aroma of figs, berries and spice. A luscious mouth-filling wine with juicy black fruit flavours. 67 crowncellarswines.co.uk Rich and full-bodied, with a big whack of blackberry fruit. Vitti Malvasia Nera, Cantine San Marzano 75cl 059486 059485 6 6 2010 2007/08 13.5% 14% e e £9.69 £19.22 75cl 013542 6 2011 13.5% e £11.80 D 75cl 013541 6 2011 14% e £12.11 D 75cl 057410 6 2011 14% C 75cl 060651 6 2013 13% e £8.53 D 75cl 013521 6 2013 13.5% e £8.53 2 75cl 057426 6 2012/13 13.5% S £7.69 1 75cl 060013 6‡ 2013/14 13.5% e S £6.69 D 75cl 060014 6‡ 2012/13 14% e S £6.69 Wholesale Price C Cap 12.5% Exclusive 2013 Style Guide 6 £8.88 £7.82 A mid-bodied red that has a good attack of jammy fruit and oak. Vitti Negroamaro, Cantine San Marzano P A full-bodied red wine that is piled high with rich ripe dark fruit. Sicily Umbria & Abruzzo Orvieto Classico, Cecchi 057281 Salento Varej A delicately spritzy, medium-sweet white wine that has lovely floral aromas. 75cl A tannic full-bodied red that has a complex nose of dried fruits, spice, oak and leather. IWC: Bronze 2015 Primitivo, Itynera Moscato d’Asti B WIN E RANGE 1 ABV Chianti, Cecchi Vintage Terre del Barolo Case Size Tuscany Code Piedmont Size Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide ITALY Taste Guide ITALY Fiano, Mandrarossa 1 75cl 057279 6‡ 2011/12 12% £6.97 1 75cl 013591 6 2013/14 12% £6.35 A fresh white from Sicily, with a subtly aromatic nose of citrus, peach, and juicy fruit flavours. C 75cl 056759 6 2011 13% £7.82 Nero d’Avola, Gazzera A pronounced and exotic nose is followed by a light and sappy palate. Grillo, Gazzera Juicy red with plum and pomegranate flavours and a smooth finish. NEW for 2015 Chianti Classico, Anforio Soft and mellow with touches of prune fruit and a long finish. 68 GERMANY & AUS T R IA A fast start by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE The year had got off to a good start with a very mild winter and spring. Bud burst was the earliest ever recorded. The June flowering was successful. However, there was sudden deterioration in the weather at the end of July; it became cool and cloudy, with regular downpours of rain. After a dismal August conditions improved a little in September. The harvest was a quick one, with estates drafting in as many pickers as possible to collect the fruit. Where pest and disease problems were avoided, it sounds like a satisfactory vintage from a quality point of view. Just as in Germany, 2014 was a difficult vintage in Austria. Perhaps they should have read their Aesop and Oscar Wilde before praying for rain; May 2014 was the wettest since 1820. The vines recovered surprisingly quickly and the flowering went well. Unfortunately, after a mini-heatwave in June, the gloomy weather returned. August was very damp and September not much better. Even so, the message coming out of Austria is that 2014 is a simple, fresh, approachable vintage. Of the grape varieties, Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch came through best. Berlin GERMANY Perhaps they should have read their Aesop and Oscar Wilde before praying for rain Köln Mittelrhein Rheinhessen Mosel-Saar Ruwer Nahe Baden Pfalz Württemberg Munich Baden Niederösterreich Vienna AUSTRIA 70 Vintage ABV Exclusive 057477 6‡ 2014 10% e £5.64 4 75cl 057479 6‡ 2013 9% e £6.51 3 75cl 060572 6‡ 2014 11% S £7.13 3 75cl 057286 6‡ 2013 12.5% e S £6.28 B 75cl 060571 6‡ 2012 13% S £7.13 1 75cl 012403 6 2012/13 12% S £11.12 Wholesale Price Case Size 75cl Cap Code 5 Style Guide Size Taste Guide GERMANY & AUSTRIA Germany Rhine Liebfraumilch, Franz Schönheim A light, mellow wine with a simple fragrant bouquet. Mosel Piesporter Michelsberg, Franz Schönheim A medium-dry, fruity white wine from the middle part of the Mosel Valley. Peter & Peter Zeller Riesling Feinherb Pure, youthful and citrusy on the nose with a refreshing palate that is just off-dry. Pfalz Invenio, Riesling Clean and fresh with a rich texture and an aromatic floral bouquet. DBGM: Bronze 2014 Peter & Peter Pinot Noir A relatively light-bodied red that has yielding tannins and youthful red fruit aromas. Image to go here Austria Grüner-Veltliner, Gobelsburg The exotic peach and nectarine aroma is followed by a fresh, dry palate. Grüner-Veltliner, Gobelsburg The Estate-grown fruit from Langenlois shows exotic peach and nectarine aromas. 71 @CrownCellarsUK ENGLAND Simply the best by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE It might sound incredible, but of all the countries in Europe it may be England that had the finest vintage! The mildness of the winter meant that the vines could bud early, a huge help in a marginal climate. As in the rest of Europe the summer was no sizzler but steady progress was made. However, it was the record breaking September that had the English growers ‘dancing in the vineyards’. Weeks of warm, dry and sunny weather pushed the bumper crop towards ripeness. The harvest started in the middle of the month, much earlier than normal. Picking proceeded steadily and although there was some rain in October very little harm was done. Pretty much everything had been collected by the last week in October. So we have an exceptional vintage on our hands, great for both quality and quantity. Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide Taste Guide Chapel Down ABV Chapel Down Brut A classic British fizz from England’s largest winery. London Chapel Down Bacchus Crisp and dry with intensely fragrant nose of grapefruit and elderflower. IWC: Bronze 2015 We have an exceptional vintage on our hands Brut Classic buttery brioche aromas are followed by lively citrusy flavours on the palate. IWC: Bronze 2015 3 75cl 061869 6 2012 12% S £14.28 1 75cl 061868 6 NV 12% £22.59 74 LEBANO N Quality is good by Jonathan Pedley, MW Tripoli Batroun Mount Lebanon Baalbek Jounieh WIN E RANGE Halba Vineyards flourished in what is now Lebanon during Biblical times and before. Whilst grape growing never died out completely, the vicissitudes visited on Lebanon over the last two thousand years limited the scope for commercial quality wine production. Of late there has been a huge revival in wine production and today there are over forty wineries in Lebanon. It is possible to make white and rosé wines in Lebanon, but the warm dry climate makes it natural red wine territory. The top estates have looked to the western Mediterranean for their planting material. Lebanon has historic links with France so it is not surprising that French black grape varieties feature heavily. In particular, vines from the Rhône and Languedoc like Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan seem to be well adapted to the arid heat of the Bekaa Valley. 2014 saw below average rainfall. A dry winter with little snow on the mountains was followed by a mildly cool spring. A summer without much warmth and heat in the Bekaa Valley was normal for July and August. Producers reported no major disease or pest problems and despite a below average crop, quality is good. Beirut Zahle Vintage ABV 12 2012 14.5% Wholesale Price Case Size 061909 Cap Code 75cl Exclusive Size Taste Guide Vines from the Rhône and Languedoc Style Guide West Bekaa Château Massaya Classic Red A powerful mid to full-bodied red wine that is rich and warm on the palate. D S £11.13 76 Cabernet Sauvignon benefitting most from the gentle conditions AUSTRALIA A perfect storm? by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE In the 2013/2014 growing season Mother Nature did not make things easy in the key wine-producing states of South Australia. Yields were pegged back by a spring frost and strong winds at flowering time. Searing heat in the summer caused the vines to shut down during the heatwaves. Picking started at the end of January but was held up in mid-February by torrential rain. ‘Après le déluge’ cooler, drier weather set in for the rest of the harvest. Not surprisingly quality is reported to be variable, the late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon perhaps benefitting most from the gentle conditions at the end of the vintage. Conditions were less trying in New South Wales and Western Australia so producers in these states are more upbeat. Darwin Hunter Valley Perth Frankland River Margaret River Clare Valley Orange Barossa Riverina Adelaide Hills Coonawarra Sydney Canberra Yarra Valley Melbourne 78 75cl 18.7cl 057494 057491 6‡ 24‡ NV 3 75cl 058189 6‡ NV C 75cl 18.7cl 13% 13% e S e S £5.41 £1.79 Chardonnay Shiraz Perfumed raspberry fruit and a hint of white pepper. e S £5.41 Cabernet Sauvignon Light-bodied zingy white with attractive citrus, apple and peachy notes. Shiraz Cabernet A mid-bodied red wine with juicy dark fruit and a touch of spice. 057493 057492 6‡ 24‡ NV 14% e S e S £5.41 £1.79 Fresh, juicy white with melon fruit flavour and a crisp finish. Shiraz Youthful and juicy with lots of berry fruit and a touch of spice. 2 75cl 18.7cl 057298 057489 6‡ 24‡ 2014 2013 12.5% Lemon gold with a soft fruitiness on the nose and juicy ripeness on the palate. 79 crowncellarswines.co.uk Boomerang Bay, Chardonnay B 75cl 18.7cl 057299 057490 6‡ 24‡ 2012 13.5% e S e S £5.53 £1.78 Boomerang Bay, Pinot Grigio e S e S £5.80 £1.78 Boomerang Bay, Merlot A dryish white wine that is light and delicate on the nose and palate. A plummy mid to full-bodied red with smooth tannins and low acidity. Boomerang Bay, Shiraz 1 D 75cl 75cl 060701 060702 6‡ 6‡ 2014 2014 12% 13.5% e S e S £5.48 Soft tannins integrate with juicy black fruit flavours and a velvety texture. SWA: Commended 2015 Miamba, Shiraz £5.48 Rich aromas of vanilla oak and red summer berries, soft on the palate with well-integrated oak and tannins. DWWA: Bronze 2014 ‘The Holy Trinity’, Barossa 2 75cl 062018 6‡ NV 13% e S £5.57 C 75cl 061965 6‡ NV 14% e S £5.57 2 75cl 18.7cl 056903 057719 6‡ 12‡ NV 13% S S £7.16 £2.12 Stowells Colombard Chardonnay 13% S £6.59 C 75cl 060660 6 2013/14 13.5% S £6.59 2 75cl 061420 6‡ 2014 13.5% e S £7.28 2 75cl 061959 6‡ 2013 13% e S £7.28 D 75cl 061958 6‡ 2013 14% e S £7.28 C 75cl 061419 6‡ 2012/13 14% e S £7.28 E 75cl 057101 6 2012 14% S £15.23 E 75cl 057652 6 2010 14.5% Exclusive 2013/14 ABV 6 Style Guide 061963 Grant Burge Clean, balanced and crisp with light citrus and apple character. DBGM: Bronze 2014 Spearwood Chardonnay A pleasant uncomplicated Chardonnay that is dry but smooth. Dark and impressive, full of mint and blackcurrants. Lazy Bones Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 75cl A generous, chunky and full-bodied red with a distinct aroma of dried fruits. DWWA: Bronze 2014 WIN E RANGE Medium-bodied with citrus and ripe pineapple notes. Wholesale Price 2 Invenio Colombard/Chardonnay Cap A juicy, youthful red with plenty of bramble fruit and a hint of pepper. Vintage Shiraz Case Size Vibrant cherry pink with attractive red berry aromas, this is an off-dry wine bursting with raspberry fruit. Code Cabernet Rosé Size Clean and fresh with melon and apple fruit flavours leading to a crisp finish. 2 Woolshed Gulara Chardonnay Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide AUSTRALIA Taste Guide AUSTRALIA £21.90 Try something different Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Barossa-style. 80 Old Bush Vine Grenache, Barossa P 6 2012 12.5% S £11.70 Shiraz/Mataro C 75cl 061942 6 2012 13.5% S £11.52 Light, fruity and leafy on the nose with a palate where crisp acidity balances the sweetness. 1 75cl 061916 6 2010 11% S £9.06 6‡ 2013/14 12.5% S £7.61 C 75cl 057158 6‡ 2013/14 14% S £7.61 5 75cl 060452 6‡ 2013 5.5% S £4.94 2 75cl 061955 6‡ 2014 13% S £6.32 C 75cl 061956 6‡ 2014 14% S £6.32 1 75cl 061011 6 2014 13% S £9.64 D 75cl 013859 6 2011 14% S £9.64 Exclusive 057157 Style Guide 75cl Hardys William Hardy Chardonnay, Limestone Coast 2 75cl 013501 6 2012 13.5% S £11.96 This mid-bodied Chardonnay is surprisingly stylish, with youthful fruit, some creamy vanilla notes and decent acidity. William Hardy Shiraz, Langhorne Creek D 75cl 013502 6 2013 14% S £10.79 Quite a polished mid-bodied red: dark fruit and spice aromas are followed by yielding tannins on the palate. Houghton ‘The Bandit’ Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon D 75cl 013564 6 2007 14% S £23.05 A hugely concentrated and complex red wine, full-bodied with a long finish. IWC: Silver 2015 Citrus fruits and cut grass are just a couple of the aromas found on this crisp dry white wine. ‘The Bandit’ Shiraz/Cabernet A powerful attack of ripe dark fruit on the nose is followed by a mid to full-bodied palate. NEW for 2015 Wynns Black Label Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Relish the dark fruit, spice, liquorice, tar and chocolate notes. @CrownCellarsUK Intense red, with spicy liquorice cinnamon aromas. Soft tannin and fresh acidity giving lingering finish. Light White Wynns 81 Colombard/Chardonnay Pale straw colour with fresh citrus aromas. On the palate, tropical fruits with a crisp finish. A full-bodied but surprisingly supple wine with ripe red fruit and oak aromas. IWC: Commended 2015 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra P Wholesale Price Quite a full-bodied dry white wine that has lovely floral and ripe fruit aromas. IWC: Bronze 2015 Cap 061915 Yalumba Roussanne, Eden Valley P ABV 75cl WIN E RANGE Crisp, light-bodied and dry with aromas of honey, toast and hazelnut. Vintage 1 Tyrrell’s Old Winery Semillon Case Size Youthful and fragrant on the nose followed by a mid-bodied palate that is juicy and soft. 3 Banrock Station Robert Oatley Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley Code The mouth tingling acidity and dryness are balanced by a good concentration of fruit. IWC: Gold 2015 Size Pewsey Vale Riesling Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide AUSTRALIA Taste Guide AUSTRALIA Houghton’s ‘The Bandit’ wines Named after Aussie bushranger and serial jailbreaker Moondyne Joe; eventually captured in Houghton’s cellars in 1869. 82 ABV Cap Wholesale Price 75cl 056791 6 2013 11.5% S £7.88 2 75cl 057023 6 2013 12.5% S £9.60 C 75cl 056943 6 2013 14.5% S £7.88 C 75cl 060439 6‡ 2012 12.5% S £7.60 1 75cl 056969 6 2012/13 13% S £7.98 D 75cl 056970 6 2012/13 13.5% S £7.98 2 75cl 058925 6 2013 12.5% S £8.03 5 75cl 059779 6 NV 7.5% S £8.03 C 75cl 058926 6 2013 13.5% S £8.03 Exclusive Vintage Case Size Code 3 Style Guide Size Taste Guide AUSTRALIA Jacob’s Creek Semillon/Chardonnay Soft round fruit flavours and a medium dry finish. Shiraz Rosé Made from 100% Shiraz grapes, this is an off-dry fruit-driven rosé. Grenache/Shiraz A bouquet of fresh juicy raspberry and cherry fruit aromas, with hints of rose petal, white pepper and spice. McGuigan Black Label Shiraz A punchy little wine with mouthfuls of ripe plum, blackberry and spice. Seppelt Moyston, Unoaked Chardonnay A restrained and delicate Chardonnay, showing hints of melon and banana. Moyston, Shiraz A youthful, juicy Shiraz with a good weight of fruit. Yellowtail Chardonnay Soft, juicy white with fresh flavours of peach, melon and a hint of vanilla. Moscato Lightly sparkling with the most pleasing delicate fizz and lively, pure fruit flavours. Shiraz Deep and dark in the palate, this Shiraz offers classic red berry fruit, Christmas cake spices, dried figs and a long, juicy finish. 83 crowncellarswines.co.uk CALIFO RNIA Ground breaking by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE A mild dry winter set up the vines to bud early. Crucially there was a period of heavy rain in the spring that provided moisture exactly when it was needed. The summer was fine and fortunately the temperature stayed moderate and steady, with no fearsome heatwaves. An earthquake in the early hours of Sunday 24th August in Napa and Sonoma grabbed the headlines but most wineries were able to straighten themselves out in time for the coming vintage. Given the precocious nature of 2014 it is no surprise that the harvest was one of the earliest on record. The trio of 2012, 2013 and 2014 is shaping up to be one of the best in Californian history. The 2014 red wines may be a tad softer and more approachable than the solid chunky numbers produced in 2013. Low acidity seems to be a common feature of 2014, suggesting that the whites should be enjoyed young. Russian River Valley Napa Valley Sacramento Sonoma Valley Los Carneros Lodi San Francisco CALIFORNIA Carmel Valley 2014 is shaping up to be one of the best in Californian history Paso Robles Edna Valley Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara Los Angeles 86 057462 057566 6‡ 24‡ 2013 10.5% e S e S £5.87 £2.13 A broad, soft Chardonnay that is off-dry on the palate. White Zinfandel A light, fresh rosé, medium-sweet with delicate strawberry fruit character. Merlot This relatively light-bodied wine has red cherry aromas. 3 75cl 060560 6‡ 2013 13% e S £6.16 Light-bodied and sweet, full of summer berry fruit flavour. 6 75cl 059736 6‡ 2013 10.5% e S £6.16 B 75cl 060559 6‡ 2012 13.5% e S £6.16 Medium-sweet and bursting with lively summer fruit flavours. A clean, light and simple rosé that has jammy red fruit and a noticeable sweetness on the palate. The wine’s ripe and juicy black fruit character is underpinned with a touch of oak. IWC: Commended 2015 6‡ NV 12.5% S £7.26 5 75cl 058000 6‡ NV 9% S £7.26 C 75cl 057998 6‡ NV 13.5% S £7.26 B 75cl 056967 6 2011/12 13.5% £18.95 D 75cl 060575 12 2012/13 14.5% £12.02 B 75cl 057892 6 2013 C 75cl 057893 6 2012/13 D 75cl 059527 6 2013 Exclusive 057999 Style Guide 75cl Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir A fine, elegant, mid-bodied wine that has wonderful red fruit aromas. 3 75cl 18.7cl 057007 057726 6‡ 12‡ 2012/13 13.5% S S £7.15 £2.10 6 75cl 18.7cl 057020 057723 6‡ 12‡ 2012/13 11% S S £7.15 £2.10 B 75cl 18.7cl 057008 057724 6‡ 12‡ 2012/13 13% S S £7.15 £2.10 Hahn Estates Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast A stylish red wine that has real complexity: cassis, oak and spice notes are all present. Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir 6 75cl 18.7cl 060818 061966 6‡ 24‡ 2013 10.5% e S e S £6.46 £2.13 Merlot Zinfandel 6 75cl 18.7cl 060448 057727 6‡ 12‡ NV 13% S S £6.84 £2.15 14% S £9.29 A youthful blast of raspberry and red cherry fruit defines this lightish-bodied red wine. This is a mid-bodied red that has a good intensity of dark jammy fruit. Stowells White Zinfandel A light and uncomplicated off-dry Pinot Grigio with tropical fruit notes on the palate. Merlot O&E Zinfandel Rosé Pinot Grigio White Zinfandel Jack Rabbit Chardonnay Wholesale Price Soft red wine with lots of juicy berry fruit flavours. Cap Zinfandel ABV 75cl 18.7cl WIN E RANGE Medium-sweet with delicious red fruit flavours and plenty of lively acidity. Vintage Zinfandel Rosé Case Size Medium-bodied white with ripe melon fruit and a creamy finish. Code 6 Jack & Gina Chardonnay Size Light fruity rosé bursting with strawberry fruits. Medium-sweet but well-balanced. 2 Barefoot Invenio Zinfandel Rosé Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide CALIFORNIA Taste Guide CALIFORNIA A mid to full-bodied red that shows plenty of raspberry, red plum and spice aromas. Lively acidity. 13.5% £9.29 15% £9.99 Avant-Garde Pinot Noir Intensely aromatic with notes of cherry, raspberries, spice, dark chocolate and black tea. 87 @CrownCellarsUK 88 Case Size Vintage ABV Cap Wholesale Price 75cl 18.7cl 061804 061806 6‡ 12‡ NV 12.5% S S £6.59 £1.92 6 75cl 18.7cl 061803 061805 6‡ 12‡ NV 10.5% S S £7.20 £1.92 B 75cl 18.7cl 061802 061899 6‡ 12‡ NV 12% S S £6.59 £1.92 2 75cl 060656 6‡ 2013 12.5% S £6.88 6 75cl 060655 6‡ 2013 12.5% S £6.60 C 75cl 060733 6‡ 2012 13% S £6.46 1 75cl 057313 6‡ NV 12.5% S £6.44 6 75cl 057070 6‡ NV 11% S £7.09 B 75cl 057314 6‡ NV 13% S £6.44 2 18.7cl PET 058258 24‡ NV 13% S £1.78 6 18.7cl PET 058260 24‡ NV 11% S £1.78 B 18.7cl PET 058259 24‡ NV 13% S £1.78 Exclusive Code 3 Style Guide Size Taste Guide CALIFORNIA Blossom Hill White Soft, broad and approachably fruity on the nose with gentle acidity on the palate. White Zinfandel An attractive salmon pink colour with soft sweet fruit on the nose and palate. Red A relatively light red wine with soft tannins and ripe fruit. Pinot Grigio Crisp and dry with pear and citrus aromas. Grenache Rosé Light and crisp with aromas of fresh raspberries. IWC: Commended 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Rich and full-bodied with juicy berry and blackcurrant aromas. IWC: Commended 2015 Echo Falls White A fresh and fruity white wine with zesty notes of citrus and tropical fruit flavours. White Zinfandel A lively and fruity rosé wine with flavours of strawberries and fresh summer berries. Red A soft, smooth red wine with fresh flavours of plums and berry fruit. 18.7cl PET Chardonnay A smooth white wine with crisp notes of lemon, lime and tropical fruit. White Zinfandel A lively and fruity rosé with aromas and flavours of strawberries and fresh summer berries. Merlot Soft and round with hints of ripe plums, black cherries and blueberries. 89 crowncellarswines.co.uk NEW ZEALAN D Bumper crop by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE A warm spring in New Zealand got the vines off to an early start. There were no significant frost losses and perfect weather for the flowering allowed the vines to set a massive crop. A warm summer with just the odd shower had the vines developing well ahead of normal. Quality conscious growers crop thinned at this stage. It was a little cooler in the run up to the vintage. Most of the grapes were picked under ideal conditions. Sadly though, ten days of heavy rain in mid April disrupted the end of the harvest. Overall quality is said to be very good. There are two caveats: firstly, late ripening grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon were caught by the autumn rain, secondly, the mind boggling yields must have resulted in a lack of concentration in some wines. Auckland Grapes were picked under ideal conditions Gisborne Hawkes Bay Nelson Martinborough/ Waipara Wellington Marlborough Canterbury Christchurch Otago 92 Chardonnay A rich and full wine with tropical fruit flavours and some toasty oak adding complexity. 12.5% e S £7.84 Sauvignon Blanc An intensely aromatic wine bursting with ripe passion fruit and citrus flavours. Full-bodied with a crisp finish. IWC: Bronze 2015, DWWA: Commended 2014 Verdelho 1 75cl 057891 6‡ 2014 12.5% e S £7.48 A fascinating dry white wine, packed with white fruit and pronounced grapefruit flavours on the palate. IWC: Silver 2015, DWWA: Silver 2014 Riesling 1 75cl 057921 6‡ 2012/13 13.5% e S £8.85 A medium-dry Riesling that has perfectly balanced acidity accompanied by lemon and honey notes. Pinot Noir Pure and intense raspberry and redcurrant fruit define this mid to light-bodied red. IWC: Silver 2015, DWWA: Bronze 2014 Merlot/Cabernet/Malbec 1 75cl 37.5cl 056875 057511 6 12 2014 2012 13% S S £10.21 £5.76 A wonderfully complex and balanced red wine. IWC: Bronze 2015, DWWA: Commended 2014 2 75cl 057085 6 2012/13 14% S £10.04 Pinot Gris P A medium white wine that has fresh acidity and shows ripe melon and peach fruit on the nose. Cellar Selection A beautifully stylish Pinot Noir brimming with red fruit. IWC: Bronze 2015, DWWA: Silver 2014 C 75cl 057000 6 2012 13.5% S £13.81 A good intensity of red berry fruit with a smooth mid to light-bodied palate. IWC: Silver 2015 Cloud Island Sauvignon Blanc Fresh and juicy with ripe tropical fruit flavours. Exclusively available to the On-Trade through Crown Cellars. @CrownCellarsUK 2013/14 13.5% S £10.99 2 75cl 057252 6 2013 14.5% S £11.55 2 75cl 058286 6 2013 10% S £11.03 B 75cl 058285 6 2012/13 14% S £13.47 D 75cl 057251 6 2011/12 13.5% S £13.30 4 75cl 012404 6 2013 14% S £8.65 B 75cl 012425 6 2013 13.5% S £10.78 1 75cl 057061 6 2014 13% S £10.76 1 75cl 057674 6 NV 12.5% S £10.66 Exclusive 6 Style Guide 057438 Nobilo Orca Bay, Sauvignon Blanc 93 75cl Waipara Hills Pinot Noir Pinot Noir Wholesale Price 2014 WIN E RANGE Zippy and herbaceous on the nose, with a bite of vibrant acidity on the palate. IWC: Commended 2015 DWWA: Commended 2014 Cap 6‡ Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc ABV 059720 Silver Lake Fresh and zesty with ripe gooseberry fruit and a crisp finish. SWA: Bronze 2015 Vintage 75cl Villa Maria Estate Sauvignon Blanc Case Size Fresh and juicy with ripe tropical fruit flavours. Code 1 Invenio Sauvignon Blanc Size Refreshingly balanced and full of ripe guava and passion fruit character. The palate is intense and lively with a long crisp finish. DBGM: Bronze 2014 1 Esk Valley Cloud Island Sauvignon Blanc Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide NEW ZEALAND Taste Guide NEW ZEALAND Crisp and fresh with tropical fruit aromas and flavours. Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Aromas of rock melon, lemongrass and ripe gooseberry dominate with top notes ranging from tropical grapefruit to sweet capsicum. 94 Quality is reported to be very good CH ILE Crops down significantly by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE The 2013/2014 growing season could not have got off to a worse start. Between 20th and 30th September a series of spring frosts hit vineyards across Chile. Casablanca and Leyda were the hardest hit regions; Chardonnay the hardest hit grape variety with a crop reduction of 38%. The total national production in 2014 was 989 million litres, down 22.8% on 2013. Drastic price increases did not occur because there were healthy stocks left over from bumper vintages in 2012 and 2013, combined with a steep decline in US demand for bulk wine. After the frost drama it is a relief to report that the rest of the growing season was largely without incident. A warm dry summer led to an early harvest of ripe healthy grapes. Quality is reported to be very good. Antofagasta ANDES Santiago Aconcagua Valparaiso Casablanca Santiago San Antonio Maipo Concepcion Temuco o Cachapoal Rapel Colchagua Curicó Maule Itata Bio Bio 96 Soft and juicy on the palate with flavours of blackberries and raspberries. C 75cl 057297 057285 6‡ 6‡ 2014 2014 13% 13% e S e S £5.88 £5.80 Gutsy red full of juicy blackcurrant fruit and a touch of mint. Fresh and a citrusy on the nose with clean acidity on the palate. Merlot Carmenere Rounded and smooth in flavour with pronounced blackcurrant fruit. 1 75cl 18.7cl 057766 057768 6‡ 12‡ 2012 13.5% S S £7.15 £2.10 C 75cl 18.7cl 058253 058252 6‡ 12‡ 2012/13 13.5% S S £7.15 £2.10 Fresh and zesty with ripe tropical fruit flavours. Merlot A fruity spicy red wine that has a nice balance of tannin, acid and alcohol on the palate. A fresh, clean and spritzy dry white wine with no shortage of lively fruit. DBGM: Bronze 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé Reserva, Bio Bio Valley 13% e S £6.08 2 75cl 057650 6‡ 2013 13.5% e S £7.35 3 75cl 061068 6‡ 2013 13% e S £6.32 C 75cl 057648 6‡ 2013/14 13% e S £6.08 A 75cl 057651 6‡ 2012/13 13.5% e S £7.35 2 75cl 060741 6‡ 2013/14 13% S £6.35 1 75cl 060782 6‡ 2013/14 13% S £6.35 C 75cl 060781 6‡ 2013/14 12% S £6.35 Wholesale Price 2014 Cap 6‡ Style Guide 057649 Intense, fresh and elegant, with red fruits and sour cherries. DBGM: Bronze 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle Central C 75cl 060817 6‡ 2013 13% e S £6.46 Ripe black fruits and oak make up the aroma of this mid-bodied red wine. Pinot Noir Reserva, Valle Central This light-bodied red has a lovely aroma of raspberry and strawberry that sings Pinot Noir. DBGM: Silver 2015 2 75cl 18.7cl 057612 057637 6‡ 24‡ 2014 2013/14 13% e S e S £6.67 £2.01 C 75cl 18.7cl 057634 057636 6‡ 24‡ 2013/14 13% e S e S £6.67 £2.01 Sunrise Chardonnay, Valle Central This mid-bodied Chardonnay has complex aromas of ripe fruit and butter. IWC: Commended 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Central Plate 95 Sauvignon Blanc 75cl A delicate and scented Viognier that is dry, mid-bodied and crisp on the palate. SWA: Bronze 2015 Ochre Mountain Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Central Viognier Reserva, Colchagua Valley O&E Cabernet Sauvignon Exclusive Shiraz ABV 75cl 1 75cl 060813 6‡ 2014 13% e S £6.12 A dry and crisply acid white that has green fruit and some herbal notes. IWC: Bronze 2015 Merlot, Valle Central C 75cl 059690 6‡ 2013/14 13% e S £5.82 1 75cl 18.7cl 056908 057721 6‡ 12‡ NV 13% S S £7.13 £2.12 C 75cl 056907 6‡ NV 13% S £7.26 WIN E RANGE Fresh and crisp with deliciously fruity flavours of lime and peach. Vintage 1 Jack Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc Case Size A full-flavoured red, with notes of mint and cassis. Code Cabernet Sauvignon Size Fresh, dry white, with hints of guava and tropical fruits. 1 Las Ondas Invenio Sauvignon Blanc Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide CHILE Taste Guide CHILE A mid-bodied red that has simple but attractive blackberry, plum and vanilla aromas. Stowells Sauvignon Blanc A crisp dry white wine with tropical fruit aromas and a taste of pear, gooseberry and lime. Cabernet Merlot A full soft red, with fruit flavours on the palate. 97 crowncellarswines.co.uk Las Ondas Viognier Reserva, Colchagua Valley Elegant, restrained palate with a cornucopia of flavours on the finish. 98 6‡ 2 75cl 056884 6‡ 3 75cl 056882 C 75cl C 13.5% S £7.47 2013/14 13% S £7.47 6‡ 2014 12% S £7.47 056883 6 2012/13 14% S £7.47 75cl 056881 6‡ 2012/13 14% S £7.47 2 75cl 056734 6 2013 13.5% S £8.57 8 37.5cl 057870 12 2011/12 11.5% 1 75cl 056733 6 2013/14 13% S £8.57 2 75cl 057086 6 2011/12 13.5% S £13.37 C 75cl 056736 6 2013 14% S £8.57 D 75cl 056974 6 2011/12 14% C 75cl 056735 6 2012/13 13.5% Exclusive 2013 Style Guide Wholesale Price 056880 Cap Case Size 75cl ABV Code 2 Vintage Size Taste Guide CHILE Caliterra Chardonnay A straightforward, uncomplicated Chardonnay showing touches of melon and oak. Sauvignon Blanc This is a fresh, light-bodied, pleasantly fruity dry white wine. IWC: Commended 2015 Shiraz Rosé Off-dry and light-bodied on the palate, with youthful fruit on the nose. Carmenere Luscious, juicy red full of succulent black fruit flavours and a touch of smoky spice. Merlot A ripe, forward, mid-bodied and gently fruity Merlot. Errazuriz Chardonnay This white wine has ripe melon and peach aromas and a rounded palate. Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc A sweet dessert wine with pronounced floral and citrus aromas. Sauvignon Blanc This dry wine has classic gooseberry aromas and good balancing acidity. DWWA: Bronze 2014 Wild Ferment Chardonnay Pungent, smoky, bready, ‘baroque’ nose, with deep, full, lush fruit right through to the finish. IWC: Silver 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Deep ruby in colour with an intense blackcurranty nose and rich, fleshy fruit characters on the palate. DWWA: Bronze 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Max Reserva A rich and ripe, oak-aged red wine, packed with juicy blackcurrant fruit on the nose and palate. IWC: Commended 2015, DWWA: Bronze 2014 Merlot Intense purple in colour with concentrated blackberry fruit on the nose and palate. 99 @CrownCellarsUK £7.62 £13.37 S £8.57 BRAZIL One producer has torn up the grape growing manual Challenging conditions by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE The Portuguese planted vines close to what is now São Paulo in 1532. A century later the Jesuits established vineyards in the extreme south of the country, in an area known as Rio Grande do Sul, which today accounts for 80% of national wine production. Historically Brazilian growers have met the challenges of the subtropical climate by using a tough and disease resistant American vine called Isabel which unfortunately produces pretty ordinary wine. Fortalezaa Vale do Sao Francisco Salvador Brasilia Belo Horizonte Sul de Minas However, over the last couple of decades Brazil’s leading wineries have tried to move the industry on by establishing new vineyard areas. In the south this has meant going up in altitude or planting right on the Uruguayan border (in both cases to get marginally cooler climates). In the tropical north of the country one producer has torn up the grape growing manual and established a vineyard at 8° south. In addition more European vines have been planted, with familiar varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Muscat now being grown. Rio de Janeiro ro Sao Roque Campos Novos Campos de Cima da Serra Ca Cacador Sao Joaquim S Sa S Serra Gaucha Campanha Wholesale Price Vintage Cap Case Size Exclusive Code ABV Size Style Guide Taste Guide Serra do Sudeste D 75cl 012293 6 2011/12 13% £8.79 5 75cl 012222 6 NV 7.5% £8.35 Rio Sol Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah A fullish-bodied chunky red with a pronounced and complex nose: figs, damsons and oak. Aurora Pink Moscato A medium sweet pink fizz with an attractive floral and sherbet aroma. 102 ARGENTINA A wet harvest by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE It was always going to be difficult for the 2014 vintage to live up to its hugely successful predecessor. In September 2013 many vineyards in Argentina were caught by the same spring frosts that hammered Chile. Losses were not as severe as on the other side of the Andes, but yields were pegged back. Fortunately the flowering went well and the summer passed without incident. Less welcome was the drop in temperature in February and the arrival of rain at harvest time. These trying conditions mean that overall quality in 2014 will be variable. White grapes picked before the autumn rain will have made some attractive fresh wines. Careful sorting and selection of the black grapes was necessary for the best of the reds. Alcohol levels are a little lower and acidity levels a tad higher than the norm. The total harvest was 2.635 million tonnes, just under 7% below the crop in 2013. Jujuy Salta Catamarca La Rioja San Juan Mendoza Buenos Aires Neuquén Rio Negro Some attractive fresh wines 104 ABV 6‡ NV 12.5% e S £5.99 4 75cl 057904 6‡ NV 12.5% e S £5.99 B 75cl 057905 6‡ NV 12.5% e S £5.99 2 75cl 056877 6‡ 2013/14 13.5% S £7.05 C 75cl 056876 6‡ 2013/14 13.5% S £7.05 C 75cl 057587 6 2012 14% S £8.59 1 75cl 061961 6 2013/14 13.5% £7.43 C 75cl 059494 6 2012/13 14% £7.43 D 75cl 058196 12 2013/14 14% £10.22 Wholesale Price Vintage 057903 Cap Case Size 75cl Exclusive Code 1 Style Guide Size Taste Guide ARGENTINA Las Cazas Chenin Blanc, Dry This dry white wine is light-bodied and has vibrant peardrop and banana fruit. Chenin Blanc, Medium Dry A medium-dry white wine that is fresh, fruity and light-bodied. Bonarda Gentle dark fruit aromas and a hint of oak give character to this mid-bodied red. Elementos Chardonnay Viognier Zingy and fresh on the palate, with a delicate youthful fruitiness on the nose. IWC: Bronze 2015 Shiraz Malbec An immediately fruity red wine, vibrant and juicy in the mouth. IWC: Bronze 2015 Graffigna Malbec Complex dark berry aromas highlighted with delicate black pepper and toasted notes. Well-integrated tannins, round velvety body and a long, persistent finish. Andean Vineyards Torrontés A light-bodied, vibrant dry white wine with floral and fruit aromas from the Torrontés grape. Malbec A mid-bodied and warming red wine that has a good attack of damson and spice aromas. Trapiche Malbec A chunky aroma of damsons and oak. Full-bodied and succulent in the mouth. Long and complex on the finish. 105 crowncellarswines.co.uk SO UTH AFRICA Bursting point by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE A cool damp year would be a cogent summary of the 2013/2014 growing season in South Africa. The winter was wet and cold. Bud burst was delayed. Spring was not that warm and in mid-November torrential rain fell across the Cape. The growers struggled to combat downy mildew. Luckily the weather improved for the flowering and the vines were able to set a good sized crop. More rain fell in early January. Fortunately it became hot and dry at the end of the month and this accelerated the ripening. Picking began in February with many grape varieties reaching optimum ripeness simultaneously. This, and the large size of the crop, put a strain on a lot of wineries. The rain returned at the end of March, curtailing hopes of a long hang time for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool weather allowed winemakers to produce wines with fresh acidity and a little less alcohol than usual. This is good for most whites. SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg Durban Cape Town Olifants Olifan ants River Piketberg Piketber rg Fresh acidity and a little less alcohol than usual S tla Swartland Breede River Va Valley Darli Darling ling ng Paarl aarl Durbanvi Durbanville iille Cape Town n Constanti Constantia iiaa Stellenbosch Stellenb bosch Wo Worc W Worcester Little Karoo Robertson Robertso R b son on on Coastal Elgin Elgin Franschhoek Frans chhoek k Walke Walkerr Bay 108 Rosé A fruity and friendly medium-dry pink glugger. Cinsault Ruby Cabernet Medium-bodied with ripe berry and spice flavours. Pinotage This Pinotage has the characteristic jammy and smoky flavours of the Cape’s signature black grape variety. 6‡ 2014 13% e S £5.65 Sauvignon Blanc 5 75cl 012705 6 2014 12% S £7.15 Mid-pink rosé, with plenty of ripe strawberry fruit flavours and a dry finish. Running Duck, Shiraz Medium-bodied red, soft and spicy with plenty of berry fruit and a hint of white pepper on the finish. A dry white wine with gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours. IWC: Bronze 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Full-bodied rich forest fruits with ripe tannins and a long smooth finish. 2 75cl 18.7cl 056951 056772 6‡ 24‡ 2014/15 12.5% e S e S £6.00 £1.80 1 75cl 057801 6‡ 2014/15 12.5% e S £6.35 Pinotage A wine with an intense bramble berry aroma, complemented by a full, soft, round palate. 75cl 056739 6 D 75cl 056738 C 75cl 1 S £8.98 2014/15 13% S £8.52 6 2012/13 14% S £10.08 056731 6 2013/14 14% S £8.45 75cl 058199 6 2014/15 13.5% S £7.28 2 75cl 058200 6 2014/15 14% S £7.28 D 75cl 058198 6 2012/13 14.5% S £7.28 2 75cl 059422 6 2013/14 14% S £8.49 D 75cl 059421 6 2013 14% S £8.49 Exclusive 13.5% Style Guide 2014 Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 5 75cl 18.7cl 057208 057209 6‡ 24‡ 2014/15 12.5% e S e S £6.25 £1.91 B 75cl 056950 6‡ 2014 13.5% e S £6.25 C 75cl 056998 6‡ 2013/14 13.5% e S £7.57 Tropical fruit, floral and herbaceous notes characterise this vibrant and zingy dry white wine. IWC: Commended 2015 Unoaked Chardonnay This is a dry white wine with all the ripe fruit of a top Chardonnay but without the oak flavours. IWC: Bronze 2015 Old Vine Red A proper, chunky, mid to full-bodied red that has aromas of blackcurrant, spice and oak. 1 75cl 059522 6 2014 12% S £7.22 Refreshing white, combining the grassiness of Sauvignon with ripe guava fruit of Chenin Blanc. Running Duck, Rosé Chardonnay Fresh citrus nose which follows through to the palate. The wine has a perceptible oaky character and elegant finish. Stellar, Fair For Life Organic Running Duck, Chenin Blanc/ Sauvignon Blanc 1 Wholesale Price A light-bodied dry white wine with attractive ripe fruit flavours and a lively acidity. 6 Cap Sauvignon Blanc 056716 ABV 057293 Franschhoek Vineyards Semillon 1 75cl 059524 6 2014 13.5% S £7.22 Pronounced toast and nut aromas are followed by ripe fruit on the palate. IWSC: Silver 2014, IWC: Bronze 2015 Shiraz C 75cl 059523 6 2014 3 75cl 18.7cl 056905 057722 6‡ 12 NV 14% S £7.22 12.5% S S £7.11 £2.14 WIN E RANGE Light and fresh with an attractive quince and pear character. 75cl Vintage 75cl Millstream Chenin Blanc Case Size Aromatic fruit on the palate complemented by citrus notes and a hint of pineapple on the finish. Code 2 Jack Rabbit Medium Sweet White Size Dry, juicy white with hints of ripe pear and banana. 2 Bellingham Ancient Earth Series Invenio Chenin Blanc Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SOUTH AFRICA Taste Guide SOUTH AFRICA Pronounced dark fruit and vanilla notes on the nose are supported by a palate that is full-bodied and rich. IWC: Silver 2015 Veritas Awards: Bronze 2014 Stowells Chenin Blanc Aromatic and crisp with a fruity fragrance of crushed whitecurrants and a soft, off-dry finish. 109 @CrownCellarsUK 110 Vintage Cap Wholesale Price 060653 6 2014/15 14% S £7.47 2 75cl 057965 6 2013/14 13.5% S £7.16 D 75cl 057958 6 2012/13 14.5% S £7.20 C 75cl 060084 6 2014 13% S £7.51 Exclusive Case Size 75cl ABV Code 2 Style Guide Size Taste Guide SOUTH AFRICA Boschendal Rachel’s Chenin Blanc A youthful but pleasant dry white wine that is attractively fruity. IWC: Commended 2015 Flagstone Noon Gun, Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Guava and citrus notes combine with a smooth, creamy palate. Longitude, Dry Red Luscious red fruits with hints of spice and chocolate. Smooth and silky. Ribshack The Original Rib Shack Red A mid-bodied red wine that has youthful dark fruit with some spicy smoky notes. Noon Gun Named after the canon that stands on Signal Hill above Cape Town, this unpretentious and drinkable blend is known as ‘Mom’s Plonk’ at the Flagstone winery. 111 crowncellarswines.co.uk CH AMPAGNE Chardonnay is the pick of the crop A perfect autumn by Jonathan Pedley, MW WIN E RANGE There were three distinct phases to the growing season in Champagne. Phase one, the winter and spring, was incredibly mild. The vines budded early, grew rapidly and flowered early. There were no frost or hail losses and the vines were able to set a large crop. Phase two, the summer, was dismal. From 24th July until late August it was cool, cloudy and very wet. The ripening stalled and the risk of disease increased. Phase three, the autumn, was nigh on perfect. Right at the end of August the skies cleared and fine weather became established. The harvest began on 8th September and proceeded rapidly to its completion on 25th September. Overall quality is encouraging, with a consensus that Chardonnay is the pick of the crop. Yields were very high, allowing growers to refresh their strategic reserves. Reims Vallee De La Marne Montagne Verzenay De Reims Bouzy Ambonnay Hautevillers Ay Mareuil-sur-Ay Château Epernay Chouilly Thierry Pierry Châlons-enCramant Avize Champagne Oger Cote Des Blancs Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Cote De Sézanne Sézanne Romilly-sur-Seine Brienne-le-Château Paris Champagne Bar-sur-Aube FRANCE Aube Vineyards Lyon Toulouse 114 ‘Nocturne’ Mosaic Sec A smooth and rounded Champagne that also has classic toast and butter aromas. IWC: Silver 2015 Vintage, Brut An intense and robust Champagne, with bold red fruit and yeast aromas. DWWA: Bronze 2014, IWSC: Silver 2014 ‘Comtes de Champagne’ Brut, Blanc de Blanc 75cl 20cl 057424 057646 6‡ 24‡ NV 12% e e £23.07 £7.60 Palish pink in colour with a powerful mousse. Good fruit on the palate. IWC: Commended 2015, DWWA: Bronze 2014 Nocturne Mosaic Rosé Bright flamboyant pink with delicious aromas of summer pudding and a soft, mellow style. 1 75cl 057430 6‡ NV 12% e £29.69 Stylish and concentrated with quite a weight of Pinot fruit on the palate. Complex and mature with touches of hazelnut and toast. 115 @CrownCellarsUK Salmon tones with small, brilliant bubbles. Aromas of roses and delicate red berry notes on the nose. Brut 1 Mag 75cl 37.5cl 057657 057656 057658 3 6 12 NV 12% £79.16 £37.25 £23.65 A lighter house style. Subtle citrus, toast and spice predominate this perfectly balanced Champagne, with a strong structure giving the wine good food compatibilty. IWC: Bronze 2015 Cuvée Rosé 3 75cl 057642 6 NV 12% £47.12 12.5% £30.28 1 75cl 057600 6 NV 12.5% £35.51 1 75cl 012307 6 NV 12.5% £39.43 1 75cl 058261 6 NV 12% £54.97 1 75cl 056584 6 NV 12% £38.68 1 75cl 056750 6 2004/5 12.5% £122.99 1 75cl 057421 6 NV 12% £34.02 1 75cl 057420 6 NV 12% £38.40 1 75cl 057419 6 NV 12% £54.06 1 Mag 75cl 37.5cl 056899 056586 057240 3 6 12 NV 12% £88.63 £39.85 £22.77 Wholesale Price NV Cap 6 Exclusive 057599 Style Guide 75cl Elegant and fresh with red fruit character and rounded finish. IWC: Bronze 2015 Moët & Chandon 1 Brut Impérial 75cl 057655 6 2005/6 12% £54.81 This Champagne has a slight appley, yeasty nose and long, rich flavours of biscuity, toasty fruit. Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1 75cl 057653 6 2004/05 12% £161.82 Rich, dry and full-flavoured. Consistently one of the world’s finest Champagnes. G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, Brut 1 75cl 057654 6 NV 12% £42.44 3 75cl 012344 6 NV 12% £54.81 Aromas of lemon and grapefruit combined with white fruits and tart apples bring freshness and liveliness to the wine. IWC: Commended 2015, SWA: Commended 2015 Perrier Jöuet Grand Brut Attractive bouquet with youthful delicate creamy hints and a touch of yeast autolysis. IWC: Commended 2015, SWA: Silver 2015 1 75cl 1 75cl 056583 6 NV 12.5% £49.85 Blason Rosé Rich in the mouth, with a powerful bouquet of ripe red fruit and hints of violet and rose petal. SWA: Silver 2015 Krug Grande Cuvée, Brut Subtle “toasty” and honey notes on the nose. Light and fresh on the palate with a well-rounded feel. IWC: Bronze 2015 Laurent Perrier Bollinger Special Cuvée, Brut Black Label, Brut Rosé Label, Rosé Supreme finesse and elegance define this light but complex “Prestige Cuvée”. IWC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Gold 2014 Prestige Rosé, Brut ABV 1 WIN E RANGE Toasty and biscuity on the nose with a good weight of fruit in the mouth. IWC: Commended 2015, DWWA: Silver 2014, IWSC: Bronze 2014 1 Lanson Taittinger Brut Réserve Vintage Beautiful pale salmon pink in colour, fresh and elegant with red fruit character on the palate. SWA: Silver 2015 Case Size Rosé Code Golden in colour with fine bubbles, this elegant Champagne is fresh on the nose with a rounded toasty palate. New Zealand International Wine Show: Gold Medal 2014, SWA: Commended 2015 Size H. Lanvin & Fils Brut Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide CHAMPAGNE Taste Guide CHAMPAGNE 056608 6 NV 12% £139.98 Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Brut A full, dry, rounded Champagne of consistently high quality. 116 1 75cl 3 75cl 057731 6‡ NV 11% £6.89 A medium-sweet pink fizz with an attractive floral and sherbet aroma. 057730 6‡ NV 11% £6.89 2 75cl 057225 6 NV 12% e £9.66 2 75cl 057413 6 NV 12.5% e £11.02 Jack Rabbit Sparkling White Light straw yellow in colour with fruity notes of pear and citrus fruit and a fresh creamy palate. Lyric Sparkling A light sparkling white wine that is off-dry and zesty on the palate with delicate white fruit notes. Symphoniae Prosecco DOCG Extra Dry Clean, dry and crisp, with a creamy finish. DWWA: Bronze 2014 Ponte, Aurora Rosé, Extra Dry Cherry pink in colour with a decent amount of sparkle, this is a light and off-dry sparkling rosé. 117 crowncellarswines.co.uk £8.35 1 75cl 061868 6 NV 12% £22.59 1 75cl 058251 6 NV 11.5% £11.61 2 75cl 013524 6 NV 11.5% £10.46 2 75cl 20cl 057831 057827 6 24‡ NV 11.5% £9.64 £2.93 1 75cl 057826 6 NV 11% £10.00 2 75cl 061957 6‡ NV 12% £6.82 Wholesale Price 7.5% Cap NV Exclusive 6 Style Guide 012222 South Africa An elegant and complex sparkling wine that is dry on the palate with a powerful mousse. 6 75cl 056601 6 NV 7.5% £8.45 Spain Freixenet Cordon Negro 3 75cl 20cl 012706 012987 6 24‡ NV S S 9.5% £7.19 £2.67 Made from a blend of traditional Cava grapes this is a zesty, lemon-scented sparkler with flavours of melon and peach fruit. Segura Viudas, Cava 3 75cl 058254 6‡ NV 11.5% e £6.86 A fresh, clean, light-bodied sparkling white wine. Segura Viudas, Cava, Rosado 3 75cl 060649 6 NV 12% e £10.00 Pale pink Cava showing intensity of red berries and exotic fruits. Fresh and delicate on the palate. Cruse, Brut Rose A pleasantly attractive DOCG Prosecco that is off-dry and has ripe yellow fruit aromas. SWA: Bronze 2015 Ponte, Prosecco Extra Dry Classic buttery brioche aromas are followed by lively citrusy flavours on the palate. IWC: Bronze 2015 Graham Beck Brut, Chardonnay Pinot Noir Italy A sparkling, sweet white with a full, fruity flavour. 75cl England Chapel Down, Brut This powerfully sparkling rosé has quite a complex aroma and an appealing dryish taste. Asti Spumante, Santero Aurora Pink Moscato WIN E RANGE Aimery Crémant de Limoux, Rosé ABV A fruity and fresh sparkling wine that has an excellent mousse and off-dry palate. Vintage Aimery Crémant de Limoux, Brut Case Size Simple and light on the nose, with the marked sweetness coming through on the palate. Code Baron d’Arignac, Demi Sec Size Light on the nose with just a hint of apples. The taste is fresh and dry with good acidity. 5 Brazil France Baron d’Arignac, Brut Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SPARKLING WINE Taste Guide SPARKLING WINE A peachy pink sparkler that is light-bodied, dry and crisply fresh in the mouth. 3 Mag 75cl 20cl 012660 057089 057688 6 6 24‡ NV 11.5% e e e £19.18 £9.33 £2.87 3 75cl 060977 6 NV 11.5% e £9.65 Lyric Sparkling A new look for an old favourite. Lightly sparkling with delicate white fruit notes. 118 WIN E RANGE DESSERT & FO RTIFIED Enhance the experience by Jonathan Pedley, MW While these wines make up a very small part of overall wine sales they can nonetheless provide an excellent opportunity for incremental sales. For customers who want to indulge themselves at the end of a meal, there is nothing quite like a glass of something sticky with the pudding or, indeed, instead of the pudding if you are full to the brim but need a sweet treat to top it off. Being purely mercenary, just as a round of coffees or a bottle of mineral water can be a hugely profitable extra sale, so can the sale of a glass of Sauternes or Vintage Port to accompany dessert or cheese. An excellent opportunity for incremental sales Our Dessert range has expanded this year with the addition of a lusciously sweet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise which works just as well if you enjoy it, as the French do, as an aperitif. From Italy comes our incredibly concentrated full-bodied sweet red wine, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico, which works perfectly with the sort of things you would normally partner with Port. We have also expanded our selection of Spain’s great wine: Sherry. Our range now includes a searingly dry Manzanilla, a decadent Pedro Ximenez and, my personal favourite, an extraordinary Palo Cortado. For more of my ramblings on Sherry, see pages 33–36. 120 France Sherry Lafleur Mallet, Sauternes A textbook example of elegant Sauternes, the sweetness perfectly balanced by the acidity. Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Domaines des Bernadines P 7 37.5cl 8 37.5cl 057844 12 2012 14% £8.64 Aromas of candied orange, dried fruit and toasted almond. IWC: Bronze 2015 061171 12 2013 15% £9.34 Harveys Club Classic, Amontillado A lusciously sweet white wine that has a beautiful rose petal perfume. 8 50cl 013520 6 2012 12.5% £12.16 Clean crisp taste and an aromatic sweet finish. Williams & Humbert Alegria, Manzanilla di Sanlucar 8 37.5cl 057870 12 2011/12 11.5% £7.62 A sweet white wine with pronounced floral and citrus aromas. Port Cockburn’s Special Reserve Sweet, well-rounded with luscious red berry flavours leading to a distinctive dry finish, balanced with fine wood-aged flavours. IWC: Commended 2015 Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Reserve Bone dry and light-bodied with a pronounced aroma of yeast and green olives. Williams & Humbert Dos Cortados, 20 Year Old Palo Cortado P Fortified Wines Well-balanced, with soft fruity flavours leading to a long elegant finish. 057699 6 17.5% £10.53 1 75cl 056655 6 15% £13.88 5 75cl 056656 12 17.5% £12.94 1 37.5cl 013563 12 NV 15% £4.65 2 37.5cl 013554 12 NV 20.5% £12.65 9 37.5cl 013555 12 NV 18% £12.65 5 75cl 056697 6 19% £14.53 75cl 057254 6 19.5% £16.43 Wholesale Price 75cl Cap 2 Exclusive £14.84 £11.80 ABV 17.5% Vintage 6 12 Style Guide 057697 057698 A crisp, fresh and uncompromisingly dry Fino. Croft Original, Old Pale Cream Chile Cockburn’s Fine Ruby 1L 75cl 5 5 75cl 75cl 059200 058735 6 20% 6 20% £11.85 £13.77 WIN E RANGE Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe, Very dry An incredibly concentrated full-bodied sweet red wine. Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Errazuriz 4 Smooth, elegant and full-bodied with a woody aroma and nutty flavours. Italy Recioto della Valpolicella Classico, Cantina di Negrar P Harveys Bristol Cream Case Size Fortified Wines Code Dessert Wines Size Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code DESSERT AND FORTIFIED Size Style Guide Taste Guide DESSERT AND FORTIFIED A hugely intense and complex old dry Sherry; look out for the raisin and wood notes. Decanter 2014 Silver Williams & Humbert Don Guido, 20 Year Old Pedro Ximénez A decadently sweet, full-bodied and rich dessert Sherry. 4 75cl 056657 6 20% £16.49 Madeira Blandy’s Duke of Clarence, Rich Madeira Delightful flavours with deep prune-like fruit and a sweet powerful fleshy taste. Rich, full-bodied and soft textured. Australian Fortified Wines Vintage Port Fonseca Guimaraens A mature vintage Port that still has wonderful red fruit aromas. IWC: Bronze 2015 121 @CrownCellarsUK 4 75cl 056964 6 1996 20% £30.58 Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny An intense and hugely complex fortified sweet wine. IWC: Silver 2015 4 NV 122 £112.39 Yates’s Original Australian White Wine 1.5L 056643 6 17.5% £22.93 75cl 013718 6 15% £8.55 1.5L 75cl 056577 057370 6 6 15% 15% £16.44 £8.55 1.5L 75cl 056578 057372 6 6 15% 15% £16.44 £8.55 1.5L 75cl 056579 057371 6 6 15% 15% £16.44 £8.55 70cl 059271 6 13.5% £8.98 Wholesale Price 15% Cap 1 Exclusive 056607 ABV Case Size 10cl Vintage Code Armadillo Cream Style Guide Size Taste Guide DESSERT AND FORTIFIED British Fortified Wines A unique blend of Australian wines and Grape Brandy. Vermouth Cinzano Bianco First created in 1757, from a base of Italian white wine infused with a secret combination of herbs and spices including coriander, juniper, orange peel, cloves, nutmeg and the all-important Absinthe. Martini Bianco Crisp and citrusy, it earned the name ‘Bianchissimo’ (the whitest) inspired by the white flowers of the vanilla plant. Its body is dry white wine, with a little sweetness from refined sugar, aromatic herbs and sweet, floral spices. ISC: Bronze 2014 Martini Extra Dry Made at the Pessione distillery near Turin, Martini® dates back to 1863. It uses only the finest Italian wines and over 40 carefully selected exotic herbs and spices. It’s this unique and balanced contrast between bitter and sweet that makes Martini® a delicious choice for any occasion. Martini Rosso Complex and elegant, wine blended with rich Italian herbs: Artemisia, Summer Savory and Dittany balanced with exotic bitter-sweet woods. No Negroni is complete without it. ISC: Silver 2014 Ginger Wine Stone’s Original Green Ginger Wine An essential component for a Whisky Mac. Stone’s was first produced at the Finsbury Distillery, London in 1740. Today it still uses the same traditional ingredients; finest raisins and pure ground ginger. 123 crowncellarswines.co.uk WIN E RANGE SIMP LE SERV ES Making wine easy by Jonathan Pedley, MW Quick service, great quality, every time Offering your customers a great choice of wines by the glass doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Single serve and draught formats offer a convenient way to deliver a perfectly served glass of wine every time. If your rate of sale is relatively low the small format bottles allow you to experiment across a wide range of wines to find the right brand and varietals for your customers. If speed of serve is key than this small bottle format can also be beneficial and in addition they can also provide a relatively risk free way of offering something different such as a ‘wine of the month’. For a higher rate of sale, particularly on house wines, draught formats are a great solution. The sleek, contemporary fonts offer improved visibility of your most popular wines on front of bar, saving valuable fridge space. Easy to maintain and quick to dispense at point of purchase, this format offers your customers guaranteed freshness, perfect temperature and quick service every time they order. 126 12.5% e S £1.84 Jack Rabbit, Pinot Grigio A vibrant fruity white wine. 1 18.7cl 1 18.7cl 1 18.7cl 061967 24‡ 2013/14 12% e S £1.82 1 20cl 057646 24‡ NV 12% e £7.60 056966 24‡ 2013/14 12.5% e S £1.84 The soft, fruity character of the Merlot grape makes this wine agreeably easy to drink. Invenio, Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc 059578 24‡ 2013/14 12% e S £1.79 Soft and juicy with perfumed red fruit character. Stowells, Vin de Pays, Merlot Cherry-red colour, aromas of redcurrants and cherries, soft supple fruit and tannins on the palate. Jack Rabbit, Pinot Grigio Rosé Perfect for the summer, with floral aromas, notes of berries, apple and citrus flavours. Stowells Pinot Grigio Clean, fresh and gently aromatic, with hints of both apple and citrus. Ponte, Pinot Grigio Very light and neutral, revealing just a hint of green fruit. Ponte, Prosecco Extra Dry Clean, dry and crisp, with a creamy finish. 2 18.7cl C 18.7cl 057092 24‡ 2013/14 12.5% e S £1.84 Ponte, Pinot Grigio Rosato A fresh and youthful off-dry wine that has a lovely rose petal pink colour. 056968 24‡ 2012 12.5% e S Ponte, Merlot £1.84 1 18.7cl 057725 12‡ 3 20cl 012987 4 18.7cl 1 12% e S £2.16 2013/14 13.5% S £2.10 24‡ NV 9.5% S £2.67 013735 12‡ 2013/14 12% S £2.10 18.7cl 060449 12‡ NV 13% S £2.06 1 18.7cl 057038 24‡ 2013 12% e S £1.86 1 20cl 057688 24‡ NV 12% e £2.87 3 18.7cl 060526 24‡ 2012 12% e S £1.86 A 18.7cl 057043 24‡ 2012 12% e S £1.86 2 20cl 057827 24‡ NV 1 18.7cl 058216 24‡ 2013 12% e S £1.58 2 18.7cl 058215 24‡ 2014 12% e S £1.58 B 18.7cl 058214 24‡ 2012 12% e S £1.58 5 18.7cl 061417 24‡ 2013 12.5% S £1.91 Style Guide Wholesale Price 2014 Cap 24‡ A bright red wine with violet reflections, fresh, fruity and agreeably soft. Spain C 18.7cl 060975 24‡ 2012 12.5% e S £1.84 Segura Viudas, Cava A fresh, clean, light-bodied sparkling white wine. B 18.7cl C 18.7cl A 18.7cl 059579 24‡ 2012 13% e S £1.79 Lobo Loco, Macabeo, Vino de la Tierra Castilla 11.5% £2.93 An attractive dry white with floral aromas and a crisp finish. Deep ruby colour, with perfumed red fruit character. O&E, Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc Jack Rabbit Sparkling White Light straw yellow in colour with fruity notes of pear and citrus fruit and a fresh creamy palate. Marked leafy Cabernet aromas with soft supple tannins on the palate. Aimery, Merlot, Vin de Pays d’Oc Invenio, Pinot Grigio A clean, fresh white with pear and apple flavours. This rosé wine has pleasant strawberry flavours and a crisp dry finish. Aimery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc 057574 Exclusive Aimery, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, Vin de Pays d’Oc 18.7cl ABV 2013/14 WIN E RANGE Golden in colour with fine bubbles, this elegant Champagne is fresh on the nose with a rounded toasty palate. Vintage 24‡ Fresh and zingy with attractive citrus notes. H. Lanvin & Fils, Brut Case Size 056965 Crisp and fresh with grassy, floral notes. O&E, Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France Code 18.7cl A grassy, dry white wine with good acidity and a crisp finish. Invenio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de France Size 2 This white has fragrant, lively fruit on the nose and a good balance of weight and acidity. Aimery, Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc 1 Italy France Aimery, Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SINGLE SERVE WINES Taste Guide SINGLE SERVE WINES 062010 24‡ 2013/14 13% e S £1.82 Lobo Loco, Tempranillo Rosé, Vino de la Tierra Castilla Vibrant pink in colour and bursting with summer berry fruit flavours. 057720 12‡ NV 13% S £2.12 Lobo Loco, Tempranillo, Vino de la Tierra Castilla An easy-drinking fruity red with lots of strawberry fruit and a silky smooth finish. Germany Blue Nun This light, medium wine has green fruit aromas and a slightly floral note. 127 @CrownCellarsUK 128 Jack Rabbit, White Zinfandel A light, fresh rosé, medium-sweet with delicate strawberry fruit character. O&E, Zinfandel Rosé Light-bodied and sweet, full of summer berry fruit flavour. Stowells, White Zinfandel Medium-sweet and bursting with lively summer fruit flavours. Blossom Hill, Red A relatively light red wine with soft tannins and ripe fruit. Jack Rabbit, Merlot A relatively light-bodied wine with red cherry aromas. 18.7cl 3 18.7cl 057726 12‡ 2012/13 13.5% S £2.10 6 18.7cl 061805 12‡ NV 10.5% S £1.92 6 18.7cl 061806 12‡ NV 12.5% S £1.92 Light and fresh with an attractive quince and pear character. Stowells, Chenin Blanc Aromatic and crisp with a fruity fragrance of crushed whitecurrants and a soft, off-dry finish. Millstream, Rosé A fruity and friendly medium-dry pink glugger. 129 crowncellarswines.co.uk Gulara, Chardonnay Clean and fresh with melon and apple fruit flavours leading to a crisp finish. Invenio, Colombard/ Chardonnay 2 18.7cl 057489 24‡ 2013 2 18.7cl 057719 12‡ C 18.7cl 057492 B 18.7cl C 13% e S £1.79 12.5% e S £1.78 NV 13% S £2.12 24‡ NV 14% e S £1.79 057490 24‡ 2012 13.5% e S £1.78 18.7cl 058472 12‡ NV 13.5% S £2.12 1 18.7cl 057768 12‡ 2012 13.5% S £2.10 2 18.7cl 057637 24‡ 2013/14 13% e S £2.01 1 18.7cl 057721 12‡ NV 13% S £2.12 C 18.7cl 058252 12‡ 2012/13 13.5% S £2.10 C 18.7cl 057636 24‡ 2013/14 13% e S £2.01 Style Guide Wholesale Price NV Cap 24‡ Medium-bodied with citrus and ripe pineapple notes. Stowells, Colombard/ Chardonnay 057566 24‡ 2013 10.5% e S £2.13 Lemon gold with a soft fruitiness on the nose and a juicy ripeness on the palate. Gulara, Shiraz 6 18.7cl 057723 12‡ 2012/13 11% S £2.10 A juicy, youthful red with plenty of bramble fruit and a hint of pepper. Invenio, Shiraz 6 18.7cl 061966 24‡ 2013 10.5% e S £2.13 Perfumed raspberry fruit and a hint of white pepper. Stowells, Shiraz 6 18.7cl 057727 12‡ NV 13% S £2.15 B 18.7cl 061899 12‡ NV 12% S £1.92 B Rich, warm and soft with medium to full-bodied structure. Chile Jack Rabbit, Sauvignon Blanc 18.7cl 057724 12‡ 2012/13 13% S £2.10 Fresh and crisp with deliciously fruity flavours of lime and peach. Ochre Mountain, Sauvignon Blanc Fresh and a citrusy on the nose with clean acidity on the palate. South Africa Millstream, Chenin Blanc 057491 Exclusive Light, fruity rosé bursting with strawberry fruits. Medium-sweet but well-balanced. 2 WIN E RANGE Invenio, Zinfandel Rosé 18.7cl ABV An attractive salmon pink colour with soft sweet fruit on the nose and palate. Vintage Blossom Hill, White Zinfandel Case Size A broad, soft Chardonnay that is off-dry on the palate. Code Jack Rabbit, Chardonnay Size Soft, broad and approachably fruity on the nose with gentle acidity on the palate. 2 Australia California Blossom Hill, White Taste Guide Wholesale Price Cap Exclusive ABV Vintage Case Size Code Size Style Guide SINGLE SERVE WINES Taste Guide SINGLE SERVE WINES 2 18.7cl 3 18.7cl 056772 057722 24‡ 12‡ 2014/15 NV 12.5% 12.5% e S £1.80 S £2.14 Stowells, Sauvignon Blanc A crisp dry white wine with tropical fruit aromas and a taste of pear, gooseberry and lime. Jack Rabbit, Shiraz Soft and juicy on the palate with flavours of blackberries and raspberries. 5 18.7cl 057209 24‡ 2014/15 12.5% e S £1.91 Ochre Mountain, Merlot Carmenere Rounded and smooth in flavour with pronounced blackcurrant fruit. The 130 2 10L 3L 056701 056700 1 4 13% £93.09 £27.48 6 10L 058473 1 12% £90.23 5 10L 3L 056662 056670 1 4 10% £86.03 £25.95 1 10L 3L 057333 057332 1 4 13% £86.07 £31.04 1 3L 056690 4 13% £27.28 6 10L 3L 057139 057136 1 4 13% £91.12 £27.35 C 3L 056689 4 13% £28.11 B 10L 3L 058475 058476 1 4 12% £87.65 £25.61 C 10L 3L 058456 058469 1 4 14% £93.14 £29.13 3 10L 057528 1 13.5% £90.73 1 10L 057767 1 13.5% £90.43 6 10L 057527 1 11% £90.73 B 10L 057529 1 13% £90.73 Wholesale Price £84.24 £25.71 Cap 12.5% Exclusive 1 4 ABV Case Size 056684 056669 Vintage Code 3 10L 3L Style Guide Size Taste Guide DRAUGHT WINES Stowells Chenin Blanc, South Africa Aromatic and crisp with a fruity fragrance of crushed whitecurrants and a soft, off-dry finish. Colombard/Chardonnay, Australia Lemon gold with a soft fruitiness on the nose and a juicy ripeness on the palate. Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc, France Medium-dry with a simple fresh fruitiness. Liebfraumilch, Germany Medium-dry with a simple fresh fruitiness on the nose and palate. Pinot Grigio, Italy Clean, fresh and gently aromatic, with hints of both apple and citrus. Sauvignon Blanc, Chile A crisp dry white wine with tropical fruit aromas and a taste of pear, gooseberry and lime. White Zinfandel, California Medium-sweet and bursting with lively summer fruit flavours. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Chile A full soft red, with fruit flavours on the palate. Merlot, France This is a soft, mellow and fruity red wine. Shiraz, Australia Rich, warm and soft with medium to full-bodied structure. Jack Rabbit Chardonnay A broad and soft Chardonnay that is off-dry on the palate. Sauvignon Blanc Fresh and crisp with deliciously fruity flavours of lime and peach. White Zinfandel A light, fresh rosé, medium-sweet with delicate strawberry fruit character. Merlot A relatively light-bodied wine with cherry aromas. 131 @CrownCellarsUK SP IRITS VO DKA Fundamental to your back bar by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Despite total Vodka volumes being down by just under 6% it still accounts for over £1.7bn in value to the On-Trade with Premium Vodka making up almost 25% of all Premium spirit volume.* One of the key drivers for Vodka is the cocktail market as six of the top ten cocktails are Vodka-based. So whilst a good standard Vodka remains essential, it’s premium brands that offer the opportunity for margin growth. Make sure you stock at least one Premium Vodka in your spirits range and train your staff to regularly upsell to Premium – understanding the difference between a standard and Premium Vodka and being able to explain the price differential is key. SP IRI TS R AN G E Opportunity for margin growth Standard Up-Sell Premium Smirnoff Red Smirnoff Black Ketel One Sell for Sell for Sell for £2.34 £3.07 £3.92 per 25ml shot** per 25ml shot*** per 25ml shot** for an extra for an extra for an extra £65.52 £85.96 £109.76 per bottle revenue per bottle revenue per bottle revenue Source: *CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. **CGA Total On-Trade MAT 01.11.2014. **CGA Brand Index data to 21.03.2015 134 Made from 100% pure grain and de-mineralised water, Eristoff is triple-distilled and charcoal filtered to create a clean and crisp taste. With a slight hint of liquorice and green apple this awarded Vodka leaves you with a smooth creamy aftertaste and a hankering for more. IWSC: Silver 2014 Red Square Triple-distilled, carbon filtered Vodka that tastes great on its own or with a mixer. Romanoff Clean and light-bodied; perfect to mix. Look out for the new and improved packaging in 2015. Smirnoff Red Label Smirnoff No. 21 is made from the highest quality grain neutral spirit and triple-distilled to ensure the highest purity. Every batch of Smirnoff produced undergoes at least 57 quality checks following its unique charcoal filtration process to produce a clean, pure, classic and light spirit. Vladivar A clean, smooth Vodka with a sophisticated flavour. Made from 100% pure grain, triple-distilled and charcoal filtered. 1.5l 70cl 057991 057989 6 6 37.5% £38.68 £20.76 Finlandia 1.5l 70cl 056887 059577 6 6 37.5% £30.29 £15.31 Grey Goose 1.5l 70cl 056682 056681 6 12 37.5% £31.07 £14.54 3l 1.5l 70cl 5cl 056580 056588 056625 056571 4 6 12 120 37.5% £74.45 £36.50 £18.38 £1.52 1.5l 70cl 057257 058025 6 6 37.5% £40.36 £19.16 Smirnoff Black Label 70cl 057545 6 40% £23.18 Smirnoff Blue Label 135 crowncellarswines.co.uk Wholesale Price 1.5l 70cl 060723 056804 6 6 40% £103.86 £33.07 70cl 058306 6 40% £32.07 70cl 056695 6 40% £27.08 70cl 061870 6 50% £27.36 70cl 057576 6 40% £20.28 70cl 057106 6 40% £20.24 70cl 060030 6 40% £20.89 ABV 40% £17.58 Created in the Cognac region using 100% fine French winter wheat blended with pure spring water for a silky, smooth premium Vodka. Initially soft with a gentle sweetness that gradually envelops the mouth with a smooth and rounded texture and a hint of almond. Fresh and bright throughout with a long, satisfying finish. Ketel One Handmade, small batch Vodka; copper pot distilled from fine wheat and pure water and filtered through natural charcoal for added clarity. Hints of citrus and honey on the nose, Ketel One generously and smoothly coats the tongue with an unmistakable coolness and a lively tingle on the finish. Handcrafted in small copper pot stills for a distinctively smooth taste, honouring the legacy of traditional Russian methods. Rich and distinctive with chocolate aromas, big spiced flavours and a velvety smooth rounded mouthfeel. 70cl 012631 6 40% £37.77 SP IRI TS R AN G E A superbly luxurious Vodka, Cîroc is inspired by more than a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship. Produced using fine French grapes, Cîroc is distilled five times in an Armagnac-style pot still to create its distinct taste. The result is an exquisitely smooth, fresh and innovative Vodka experience. 6 It’s Finland’s unique combination of untainted air, water and untouched land that makes Finlandia Vodka so pristine. The combination of Finland’s pure glacial spring water, six row barley and Midnight Sun have created one of the purest Vodkas on the market today. IWSC: Silver 2014, ISC: Silver 2015 Stolichnaya Voted the World’s Best Vodka in 2010 by the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Competition, Chase Vodka is the world’s first super premium English potato Vodka. King Edward and Lady Claire potatoes are grown, mashed, fermented and distilled in a bespoke copper batch pot on the same Herefordshire farm to give a really pure Vodka that is beautifully smooth and has a naturally sweet and creamy taste. IWSC: Bronze 2014 Cîroc 056806 Smirnoff Blue No.57 is the brand’s highest abv of 50%. It has a clear and crisp nose with a notable grain accent. It has a strong, bold flavour with hints of sweetness and a resolute finish. Based on the simple concept of “One Source”, located near Åhus, in Southern Sweden. Absolut Vodka is exclusively made of the 100% natural ingredients; water and winter wheat. Rich, full-bodied and complex, yet smooth and mellow with a distinct character of grain, followed by a hint of dried fruit. Chase 70cl Premium Vodka Premium Vodka Absolut Blue Case Size Eristoff Code Standard Vodka Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code VODKA Size VODKA A classically styled and exceptionally smooth Vodka. Crystal clear with marshmallow, mineral and mild fruit peel aromas. A medium-bodied palate with pastry frosting and citrus rind flavours and a clean, sweet finish. Wyborowa Blue This pure rye Vodka made in Poznan, Western Poland has a rich, rounded nose with warm notes of fresh rye bread. The palate is subtly sweet with white chocolate and pecan followed by a long nutty finish. ISC: Gold 2015 70cl 012950 6 40% £32.91 Zubrowka The original bison grass Vodka. Try this small batch golden rye Vodka with pressed apple juice - the sweetness and acidic kick of the apple juice perfectly complement the natural herbaceous and soft almond-like vanilla scents of the bison grass, creating a complex drink with a taste of apple pie. SFWSC: Silver 2015 All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 136 6 40% £24.94 70cl 057552 6 40% £24.94 70cl 057546 6 40% £24.94 50cl 057542 12 40% £15.72 Finlandia Lime Finlandia Mango 70cl 057544 6 40% £24.94 Smirnoff Espresso 70cl 057543 6 40% £24.94 70cl 012630 6 40% £38.17 70cl 060833 6 37.5% £21.46 70cl 060834 6 37.5% £21.46 70cl 058111 6 37.5% £21.05 70cl 060836 6 37.5% £21.05 70cl 057800 6 37.5% £21.05 70cl 057799 6 37.5% £21.05 70cl 058910 6 37.5% £21.05 70cl 057577 6 37.5% £23.80 70cl 057579 6 37.5% £23.80 The extraordinary purity of Smirnoff No. 21 with the addition of natural apple fruit flavour. Tangy, fresh and intriguing. Smirnoff Lime Cîroc Pineapple The extraordinary purity of Smirnoff No. 21 with the addition of natural lime fruit flavour. Perfectly ripe citrus fruits, with hints of floral fragrances and a sharp, zingy taste. 70cl 014085 6 37.5% £33.95 70cl 057990 6 20% £24.15 SP IRI TS R AN G E Smirnoff Vanilla Even the darkest of nights can’t compare to the jet-black colour of Eristoff Black. This intriguing and alluring spirit, blends the delicious flavours of wild berries with an aroma of blackcurrant, and just a touch of apple. A dark drink for dark nights. Sweet and flowery on the nose with notes of vanilla, lavender and plum. It has a fragrant natural vanilla bean flavour with a smooth, sweet and creamy finish. Stolichnaya Vanil Elegant aromas of vanilla pod, crème anglaise and chocolate, with undertones of toasted buttery grain. The palate brings a creamy sweetness to the fore, but it is light and balanced, with cocoa powder, white pepper and sweet spicy notes. Stolichnaya Razberi NEW for 2015 Cîroc Pineapple The versatility of this flavour allows for a great range of cocktail creativity. @CrownCellarsUK £21.46 This addition to the Smirnoff range blends natural coffee flavour extracted from real coffee beans with Smirnoff Red No. 21. Espresso has a bold, rich, aromatic nose with hints of chocolate, nuts and caramel. Smirnoff Green Apple This high quality spirit is masterfully infused with a distinctive blend of pineapple and other natural flavours, resulting in a taste experience that is lusciously different and elegantly smooth. SFWSC: Silver 2015 137 37.5% Crafted using award winning triple-distilled Smirnoff No.21 Vodka and the natural flavours of blueberries. It has a sweet taste underpinned with raspberry, strawberry and cranberry flavours. Clear with a golden hue. Strong orange zest on the nose, with a naturally rich bittersweet flavour and a warm velvety mouth feel. Eristoff Black 6 The tropics meet the arctic when fresh juicy mango meet fine Finnish Vodka to produce a distinctive tropical flavour. IWSC: Silver 2014 Smirnoff Blueberry Rich, robust and complex with a distinct character of vanilla, notes of butterscotch and hints of dark chocolate. Chase Marmalade 060832 The zesty flavour and aroma of fresh, natural limes shine through in this crisp Vodka. Made exclusively from natural ingredients, and unlike most other flavoured Vodkas, without any added sugar Absolut Rasberri is rich and intense with the fresh and fruity character of ripened raspberries. Absolut Vanilia Finlandia Cranberry The crisp, natural flavour of cranberry is part of Finnish heritage, being one of only a few berries that grow as far north as the arctic. Hot and spicy with a distinct character of green bell, chilli and jalapeño pepper. Absolut Raspberri Wholesale Price 057553 Complex, smooth and mellow with a fruity mandarin and orange character mixed with a note of orange peel. Absolut Peppar ABV 70cl Smooth and mellow, with a fruity blackcurrant character and a hint of tartness. Absolut Mandrin 70cl Flavoured Vodka Smooth and mellow, with a fresh fruity lemon and lime character and a note of lemon peel. Absolut Kurant Case Size Absolut Citron Code Flavoured Vodka Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code VODKA Size VODKA An intense nose of raspberry jam, boiled sweets and hot berry fruit. The palate has raspberry ripple creaminess, balanced by the sweet spice of rye and wheat grain Vodka, and lifted by crisp citrus notes. Finishes with hints of pepper and wild raspberry cane. All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 138 GIN Bitterness unabated by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Gin has a fascinating history that goes back to when the first spirits were distilled in Europe, starting as medicine, turning into a social problem, to rise again and establish itself as the pinnacle of cocktail sophistication. It can be produced from any neutral grain spirit using a continuous still with botanicals added to flavour the liquid resulting in a dry liquid with intense aromas (predominantly juniper berries but may also include coriander, citrus peel and liquorice...). The Gin category continues to grow, driven by the market trend of premiumisation. Overall Gin has grown by 8.4% in volume but 15.9% in value, the trend is further emphasised by the fact that premium Gin has grown by 22.4% in volume.* SP IRI TS R AN G E Premium Gin volumes have grown by over 22% Standard Up-Sell Premium Gordon’s Tanqueray Tanqueray No.Ten Sell for Sell for Sell for £2.25 £3.25 £3.88 per 25ml shot** per 25ml shot*** per 25ml shot** for an extra for an extra for an extra £63.00 £91.00 £108.64 per bottle revenue per bottle revenue per bottle revenue Source: *CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. **CGA Total On-Trade MAT 01.11.2014. **CGA Brand Index data to 21.03.2015 140 Easy to drink and bursting with original botanical Gin flavours. Hints of juniper, citrus and pepper on the nose and a crisp palate. Ideal for mixing/long drinks. Bombay Dry Carefully distilled using a secret recipe, the distinctively refreshing taste comes from the finest handpicked juniper berries and a selection of other botanicals. It’s the taste that’s made Gordon’s the world’s best-selling London Dry Gin. Gordon’s Crisp Cucumber 1.5l 70cl 057064 057065 6 6 40% £49.40 £21.01 1.5l 70cl 057359 060457 6 6 37.5% £30.88 £14.77 70cl 013068 6 37.5% £24.80 1.5l 70cl 5cl 056592 056945 056585 6 6 192 37.5% £38.83 £19.11 £2.14 70cl 060835 6 37.5% £20.34 70cl 012304 6 37.5% £20.34 Hendrick’s 059654 6 45% £28.41 41.2% £28.21 70cl 012201 6 42% £29.79 70cl 059669 6 41.6% £33.51 70cl 057060 6 43.1% £23.53 70cl 058557 6 47.3% £32.01 70cl 059653 6 41.3% £28.28 70cl 059655 6 42% £24.95 70cl 013990 6 40% £30.18 The chaps behind The Portobello Star in Notting Hill have created this amazing Gin at their ‘Ginstitute’ above the bar. A classic London Dry that has a very rich texture and the most gorgeous finish of liquorice and nutmeg. Sipsmith A particularly dry Gin with a zesty, citrus finish. The quintessential expression of a classic, traditional London Dry Gin. Bold, complex and aromatic – smooth enough for a Martini, but rich and balanced, perfect for a G&T. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 Four times distilled with four botanicals - juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice; this award winning Gin is a bold spirit, worthy of its red seal and 180 years of distilling excellence. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015 Born in the 10th still, this small batch Gin infuses not only peel, but the whole of the fruit. Grapefruit, orange, lime and chamomile set Tanqueray No.Ten apart and it remains the only Gin in the World Spirits Hall of Fame. ISC: Bronze 2015 Rare Rangpur limes bring an exotic, bold flavour to the already perfect combination of juniper, coriander, bay leaves and ginger. Clean, transparent with a rich, refreshing taste, Rangpur is subtle, smooth and extremely mixable. SFWSC: Silver 2015 Whitley Neill 1.5l 70cl 057190 056660 6 6 40% £51.37 £24.79 Two carefully selected signature botanicals from Africa - the Cape gooseberry and the fruit of the Baobab tree - combine for a distinctively bold taste. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Williams Chase GB Extra Dry 70cl 057166 6 41.4% £30.31 70cl 013807 6 41.7% £30.24 Made with infusions of cucumber and rose petals for a wonderfully refreshing Gin with a delightful floral aroma. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014, ISC: Bronze 2015 Langleys No.8 6 SP IRI TS R AN G E 70cl A glamorous London Dry Gin steeped with a unique blend of Chinese green and rare Japanese Sencha teas, grapefruit and liquorice. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014, ISC: Gold 2015 The vapour infusion process works by holding the 10 precious botanicals separately from the spirit in perforated copper baskets. When the heated vapours rise, the distinctive flavours of the botanicals are released delivering a complex aromatic liquid with a broad, balanced flavour. Portobello Road Tanqueray Rangpur Premium Gin Bombay Sapphire 061471 Distilled from a unique blend of 7 botanicals, soft Dartmoor water and pure grain alcohol at the historic Black Friars Distillery - the oldest working distillery in England - since 1793. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014, ISC: Gold 2015 Tanqueray No.Ten Refreshing Gordon’s London Dry Gin is combined with the delicate taste of elderflower for a delicious twist on a great British classic. The innovative new blend is best served with tonic and ice. SFWSC: Silver 2015 Beefeater 24 Plymouth Tanqueray This clean, crisp Gin is refreshingly easy to drink. Fresh cucumber notes round off the flavour of Gordon’s Gin, while retaining its distinctive juniper notes. Gordon’s Elderflower 70cl Premium Gin A classic, smooth dry Gin with bright aromas of citrus and juniper, a complex earthy palate and a long dry finish. Gordon’s Wholesale Price Belgravia London Dry ABV Distilled in Kennington, on the South bank of the Thames to James Burrough’s original recipe from the 1860s. Nine botanicals are steeped for 24 hours before being distilled to produce a fresh, clean and crisp Gin with a subtle citrus and fruit edge. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 Case Size Beefeater London Dry Code Standard Gin Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code GIN Size GIN Chase infuse juniper buds and berries to ensure distillation of the driest Gin possible. 10 fine botanicals deliver juniper, dark chocolate and citrus zest upfront on the palate, followed by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Up front juniper and coriander are complemented by citrus zest and zing on the mid-palate and a spicy, grassy finish. Hints of liquorice and a smooth lingering finish make this the perfect Gin for a G&T, a Dry Martini or to be sipped neat over ice as a digestif. IWSC: Silver 2014 141 crowncellarswines.co.uk All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 142 RUM Sugar and spiced? A rich range of flavours and styles SP IRI TS R AN G E by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Rum is a really varied category with a vibrant tropical heritage – offering a rich range of flavours and styles, from light White Rums excellent for mixing in cocktails, to dark characterful aged Rums, perfect for sipping on their own. Rum can only be produced by sugarcane by-products (either molasses or sugarcane juice), fermented, distilled, and sometimes aged. While Rum can be aged anywhere (in oak or other casks), it can only be distilled in a sugarcane growing country. Light Rums are usually distilled in a continuous still, while heavy Rums are usually distilled in a pot still. Appearance, flavours and aromas differ widely from a White Rum (neutral and dry) to a Golden (tropical fruit and dry to off-dry) or a Dark Rum (dried fruits, spice, toffee for a sweet spirit) making it a supremely versatile spirit. The key areas of growth in Rum are Golden (including Spiced) and Dark which have grown by 9.7% and 5.6% in volume and 14.2% and 12% in value respectively in the last 12 months. And Rum is as susceptible to the overall premiumisation of the spirits category with strong volume growth of 9.3% in premium Rums.* Source: *CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 144 6 6 48 37.5% 70cl 014102 6 37.5% £19.95 1.5l 70cl 057239 057803 6 6 37.5% A fine White Rum; light, delicate and ideal for cocktails and long drinks. £30.97 £14.81 Havana 3YO 70cl 056706 6 40% Captain Morgan White £42.07 £20.06 £1.75 Light and crisp, this crystal clear White Rum is balanced and creamy, slightly sweet with just a hint of fruit. Softened by ageing in white oak barrels for over a year, its unique essence is deliciously different, but with authentic Rum character. Expedition White £18.52 Light and dry; the result of blending aged, aromatic and extra light sugarcane to produce a selection of young Rums which are allowed to rest in white oak barrels before final blending, resting and filtering. Gives any Daiquari a touch of class. IWSC: Silver 2014 Santa Teresa Claro 70cl 012197 6 40% £24.80 First made in 1849, Lamb’s is a blend of no fewer than 18 superior Rums from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Deep mahogany in colour with a warm blend of spices and pleasant dryness on the finish. Mortons OVD Made from the finest sugarcane, grown along the banks of the River Demerara in Guyana, this is a combination of spirit made in both pot and continuous stills and matured for 1 to 3 years in oak before being blended. 145 @CrownCellarsUK Wholesale Price 70cl 060727 6 40% £32.85 70cl 057037 6 40% £23.67 70cl 059687 6 40% £30.83 70cl 012356 6 40% £23.67 70cl 014011 6 40% £48.56 ABV £20.45 Amber in colour, mellow and smooth, with impressions of vanilla and a balance of walnuts, spices and tropical fruits on a subtle background of oak. Bacardi Ocho Anos After ageing for more than 8 years in carefully selected oak barrels, blending to perfection gives notes of prunes, apricot, nutmeg and vanilla over a clean woody background of oak. Smooth and rich on the palate, very full with a long and expansive finish. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Havana Club Especial A blend of old and young Rums that results in a rich, warm gold-coloured Rum. Its character combines the lightness of White Rums and the robust aroma of Dark Rums. Mount Gay Zacapa 23 70cl 060440 6 37.5% £15.08 1.5l 70cl 056589 056627 6 6 40% £45.17 £21.49 1.5l 70cl 057274 057275 6 6 40% £42.99 £21.00 1.5l 056590 6 40% £46.00 70cl 056635 6 57% £32.11 Originally imported in 1838, OVD is made from the finest Demerara sugar from cane grown on the banks of the famous Demerara River in Guyana. Dark and aromatic with immensely rich flavour OVD is often described as “pure Caribbean”. Wood’s 100 Old Navy 40% Zacapa’s unique Sistema Solera process, based on a centuries-old Spanish way of ageing Sherries, blends Rums of different ages in a sequence of barrels which previously held American Whiskies, sweet Sherries and fine Pedro Ximenez wines. Refined by craftsmanship and devotion, the whole process is artfully overseen by Master Blender Lorena Vásquez Ampié. SP IRI TS R AN G E Lamb’s Navy Dark 6 This Barbados Rum has a brilliant golden amber colour, distinctive floral and fruity notes of apricot and banana on the nose and a subtle smokiness, imparted by the toasted Kentucky oak barrels in which the Rum is aged, on the palate. A nose of buttery toffee, allspice and a hint of peppercorns. Black pepper, baking spices and molasses on the palate with a long vanilla finish. A blend of pot still and continuous still Rums from Jamaica, Guyana and Barbados. Aged in oak for a dark, full-bodied colour and distinctive rich taste that are unmistakable. 012840 The epitome of Cuban Rum. The lengthy and natural ageing process in white oak barrels infuses the Rum with its powerful and complex flavours to produce a stylish and exceptionally rich Rum. Dark Rum Captain Morgan Original Bacardi Carta Oro Havana 7YO This Venezuelan White Rum is a unique blend of light and heavy Rums aged in American white oak for over 2 years. Plentiful fruit notes make it an ideal cocktail ingredient. Admiral Benbow Case Size 056581 057580 056651 The world’s first original and authentic premium aged White Rum. Made with passion, care and skill and still blended to the exact same flavour profile as it first was in 1862. Light, dry and versatile, it is the base for many classic cocktails such as the Mojito, Daquiri and Cuba Libre. 70cl Golden Rum 1.5l 70cl 5cl Bacardi Carta Blanca Code White Rum Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code RUM Size RUM NEW for 2015 Zacapa 23 Aged and blended in the ‘House Above the Clouds’ 2300m above sea level. The cool mountain air slows ageing, allowing Zacapa time to rest and develop the character of one of the world’s finest Rums. All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 146 Case Size Wholesale Price Code 70cl 058913 6 35% £20.20 1.5l 70cl 061744 061743 6 6 35% £46.14 £21.78 70cl 061157 6 40% £26.89 70cl 056996 6 40% £21.20 ABV Size RUM Spiced Rum Bacardi Oakheart Bold, spiced premium Rum straight from charred oak barrels. Rich, smooth and smoky with a robust flavour; a hint of maple and honey followed by vanilla and caramel. Captain Morgan Spiced A secret blend of premium Caribbean Rums, mellow spice and other natural flavours. It gets its distinct richness and amber colour from ageing in charred white oak barrels. Kraken Black Spiced Chocolate sweetness and vanilla mingle with cinnamon, clove, ginger and orange. The warming finish is full of rich vanilla and coffee with slight hints of pepper. Sailor Jerry Smooth warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with rich vanilla. A long dry finish balanced with a subdued sweetness and a hint of burnt toffee. IWSC: Bronze 2014 NEW for 2015 Kraken Black Spiced Named after the legendary sea monster this black spiced Rum ages a base spirit from Trinidad and Tobago for up to 2 years before blending with a mix of 11 spices. 147 crowncellarswines.co.uk Value growth of 5.9% in the last 12 months BRANDY Nurture the aromas SP IRI TS R AN G E by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Brandy is a generic term which describes a spirit distilled from a fruit, which in most cases is grapes. There are many different Brandies produced in many different countries including America, Australia, Argentina and South Africa. Each has their own styles and methods since there are few, if any, laws to govern their production. Conversely for a Brandy to bear the name Cognac, its production methods must meet certain legal requirements. In particular, it must be made from specified grapes. The Brandy must be double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels. Cognac matures in the same way as Whiskies and wine when aged in barrels, and most Cognacs are aged considerably longer than the minimum legal requirement. Brandy volumes in the UK are relatively static but, are like the majority of spirit categories, are seeing growth in premiums with value up 5.9% in the last 12 months.* Source: *CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 150 Case Size Wholesale Price Code 1.5l 70cl 057693 057694 6 6 40% £59.88 £28.65 70cl 057695 6 40% £43.42 70cl 057696 3 40% £127.75 1.5l 056609 6 40% £69.10 1.5l 70cl 5cl 056616 056614 057025 6 6 96 40% £63.33 £30.51 £3.02 70cl 012357 6 40% £48.53 70cl 056978 6 40% £31.74 70cl 061159 6 36% £15.22 1.5l 057152 6 40% £53.86 ABV Size BRANDY Cognac Courvoisier VS *** Luxe A mouth-watering blend of Cognacs aged for up to eight years. Grapes from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus give complex fruity notes, richness and depth. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Courvoisier VSOP An elegant blend of Cognacs up to ten years old from two of the finest crus in the Cognac region. Expertly crafted using a minimum of 50% Grande Champagne grapes blended exclusively with Petite Champagne grapes, entitling it to carry the prestigious ‘Fine Champagne’ designation. SFWSC: Silver 2015 Courvoisier XO Recognised as one of the finest XOs in the world, this is a very old blend of fine and well-matured Cognacs from the exclusive Grande Champagne cru, along with selected aged spirit from the Petite Champagne and distinguished Borderies crus. The perfect balance of intense flavours have been patiently evolved and nurtured for at least two decades. Hennessy VS *** After several years of maturation in French oak casks, carefully selected eaux-de-vie are blended to produce an intense and fruity character with powerful flavours of grilled almonds, supported by notes reminiscent of fresh grapes. Martell VS *** A masterful blend of ‘Troncais’ oak-aged eaux-de-vie from the Charente region’s four main growing areas; Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois. Remy Martin V.S.O.P A blend of eaux-de-vie stored exclusively in mature Limousin oak casks that are more than twenty years old. Delivers a balanced and silky Cognac with notes of apricot, rose and vanilla. Armagnac and Grape Brandy Janneau White wines from Bas Armagnac and Tenareze are distilled and aged seperately in Limousin oak casks for a minimum of seven years before being blended and bottled to produce this elegant Armagnac; soft and subtle with notes of dried prunes, vanilla and liquorice. Jules Clairon Pure French Grape Brandy, aged for one year to soften and build character. Nose of rich caramel, and a smooth full-bodied palate, particularly enjoyed after a good meal. Three Barrels V.S.O.P Carefully handcrafted and aged in French oak, this VSOP has a superior smooth and velvety taste with hints of almond and walnut, and a long finish of candied fruits and ginger. IWSC: Silver 2014 151 @CrownCellarsUK All our spirits are available to order by the bottle WH ISK( E) Y The water of life by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Whisk(e)y is one of the most celebrated spirit categories with an enormous variety of styles and processes that offer a broad spectrum of aromas, textures and tastes. Production requires three simple ingredients: starch (cereal grain converted to sugar and fermented to become a wash), malted barley and peat (typical of Scotch Whisky). Whisk(e)y can be made anywhere in the world, however Scotch can only be made in Scotland. Scotch Whisky is double-distilled and matured in a variety of casks (oak, Sherry, Bourbon, charred...), in Scotland, for a minimum of three years. Flavours depend on the region, maturation and finish but typically include peat smoke, floral, grain, honey, nut, and wood aromas. Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled, generally in a pot still, and aged in Ireland for a minimum of three years in any type of cask (oak, Sherry, Bourbon, charred...) The absence of peat during the malting process results in a smooth, unpeated flavour reminiscent of stone fruits and vanilla. American Whiskey SP IRI TS R AN G E Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskies are mainly made from maize, aged in charred, new American oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Whereas Bourbon (a sweet, oaky, vanilla flavoured liquid) can be produced anywhere in the USA, Tennessee Whiskey (oaky, with a pronounced smoky character) must be distilled in Tennessee and filtered through Maplewood before ageing. The star performer has undoubtedly been Malt Whisky which has seen growth of 15.6% in volume and 25.2% in value, showing a clear trend towards the premiumisation in the category.* The angel’s share Source: *CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 154 The unique flavour comes from some of the finest Malt Whiskies in Scotland - from the fresh, sweet malts of Speyside to the smoky sea salt of the Islands - all matured in selected oak casks for a richer flavour. The malt at the heart of the blend is rich, spiced and nutty from the Blair Athol distillery. Chivas Regal A blend of the finest Malt Whiskies, such as The Macallan and Highland Park, and exceptional Grain Whiskies rests in fully seasoned oak casks for an unusually long period to produce a Whisky of the smoothest possible character. Haig Club™ 4.5l 1.5l 70cl 056567 056598 056947 2 6 6 40% £128.61 £41.92 £20.83 70cl 057150 6 40% 4.5l 1.5l 70cl 5cl 056596 056587 056624 056661 3 6 12 120 70cl 012951 6 A smooth liquid from the Highlands of Scotland offering a sweet, mild peat flavour with hints of heather and a smooth finish. Johnnie Walker Black Label Wholesale Price 6 40% £30.22 70cl 060269 6 40% £25.78 70cl 060162 6 40% £28.15 1.5l 057256 6 40% £42.92 70cl 014035 6 40% £24.02 1.5l 70cl 056678 056622 6 6 40% £51.00 £23.99 70cl 060235 6 40% £23.21 ABV 012193 Undeniably rich, complex and smooth. Rich dried fruits from the European oak Sherry casks followed by hints of smooth creamy toffee that linger on the tip of your tongue and a sophisticated, smoky finish. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014, Johnnie Walker Red Label £30.69 40% £127.93 £42.25 £20.92 £2.02 40% £44.65 Bold, fearless and fiery. Hints of fresh apple, pear and the spark of zest from the elegant Speyside malts are followed by fruity sweetness, cinnamon and pepper crackling on the centre of your tongue and a signature sophisticated, smoky finish. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014, Monkey Shoulder A beautifully sweet blend of 3 Speyside Single Malts. Rich vanilla, brown sugar and toffee notes with hints of oak, cinnamon and nutmeg spice and a smooth finish. ‘Monkey Shoulder’ refers to a temporary injury suffered by malt men when turning barley by hand. IWSC: Gold 2014 Whyte & Mackay Special Creamy vanilla and dark dried fruits on the nose and palate with smooth Bourbon and toffee notes on the finish giving the liquid complexity and body. SFWSC: Silver 2015 Highland Poacher 70cl Blended and Deluxe Whisky An exceptional blended Scotch Whisky made of hand-selected Malt and Grain Whiskies. At the heart of all the Chivas Regal blends is the classic Speyside Single Malt Whisky, Strathisla. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Famous Grouse Case Size Bell’s Original Code Blended and Deluxe Whisky Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code WHISK(E)Y Size WHISKY 1.5l 70cl 056686 056687 6 12 40% £33.72 £15.78 The double marriage of first malts and then the malt and grain blend in Sherry butts for several months produces seductively smooth, rich honeyed fruit flavours and a pleasing warm aftertaste which lingers long in the mouth. IWSC: Gold 2014 Irish Whiskey Bushmills Original Jameson NEW for 2015 Haig Club™ A new innovation from the House of Haig, Scotland’s oldest Grain Whisky dynasty. 155 crowncellarswines.co.uk The hallmark smoothness comes down to three factors; triple-distillation, controlled maturation and masterly blending of the various Whiskey components. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 Tullamore Dew SP IRI TS R AN G E A blend of triple-distilled Single Malt Whiskey with a lighter Irish Grain Whiskey. Approachable with a rich‚ warming taste of fresh fruit, honey and vanilla and a crisp fresh finish with a touch of spice. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Triple-distilled and aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks to develop its distinctive smoothness and gentle complexity, with malt and pot still Whiskey providing citrus and spicy notes. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 156 70cl 061855 6 45% £28.60 Jim Beam Black 70cl 062011 6 45% £32.26 Charcoal mellowed Tennessee Whiskey which draws its rich amber colour and distinctive flavour and finish from maturation in the toasted white oak barrels that are still handmade by the distillery. Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack 70cl 057690 6 40% £26.15 1.5l 70cl 056663 056569 6 6 40% £54.52 £26.40 70cl 058920 6 40% £37.86 @CrownCellarsUK Wholesale Price 057434 6 43% £28.11 70cl 059108 6 40% £28.57 70cl 058319 6 50% £31.77 70cl 057702 6 45% £29.01 75cl 013889 12 42% £30.26 70cl 058919 6 45.2% £31.96 ABV 70cl Yellow corn and red winter wheat from specially selected small farm co-operatives are double-distilled to give this Bourbon its soft, mellow taste. Smooth and sweet with not a hint of bitterness. Tincup 70cl 060729 6 45% £44.03 Up front you’ll taste powerful rye, spice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ginger. There are notes of citrus and a fair amount of vanilla and caramel. Woodford Reserve 1.5l 70cl 012850 059747 6 6 35% £54.93 £26.45 Bulleit Rye 95% rye and 5% malted barley, aged until it’s ready. 157 £27.35 SP IRI TS R AN G E The rich, authentic taste of Jack Daniel’s laced with the best Tennessee honeycombe. Spicy on the nose with a smooth, lightly sweet finish. Perfect on the rocks or as an ice cold shot. 40% Ageing for nine years in charred American white oak lends this small batch Bourbon its maple sugar aroma, distinctive sweetness and rich, full-bodied flavour. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015 Maker’s Mark Matured in the upper reaches of the barrelhouses to add colour and flavour and bottled one barrel at a time to capture the individual characteristics. With a smooth intense flavour and varying degrees of toasted oak, caramel and vanilla. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey 6 Corn sweetness and mellow oak accented by a hint of black cherry for smoothness and balance. Satiny and judiciously sweet with a true Bourbon warmth. Knob Creek Uniquely twice mellowed through sugar maple charcoal for ultimate smoothness; full-bodied with fruit, spices and a warm, silky finish. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel 056570 This premium, double-aged Bourbon spends eight years in new charred, white oak barrels. That’s twice as long as original Jim Beam and it’s those four extra years of ageing that give Jim Beam Black its full-bodied flavour with smooth caramel and warm oak notes. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Jim Beam Red Stag Blended before ageing to allow the subtle flavours of rye, rye malt, barley and corn to marry perfectly before their long sleep in top quality white oak barrels. The result is a smooth, light, mellow flavour enjoyed in over 156 countries. IWSC: Silver 2014 Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 (Tennessee Sour Mash) Jim Beam White Six generations of distilling have gone into this Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A light and perfumed Bourbon with mellow sweetness from oak and vanilla leading to a long warm, spicy finish. An award-winning, small batch, straight rye Whiskey with a character of unparalleled spice and complexity. Russet in colour, with rich oaky aromas, the flavour is notably smooth, with hints of vanilla, honey, and spice and a long clean finish. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 Canadian Club 70cl American Whiskey Its unique blend of rye, corn and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast make this small batch Bourbon subtle and complex. High rye content leads to a bold spicy character and distinctively smooth, clean finish. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 Bulleit Rye Case Size Bulleit Code American and Canadian Whisk(e)y Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code WHISKEY Size WHISK(E)Y A small batch, hand-crafted Bourbon. Powerful caramel, oak, toffee and fruit flavours and a long, warming finish. Each bottle bears a unique batch and bottle number combination and the signature of Master Distiller Chris Morris. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 NEW for 2015 Tincup The name is a nod to the West’s first Whiskey drinkers. The miners that came through Colorado looking for gold drank their Whiskey out of tin cups. All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 158 15 WHISKY Malt Whisky Malt Whisky isn’t complicated, it just needs explaining in the right way. Whisky experts have identified four distinct flavour profiles as outlined below to help you choose a range of malts for your customers to try. On the vertical axis Whiskies are plotted as how SMOKY they are (the flavours which come principally from the peat used in drying the barley, which all Single Malts are made from) or how they are (Whiskies which contain unpeated barley and have no peat-smoke flavours). DELICATE On the horizontal axis Whiskies are plotted as how LIGHT they are (Whiskies with fresh flavours such as green grass, fresh fruits and barley) or how RICH (flavours ranging from vanilla and nuttiness to cigar box, chocolate and dried fruit). Medicinal, dry smoke pepperyness SMOKY Pungent smoky, peaty richness Highland Park 12 YO Highland Park 18 YO Oban 14 YO Singleton of Dufftown 12 YO Dalwhinnie 15 YO Glenmorangie Original 10 YO Glenkinchie 12 YO Yamazaki 12 YO Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Macallan Gold Balvenie Doublewood 12 YO Glenfiddich 12 YO Isle of Jura 10 YO crowncellarswines.co.uk DELICATE Nutty, barley, biscuity subtleness RICH Spiced, woody complexity Fresh fruit, citrus crispness Talisker 10 YO Floral, herbal, grassy freshness 159 Lagavulin 16 YO Dried fruit, Sherry richness LIGHT Leafy, stewed fruit ripeness Laphroaig 10 YO Light and Floral Rich and Rounded Glenfiddich Special Reserve 12 Years Old – Speyside 70cl 056634 6 40% £32.66 The world’s favourite Single Malt Whisky. Pale and golden in colour. Rich fruit flavours, subtle pine and a hint of peatiness. Long, lingering and round. SFWSC: Silver 2015, IWSC: Gold 2014 Glenkinchie 12 Years Old – Lowland 70cl 057425 6 43% £38.10 70cl 056640 6 40% £38.03 Elegantly combines tropical fruit flavours and a floral aroma. The fresh palate develops into a soft finish with notes of vanilla that confer an enticing richness. Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Years Old – Japan 061685 6 43% £54.20 Japan’s premiere Single Malt offers a delicate and elegant taste with layers of complex aromas. Sweet vanilla and fruity notes derived from white oak casks are accented with fine aromas of spirits aged in Sherry and Japanese oak casks. Isle of Jura 10 Years Old – Islay 057044 6 40% £29.79 Deep amber gold. Light, rich and aromatic. Silky almond wood tones. Firm and distinguished with elegant tones. Fruity oiliness with just a hint of smoke which gently enriches the palate. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 161 Wholesale Price 060243 6 40% £40.61 70cl 058320 6 40% £36.30 70cl 059725 6 43% £69.93 70cl 057701 6 40% £38.74 70cl 056642 6 40% £37.45 70cl 056638 6 45.8% £41.14 70cl 056629 6 43% £46.19 ABV 70cl 057373 6 40% £37.47 Sparkling gold in colour. Islay peat smoke, full and earthy, tangy salt leaden air with an echo of sweetness at the end. Unforgettable. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Highland Park 12 Years Old – Orkney Islands 70cl 056645 6 43% £41.20 A smooth, balanced Single Malt with a heather-honey sweetness on the nose, a rich full flavour and a gentle smoky finish. IWSC: Bronze 2014 Talisker 10 Years Old – Skye 70cl 056644 6 43% £41.52 SP IRI TS R AN G E 70cl Full-bodied and rich. Mouth-filling late autumn fruits - dried figs and honey-sweet spices; followed by a smoky malty dryness. Long, smoothsweet finish with oak-wood, dryness and a grain of salt. SFWSC: Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Dalwhinnie 15 Years Old – Highland £36.39 The nose displays characteristic toffee sweetness and an almond nuttiness reminiscent of marzipan. The finish is prolonged and full with a smoky aftertaste. Laphroaig 10 Years Old – Islay The well-balanced flavour carries traces of honey, wood and nuts, whilst the aftertaste is clean and salving. This is a Malt with an overall impression that is refined and fresh. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015, IWSC: Gold 2014 Oban 14 Years Old – West Highland 40% Full-bodied and Smoky Fruity and Spicy Glenmorangie Original 10 Years Old – Highland 6 Sweetness and crunchy nuts, then smooth fruity richness on the palate. Firm, with a balancing sweetness; hints of blackcurrant, brown sugar and espresso coffee. Medium to long finish, elegantly drying and crisp with a delayed, lingering warmth. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Highland Park 18 Years Old – Orkney Islands 70cl 057040 This burnished gold Single Malt from Speyside is a light Whisky, the first in the new, no-age 1824 series from Macallan. Lemon citrus, then orange peel and a touch of sweetness on the nose. The palate has a quiet note of vanilla followed by dark chocolate with lingering floral and light oak notes. Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years Old – Speyside 70cl 70cl Sweet fruit and Oloroso Sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla. A smooth and mellow Single Malt of beautifully combined flavours – nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of Sherry – with a long and warming finish. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Macallan Gold – Speyside A light delicate Whisky; sweet and creamy with a subtle floral fragrance. Crisp mid-palate then butter icing, lemon cheesecake and freesias with a dry, herbal finish. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve – Speyside Balvenie Doublewood 12 Years Old – Speyside Case Size Malt Whisky Code Malt Whisky Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code WHISKY Size WHISKY Full-bodied. A rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours. Warming and intense on the palate. Huge, long, peppery finish with an appetising sweetness. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015, IWSC: Silver 2014 A crisp, dry, aromatic nose then soft flavours of heather, honey-sweetness, malt and citrus fruits lead to a lingering sweet finish and final impressions of smoke, peat and malt. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Lagavulin 16 Years Old – Islay @CrownCellarsUK All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. Full-bodied. A powerful, peat-smoke nose with seaweed and some sweetness, salty and sweet flavours with hints of wood and a long peaty-salt finish. SFWSC: Double Gold 2015, IWSC: Gold 2014 162 LIQUEURS & SP ECIALITY DRIN K S SP IRI TS R AN G E Key ingredients by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits Increase your customers’ stay and spend These categories are enjoying positive growth and account for almost 1 in 4 measures sold. Whilst they are essential categories if your venue caters to the up-tempo big night out occasion it’s important to remember they often form the basis of any good cocktail list and provide an important up-sell opportunity either pre or post-meal. Visibility on menus and drinks lists can give you the opportunity to increase your customers’ stay and spend. Within this area the one to watch is Tequila which has seen overall growth of 17.4% in volume and 27.3% in value being strongly driven by the incredible growth in premiums which have grown by 44.5% in the last 12 months. This is from a relatively small base but impressive growth worth taking note of. Source: CGA Strategy Brand Index data to P01 24.01.2015. 164 70cl 059907 6 30% £30.60 70cl 056573 6 40% £31.35 70cl 056574 6 40% £31.45 Sambuca Luxardo Chilli and Spice 70cl 012864 6 35% £23.47 50cl 057986 6 42.3% Sambuca Luxardo Mint 50cl 056599 6 35% Sambuca Luxardo Passiona Nera Wholesale Price 6 6 40% £47.49 £22.85 1.5l 70cl 056886 056595 6 6 38% £40.96 £23.34 70cl 058582 6 38% £23.13 70cl 059904 6 38% £23.13 70cl 061634 6 38% £23.13 70cl 056898 6 38% £24.31 70cl 059905 6 38% £23.13 70cl 057877 6 38% £23.13 70cl 058581 6 38% £23.13 70cl 057812 6 38% £14.83 ABV 056680 056575 Inky black Sambuca aromatised with liquorice. Sambuca Luxardo Pear Sambuca Luxardo Raspberry 70cl 012354 6 35% £24.67 SP IRI TS R AN G E Fresh, delicate green Sambuca bursting with juicy pear flavours. Blush pink Sambuca bursting with fragrant, fruit flavours. Sambuca Luxardo Spiced Apple Has a melting apple crumble sensation with a vibrant green colour. 70cl 012869 6 25% £26.26 Sambuca Carcelli A blend of elderberries and anise. Smooth and full in style with pronounced aniseed flavour. 70cl 059726 6 30% £23.30 70cl 058953 6 22% £16.95 70cl 062012 6 22% £9.55 A handcrafted, secret blend of many herbs, spices and fruit flavours combined to give our unique recipe its bitter-sweet taste, distinct aroma and fierce bite. Stukaberg 1.5l 70cl £28.07 Distilled from a carefully selected blend of more than 40 herbs and spices. Aniseed, bitter orange and the aromatic essence of white turmeric achieve the almost mystical taste and aroma which is Jungfrau. Messer Schmitt £23.94 Essential oils of star anise combine with mint to give this blue Sambuca a smooth and fruity flavour. Made from the same 56 hand-selected herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits as the original, this re-mixed classic brings cinnamon and vanilla spice flavours to the fore. Jungfrau 38% £23.73 A German herbal Liqueur made with 56 herbs, roots and fruits, including ginger roots, star anise, cardamon and orange peel. Serve ice cold. Jägermeister Spice 6 Dark cola colour Sambuca with subtle, sweet, spicy hints and a velvety finish. An exotic fusion of the finest aged Scotch Malt Whiskies, a carefully selected range of spices, Mediterranean tangerines, cinnamon, almonds and honey. Surprisingly smooth and sweet, Glayva tantalises the palate. It’s a taste that has won the prestigious IWSC Award for Best Liqueur an impressive 5 times. IWSC: Silver 2014, ISC: Gold 2015 Jägermeister 057820 The combination of chilli and spice gives this Luxardo Sambuca a hot and distinctive flavour. Sambuca Luxardo Cola Created in 1896, this Italian vanilla Liqueur is made from more than 30 herbs, spices, berries and flowers. Glayva A uniquely refreshing bright golden anise spirit, Pernod as we know it today is a modified version of Absinthe, originally produced in 1915 after France banned the use of wormwood in Liqueurs due to its hallucinogenic effects. Made in Padova, near Venice, this is a classic Sambuca. Sweet and smooth with the distinctive taste of star anise. Starts with an inviting blend of bakery cinnamon and sweet brown notes that quickly escalate into a hot cinnamon sensation. Finishes with a blend of rich spices and smooth Whisky character. Galliano Pernod Sambuca Luxardo Drambuie’s origins can be traced to a secret recipe created for Bonnie Prince Charlie by his Royal Apothecary in the 18th Century. The finest blend of 30 aged Scotch Whiskies with herbs, spices and heather honey remains largely unchanged today. ISC: Gold 2015 Fire Eater La Fee NV Absinthe The first traditional Absinthe distilled in France since the 1915 ban is a rich, vibrant green, possessing earthy wormwood character and warm spice with a hint of fennel sweetness and citrus. 27 herbs and spices secretly blended to produce a pleasing, balanced sweetness. D.O.M. stands for “Deo Optimo Maximo” meaning “To God most good, most great”. Drambuie 70cl Herb and Spiced Liqueur The only cocoa Liqueur in the world. An award-winning recipe containing 37 expertly blended herbs and botanicals. This premium Liqueur can be enjoyed straight as a long drink, or in a cocktail. Benedictine D.O.M. Case Size Agwa de Bolivia Code Herb and Spiced Liqueur Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code LIQUEURS Size LIQUEURS NEW for 2015 Sambuca Luxardo Mint Enjoy the long, fresh, spearmint and aniseed finish with lingering mint and liquorice. Inspired by the mountains of Bavaria and made with a secret blend of selected herbs and spices, Stukaberg is best served ice cold and can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails such as Mojitos or with a wide variety of mixers. 165 crowncellarswines.co.uk All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 166 70cl 057407 6 16.5% £24.01 70cl 012358 6 40% £27.65 This unique orange Liqueur, produced according to a secret recipe that has remained unchanged for 150 years, is an essential ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Margarita and Cosmopolitan. Disaronno Originale 70cl 056576 6 28% Wholesale Price 20% £24.17 70cl 059685 6 15% £17.18 1.5l 70cl 057824 057823 6 6 20% £44.32 £20.90 70cl 056572 6 17.2% £17.48 Apricot Brandy 50cl 013991 6 24% £13.08 Blue Curaçao 50cl 056593 6 21% £12.97 Cherry Brandy 50cl 056603 6 24% £13.08 Créme de Banane 50cl 056591 6 17% £12.84 Créme de Cacao Brown 50cl 056594 6 24% £13.08 Créme de Cacao White 50cl 056604 6 24% £13.08 Créme de Cassis 50cl 056602 6 17% £11.25 Créme de Menthe 50cl 056600 6 24% £13.08 Natural Yoghurt 50cl 012401 6 15% £13.11 Strawberry 50cl 057201 6 17% £11.24 Triple Sec 50cl 056605 6 38% £17.88 ABV 6 Originating in Veracruz, Mexico, Kahlúa blends two of the region’s finest ingredients – sugarcane and 100% Arabica coffee – with Rum, vanilla and caramel for a flavour as rich and vibrant as the region it comes from. Warninks Advocaat 70cl 062014 6 22% £9.55 Brandy, sugar and vanilla combine to make a smooth creamy velvety drink. Bols Liqueur 70cl 059943 6 20% £28.89 70cl 056977 6 26% £22.09 057960 6 40% £31.42 70cl 013972 6 30% £15.48 70cl 013812 6 20% £21.54 70cl 012363 6 17% £15.88 1.5l 70cl 056623 056801 6 6 35% £50.15 £24.51 70cl 060730 6 35% £23.55 SP IRI TS R AN G E 70cl This delicious Limoncello is obtained from an infusion of lemon peel, rigorously following the traditional recipe typical of the south of Italy. Midori Melon 057066 A delicious and versatile coffee Liqueur. Mix with cola, enjoy in coffee or just pour straight over ice. Still made to the same secret recipe created by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle in 1880. A premium blend of fine Cognacs from France and exotic Caribbean Citrus bigardia oranges, aged in French oak casks. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Limoncello Beltion 70cl Tia Maria The finest wild sloe berries (fruit of the wild blackthorn) are gently steeped, before adding Gordon’s Gin. The result is a wonderful tipple that marries the dryness of Gordon’s with cassis sweetness. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Kahlúa £23.45 A traditional hazelnut Liqueur - enjoyed neat, over ice, with coffee or in a wide variety of stylish cocktails. Produced in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, its origins date back more than 300 years. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Gordon’s Sloe Gin £35.51 £17.36 A passionate combination of strawberry cream Liqueur with a splash of Tequila. A classic blend of Amaretto with a rich nutty almond flavour. It can be served neat, on the rocks, as part of a cocktail or with a mixer. Frangelico 6 6 Baileys Original Irish Cream Tequila Rose 17 herbs and fruits soaked in apricot kernal oil produce a marzipan and honey flavour, velvety smooth with an unmistakable aroma. The world’s favourite Italian Liqueur. SFWSC: Gold 2015 Di Cassini Amaretto 056691 056944 17% Fresh dairy cream, Irish Whiskey, finest spirits and natural flavours. 1.5l 70cl Cream and Coffee Liqueur Berry fruits are blended with French Cognac, extracts of Madagascan vanilla and other fragrant herbs to produce this silky, smooth black raspberry Liqueur from the Loire Valley. IWSC: Silver Outstanding 2014 Cointreau Case Size Chambord Raspberry Liqueur Code Fruit and Nut Liqueur Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code LIQUEURS Size LIQUEURS Japanese for ‘green’, Midori’s sweetness and vibrant colour are drawn from premium Japanese Yubari melons. Passoa Passion Fruit Bright red passion fruit Liqueur with a balance of sweet and bitter flavours making it a subtle and refreshing base for cocktails. Southern Comfort A fusion of American Whiskey, fruit and spice flavours created by New Orleans bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Tuaca Made from oak-aged Italian Brandy, which is then infused with natural citrus fruit and sweet aromatics, most notably light vanilla. Tuaca has a complex taste profile and incredible versatility as a cocktail ingredient. SFWSC: Bronze 2015 167 @CrownCellarsUK All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 168 70cl 061140 6 38% £26.74 La Penca Mezcal 70cl 062013 6 38% £16.79 This Joven (young) Mezcal has a good smoky palate with toasty Agave and hints of spice and caramel from the slow roasting of the ‘Salmiana’ Agave piñas The hand-blown bottle comes ‘Con Gusano’ – with a worm! 70cl 012198 6 38% £26.92 Pisco ABA 70cl 012202 6 38% Wholesale Price £22.48 70cl 000000 6 40% £35.20 50cl 000000 12 40% £20.81 ABV 39% 012965 6 40% £52.04 70cl 012961 6 35% £35.30 70cl 057704 6 38% £24.10 70cl 057703 6 38% £26.31 NEW for 2015 Pisco ABA Produced in the heart of the Elqui Valley by the Aguirre family this premium Pisco has fragrant notes of jasmine, tangerine and honey. SP IRI TS R AN G E 70cl Handmade in small batches using only the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave, to be smooth, soft and easily mixable. This light, crystal clear Tequila with fresh Agave aromas and hints of citrus mixes flawlessly into any cocktail. Each bottle is individually crafted by a glass artisan from recycled glass and is hand-numbered. Patrón XO Café 6 £26.92 Made with 100% mature Blue Agave, handcrafted and aged for two months in American oak barrels. The result is an exquisite golden colour, perfectly balanced flavours and an unusually smooth and mellow character. SFWSC: Bronze 2015, IWSC: Bronze 2014 Patrón Silver 012636 A luxury Pisco, remarkably smooth and delicately flavoured. Crafted in copper pot stills from the fermented juice of Muscat grapes grown in the Chilean Andes. Shake with lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and Bitters for the signature Pisco Sour serve. A young, fresh and natural Tequila. Made from 100% Blue Agave, this sparklingly clear Tequila is double-distilled to remove impurities and immediately bottled to preserve its crisp, authentic character. Its lively flavour and citrusy aftertones make it a great choice for cocktails. SFWSC: Bronze 2015 el Jimador Reposado Velho Barreiro Cachaça One of the most appreciated Cachaças in Brazil because of its delicate aroma, due to the very careful double-distillation production method. Barrel ageing helps enhance and add depth to the bold vegetal flavours. Distilled in the Jalisco area of Mexico, Don Cruzado Silver is a full-bodied and mild Tequila of highest quality. el Jimador Blanco 70cl Cachaça, Mezcal and Pisco The story behind this legendary Tequila begins in 1795, when the King of Spain granted José Antonio de Cuervo the first licence to produce Tequila commercially. The best Mexican Blue Agave is hand-picked, pruned, slow-baked, pressed, distilled and then aged in oak barrels. Don Cruzado Silver Case Size Cuervo Gold Especial Code Tequila Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code SPECIALITY DRINKS Size SPECIALITY DRINKS This extraordinary blend of Patrón Silver Tequila and the pure, natural essence of fine coffee is dry, with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Excellent for sipping, as a premium cocktail ingredient, or as a unique and delicious dessert topping. Sauza Blanco Double-distilled for a smoother character. A fresh, clean taste, mildly sweet, with hints of Agave and a crisp finish with pepper heat and a hearty warmth. Sauza Gold Reposado Authentic rested Tequila, aged for four months in American white oak barrels for a mellower flavour. Soft and balanced, on the palate it is initially sweet, with vanilla and clean, light Agave. 169 crowncellarswines.co.uk NEW for 2015 La Penca Mezcal The ‘Cognac of Mexico’. 100% Agave with a long caramel smoke finish. All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 170 20cl 057781 12 44.7% £12.57 Contemporary fruit schnapps with intense flavour of peaches. The name schnapps comes from the old Norse word ‘snappen’, meaning to snatch a gulp. From this comes the traditional way of drinking schnapps in Europe as an ice cold shot. Bali Coconut Rum 70cl 013714 6 11% £17.80 1.5l 70cl 057829 057830 6 6 18% £32.89 £16.03 70cl 057584 6 17.5% £10.74 70cl 013716 6 25% £21.39 70cl 057440 6 40% £28.89 Produced on the island of Barbados since 1893, Malibu owes its unique taste to a refined blend of Caribbean Rum, natural coconut flavours and very high quality pure cane sugar. Orchards Peach Schnapps 1.5l 70cl 057069 057063 6 6 21% £36.85 £17.31 70cl 057585 6 17.5% £10.74 70cl 056946 6 25% £18.77 Rich, aromatic peaches on the nose and palate. Pimm’s No.1 A Gin-based drink flavoured with Liqueurs and fruit, still made to the original recipe which remains a closely-guarded secret, known only to six of Pimm’s top people called ‘the secret six’. Pimm’s No.3 Winter Wholesale Price 70cl 061474 6 37.5% £25.93 1.5l 70cl 056696 056606 6 6 14.9% £25.41 £12.20 Aftershock Black 70cl 057560 6 30% £27.90 Aftershock Blue 70cl 057559 6 30% £27.90 Aftershock Red 70cl 057558 6 30% £27.90 Corky’s Apple Sour 70cl 057081 6 15% £15.03 Corky’s Blueberry 70cl 057079 6 15% £15.03 Corky’s Cherry 70cl 057084 6 15% £15.03 Corky’s Mango Glitter 70cl 012584 6 15% £15.03 Corky’s Raspberry Glitter 70cl 014070 6 15% £15.03 Sourz Apple 70cl 056770 6 15% £14.09 Sourz Cherry 70cl 057197 6 15% £14.09 Sourz Mango 70cl 061060 6 15% £14.09 Sourz Rainbow Ice 70cl 013888 6 15% £14.09 Sourz Raspberry 70cl 058594 6 15% £14.09 Sourz Tropical Blue 70cl 057196 6 15% £14.09 WKD 1 Blue 70cl 013239 6 15% £13.02 WKD 1 Iron Brew 70cl 013237 6 15% £13.02 ABV £19.43 Smirnoff Gold With real 23 carat gold leaf suspended in every drop, the newest addition to the Smirnoff range blends natural cinnamon flavouring with Smirnoff Red No.21. A light, refreshing blend of white wine and exotic fruit juices. A 90s classic, best enjoyed over ice or with lemonade. 70cl 057045 6 25% £17.95 70cl 060819 6 20% £19.43 SP IRI TS R AN G E Hot cinnamon schnapps with floating flakes of real 24 carat gold. Imported from Switzerland, Goldschläger combines a sweet and syrupy cinnamon taste with very marked hot spicy flavours that linger delivering a seriously hot bite to finish. Malibu 20% Speciality Drinks The recipe for this unique Italian aperitif has remained a closely guarded secret for over 150 years. It is the result of the infusion of herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water; these last two being the recipe’s only known ingredients. Goldschläger 6 Taboo A smooth, sweet taste of the Caribbean. Campari 013737 Pimm’s Strawberry A special edition from a great British summertime classic, Pimm’s Strawberry with a Hint of Mint is packed full of quintessentially British flavours. The perfect aperitif since 1919. Bright orange with a unique taste from the secret recipe; infusions of selected ingredients including bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb and many herbs and roots in perfect proportions. IWSC: Silver 2014 Archers Peach Schnapps 70cl Long Drinks Made with the same original secret recipe since 1824, this unique flavour enhancer remains the quintessential and definitive ingredient for classic and contemporary cocktails. Sodium and gluten free, 100% Vegan and Kosher certified. Aperol Case Size Angostura Bitters Code Long Drinks Size Wholesale Price ABV Case Size Code SPECIALITY DRINKS Size SPECIALITY DRINKS A Brandy-based warming winter version of the summer classic, with hints of zesty orange, cinnamon and caramel. Pimm’s Blackberry and Elderflower A clear, deep red liquid; sweet blackberry and summer berry flavours with floral and catty elderflower notes. Dried fruit and plum notes combine with the characteristic zesty orange undertones and herbal bitters of Pimm’s. Hints of aniseed, blackcurrant and sweeties. 171 @CrownCellarsUK All our spirits are available to order by the bottle. 172 Size Code Case Size ABV Wholesale Price SPECIALITY DRINKS Phillips Grenadine 70cl 057067 6 3.5% £7.50 Teisseire Liquid Cane Sugar 70cl 061874 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 061096 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 061165 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 013996 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 013978 6 0.0% £8.14 Syrups A little drop is all you need to add a touch of sticky sweetness to your drink. Teisseire Caramel O FFER YO UR CUSTO MER S MO RE CH O ICE WITH SYRUPS The wonderful taste of freshly made caramel, cooked to the point of sticking. Just enough 'burnt' flavour to offer real character. Teisseire Cherry This drink is just oozing with sun-ripened cherry flavours. There's also that little taste of almonds that you get from perfectly ripe cherries. Teisseire Coconut The delicious milky flavour of freshly grated coconut. You can taste the gentle sweet flavour all the way to the back of your throat. Teisseire Gingerbread The combination of cloves, cardamom, aniseed and cinnamon offers a warming and enchanting woody taste. A sweet aroma combining biscuity and spicy tones is livened up by a hint of cinnamon. Teisseire Grenadine 70cl 013979 6 0.0% £8.14 One of the trends that isn’t going away is personalisation. One size fits all just doesn’t cut it in today’s de-caff skinny latte world. Coffee is a category that demonstrates this trend perfectly – but being able to customise your drink shouldn’t be restricted to when you have a coffee. Offering your customers the opportunity personalise their drinks can add value from their side and incremental margin from yours – and all with a minimal tweak to an existing serve. It’s an easy win. Teisseire is range of high quality syrups that uses liquid sugar to create a rounded syrup that mixes easily with a broad range of drinks. Teisseire syrup adds excitement, variety and personalisation to all drinks A vivid red fruity berry flavour, with plenty of freshness and the lovely sweet taste of vanilla. A sugar almond flavour at the back of your throat offers a lighter taste and just a little sweetness. Teisseire Hazelnut Image to go here 061097 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 014002 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 012436 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 012445 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 012435 6 0.0% £8.14 70cl 012444 6 0.0% £8.14 Add the beautifully soft and gentle flavour of toasted hazelnuts to hot or cold drinks. The subtle flavour of toasted hazelnuts and a delicate praline taste bring a balanced sweetness. Teisseire Orgeat (Almond) Mixing up flavours with soft drinks Enhancing cocktails, beers and ciders Enhancing coffee SP IRI TS R AN G E 70cl The sweet almond flavour of fresh pastries, perfectly captured in a glass. You might also detect slightly more bitter almond in the finish. Teisseire Passion Fruit A ripe tropical fruit flavour. It tastes sweet and tart, all at the same time. A rich intensely flavoured syrup with plenty of texture and a long-lasting exotic note of passion fruit at the finish too. Teisseire Peach Deliciously juicy, sweet peach flavours. It's smooth and soft, just like perfectly ripe peach flesh. A light citrus finish. Teisseire Raspberry The delicious flavour of freshly picked raspberries that lasts right to the finish. Guaranteed to add a burst of summer to any drink. Teisseire Vanilla Going back to coffee, in coffee shops where syrups are already established customers love them: Subtle and sophisticated. A sugared almond, sweet vanilla flavour that's delicious in coffees, cocktails and teas. 40% of customers like places that offer flavoured drink ideas 30% of all customers like trying new drinks – that goes up to 60% for younger customers Why not ‘mix 15% of all customers already drink a syrup it up’ with syrups today? Source: Allegra strategies bespoke research 2013/2014. 173 crowncellarswines.co.uk 174 Quality pouring spirits CO MP ETITIV E SELECTIO N SP IRI TS R AN G E All bases covered by Katie Hewitt Category Manager, Spirits The key categories are included in this selection and continue to deliver high quality and great value. So whether you are looking to provide your customers with a value offering or creating a simple cocktail list, our range has the products to suit. In a high volume venue these products can provide good value entry level brands at a competitive price point. They are a great first rung on the pricing ladder, which will enable you to encourage your customers to trade-up to a potentially more profitable product. For more advice on maximising your spirits sales and choosing your range have a look at our ‘Marketing spirits in your outlet’ section on pages 193–208 or speak to your local Sales Manager. 176 Size Code Case Size ABV Wholesale Price COMPETITIVE SELECTION 1.5l 70cl 056682 056681 6 12 37.5% £31.07 £14.54 1.5l 70cl 057359 060457 6 6 37.5% £30.88 £14.77 1.5l 70cl 057239 057803 6 6 37.5% £30.97 £14.81 70cl 060440 6 37.5% £15.08 1.5l 70cl 056686 056687 6 12 40% £33.72 £15.78 70cl 061159 6 36% £15.22 70cl 057584 6 17.5% £10.74 70cl 062014 6 22% £9.55 70cl 062013 6 38% £16.79 70cl 057585 6 17.5% £10.74 70cl 057812 6 38% £14.83 70cl 058953 6 22% £16.95 Vodka Romanoff Clean and light-bodied; perfect to mix. Look out for the new and improved packaging in 2015. Gin Belgravia Gin Easy to drink and bursting with original botanical Gin flavours. Hints of juniper, citrus and pepper on the nose and a crisp palate. Ideal for mixing/long drinks. White Rum Expedition White Rum A fine White Rum; light, delicate and ideal for cocktails and long drinks. Dark Rum Admiral Benbow A nose of buttery toffee, allspice and a hint of peppercorns. Black pepper, baking spices and molasses on the palate with a long vanilla finish. Whisky Highland Poacher A smooth liquid from the Highlands of Scotland offering a sweet, mild peat flavour with hints of heather and a smooth finish. Brandy Jules Clairon Pure French Grape Brandy, aged for one year to soften and build character. Rich caramel on the nose and a smooth full-bodied palate, perfect after a good meal. Liqueurs and Speciality Drinks Bali Coconut Rum A smooth, sweet taste of the Caribbean. Di Cassini Amaretto A classic blend of Amaretto with a rich nutty almond flavour. It can be served neat, on the rocks, as part of a cocktail or with a mixer. Don Cruzado Silver Tequila Distilled in the Jalisco area of Mexico, Don Cruzado silver is a full-bodied and mild Tequila of highest quality. Orchards Peach Schnapps Rich, aromatic peaches on the nose and palate. Sambuca Carcelli A blend of elderberries and anise. Smooth and full in style with pronounced aniseed flavour. Stukaberg Inspired by the mountains of Bavaria and made with a secret blend of selected herbs and spices, Stukaberg is best served ice cold. 177 @CrownCellarsUK All our spirits are available to order by the bottle Knowledge and support Louise Boddington Wine Category Manager Valpolicella Classico Ripasso Cantina di Negrar OUR TEAM “If you think Valpolicella is just thin and weedy then you will be surprised by this version. To make the Ripasso style the young red wine is ‘passed over’ the residual fermented skins from the production of Amarone resulting in a second fermentation which adds more colour, body and weight to the wine. The end result is a supercharged Valpolicella – concentrated and chunky with lots of moreish damson and prune flavours. I can happily recommend it with strong cheeses.” You can rely on the fact that all of our field sales team enjoy a minimum of WSET Level 2 accreditation Albariño Laxas “I am finding that texture on the palate of white wines is something I am getting rather addicted to. By texture I mean that delicious mouth-coating quality that makes the wine linger on the tongue, a richness and extra dimension. And this Albariño has it in abundance. Produced in the rather damp climate of north west Spain in Galicia it has become a signature variety for the region and one that many producers around the world are trying to emulate. Rich and mouth-filling with notes of peach and apricots it’s truly delicious and partners very well with seafood tapas.” Katie Hewitt Spirits Category Manager Our local Wines and Spirits Managers are specialists who are on hand to 179 crowncellarswines.co.uk provide any additional support that you may require – from planning the perfect wine list for your menu to delivering staff training at any level, from beginner to experienced. We recognise that your staff are the face of your venue, generating your customers’ first impression of your business. It’s important that every staff member knows exactly how you want things done and reliably delivers the same fantastic experience to every customer who walks through the door. Knowledge of the products they sell will help them develop the confidence to up-sell, encourage repeat purchase and promote profitable premium brands. Meet our team and their personal favourites from the range Mount Gay “Originally produced as a smallbatch limited edition, Chase Marmalade proved so popular it is now a permanent addition to the Chase range. Three-times distilled Chase Vodka is marinated with the finest Seville oranges in copper stills. Distilled a fourth time through fresh peel to produce a clear liquid strong orange zest on the nose, with a naturally rich bittersweet flavour and a warm velvety mouth feel. What better way to serve than a ‘breakfast’ Martini?" “Mount Gay Rum (or ‘Kill-Devil’ as the locals traditionally called it) is steeped in the history of the beautiful island of Barbados. Over 300 years of knowledge and refinement have given Mount Gay its distinctive floral and fruity notes of apricot and banana, with hints ttss of of vanilla vani va nill ill lla on the nose. The taste is subtle and smoky; imparted by the toasted Kentucky oak barrels in which the Rum is aged. Enjoy simply served with ginger beer and a wedge of lime or in a classic Manhattan with sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters and finished with a maraschino cherry." 180 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Our field sales team can comfortably guide you through our wide selection of over 650 wines and spirits plus the full range of added value services available to you. We are happy to manage your individual wine or cocktail list requirements free of charge through our bespoke design studio or to create individually designed events for your venue. These can range from themed and tutored tastings with our Master of Wine to gourmet or ‘meet the wine-maker’ evenings in conjunction with our many suppliers worldwide. Chase Marmalade Michael Atkinson Wines and Spirits Manager Esk Valley Verdelho Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack “This dry white wine from New Zealand absolutely blew me away when I first tasted it. Historically used to make fortified wine on Madeira, the Verdelho grape has been used to make a very special wine by the people at Esk Valley. It’s full-bodied, has masses of peach and mandarin flavours, which are balanced by a crisp acidity that makes ma mak kes it it a great match for seafood, makes Asian style dishes and, as I found Asian-style out on my introduction to this wine, Gressingham duck.” “For those who want to be introduced to Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack is the sweetest, lightest and least oaky style in the Jack Daniel’s range. Its smooth style is the result of the twice charcoal mellowing process it receives before it goes into its oak barrels to age and which is repeated once the Whiskey is mature.” Phil Davis Wines and Spirits Manager Vitti Negroamaro San Marzano “This wine is a new addition to the range for 2015. Made from 100% Negroamaro grape in the region of San Marzano, Salento, Puglia. It has deep ruby red colour with intense aromas of plum, cherry and spice, it is full-bodied but soft and easy to drink.” Cîroc “This ultra-premium Vodka is a unique blend made from grapes from southern France. It uses a combination of traditional and modern production techniques to create a spirit of high quality, delivering a distinctive flavour with a fresh citrus taste. This Vodka can be enjoyed simply with a cola or lemonade mixer but shines in Champagne cocktails.” Dougal Kenny Wines and Spirits Manager Tanqueray No.Ten Mike Gibson Sales Director, Wines and Spirits Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon “Havana Club Añejo 7 Años was brought to the world by legendary Cuban Maestro Ronero Don José Navarro and this remains a Rum which is incredibly easy to enjoy neat to this day. Crafted like a fine wine each drop of the blend is guaranteed to have been aged for at least seven years in individual barrels. Notes of dark caramel and and tobacco tob to bacco bac ba o combine perfectly with spices and vvanilla on the palate, whilst the aroma of sugarcane lingers on the nose. Sit back and enjoy the very essence of Cuba.” “If you are looking to freshen up your wine list then pay serious attention to this cracking offering by the award winning Hahn winery based on the beautiful coast of California. This wine combines a refined, aromatic style with concentrated dark fruits and chocolate notes on the finish. Great balance is gained from maturation primarily in new French oak along with expertly judged dashes of other black grapes such as Petit Sirah and Malbec creating an exceptional red offering tremendous value for money. It goes without saying that it matches superbly with strongly flavoured red meat dishes and is particularly good with venison.” 181 @CrownCellarsUK “I have always been a big advocate of premium Sherries, not for just being great value for money, but also for the fantastic array of styles produced. They often pleasantly surprise those who’ve only experienced the ever-popular ‘Bristol Cream’ variety. Brand new to Crown Cellars is an international award-winning dry ‘Palo Cortado’ style Sherry, s. Aromas Aromaas the superb Dos Cortados. orm on the of vanilla and nuts transform palate into a complex blend of dried fruits, caramel, oak and a firm, yet refreshing zesty acidity. Its inherent character make it an ideal apéritif to accompany pre-dinner nibbles and pairs beautifully with cured meats, game, sautéed mushrooms and mature cheeses.” 182 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Havana Club Añejo 7 Años “This really is a premium Gin par excellence. Distilled in small batches in a copper still nicknamed ‘Tiny Ten’, the addition of whole grapefruits, limes and oranges to the distillation process, alongside the juniper and various botanicals, give this Gin its full, yet refreshing citrus character and its incredibly long and lingering finish. Bartenders love it as it mixes incredibly well, making a delicious G&T, Dry Martini or any number of other classic Gin-based cocktails.” Williams & Humbert, Dos Cortados 20YO Palo Cortado Jacob Ratcliffe Wines and Spirits Manager el Jimador Reposado “The UK has enjoyed a surge in the popularityy of premium Tequilas over recent years, slowly starting to mirror the love affair that the Americans have had with the spiritt for years. el Jimador is the number one selling 100% Agave Tequila in Mexico – a benchmark k of quality in itself! This 2 month aged Reposado, made with lowland and highland Agaves, with their own unique fermentation process, makes for a smooth, fresh, yet spicy style, which always leaves you wanting more! Great served as a shot, equally good on the rocks as a sipping spirit and really shines in a classic Paloma cocktail.” Vanessa Roberts Wines and Spirits Executive Franschhoek Vineyards, Semillon Aimery Crémant de Limoux, Brut “Franschhoek Valley is one of the world’s most beautiful wine producing regions and this wine might just help initiate a visit! When the winemaker, Richard Duckitt stumbled upon a 75 year old block of bush vines, he couldn’t resist experimenting with the rare and remarkable fruit. These vines struggle to ripen, subsequently producing tremendous structure and intricate appeal. This is a wine born of passion and the amazing quality of these very old vines; with expressive peach, lemon and orange blossom following to a luscious core of ripe tropical and tangy citrus fruit and discernible yet discreet oak maturation providing a wonderfully complex, balanced wine that’s perfect with roast chicken.” “A classy and fresh French Crémant that’s a great alternative to Prosecco. Produced since 1531, this is the oldest sparkling wine in the world! The Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint Hilaire were putting sparkle into their wines 100 years before Dom Perignon cottoned on to the magic of bubbles – so why not try this and see how their expertise has paid off?” Yamazaki 12YO “Even if you think Malt Whisky is not for you, you’d be missing out if you didn’t give this one a try. Best sipped and savoured to appreciate the complexity, the palate is smooth and soft. Initial sweetness with hints of coconut and butterscotch gives way to citrus and tropical fruits with a little winter spice on the finish.” “The CVNE Monopole is a dry, crisp white wine made from the local Viura grape. It is pale green/gold in colour with fruit forward aromas and flavours of grapefruit, wild herbs and hints of mandarin. This unoaked white Rioja is lean and lightly mineral in character and is very refreshing and delightfully fresh, a real treat. It certainly pairs well with marinated grilled vegetables and fresh seafood.” “In making Laphroaig, malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives Laphroaig its particularly rich flavour. Those who enjoy the 10 Year Old will first notice the bold, smoky taste, followed by a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. This fullbodied variant is the foundation of all Laphroaig expressions and comes with a long finish to be savoured and enjoyed.” 183 crowncellarswines.co.uk Chapel Down, Brut “The English sparkling wine business is going from strength to strength and last year’s glorious weather can only have helped. Expect wondrous things of our home-grown vintages from 2014; Champagne will be quaking in its boots! This elegant and balanced wine with fine bubbles makes a fabulous aperitif.” Frances Boddington Wine List Designer Waipara Hills, Pinot Gris “I was hooked the first time I tasted this wine. Perfect as an aperitif, or even better with food such as spicy Asian dishes. Wellbalanced fresh acidity, bursting with pear, toffee and nougat flavours. This new wine for 2015 is already a firm favourite for me.” Whitley Neill “This premium London Dry Gin was launched in 2005. Two unique African botanicals (Cape gooseberry and Baobab fruit) give it an exotic touch and make it stand out from other Gins. Perfect in a G&T garnished with wedge of orange.” 184 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Laphroaig 10YO “You can’t go wrong with this delicious blend of Patrón Tequila and fine coffee essence. Whether sipped on its own, poured over dessert or adding a twist to a Martini, the subtle vanilla and and d chocolate cho h co colate laa flavours complement the he fresh-brewed coffee taste. The flavour is surprisingly dry compared to most coffee Liqueurs, with an exceptionally smooth finish.” Victoria Davies Wines and Spirits Executive Sam Evans Wines and Spirits Manager CVNE Monopole White Rioja Patrón XO Café 15:30 Along with supporting their colleagues with any specific wine customer queries, one of the most mosst A D AY I N T HE LI F E OF... Louise Boddington, Wine Category Manager 7:30 My day begins on the M1 – this is not unusual though today I am heading north to Leeds rather than south to the head office in Northampton. Leeds is the hub for many of Carlsberg UK’s vital back office functions and in particular is home to the Carlsberg UK Customer C ontact Centre where orders are processed and any customer queries hand led. NEW f or 2015 10:00 The morning is taken up with supplier meetings, a fundamental part of my job. I meet my key partner suppliers regularly in order to analyse On-Trade performance and market trends, look at logistics, discuss new product development and any potential promotional activity or customer events to ensure we have a joined-up plan for the year. The best suppliers are those that really understand the needs of our customers and actively look to support us so that we in turn can best help our customers! important things our C ontact Centre specialists do is run regular training sessions and tastings for the teams. Today I’m here to help them familiarise their colleagues with some of the new Spanish additions to range. We believe it’s really important that our people get the opportunity to taste all of the wines they sell and the room is full of questions on regional grape varieties, food matching and wineries. There is particular enthusiasm for my own passion - our new Sherries – that a lot of our teams are discovering for the first time! 18:30 Spring is the time for our annual customer wine events and tonight we hold a tasting at The Tetley. This famous Leeds landmark has been converted into an art gallery and bar/restaurant. The building has been sensitively transformed retaining much of l l venue isi always Thi popular hibiti space. This the original character whilst providing a brilliant exhibition buzzing whether it is daytime school parties on educational visits or local office workers calling in for lunch or a quick drink after work. Over the years I have got to know many of our customers well and always look forward to seeing them at the tastings and the chance to help with any wine what list reviews. I can guarantee not everyone one is going to love every wine on offer but that is wha makes working in the wine category so interesting. the six Crown Cellars wines and spirits specialists who work to support the regional wines and spirits Managers. The team have an in-depth knowledge of the wines and spirits categories and provides specialist support for our key wines and spirits customers whose businesses focus on these areas. It could be a hotel with a 100 bin wine list, a new national group with more complicated delivery requirements or an on-trend cocktail bar that wants some advice about what’s new wit h premium spirits. I meet wit h the team at least once a month so I can brief them on any product changes, promotional activity and supplier support. They in turn keep me up-t o-speed with customer feed back, queries and requests. It means we can offer a very joined-up approach to the wine category, from buyer through to the end account manager. 185 crowncellarswines.co.uk 186 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT 14:00 The afternoon is spent in the Customer Contact Centre catching up with our teams on the phones and in particular A D AY I N T HE LI F E OF... Dougal Kenny, Wines and Spirits Manager The variety of work and the chance to pass on my knowledge of our ever developing wines and spirits range is a very enjoyable part of the job 15:30 I head over to Hampshire to hold a wine tasting for the Directors of a pub group 7:30 Today starts in the usual way; checking through my email in-box, working through any pending customer wine list proposals and adding any new customer appointments to my diary. My role is very much a customer-facing one, so on a daily basis I will receive requests directly from customers or my Carlsberg UK sales colleagues for help with areas such as staff wine training, annual wine list reviews and hosting various wine-related events such as tastings or gourmetet dinners. 10:30 The morning continues with a drive to one of our key free trade 18:00 My fal j for the day is to me a phоe call to our We y, Loui Bod ngtо, in order to discuss some of the planning and logistics for our annual Crown Cellars customer wines and spirits launch event in London, this year also featuring a selection of our successful craft beer range. This is one of a series of events that we hold around the country every year, involving all of our key suppliers, in order to showcase our brand new listings to customers and potential stockists. They take a lot of planning and preparation but are a very important part of our calendar and are always very well attended. Plans now in place, I head home at the end of what has been a busy but very rewarding day. Then everyone leaves motivated to go forth and sell more of their fantastic selection of fizz! 187 crowncellarswines.co.uk 188 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT on wine customers, a country house hotel, where I meet up with Simon Evetts (Head of Independent Trade for Hatch Mansfield, our supplier of Taittinger plus a number of other premium wines), in order to deliver a training session for the staff, focussing particularly on Champagne, a high volume and thus very importantt category for this particular customer. The session proves to be a big success with all of the staff really engaging in the areas covered: how to store and serve Champagne correctly, tips on howw red to ‘upsell’ effectively and (obviously their favourite part !) a tutored tasting of some the Taittinger Champagne range stocked by the hotel. There is a short quiz at the end to reinforce the key points. interested in purchasing beers, soft drinks, wines and spirits from us. A full brief, detailing the group’s business model, target customers and the styles and types of wines that have worked well for them in the past, has assisted me in putting together a selection from our 550-strong wine Portfolio. I set up the tasting, take the Directors the wines and commercials and answer a number of questions – anything from potential options for some of the higher volume grape varieties to our level of after-sales support (such as free wine listing, point of sale items and advice on food and wine pairing). In the end, the tasting proves to be very fruitful in more ways than one and we leave with an agreement in principle to supply, subject to making a few changes to the structure and make-up of the proposed list (some more admin for me to take care of tomorrow morning!) NEW Food matching tool We’re receiving more and more questions from our customers about food and wine pairing so this year we have added an easy to use food matching tool to the site. Simply select the type of food and the tool will recommend a range of wines from the Crown Cellars’ Portfolio that will complement your selection perfectly. Gross profit calculator The calculator allows you to quickly and easily workout the gross profit % and cash margin you will make based on entering a cost price and a selling price. You can also work backwards meaning you can add a cost price, then select a GP% and the calculator will show you the selling price of the bottle and glasses required to make your desired margin. All you need at the click of a button H E L P F U L T OOLS F R O M C ROWN C ELLA R S Free drinks listing There are a fantastic range of designs, formats and papers to choose from. Whether you lean towards a natural unfinished paper or the latest hard-wearing synthetic paper, an insert in your own wine list folder or a sleek hi-gloss printed finish there are options to suit every venue. All our wine lists are personalised to your venue – with your own text and logos (and photography if required) – professionally printed and delivered to your door. You can browse the range of permanent and seasonal designs on our website and create your own list quickly and easily or speak to your local Sales Manager for additional support. You can also access an excellent range of cocktail and other drinks lists plus co-ordinating tent cards, table talkers and posters. Your information hub Twitter You can now follow the Crown Cellars’ team on Twitter @CrownCellarsUK for the latest news and updates. Please follow us and tweet us to tell us what you are doing with our wines and spirits – events, cocktails, food matching, we’d love to know! For more information go to crowncellarswines.co.uk 189 @CrownCellarsUK email crowncellars@carlsberg.co.uk or call 0845 601 3432 190 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT The Crown Cellars’ website contains our full range of wines and spirits, listed individually so whether you want to search by grape variety, wine style, award winners or OnTrade exclusives, you can find exactly what you’re looking for. You can then access tasting notes and food matching recommendations which can be utilised for blackboard promotions or even staff training when you order any new products. A W O R D F R OM OUR C U S T OME R S Gareth Leakey Group Manager, Distinct Pubs “With our business being a combination of food and wet--led outlets we need a wine list to suit our wide and varied customer base. I find that Crown Cellars fits the bill perfectly for anything from the Castillo wines we use for our house range to a Sancerre for customers wanting to spend a little more. My favourite however is the exclusive Las Ondas range, this was just such a surprise when I first tasted it as this combines a full-flavour with unrivalled value for money. It’s also great to see the spirit range expanding, which means that Crown Cellars are now a ‘one stop shop’ for us as a group.” Bryan Pitman Group Purchasing Manager, Shearings Hotels “Crown Cellars offer a full selection of wines and spirits suitable for both our Bay and Coast & Country brands. We attended one of the regional tasting events that take place throughout the year which allowed us to taste the new additions to the portfolio as well as a wide range of the rest of the Crown Cellars’ offering including premium spirits and craft beers. The Crown Cellars’ contract started in January 2015 with the wines and spirits team gaining a true understanding of our current business and our focus for the future. They identified a range of products within our price points and put together a wine and spirits list suitable for our customers which offers not only great value but excellent quality. The initial training in each of the 50 hotels has been extremely informative but presented in a manner to make it fun and memorable.” Crown Cellars have been a breath of fresh air right from the start Richard Walker Operations Director, Belle Époque Group 191 crowncellarswines.co.uk “Crown Cellars offer a range of wines from starter level prices but they’re certainly not starter level quality! The wines are true varietals rather than blends and there is a broad mix of styles to help us appeal to a wide audience. We receive fantastic support in putting our wine list together and we enjoyed learning all about the exciting new wines from Jonathan Pedley at the recent wine tasting in Torquay. Personally I am quite traditional in my choice of wine and enjoy the Las Ondas Sauvignon Blanc but last year we introduced the JP Azietão from Portugal which was an interesting new discovery and soon became one of my favourites. We are looking forward to offering our guests a few new choices on our wine menus from this year’s selection too.” The wines from Crown Cellars really stand out in comparison to offerings from other distributors Judith Graziani Bar Manager, Harry’s Bar “Crown Cellars offer a superb range of wine and spirits. The range allows us the scope to make product choices that match the needs of our customers and is exceptionally good value but most importantly even the entry level products are of excellent quality. Crown Cellars were involved with the selection of our wines, holding tastings, presenting different options long before Harry’s Bar opened. Their insight into the trade was integral in shaping our product range. The spirit range is comprehensive and is constantly evolving with new lines being added all the time. Harry’s Bar operates in a fast moving city centre environment and it’s essential we are kept up to date with the new spirit brands coming into the market. We have been delighted with not only the range but the support we have been given throughout our set up process.” Chris Hall General Manager, Beales Hotels “Crown Cellars offer a complete solution for all aspects of beverage service at our hotels which is immensely valuable. We look for a varied selection of price points and regions for our wines, from entry level wine to the more boutique like Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir. For spirits the Crown Cellars’ Portfolio provides such breadth and depth you are always able to anticipate and respond to trends. For example we have been able to make the most of the resurgence in Gin with a great selection well-suited to the wants of our customers. The additional support which has been provided has been a key element of the relationship. From the accredited WSET courses and tastings delivered in house for our staff to online cellar training the support has been flexible and tailored to meet our needs. Crown Cellars have also facilitated world class spirits training from Diageo and helped us build direct relationships with key wineries and distilleries for best in class point of purchase support.” 192 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT “Crown Cellars have been a breath of fresh air right from the start, where they differ from other suppliers is, in my opinion, offering a far more modern approach and looking at our total drinks offering instead of one area in isolation. They offer a great range, as well as knowledge and support that make them stand out from the rest. Training is key for us and was provided right from the start and ongoing. Our General Manager is in the process of being put through the WSET 3 providing us with depth of knowledge and credibility. Our account manager has a really great knowledge of wine and understands our brand portfolio very well enabling him to make appropriate recommendations to ensure we are maximising sales and margins. The range is very extensive which is great for all of our outlets.” Peter Raven Group Operations Manager, TLH Leisure Resort * The spirits category is worth £5.4 billion in the GB On-Trade. It is a key category to drive profits in your business MARKETING SPIR IT S IN YO UR O UTLET There are three simple steps to follow when marketing spirits in your outlet: nspire Sell Serve nspireSellServe The first step is to inspire your customers to choose spirits. A spirit and mixer can be one of the most profitable drinks you can serve. You can do this by thinking about three areas: Range, Display and Communication. It is important to ensure you have the right spirits range to meet the needs of your customers. Within our carefully selected spirits range we take pride in offering a choice of spirits, from world class big names to niche brands, premium brands to great value alternatives. Our specialist Sales Team, Contact Centre Staff and dedicated Wines and Spirits Managers are also on hand to offer advice on the best range for your venue. It can help to think of your range in three groups of products Source: *CGA Total On-Trade MAT 01.11.2014. 193 crowncellarswines.co.uk 194 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT RANGE nspireSellServe nspireSellServe Display top tips Pouring, Upsell, Choice – Vodka (example only) Pouring This is your entry level spirit in each sub-category. Each brand will depend on your style of outlet but it is likely to be either the No.1 brand or your best seller Standard No.1 brand or best seller Fast selling sub-categories such as Vodka, Gin and Blended Whisky all need an ‘Upsell’ option which will usually be a premium brand – offering the customer an option to treat themselves and you an opportunity for incremental profits Upsell Premium No.1 brand or best seller Choice Encourage customers to purchase more spirits by offering choice in each sub-category. It could be a flavoured option, a new or local brand or a seasonal favourite Flavours, innovation, local, seasonal, niche and additional upsell Offering the customer an upsell option gives you an opportunity for incremental profits • Remove any clutter • Separate light and dark spirits and group categories together • Double bank or dual site your best sellers • Pick out brands in your Excite category for display feature • Ensure your mixers are displayed near your spirits • Display ‘quality cues’ such as fresh fruit • Make sure your finished drinks pricing is clearly visible Another way to think of how to group your range – and how to display them – is to categorise them as Core, Excite or Must Stock brands. All of your Pouring, Upsell and Choice brands are likely to be in the Core or Excite groups. What? Where? Best sellers Highest volume High visibility (centre) Double bank/dual site Near the till Excite Premiums Seasonal Innovation Flavours Local Back bar displays Show how to drink e.g. with mixers or fruit Must stock Essential spirits to suit business Lower volume Don’t need to be visible as customers will ask for these Core (optics or speed rail) The importance of core spirits The nine spirit categories illustrated represent 88% of an average outlet’s total spirits sales.* * Average 4 week rate of sale 70cl. GB 11.5 2.3 4.1 2.4 1.5 2.8 1.4 1.4 1.9 DISPLAY • Inspire customers to choose spirits in the first place with tempting displays of spirits, mixers and fresh fruit • Make it easy for customers to choose what they want e.g. if your customer wants a Gin, it’s easier for them to choose if all your Gins are grouped together Source: CGA On-Trade report MAT to 30.11.13. 195 @CrownCellarsUK 196 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Your back bar is your shop window and spirits should be displayed to achieve two things: nspireSellServe 40% of customers are influenced to try a new drink by a menu showing pictures of drinks nspireSellServe * COMMUNICATION The main areas where your customers will make drinks decisions are at the bar or the table so menus and table talkers are a key way to inspire your customers to choose spirits. Anywhere else and it can just become ‘wallpaper’. There can be a perception that spirits are the expensive option versus wine or beer and nobody wants to be the person ordering the most ‘expensive’ drink – therefore customers think they’re going to pay more for spirits than they actually do. This can be addressed by drinks menus: via finished drinks pricing and considering relative pricing architecture. If outlets consider the costs of a spirit and mixer in relation to beer and wine and display the finished drinks cost, their customers will know exactly what they’re getting for their money and make an informed decision about ordering a spirit and mixer. The role of a drinks menu is to grow drink sales by providing inspiration and suggesting new ideas while allowing your customers to make quick and informed decisions. COMMUNICATION continued When you are designing your menu keep some simple guidelines in mind • Beautiful drinks images. Better experience makes customers return • Compelling drinks descriptors. Helps the customer to make an easy decision • Clear finished drinks pricing. Customers are more likely to increase their spend • Less is more. 5-8 great drinks mean simpler customer decisions One third of customers haven’t picked their category when walking into an outlet, of these, two thirds haven’t picked their brand * Relative pricing architecture Packaged/niche £4.00+ 250ml House £4.95 Standard 50ml Vodka and bottled mixer £4.80 Premium lager £3.80 175ml House £3.95 Standard 25ml Vodka and bottled mixer £3.80 Standard lager £3.00 Index Point Standard 25ml Vodka and post mix £3.00 9/10 of customers stay with their first drink choice for the rest of the night so using menus to influence that choice to a profitable category is key ** *Source: Pernod Ricard internal cocktail research. **Diageo Project Greenwich, GB. 197 crowncellarswines.co.uk *Source: Data from research conducted by Diageo GB 2013. 198 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT You can order from a range of drinks menus as well as table talkers and tent cards at crowncellarswines.co.uk nspireSellServe Selling premium spirits Four easy ways to upsell for greater profit The trend towards premium spirits goes on as customers continue to treat themselves when they go out. The key to selling premium spirits is product knowledge – being able to explain how a premium spirit differs from the standard option. A simple way to support your staff is to encourage them to sell using the bottle. Once you have inspired your customer to choose a spirit, you have the opportunity to upsell for greater profit 1 “Have you tried...?” Pick up the bottle (brand in hand) and show it to your customer e.g. if they order a Smirnoff you might say “Have you tried Ketel One?” 2 “It’s...” Pick one key fact from the bottle label to tell your customer e.g. 3 4 “It goes well in a...” Suggest a serve that’s on your menu e.g. “It goes well where it was made, how many times distilled etc. E.g. “It’s made in the Netherlands and pot distilled” in a Vodka Martini” “Would you like to try one?” Close the sell There are four main tools to upsell 1 Double up from a 25ml serve to a 50ml serve of spirit. Whilst this is often linked with promotional pricing you can improve your rate of sale on spirits by training your staff to offer your customers a double, even without a price promotion in place Sharing serves. Pitchers are popular group serves and can be linked 3 Cocktails. Upselling from a spirit and mixer to a simple, popular cocktail into the right customer occasions such as Pimm’s and simple cocktails in summer. Bar staff should to be trained to suggest these to customers as well as including them on your menus – bar and table 49% of people agree to be drinking less, but choosing higher quality when they do 54% of people agree that premium spirits brands are a sign of a quality pub/bar 65% of people agree that they would be willing to pay more for premium spirits is an easy way to increase margin and sales. For more information about selling cocktails effectively see page 209 Premium Spirits. Upselling from core to premium choices can have a hugely positive impact on your revenue e.g. Smirnoff Red (£2.34)* up to Smirnoff Black (£3.07)** to Ketel One (£3.92)* Prices are illustrative only and based on the average weighted price per 25ml. Source: *CGA Total On-Trade MAT 01.11.2014. **CGA Brand Index data to 21.03.2015 199 Over 1/3 of people would buy a premium brand if it was recommended to them @CrownCellarsUK Source: TNS Omnibus research 2012. 200 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT 2 4 Focus on premiums nspireSellServe Presentation Customers expect to receive an experience that they can’t replicate at home when they visit the On-Trade. A perfectly served drink every time is part of this experience. If a spirit and mixer is not served correctly then 31%* of customers would order something else on their next order – potentially not good for your gross profit. • Make your quality cues clearly visible. Fresh wedged fruit, good Quality is a major factor to driving repeat business – perfectly served drinks are an instantly recognised sign of quality for both your staff and venue. Key points to remember; • Using plenty of large ice cubes filling the glass to at least 3/4 full will keep your drink at the right temperature. quality ice and chilled big brand mixers will all indicate to a customer that their drink will offer value for money. Stainless steel ice buckets will reduce the temperature in the ice and help maintain coldness • As much as possible, prepare the drink in front of the customer • Ensure your glasses are clean, cool, dry and the correct size for the measure used i.e. 12oz or larger. 46% of people say the correct glass is important when buying a drink They will melt more slowly than crushed ice and will therefore have less chance to dilute the drink • The ‘all in’ pour is better for sales as mixers can’t be used for a second drink Chilled mixers pour more easily and quickly • Think about expanding your offering to include premium juices and mixers for an incremental profit opportunity • Fresh fruit is a quality cue and expresses the refreshment of the drink in aroma, taste and visual effect. Use lemon in lemonade, orange in orange juice and lime in all other drinks, including cola and tonic ! It is also important to think about why your customers are coming into your outlet to drink. • Are they casual groups of people getting together to catch up? • Are they coming in post-work to relax and unwind? • Is it a formal or informal dinner? • Do these occasions change throughout the week or even throughout the day? Your spirits serves should be flexed and promoted to suit the occasion e.g. sharing serves for groups, cocktails for special occasions or fantastic Gin and tonics for pre-dinner drinks. 78% of customers say that, aside from taste, presentation is what makes a perfect drink * *Source: TNS Perfect serve omnibus 2012. 201 crowncellarswines.co.uk 202 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT • Is it a big night out or a special occasion? nspireSellServe Knowing the customer occasions in outlet can help maximise their enjoyment and experience Customer occasions Understanding why customers go to the On-Trade is key to ensuring we’re offering the right spirit serves for occasions. These occasions vary in importance depending on the outlet type. Knowing this can maximise sales and repeat visits. Relax and unwind Quality time 21% of occasions Drinks £9.61* • 12oz spirit and mixers • Simple cocktails Informal meal Convenience and value 26% of occasions Drinks £9.88* • • • • • Pitchers/Jugs/Tea pots Spirit and mixers Simple cocktails Bar serve Bottle serve Casual get together A place to meet Drinks £12.43* 34% of occasions • 12oz spirit and mixers • Premium spirits • Simple cocktails Special occasion Treat or reward 11% of occasions Drinks £13.31* Premium spirits Cocktails Premium Bottle serve Shots Big night out Release 0.8% of occasions Drinks £17.43* • • • • 12oz spirit and mixer Shots Simple cocktails Bottle serve Source:12 m/e 30.09.2013 Kantar. *Average spend on drink per visit. 203 crowncellarswines.co.uk 204 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT • • • • • nspireSellServe Food and spirits It’s important to remember that food occasions don’t just involve wine. Spirits have traditionally featured as a post-meal digestif either with coffee or alone, making this a relatively easy sell to the customer. Food occasions now account for 38% of all On-Trade occasions.* This means that there are at least 21m food occasions per month where alcohol is consumed.** Exploiting this opportunity offers 3 huge benefits; 1 2 3 Revenue. These drinks are usually incremental to a meal so increase spend 86% of customers respond positively to a staff recommendation per visit Profit. These drinks tend to utilise high margin products, adding to your bottom line Customer experience. Offering pre or post-dinner drinks adds a further point of difference from a meal at home Staff can be your best advocates and simple training can give them the confidence to upsell. Use simple mechanics like Malt of the Month – give your staff a taste of the Malt and 3 simple product facts, then incentivise them to ask customers if they would like to try it. Our Malts Map makes a great training tool for staff See page 159 If 1 in 5 customers purchase an extra drink it could add £5,600*** incremental margin per year Before During After Capture the 1st drink and drive the 2nd and 3rd drink Spirits share drunk with meal Finished drinks pricing Signature serves Cocktails Long mixed drinks Signature Serves Cocktails Sharing serves Meal deals Before 11% Before 7% During 18% After Activation As part of aof meal dealdeal As part a meal Food matching Voucher offer Upselling Cocktails Liqueur coffees Dessert serves e.g. Baileys over ice or ice-cream Whisky/Brandy Sources: *Alcovision June and Sept 2013. **Alcovision Insights 2013. ***Based on average 300 customers per week and average profit margin of £1.80 per drink. 205 @CrownCellarsUK 206 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Visibility on food menus nspireSellServe what’s covered? – what is it? – Business of bars For bar owners/decision-makers, business-building insight drawn from the world’s top bars. Face-to-face, industry-leading bartender training designed to grow your spirit sales The benefits: This course is aimed at owners and decision-makers Know your product • Improves the customer experience • Brand right • Profitable by design • Napkinomics • Speed and efficiency • Remarkable by design • Accelerate your team • Optimising product portfolio • Brilliant at the basics This course is aimed at bartenders • Gives them great reasons to return Uncovering the facts and the talking points that will give you the confidence to make recommendations and sell with enthusiasm. • Increases spirit sales • Essential guide to spirits • Whisky made simple • Essential guide to beer • Trinity pitch How it works: • Essential guide to wine • Training is developed with you to suit your specific needs • Interactive sessions don’t just inform, they inspire • All sessions are delivered by engaging, experienced bar consultants What’s in it for you?: Bar skills This course is aimed at bartenders Great drinks From glassware to ice care, pouring technique to creating perfect serves every time, our consultants will work with you to craft your skills. • Extra flair, extra profit • Average sales uplift of 7% in a very profitable category • Essential techniques • Essential guide to cocktails • Increased productivity and improved sales figures per shift • The perfect serve • Creating a signature serve • Staff with skills and confidence to upsell higher margin spirits and cocktails Great service • Enhanced customer experience, increased spend per head and more repeat visits For more information please contact your Sales Manager Practical hints and tips for bartenders and unlocking the secrets of great customer service. • Key points for service success • Selling through service • The greeting • Table service • Perfect appearance • When things go wrong • Recommending with skill • Responsible serving Source: AC Nielsen Analytic Consulting. 207 crowncellarswines.co.uk 208 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT • Speed and efficiency C O C K TAI L S Creating your cocktail list A cocktail list doesn’t need to be particularly extensive or complicated. Outside of specialist venues a list of ten to fifteen drinks is perfect. • Make sure your list fits your venue. Bear in mind what your clientele normally drink and make sure any cocktail offer reflects both the range of other drinks you have available in your bar and your general atmosphere e.g. if you are in a high energy, late night environment then a Bloody Mary is probably not going to push the buttons of your guests • Your list will need a core of classics, safe options with names customers recognise or brands that they want to be seen drinking. Many customers will test your cocktail skills with one of these before moving on to explore more of your list TTop 5 cocktails for women in the UK – Mojito, Daiquiri, Long Island Iced Tea, White Russian and Margarita Top 5 cocktails for men in the UK – Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Old Fashioned, Zombie and Caipirinha* Why introduce cocktails? Inspire customers On average outlets that serve cocktails sell 36% more spirits than an outlet that doesn’t* Drive footfall Cocktails give your customers another reason to visit Differentiate Offering cocktails can help to stand out from competitors Higher margins Cocktails are perceived as high value by customers so you can price accordingly ** Collins if it is a Bombay Sapphire Raspberry Collins • Make cocktail names pronounceable and simple as well as exotic and enticing. It sounds simple but it is all too common for cocktails to go un-ordered because guests don’t want to feel silly ordering them and getting the name wrong • Your list should be short and manageable in terms of production at any time of the week (even busy periods) and ultimately good for business in terms of the % GP margin that each drink delivers • There are many benefits to a seasonal approach, it allows you to freshen your cocktail offering every now and again to give your guests a reason to keep visiting. From a good business perspective, you need to be able to buy produce that is in season and avoid excessive costs for imported ingredients. It also keeps your staff interested and engaged Right now seasonality is the buzz word of the hospitality industry Source: *CGA Mixed Drinks Report 2013. **CGA Managed Volume Pool to January 2015. 209 crowncellarswines.co.uk 210 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Cocktails are now stocked in 23% of On-Trade outlets • Including premium or aspirational brands in cocktail names can provide reassurance. Some people may be inclined to order a Raspberry Food or accommodation-led outlet For the mainstream market your list should: • Consist of simple drinks to enable both bar and service staff to be competently trained in their preparation • Include a cocktail that sits in the pre-dinner aperitif category, such as the Crisp Cucumber and Cocktail list for a wet-led outlet Tonic, and a cocktail that could be consumed alongside a meal, such as the Bloody Mary • Include a couple of drinks that sit within the most popular cocktails in the UK, such as the White For the mainstream market your list should: Drinks that work well in these venues include: • Primarily consist of built drinks that can be prepared quickly, to minimize wait times during busy periods at the bar Berry Spritzer Rusty Nail Woo Woo Gin served long with tonic and berry cordial Whisky and orange Liqueur served short over ice Vodka, Peach Schnapps and cranberry juice • Include on your list at least one shaken cocktail for the theatre of preparation. This can encourage Russian and Long Island Iced Tea as this is likely to increase consumer confidence in ordering other drinks on the list Drinks that work well in these venues include: Crisp Cucumber and Tonic Gin and tonic with fresh cucumber Bloody Mary Long Island Iced Tea Whisky and Ginger White Russian Vodka with tomato juice and your favourite spices Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple-sec, lemon and cola Whisky served long with lime and ginger ale Vodka, coffee Liqueur and cream served short over ice other customers to choose a cocktail over the alternative drinks on offer For the premium end of the market your list should: • Focus on cocktails that are already popular in the UK, as these are proven sellers and will increase customer confidence in ordering other drinks on the menu For the premium end of the market your list should: • Include premium spirits to reflect the premium nature of the venue • Include at least one shaken drink for the theatre of preparation. Seeing a shaken drink prepared • Include a Champagne cocktail to reinforce the premium nature of the venue can drive supplementary cocktails sales • Include a selection of the most popular UK cocktails to increase consumer confidence in ordering Drinks that work well in these venues include: Mojito 211 Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple-sec, lemon and cola crowncellarswines.co.uk Bourbon patiently stirred with sugar and bitters White Russian Strawberry Daiquiri Vodka, coffee Liqueur and cream served short over ice White Rum, fresh lime, strawberries and sugar blended with crushed ice from the menu, ideally using premium spirits to reflect the premium nature of the venue Margarita Tequila, orange Liqueur and fresh lime juice, served over ice or straight up, with or without a salt rim Drinks that work well in these venues include: French ’75 Mojito Long Island Iced Tea Old Fashioned White Russian Gin, fresh lemon and sugar spritzed with Champagne White Rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar and soda Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple-sec, lemon and cola Bourbon patiently stirred with sugar and bitters Vodka, coffee Liqueur and cream served short over ice 212 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT White Rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar and soda Long Island Old Fashioned Iced Tea • Include a cocktail that sits in the pre-dinner aperitif category For the professional bartender, measuring should be a primary concern Bartender techniques • Measuring The proportion of ingredients that go into all cocktails should be carefully considered as a slight variation can affect the balance of the drink and the consistency for the guest. The easiest way to ensure consistency is to use 25ml and 50ml jiggers and a bar spoon to measure multiples of 5ml* As with any profession there is an essential set of tools that any bar must own • Shaking Shaking a cocktail fills all with excitement and provides theatre from behind the bar. It also has the incredibly important function of chilling the drink and provides perfect amounts of dilution and aeration. For a cocktail containing fresh fruit, fruit juices and particularly egg, shaking is always essential to ensure the ingredients are infused. There is no written rule to the perfect shake but a short (8 second) sharp and hard shake is always adequate. For drinks containing egg, always dry shake (without ice) prior to adding ice and re-shaking • Stirring Stirred drinks have the advantage of maximum chill with minimum dilution and aeration. As David A Embury describes in his 1948 ‘The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks’: “A substantial part of the charm of certain cocktails such as the Martini and Manhattan is their clear almost scintillating translucence.” Essential bartender equipment 1 Boston Shaker This two-piece shaker – half metal, half glass – has become Stirring combines flavours without masking them with diluted water. Most spirit-heavy cocktails will be stirred to gently cut the potency of the alcohol without compromising the flavours. the modern bartender’s shaker of choice, with the glass section used as a mixing glass also. When using a Boston Shaker the rule is: Shaken drinks: Always add ingredients prior to ice Stirred drinks: Always add ice prior to ingredients 2 3 Hawthorn Strainer The Hawthorne Strainer is specifically designed to 4 Bar Spoon The bar spoon is an invaluable tool to any mixologist. Its uses Measuring rules Shaking rules Stirring rules Always add ingredients before ice to minimise dilution Shake in a sharp, hard and fast motion until the tin is frosted Never re-use ice Always pour ingredients over clean, dry ice Use a bar spoon in a consistent and smooth motion to minimise cracked ice and dilution Don’t handle the mixing glass to minimise heat transfer strain a cocktail from the metal part of the Boston Shaker Julep Strainer Originally used to prevent getting mint in your teeth when drinking a Julep. These strainers are now widely used to strain stirred drink from the glass section of a Boston Shaker Always measure all ingredients Don’t forget that quantities may vary depending on the brand of spirit range from: certain drinks such as Pousse Cafés 5 6 Jigger The key to any great cocktail is balance – without the ability to measure ingredients, cocktails may vary in quality and consistency. A jigger to measure 25ml and 50ml is essential Juice Press When it comes to juices, fresh is always the way to go. Metal or ceramic juice presses are a great way to extract juice quickly *One spoon = 5ml. 213 @CrownCellarsUK 214 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Measuring: A bar spoon is the equivalent of 5ml Stirring: An essential tool for stirred drinks Muddling: Using the flat end the bar spoon works effectively as a muddler Layering: The flat end of the bar spoon can assist in the layering of Marketing wine in your venue is all about understanding what your customers want from the category MARKETING W IN E IN YO UR O UT LET Basic principles of wine merchandising • Separate wines by colour and block brands together on display with two to four facings for maximum impact, whether on shelf or in fridge • Volume lines should be positioned in the centre of the bar at eye-level with trade-up options immediately to either side. Volume lines in the fridge should be on the top shelf • Keep shelves and fridges fully stocked and do not mix displays of wine with other categories, watch your stock rotation • Ensure that you give wine visibility away from the bar through chalkboards and tent cards. Make sure your wine list is easily accessible at all times • On all point of sale, from chalkboards, to tent cards, to your wine list, make sure that short tasting notes are present to help customers make an informed choice and that pricing is clearly visible to remove one of the biggest barriers to purchase • Most customers don’t know what they’re going to drink when they come to the bar, so this is your key opportunity to influence their choice 215 crowncellarswines.co.uk 216 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT • Encourage your customers to explore trade-up wines using wine flights – three small glasses of different wines for a set price – which offer the chance to taste wines on your list without having to commit to purchasing a full bottle. Rotate your flights on a regular basis to keep it interesting CREATING YOUR WINE LIST A wine list is a valuable training and reference document for your staff, providing useful support for them to up-sell and make informed recommendations. A list doesn’t have to be huge as long as it meets your customers’ needs and leaves them feeling they are getting great value. A wine list is a great way to demonstrate your outlet’s individuality and personality General principles These can be applied to lists regardless of outlet style. • Variety is the spice of life The more styles, grape varieties, countries of origin and price points you cover, the broader the range of customers you are likely to appeal to • Ensure that your core wines are available by the glass Provide a standard and premium option for your most popular varietals • Balance your list Add interest and credibility by ensuring that a few trendy or unusual choices are available as an alternative to the safer choices • Separate your sparkling wines from Champagne Sometimes a customer can discount the ‘Champagne and Sparkling’ section because of assumptions on price linked to Champagne. Position sparkling wines at the start of your list and highlight an occasion to prompt an impulse purchase e.g. ‘Celebrating? Why not add some sparkle with…?’ • Avoid terms like ‘house wine’ Encourage customers to try a more expensive choice A wine list can for increasing sales, maximising spend and adding value for your customers ‘Our favourite’, ‘We recommend’ or ‘Award Winning’ (if appropriate) and give them extra visibility on chalkboards and table talkers • For more extensive lists, laying out by style or taste profile rather than colour can provide helpful guidance to customers This can reduce the risk to increase the likelihood of experimentation and trading up • Unless you’re a specialist and your customers demand it, resist the temptation to be overly wordy with wine descriptions It can be off-putting for customers and increase your print costs • A wine list should always be accessible and on display for customers Not tucked behind the till on the back bar so customers have to ask for it 217 crowncellarswines.co.uk 218 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT be an effective tool • Give your customers the opportunity to trade-up when they fancy splashing out Highlight more expensive trade-up choices on your list with Food or accomodation-led outlet If you’re appealing to the mainstream market your list will need: If you’re aiming for the premium end of the market your list will need: • A balance of red and white • A wider range across all price points and styles • A New World bias on red wines • An Old World bias on reds leaning towards New World on white, sparkling and rosé • Accessible sparkling wine choices White Wine B Bin Taste 1 7 5 ml 2 5 0 ml £3 .1 0 £ 4 .3 0 3 Gulara 1 L Lighter wines aavailable by the glass Chardonnay Châteauneuf du Pape Domaine du Père pape White Wine B Bin 1 2 B Bin 175ml 2 5 0 ml 75 cl £3 .1 0 £ 4 .3 0 £ 1 2 .4 0 3 Gulara 9 Taste 6 Invenio 175ml 25 50ml 2 75cl £3. 2 5 £ 4. 60 £1 3. 40 Chardonnay Zinfandel Rosé Australia Clean and fresh with melon and apple fruit flavours, and a crisp finish. USA Light fruity rosé bursting with strawberry fruits. Medium sweet but well balanced. Perfect with red fruit puddings. 1 Las Ondas £ 3. 2 5 France A deep, rich, concentrated wine with a fine flavour and a warm, satisfying finish. A good match with rich meat casseroles and strong cheeses. R Ro osé Wine Taste £4 . 60 £ 1 3. 4 0 10 0 1 1 Domaine des Martyrs Côtes Bin de Provence Rosé Chile A fresh, clean and spritzy dry white wine with no shortage of lively fruit. France bo 17 A classic French rosé: bone dry and light bodied with delicate red fruit. Taste 1 Invenio Pinot £3. 25 £4. 60 B Bin Italy A clean fresh white with pear and apple flavours. 4 Taste 1 17 75ml 11 1 1 £15. 45 1 Marques de Caceres, Blanco Spain An intense bouquet with fresh aromas of pears, acacia flower and mineral notes. Lusciously rich with fresh, long lasting flavours. 6 7 1 Chablis, J Moreau et Fils £2 0 . 9 5 France Steely and dry with a hint of green in the colour. Like all fine Chablis the fruit is balanced by crisp acidity. A good choice with grilled fish or chicken. 2 Boomerang Bay Chardonnay £15.45 Australia Clean, balanced and crisp with light citrus and apple character. 1 Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc £1 8 . 9 5 New Zealand An intensely aromatic wine bursting with ripe passion fruit and citrus flavours. Full bodied with crisp finish. £2 0 . 9 5 colour. y crisp chicken. 3 Peter & Peter Zeller Riesling £16. 95 Feinherb Germany Pure, youthful and citrussy on the nose with a refreshing palate that is just off dry. An off dry style that compliments spicy Asian food 7 75 5cl 18 C Marqués de Cáceres Crianza £17.95 Spain Dry and soft, with spicy black fruit and vanilla character. Perfect with lamb dishes. 19 12 2 1 C Las Ondas £ 3. 2 5 £4 .60 A Las Ondas Pinot Noir Reserva £15.45 Chile This light bodied red has a lovely aroma of £1 3.4 0 raspberry and strawberry that sings Pinot Noir. Chile oma of this Ripe black fruits and oak make up the aroma mid bodied red wine. Bin QH :L W /LV Sparkling Wine Taste 7 75 5cl 1 13 3 14 B Invenio Shiraz £1321 .45 1 Prosecco Viticoltori Ponte Italy Australia hite pepper. Clean, dry and crisp, with a creamy finish. Perfumed raspberry fruit, and a hint of white £18.95 20 2 Ponte Aurora Rosé £20.95 £1 5 . 4 5 C Boomerang Bay Shiraz Italy Australia Cherry pink in colour with a decent amount of sparkle, this is a light and off-dry sparkling rosé. fla Soft tannins integrate with juicy black fruitt flavours and a velvety texture. Enjoy with a juicy steak. tea Champagne 15 5 1 Managers Choice 8 2 25 50ml £1 2. 4 0 C Gulara Shiraz £ 3.10 £ 4.3 0 Australia e fruit fr and A juicy, youthful red with plenty of bramble a hint of pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon 5 7+(*(25*( £25.95 Domaine du Père pape France A deep, rich, concentrated wine with a fine flavour and a warm, satisfying finish. A good match with rich meat casseroles and strong cheeses. £ 13. 40 Grigio 75cl D Châteauneuf-du-Pape R Re ed Wine 3 Simple meal S matching m rrecommendations Strong presence on sparkling and Champagne Red W ine £1 16.95 £ Sauvignon Blanc £25.95 16 6 1 Bin Taste £1 4. 4 5 C Aimery Merlot France The soft, fruity character of the Merlot grape ape makes 22 1 H Lanvin Brut this wine agreeably easy to drink. France 75 c l £33.95 Golden in colour with fine bubbles this elegant Champagne is fresh on the nose with a rounded toasty palate. £2 20.95 £ C Fortin Plaisance St Émilion France Dark berry fruit and a touch of oak are followed by 1 H Lanvin Rosé low 23 £34.95 a mid bodied palate. France Beautiful pale salmon pink in colour, fresh and elegant with red fruit character on the palate. 24 1 Taittinger Brut Réserve £45.00 France Toasty and biscuity on the nose with a good weight of fruit in the mouth. Trade-up options on all key varietals and £1 8 . 9 5 E Ensure the prices are in a random order to prevent customers simply o sselecting the cheapest wine at the ttop of the page IIncluding product images helps less confident h ccustomers to order ’ Recommendations alleviate ‘choice overload’ by creating a default option from a trusted authority 219 crowncellarswines.co.uk 220 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT £15.45 A wine list is a great way to offer a point of difference from other venues If you’re aiming for the premium end of the market your list will need: • Equal balance of red and white Wet-led outlet • A New World bias on red wine But Old World still required • Rosé offering If you’re appealing to the mainstream market your list will need: Highlighting particular products is a great way to draw the customer’s attention to a high margin product • Higher proportion of white v. red • Rosé offering • New World focus on white wines With focus on lighter styles and popular varietals NEW G LISTIN 75cl Adding a more expensive product to your wine list has the positive effect of making other products appear cheaper 74.99 • Accessible sparkling wine choices Rosé Wine 7TEVOPMRK;MRI Adding additional descriptionss help to inform the customer’ss purchasing decision n Bin Taste Red Wine Juicy, medium-bodied, fruit-led red 175 l 125ml 75cl Bin Taste 175ml 250ml 75cl 4.75 14.99 9 6 .EGO +MRE>MRJERHIP6SWq 3.49 4.49 11.99 -XEP] 'LIVV]TMROMRGSPSYV[MXLEHIGIRXEQSYRXSJWTEVOPIXLMWMWEPMKLXERHSJJHV]WTEVOPMRKVSWq 0]VMG4MRSX+VMKMS&PYWL 4.49 5.49 13.99 1 2 Ponte Aurora Rosé 2 1 Prosecco Viticoltori Ponte 3 3 ±7]QTLSRMEI²4VSWIGGS2:)\XVE(V](3'+ 4.50 13.99 -XEP] 'PIERHV]ERHGVMWT[MXLEGVIEQ]½RMWL Rosé Wine Dry, elegant rosé Perfect for celebrating Lighter wines available by the glass Bin Taste 1 1 Prosecco Viticoltori Ponte 200ml 75cl Bin Taste 4.5 19 7 3 Italy &OHDQGU\DQGFULVSZLWKDFUHDP\ÀQLVK Ponte Gio Rosato Australia &OHDQDQGIUHVKZLWKPHORQDQGDSSOH Taste 2 1 75cl 4 6 14.5 175ml 250ml 75cl 4 5.5 13.5 Floral rosé Very dry, light, delicate whites Bin 250ml Italy $VWUDLJKWIRUZDUGRIIGU\SLQNIUXLW\TXDIIHU White Wine Gulara Chardonnay 175ml 175ml 250ml Cloud Island Sauvignon Blanc 75cl Bin Taste 8 6 Invenio Zinfandel Rosé USA /LJKWIUXLW\URVpEXUVWLQJZLWKVWUDZEHUU\IUXLWV0HGLXPVZHHWEXWZHOOEDODQFHG 17 New Zealand )UHVKDQG-XLF\ZLWKWURSLFDOIUXLWÁDYRXUVDQG]LQJ\DFLGLW\ Red Wine Juicy, medium-bodied, fruit-led red Pinot Grigio Ponte di Piave Italy 9HU\OLJKWDQGQHXWUDOUHYHDOLQJMXVWD 3 3 Gulara Chardonnay 3.5 5 12.5 Australia &OHDQDQGIUHVKZLWKPHORQDQGDSSOHIUXLWÁDYRXUVDQGDFULVSÀQLVK 4 1 Pinot Grigio Ponte di Piave 4.5 6 2 Millstream Chenin Blanc Las Ondas Sauvignon Blanc 9 C 15.5 Aimery Merlot 175ml 250ml 75cl 4 5 13.5 France 7KHVRIWIUXLW\FKDUDFWHURIWKH0HUORWJUDSHPDNHVWKLVZLQHDJUHHDEO\HDV\WRGULQN B Finca de Oro Spain 5XE\FRORXU$FRPSOH[FRPELQDWLRQRI\RXWKIXOSOXPDQGEODFNEHUU\IUXLWRYHUODLQZLWKVDYRXU\ VSLFHDQGRDNDURPDV 11 C Gulara Shiraz 16 4.5 5.5 5 13.5 Bin Taste 12 1 250ml 75cl 4 C 16.99 0E^]&SRIW7LMVE^'EFIVRIX7EYZMKRSR Australia %QMHFSHMIHVIH[MRI[LMGLLEWEHIGIRXEXXEGOSJWTMGIERHHEVOJVYMX 221 @CrownCellarsUK 11.99 3.99 4.99 12.99 5 C 3 )1IVPSX:MRHI4E]WH´3G France 7SJXERHNYMG][MXLTIVJYQIHVIHJVYMXGLEVEGXIV NEW G LISTIN 3.99 4.99 C 4EXIVRMRE&ERHE%^YP'VMER^E 7TEMR %XVEHMXMSREP6MSNE[MXLWSJXVIHGYVVERXERHZERMPPESEOSRXLIRSWIERHTEPEXI 7 C 1I^^EGSVSRE1IVPSX 14.50 -XEP] 7GIRXIHSRXLIRSWI[MXLTPIRX]SJFPEGOJVYMXMRIZMHIRGI1MHFSHMIHERHJVYMX][MXLJEMVP] WSJXXERRMRW 8 B .EGO +MRE>MRJERHIP USA 7SJXVIH[MRI[MXLPSXWSJNYMG]FIVV]JVYMX¾EZSYVW 3.49 4.49 40 Rounding up to the nearest whole or half pound or removing zeros. This reduces the number of digits and therefore makes the price feel smaller .EGO +MRE'LEVHSRRE] USA 1IHMYQFSHMIH[LMXI[MXLVMTIQIPSRJVYMXERHGVIEQ]½RMWL 3 )7EYZMKRSR&PERG France *VIWLERH^MRK][MXLEXXVEGXMZIGMXVYWRSXIW NEW G LISTIN 12.99 6 15.99 11.99 13 1 2I[>IEPERH *VIWLERH.YMG][MXLXVSTMGEPJVYMX¾EZSYVWERH^MRK]EGMHMX] 14 1 0]VMG4MRSX+VMKMS 4.49 5.49 -XEP] %VIEPP]GLEVEGXIVJYP4MRSX+VMKMS[MXLXIQTXMRKETVMGSXTIEGLERHQIPSRJVYMX 15.99 'PSYH-WPERH7EYZMKRSR&PERG 13.99 'LEQTEKRI Bin Taste 15 3 17 1 125ml 8EMXXMRKIV³2SGXYVRI´7IG2: France %WQSSXLERHVSYRHIH'LEQTEKRIXLEXEPWSLEWGPEWWMGXSEWXERHFYXXIVEVSQEW 75cl 74.99 5.50 29.99 France +SPHIRMRGSPSYV[MXL½RIFYFFPIWXLMWIPIKERX'LEQTEKRIMWJVIWLSRXLIRSWI[MXLE VSYRHIHXSEWX]TEPEXI ,0ERZMR&VYX 49.99 :IYZI'PMGUYSX=IPPS[0EFIP&VYX2: France %JYPPHV]VSYRHIH'LEQTEKRISJLMKLUYEPMX] E XSYGL Removing £ symbols encourages people to spend more as they are not primed to think about money 12.5 75cl 4.49 France *ROGHQLQFRORXUZLWKÀQHEXEEOHVWKLVHOHJDQW&KDPSDJQHLVIUHVKRQWKHQRVHZLWKD rounded toasty palate 5 250ml 3.49 12 1 14.50 75cl H Lanvin Brut 175ml 14.5 Champagne Chile $IUHVKFOHDQDQGVSULW]\GU\ZKLWHZLQHZLWKQRVKRUWDJHRIOLYHO\IUXLW Bin Taste 175ml 11 3 16 1 Australia $MXLF\\RXWKIXOUHGZLWKSOHQW\RIEUDPEOHIUXLWDQGDKLQWRISHSSHU 4 12.99 White Wine Bin Taste 11.99 Include a ‘by the glass’ option on sparkling and Champagne 5.50 29.99 Don’t forget that our expert team can take all the hassle out of creating your wine list. See page 217 for more details of our free wine listing service. 222 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT 1 Taste 10 South Africa /LJKWDQGIUHVKZLWKDQDWWUDFWLYHTXLQFHDQGSHDUFKDUDFWHU 6 Bin 14.5 Italy 9HU\OLJKWDQGQHXWUDOUHYHDOLQJMXVWDKLQWRIJUHHQIUXLW 5 Trade-up options on best selling varietals -XEP] %PMKLXERHHIPMGEXI4MRO4MRSX+VMKMSXLEXMWSJJHV]SRXLITEPEXI 19.99 -XEP] %TPIEWERXP]EXXVEGXMZI(3'+4VSWIGGSXLEXMWSJJHV]ERHLEWVMTI]IPPS[JVYMXEVSQEW 6IH;MRI Sparkling Wine 10 3 USA 1IHMYQW[IIX[MXLHIPMGMSYWVIHJVYMX¾EZSYVWERHTPIRX]SJPMZIP]EGMHMX] P R I C I NG Cash margin is your friend Too often a rigid adherence to Gross Profit percentage rates can stand in the way of sales of more premium wines. You can generate a realistic selling price for entry level wines by applying a GP% but if you stick to it across your full list you can price some of your more premium wines out of the market. The pricing on your list should encourage your customers to buy more expensive wines from you whilst still feeling that they have got great value for money. Your pricing should encourage your customers to buy more expensive wines A better experience will lead to more return visits Value from wine The ‘pricing ladder’ If your list has a steady progression in pricing from entry level it allows your customers to try more expensive wines in easy steps, encouraging them to trade-up to better quality wines and making the top end of your list more accessible. Customers drinking at the top end of your list will put more money on your bottom line and feel more positive about the experience and the great value for money that you offer. A better experience will lead to more return visits and perhaps, the next step up the pricing ladder. Essentially, the more expensive a bottle of wine you buy, the greater the proportion of the production costs will actually have been spent on the wine itself. Buy a £10 bottle instead of a £5 bottle and whilst the price has doubled the proportion of cost spent on making the wine has gone up 25x!* You can apply the same logic to wines by the glass, not just in the range of wines available but in sizing. Offering a pricing benefit to customers who trade-up from 125ml to 175ml or from 175ml to 250ml will be adding value for that customer. Equally, encouraging trade-up from glass to bottle when individuals in a group choose the same wine will also make your customers feel like they are getting great value from you – after all, you are showing them a way to save money when a bottle is cheaper than two glasses of the same wine! Wine Chilean Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 0 0.0 2 £ VAT £5.73 (ex.VAT) Price point Net profit GP% £3.95 £12.95 £6.84 63% Italian Pinot Grigio £4.40 £13.95 £7.23 62% Australian Chardonnay £5.20 £15.95 £8.09 61% Excise duty .00 £5 . 50 £7 £2.09 £1.36 £0.83 Packaging New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc £6.00 £16.95 £8.13 57% Logistics Rioja £6.95 £18.95 £8.84 56% Money for wine £2.05 £0.40 £0.30 £0.11 0 0.0 £1 £2.82 £1.67 £1.25 £2.05 £0.40 £0.30 £1.46 £2.05 £0.40 £0.30 £3.33 £2.05 £0.40 £0.30 £8.23 £2.82 13 x more than 25 x more than 75 x more than a £5 bottle a £5 bottle a £5 bottle **Based Base on retailer margin of 28% at all price points, VAT at 20% and duty for a 75cl bottle of still wine (5.5-15% abv) and fixed packaging and logistics costs. To be used as a guideline only. 223 crowncellarswines.co.uk 224 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Cost Retailer margin It’s important to understand the impact the UK’s flat rate duty regime has on wine PROFIT C A L C U L AT OR Wine by the glass In order to maximise total profit generated, you need to strike the right balance in terms of retail price and unit margin. To assist with this, we have produced five ‘ready reckoners’. One for bottles of wine, three for ‘wine by the glass’ i.e. 125ml, 175ml and 250ml and one for single serve bottles. Understanding your pricing policy will improve volumes and enhance profit All you need to do is to identify the cost of the bottle of wine (this excludes VAT), decide the gross margin required and follow the chart across which will give you a selling price for a glass of wine including VAT at 20%. 125ml glass example Cost of bottle £3.80 + required gross margin 55% = Selling Price £1.69 Retail per 125ml glass (inc. VAT) Cost per bottle (£ ex. VAT) 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 3.80 1.52 1.69 1.90 2.17 2.53 Wine by the bottle 4.20 1.68 1.87 2.10 2.40 2.80 4.60 1.84 2.04 2.30 2.63 3.07 Use the calculator to establish your selling price based on your target gross margin percentage. All you need to do is to identify the cost of the bottle of wine (this excludes VAT), decide the gross margin required and follow the chart across. This gives you a selling price for a bottle of wine including VAT at 20%. 5.00 2.00 2.22 2.50 2.86 3.33 6.50 2.60 2.89 3.25 3.71 4.33 7.50 3.00 3.33 3.75 4.29 5.00 8.50 3.40 3.78 4.25 4.86 5.67 175ml glass example Cost of bottle £3.80 + required gross margin 55% = Selling Price £2.36 Single serve example Cost of bottle £1.25 + required gross margin 55% = Selling Price £3.33 Retail per 18.7cl bottle (inc. VAT) 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 3.80 2.13 2.36 2.66 3.04 3.55 2.35 2.61 2.94 3.36 3.92 Cost per bottle (£ ex. VAT) 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 4.20 1.25 3.00 3.33 3.75 4.29 5.00 4.60 2.58 2.86 3.22 3.68 4.29 1.35 3.24 3.60 4.05 4.63 5.40 5.00 2.80 3.11 3.50 4.00 4.67 1.45 3.48 3.87 4.35 4.97 5.80 6.50 3.64 4.04 4.55 5.20 6.07 4.20 4.67 5.25 6.00 7.00 4.76 5.29 5.95 6.80 7.94 1.55 3.72 4.13 4.65 5.31 6.20 7.50 1.65 3.96 4.40 4.95 5.66 6.60 8.50 1.75 4.20 4.67 5.25 6.00 7.00 1.85 4.44 4.93 5.55 6.34 7.40 250ml glass example 1.95 4.68 5.20 5.85 6.69 7.80 2.05 4.92 5.46 6.15 7.03 8.20 Cost of bottle £3.80 + required gross margin 55% = Selling Price £3.38 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 3.80 3.04 3.38 3.80 4.34 5.07 4.20 3.36 3.73 4.20 4.80 5.60 4.60 3.68 4.09 4.60 5.26 6.13 70% 5.00 4.00 4.44 5.00 5.71 6.67 15.20 6.50 5.20 5.78 6.50 7.43 8.67 6.67 7.50 8.57 10.00 7.55 8.50 9.71 11.34 Cost of bottle £3.80 + required gross margin 55% = Selling Price £10.13 Cost per bottle (£ ex. VAT) 3.80 Retail per 75cl bottle (inc. VAT) 50% 9.12 55% 10.13 60% 11.40 65% 13.03 4.20 10.08 11.20 12.60 14.40 16.80 7.50 6.00 4.60 11.04 12.27 13.80 15.77 18.40 8.50 6.80 5.00 12.00 13.33 15.00 17.14 20.00 6.50 15.60 17.33 19.50 22.29 26.00 7.50 18.00 20.00 22.50 25.71 30.00 8.50 20.40 22.66 25.40 29.14 34.00 @CrownCellarsUK Download your free and easy to use profit calculator at crowncellarswines.co.uk 226 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Cost per bottle (£ ex. VAT) 75cl bottle example 225 Retail per 175ml glass (inc. VAT) Cost per bottle (£ ex. VAT) F O O D A ND WI NE The simple rule with food and wine is to make it easy for your customers Recommending wines to partner dishes on your menus and specials boards gives you a double selling opportunity. It can also prompt and assist your staff to make informed recommendations. Perfect partners • Flavour profiles of food and wine should complement each other. Lighter dishes suit a lighter wine, a more heavily flavoured dish needs a richer wine. A simple white fish dish will suit a delicate Orvieto or Gavi, while a rich fish pie would go better with a full-bodied Chardonnay • Meals, and wines throughout the meal, are generally a progression. Move from lighter to fuller flavours and from drier to sweeter. A light-bodied Pinot Grigio can taste thin if your palate has adjusted to that full-flavoured Chardonnay; a dry Sauvignon Blanc can be too acidic after a juicy Viognier • Don’t be constrained by the standard white wine with fish, red wine with meat approach. Just ensure that the flavour and body of a wine work with a dish. A full-bodied Chardonnay will work beautifully with a roasted chicken and light red such as Pinot Noir will be a perfect partner for tuna or monkfish • Spicy foods and wine can mix. Juicy reds such as Shiraz or Carmenere will be a great partner for an Indian curry whilst aromatic whites such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer will work with fresher Thai dishes • You can reduce the risk for your customers by offering a choice of wines with each dish. Try to include a safe bet and a more adventurous choice. The same applies when thinking about your range of wines available by the glass • Make recommendations for wines to partner dishes on your menus and specials board. This gives you a double selling opportunity matching but as long as you stick to some Crown Cellars have produced a food and wine matching wheel which can provide you and your staff with a quick, easy guide to help make recommendations See page 231 food and wine simple rules you can’t go wrong Go to crowncellarswines.co.uk for further advice on food matching with recommendations from our range or speak to your local Sales Manager 227 crowncellarswines.co.uk 228 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT A lot has been written about White Wines Red Wines When matching food to wine, the trick is to think what the dominant flavour in the dish will be. Again it is important to match the weight of the wine to the robustness of the food so that one does not overpower the other. A strongly flavoured dish will need an assertive wine whilst milder, more delicately flavoured food could do with a lighter style. Generally whites are good partners to most fish, white meats, salads and lightly spiced dishes. Spicy food tends to bring out the tannin in red wines so steer clear of heavily oaked or tannic reds with curries and dishes with lots of heat. Reds make good matches to red meats, tomato-based sauces, mushroom and strong cheese dishes. Perfect partners Perfect partners Meat Richer more opulent whites include Semillon and Chardonnay especially white Burgundy or those from the New World such as the Wild Ferment from Errazuriz Choose lighter whites to partner delicate, simple dishes, but heartier fare will need a more robust wine Salad Stick to lively, crisp whites to marry with the fresh flavours of the food Fish Consider both the type of fish and how it is cooked. The milder the overall flavour of the fish, the lighter the wine needs to be Here it is the sauce that is important, and unsurprisingly, Italian wines that work the best Sauvignon Blanc, dry Rieslings or fresh Spanish whites such as white Rioja, Rueda and Albariño Salad Muscadet, Chablis, Picpoul and French Sauvignon Blancs; Italian whites such as Pecorino, Gavi or Lugana or lighter New Zealand whites Fish Stick to lighter styles that won’t dominate the food. More robust salads such as tuna or goats cheese can take a mid-bodied option A full-flavoured fish with a robust texture such as hake or tuna can work with red but be careful not to overpower more delicate dishes Pasta Here, it is the sauce that is important and not surprisingly, Italian wines work the best Off-dry Chenin Blancs and Viognier work well. More aromatic Rieslings and New World Sauvignon Blancs are also a good choice Spicy Look for fruity wines, un-oaked and not too dry Spicy Some cheeses can clash and make wine taste metallic. Stick to local cheese with local wine and the stronger the cheese flavour the stonger the wine should be Key Light and delicate Juicy and ripe Cheese Some cheeses can clash and make wine taste metallic. Stick to local cheese with local wine and the stronger the cheese flavour the stonger the wine should be Full-flavoured and oaked Dry and aromatic Spicy and warming Bordeaux, New World Cabernets, Pinotage, Rhône reds, Shiraz, Barbera, Carmenere, Malbec, Zinfandel. Spanish reds from Rioja and Navarra are a great match with lamb Dolcetto, Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône or go for a light fruity Pinot Noir such as the Las Ondas Light European reds such as Spanish Mencia or French Vin de Pays or New World options such as Bonarda from Argentina Fuller Italian styles such as Primitivo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Chianti or Negroamaro Stick to fruit driven Merlots, Grenache or lighter Shiraz. Our new Marqués de Alfamén Garnacha/Syrah would be a great match Bordeaux, Malbec, Shiraz, Barolo, Reserva Riojas, Valpolicella Ripasso or Chianti. Oaked and intense 230 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Can be a great match – choose wines which are not too dry with plenty of fruit, and avoid any oak or too much tannin Rich white Burgundies with Brie; Italian whites with Parmesan; New World Chardonnays with Cheddar Cheese crowncellarswines.co.uk Generally choose lighter reds with more delicate, simple dishes, and go for heavy reds with more hearty fare Pinot Grigio, Orvieto and Gavi are all great Italian choices and mid-bodied Chardonnays work well with richer, creamy sauces Pasta 229 Meat THE CROWN CELLARS’ WINE WHEEL In response to feedback from our customers the Crown Cellars’ team have created a simple and easy to use food and wine matching wheel. Enabling you to navigate by grape variety or our wine style guide indicator which is included for our full range of still wines in this year’s portfolio. So regardless of the size of your wine offering or style of food offering, this tool will enable any member of staff to make educated recommendations to your customers. With the inclusion of wine attributes, helpful phonetic pronunciations and classic growing countries and regions, the wheel can also be utilised as a very useful part of any staff training. We endeavour to produce practical and straightforward solutions for our customers and we are confident this tool will do exactly that for you. You can confidently select the perfect match for any dish you are serving Use your wine wheel with our style guide Your copy of the Crown Cellars’ wine ne wheel is included with this brochure. re. For additional copies of the wine ne wheel please speak to your local Sales les Manager. 231 @CrownCellarsUK 232 KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT Visit crowncellarswines.co.uk to use our new online wine and food matching tool. Simply select the food type and the tool will recommend a range of wines from the Crown Cellars’ Portfolio that will complement your selection perfectly.