Berkmann Wines: Our Sommelier’s Picks
At Great Fosters we are very proud of our collection of beautiful bin numbers, built up over the years working with various wine merchants, including our good friends Berkmann Wines. So proud of our collection in fact, we’re created a shrine to it where you can gather, dine and of course taste wine – The Wine Room (which will be unveiled later in 2020 when we’re able to do so). As part of our local service, we’re running a ‘Click & Collect‘ grocery which also stocks some of our beautiful wines, and our Sommelier Stephen Farrell gives us his thoughts on a selection of the wines available from our good friends Berkmann Wines (our regulars will recognise them from our list), you can shop directly with them and save 5% – check out the offer here for more details.
Sipping with Steve
Sparkling Wine
Prosecco ‘Itenyra’ DOC 11.50
Produced in the Veneto region of Italy, this fine example of Prosecco has a brilliant straw-yellow colour, with a very fine and persistent fizz and a delicate, mineral and harmonious palate. Dry with a pleasant and fruity nose. Serve at 8-10’C. Ideal as aperitif, it is the perfect accompaniment for rice, seafood plates and pasta dishes.
Whites
The Swooper Fiano, South Australia 9.50
A great Aussie take on a classic southern Italian white. Fiano is a high-quality variety used widely in southern Italy, particularly in Campania. Used mainly as a varietal wine, it is nutty and textured with floral and vibrant notes of ripe pear and citrus flavours. Great with fish and salads .
Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio Veneto, Italy 11.95
A thoroughbred version of this popular wine. Very clean, precisely balanced Pinot Grigio from the foothills of the Dolomites, in northern Italy where the altitude develops a gentle floral aroma, good medium weight in the mouth, and a refreshing finish.
Mathilda Viognier / Marsanne Victoria, Australia13.50
A full-bodied white in the style of the Northern Rhone from Victoria, Australia. Ripe flavours of peaches and apricots mesh beautifully with plenty of weight in the mid palate and finishing with a crisp acidity. Great with white meats and perfect for anyone who likes their whites with punch!
Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ 14.26
Just what the Doctor ordered, A perfect antidote to lockdown blues ! Layers of fresh gooseberries overlaid by new-mown grass and a cracking finish of ripe fruit and the crisp acidity that only the long dry autumns of Marlborough can deliver.
Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay, Lapostolle (Chile) 17.95
Proof if ever it were needed that Chile’s Casablanca Valley can produce mighty fine wine. A classic chardonnay made in the French style with lovely white blossom and ripe green apple flavours. Balanced with a seductive creamy texture and finished with a definitive acidity which will embrace salmon dishes and hard cheeses.
Rosé
‘M’ de Minuty, Côtes de Provence Rosé (France) 13.96
Produced on the St Tropez Peninsula in Provence. A quintessential example of this famous Grenache and Cinsault dominated Rosé. A beautiful pale pink colour, with crisp aromas of redcurrants giving way to a fresh, yet well-rounded palate offering delicate flavours of peaches and candied orange peel.
Reds
Pionero Pinot Noir Reserva, Morandé, Chile 9.76
Produced in the Maipo Valley near Santiago, this is a pure and elegant Pinot Noir with notes of raspberry and gentle spice on the nose. The palate is light and silky in texture, allowing the beautiful summer fruit flavours to shine through.
Podere Montipulciano d’Abruzzo, Umani Ronchi, Marches Italy 10.96
A classic easy drinking Montipulciano from one of the regions finest producers. Youthful and juicy, with flavours of plums and morello cherries. The palate is full-bodied with robust tannins and a fruit-filled, yet dry finish. Accompanies most meals where Red is required but, equally, soft and fruity enough to enjoy on its own.
Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, Château d’Aigueville France 12.76
Elegant yet powerful blend from the Rhone valley. Syrah and Grenache dominate which deliver a real purity to the red and black fruit. Rich, rounded tannins and a long and spicy finish. A barbeque season approaches lay in a stock to accompany those steaks and sausages !
Mathilda Shiraz, Domaine Tournon, Victoria, Australia 13.50
If it’s a no-nonsense Shiraz that you’re looking for then look no further! Deep, black fruit flavours on the nose follow through onto the palate, where they are supported by elegant and silky tannins. The finish is spicy and savoury, with notes of black pepper and earth. Produced in Victoria as a joint venture with the iconic Rhone Valley producer from France, Chapoutier. Their signature style brings an idiosyncratic complexity to the exuberant Aussie fruit
Katnook Estate Founder’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia 15.95
Intense blackcurrant, mint and Eucalyptus aromas mark this classic Cabernet, from South Australia’s iconic Coonawarra region. The lush yet fine-grained palate offers abundant berry fruit alongside toasty, spicy complexity from the oak. Would suit most roast meats especially lamb.
Norton Privada Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 26.50
One of the most popular wines on the Great Fosters wine list! The ultimate expression of a Mendoza Malbec. Produced from ancient vines, this wine displays complex notes of ripe red fruit, cassis and hints of black pepper and tobacco. Rich texture supported by elegant, fine-grained tannins contributing to a plush, harmonious and lengthy finish.
Happy quaffing!