Up Coast and Personal - Cool climate coastal wines for spring and summer

The moderating effect of cool coastal breezes can create unique microclimates perfect for cultivating top quality grapes - often in regions you might not suspect. Here at Bancroft we represent many producers found in regions where oceanic influences play a key part in striking that delicate balance between phenolic ripeness and acidity.

The milder temperatures on the coast are caused by cooling winds coming off the cold ocean currents. As the sea breeze travels across the vineyard, it takes on the temperature of the land, becoming warmer in summer and cooler in winter. The result is that coastal vineyards do not experience the same temperature variations as inland vineyards. Grapes have longer hang times and more time to develop complex, elegant fruit flavours without compromising on structure. What more could you want?

With summer fast approaching, stock up on these cool-climate coastal wines from five of our fantastic producers.

WINES

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Domaine de la Bretonnière 2013

This is classic Muscadet at its very best from the ever charming Yves Bretonnière. His vineyards are positioned on the slopes of the Maine and Sèvre rivers that, together with the cool oceanic influence from the west, make for a wonderfully crisp, fresh and dry Muscadet with an almost biscuit quality. Its grapefruit and lime flavour profile makes this wine a perfect match for oysters and most shellfish.

Pietra Brox Fratelli Muratori, D.O.C Ischia, Italy 2012

The Pietra Brox, named after the local tufo soil, is a sumptuous wine with lashings of ripe tropical fruit and apricots as well as hints of spice, honey and citrus. Coming from the beautiful volcanic island of Ischia just off the coast of Naples, the Pietra Brox is an unusual blend of 50% Biancolella, 30% Forastera and 20% Fiano. The grapes are fermented in part in palmenti (vats carved out of the local tufo) as has been the tradition on Ischia for generations that gives the wine great structure and character.

Trilogie Rosé, Pays d`Oc, Château Viranel 2014

Château Viranel is without doubt the finest producer in Saint-Chinian. Based near Béziers and the sparkling Mediterranean, the domaine covers 40 hectares of south facing limestone terraces and is run by the playful and energetic Bergasse brothers. With its beautiful pale pink colour, the Trilogie rosé offers a discreet nose of strawberries and grapefruit with thirst-quenching watermelon and cranberry on the palate. Clean, crisp and elegant, this is the perfect rosé to stock up on for spring and summer!

Château Haut-Grelot Rouge, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2012

Winemaker Julien Bonneau is a rising star in Bordeaux (he was recently dubbed “Best Young Talent in Bordeaux”) and we can see why with this beauty from the 2012 vintage. Soft and juicy, this classic blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet is nicely mellow and extremely complex for the price point. With plummy fruit and soft silky tannins, this wine is the perfect picnic partner.

Pitchfork, Margaret River, Australia

Margaret River is the very epitome of stunning natural beauty, with endless beaches, aquamarine water and near perfect weather. The area also just so happens to produce top quality cool-climate wines and in the hands of Michael Kerrigan (acclaimed former winemaker of Madfish and Howard Park), you cannot go wrong! Pitchfork is Michael’s opening range of wines which are modern and honest in character, boasting elegant, pure fruit and a real sense of place. These wines make you yearn to pop another shrimp on the “barbie” and crack open a bottle or two…

Pitchfork Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Made from 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon, this wine is intensely flavoured with pristine fruit, a clean and zippy palate and fresh fruit flavours or lemon, passion fruit and pineapple.

Pitchfork Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011

This wine is incredibly elegant with superbly ripe dark fruit and beautifully subtle hints of rosemary and mint, typical of Margaret River Cabernet. The tannins are ripe and the seductive smoky edge of oak is beautifully integrated.

  

For prices or to order any of these wines, please contact our order desk on 0207 232 5470 

#upcoast