The first traces of the Hugel family in Alsace can be traced back to the XVth century. Some two centuries later, Hans Ulrich Hugel settled in Riquewihr, which had been devastated by the terrible Thirty Years War. In 1639 he was made a freeman of the city and soon took charge of the very powerful Corporation of Winegrowers. In 1672 his son built a fine house in the Rue des Cordiers, and over the doorway was carved the family crest which was the origin of the company’s logo still used today.

Blanck may be a new name for CellarHand but thats certainly not the case in Alsace. Its getting on for 200 years since the family established a wine business in Kientzheim. For the past 30 years, cousins Frédéric and Philippe Blanck have been in control, placing a sharp focus on the vines and the soil they grow in. Expressions of lemon, blossom, peach and apricot pips with a quench grapefruit zest. Zippy and zesty, The Paul Blanck Pinot Blanc is fresh and well balanced.

Dopff Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg has quite phenomenal citrus notes with a luscious and toasty caramelised honey element. Beautifully balanced acidity and immense length. Sheer indulgence!

The Bougrier family have been growing and making wines in the Loire valley for six generations, with vineyard holdings throughout the length of the Loire Valley and its many appellations. Sourced from selected sites with clay over limestone on the Vouvray plateau, this is a classic Vouvray that demonstrates the aromatic complexity, breadth of fruit flavours, as well as the balance between subtle fruit sweetness and delicate acidity of Chenin Blanc from this region. Aromas of quince, green pears, and granny smith apples are found along with notes of jasmine. The palate opens up with an array of white stone fruits, fresh acidity, and a subtle, chalky and textural finish. A wine of great freshness, balance, and subtlety.

As the vines have aged, the monopole Clos de Rougemont, from a small vineyard close to Tours, has even greater depth of flavour, and a delicious long dry finish. It is planted on pure limestone soil and vinified in barrel with a tiny proportion of new oak. A truly stellar Vouvray!

PALATE: Good ripeness, fresh and crispy dry white wine.

Riesling is the signature varietal of Alsace in France and produces the region’s finest wines. Awarded with a “Coup de cœur" (= favourite) prize by the 2018 guide of prestigious Revue des vins de France (RVF), the Domaine Emile Beyer is a true rising star in the region. In Eguisheim (Alsace) since 1580, Emile Beyer has preserved family know-how for 14 generations. Christian and Valérie Beyer now manage this 17 hectares estate, half of which is located on the Grands Crus and Lieux-dits hillsides. The soil is a living environment and a source of energy for the vines. By taking care of their terroirs, Domaine Emile Beyer promotes the balance of the vine and preserve the subtility and unique character of Alsacian wines. All the Alsatian grape are present in the vines: riesling, gewurztraminer, pinots (white, gray and black), muscat, sylvaner and even, for Crémants, chardonnay and auxerrois. The estate uses sustainable farming practices and is in conversion to organic. All the crus wines are organic certified. Grand Crus are in conversion Demeter (biodynamic) and all of them are absolutely stunning. Emile Beyer Riesling Tradition is a dry, delicately fruity wine. It has a bouquet of great finesse with citric nuances and a distinct mineral character. Aromatic and fermented dry, the Riesling of Alsace is first and foremost a wine for fine cuisine, typically served with river fish, shellfish and other seafood, or chicken and game birds.

Pierro Chenin Blanc 2022 "Nunc Tempus Est" Product Description The 2022 Pierro Chenin Blanc is a testament to the vision of Dr Michael Peterkin, who first planted this small plot of Chenin Blanc vines in 1980. Over the years, these old vines have developed into a highly prized source of fruit, yielding small quantities of exceptional grapes. The name 'Nunc Tempus Est', meaning 'Now is the time', reflects the moment when this remarkable wine has come to fruition. The grapes for this wine were handpicked in the cool of the morning, gently pressed, and fermented under careful conditions to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. The wine was then matured in a combination of stainless steel and mature French oak barrels, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and complexity. Fresh and vibrant, this wine showcases a unique style of Chenin Blanc that is both bone-dry and deeply flavourful, with aromas and flavours of honey, straw, and apples. The wine is powerful yet controlled, making it an excellent choice for cellaring, where it will continue to evolve beautifully over time. Maker Pierro is a prestigious winery in Margaret River, Western Australia, founded by Dr. Michael Peterkin, whose passion for winemaking is rivaled only by his devotion to the land. Known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of viticulture, Mike Peterkin has become one of the most respected winemakers in the region. Since its inception in the early 1980s, Pierro has been at the forefront of producing high-quality wines that exemplify the very best of Margaret River. The winery's commitment to excellence is evident in every step of the process, from high-density vineyard planting to careful hand harvesting. Pierro’s wines are the result of a deep connection to the land and an unwavering focus on quality. The vineyards, located in Willyabrup, feature some of the oldest vines in the region, with an average age of 30 years, producing fruit with great concentration and complexity. With a focus on minimal intervention, Pierro allows the unique terroir of Margaret River to shine through in each bottle. Philosophy At Pierro, winemaking is both an art and a science, rooted in a deep respect for the land. The philosophy behind each vintage is grounded in sustainability, quality, and a commitment to showcasing the true character of the land. Pierro was one of the first wineries to introduce high-density planting in Margaret River, a technique that enhances fruit concentration and flavour intensity. The winery's meticulous approach extends to every aspect of the process, from pruning and vine management to the careful harvesting of grapes at the optimal time. The emphasis on minimal intervention allows the natural expression of the fruit to come through, creating wines of incredible balance and complexity. Pierro’s wines are a true reflection of the region’s unique climate and soil, offering both elegance and power in every bottle. Tasting Notes NOSE Fragrant & Complex The nose opens with a blend of green apple, apricot, and granny smith apple, balanced by a subtle hint of wet wool, fresh thyme, and lemon myrtle. These bright, fresh aromas are intertwined with a faint smokiness, creating a dynamic and captivating bouquet. PALATE Structured & Flavourful The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with a fine balance of honeyed richness, straw, and apple notes, underpinned by a delicate hint of ginger and spice. The wine's texture is impressive, offering a harmonious blend of freshness and complexity, with a crisp acidity that adds structure and length. FINISH Long & Elegant The finish is dry and refreshing, with lingering notes of honey, green apple, and a touch of smoke. The wine’s crisp acidity and chalky grip ensure a satisfying and long-lasting finish, making it a wine that will continue to evolve beautifully with time. Reviews and Accolades "A perfect match for fresh seafood or grilled scallops in lemon butter. A complex, vibrant, and age-worthy expression of Chenin Blanc." - Young Gun of Wine Such a distinctive chenin, as in very much a Pierro wine. Highly perfumed with lavender, green olives in brine, mastic verging on the smell of just-cut raw pine wood. There’s a lot going here: textural with barely ripe Packham pears, raw quince flavour and phenolics with a slip of creaminess. Super dry on the finish, super delicious to drink. - Special Value, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion, 94 Points. Green apple, apricot, green pear, lemon myrtle and honey, a coverlet of spicy oak. It's juicy, lots of flavour here, but tight too, and the texture is excellent offering some chalky grip and glossy feel, and it sports a cinch of dried herb and quinine bitterness on a long finish. It's powerful Chenin, yet it's balanced and controlled. Gee, this is terrific wine. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 94 Points.