After an inspiring staff training session with Ana Lopez and sixth-generation Gramona, Leo Gramona, we would like to share briefly the fascinating story of Spain’s most prestigious sparkling wine producer. Drive 45 mins from Barcelona, up into the hills of the Alt Penedés region, and there you will find Gramona. The climate is Mediterranean, with … Read More
Nearly three years on from importing Vino de Montana and Cadalso from Peninsula Vinicultores, there is still no official appellation of origin for Gredos. In recent years, Gredos has received international recognition as a unique wine region, producing distinctive, almost Pinot-like Garnacha. We hope they will be given their own appellation soon, as nothing looks … Read More
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, around 1,450 km (900 m) west of Lisbon, and composed of nine volcanic islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Flores and Corvo. The islands were discovered between the 14th and 15th centuries. It is … Read More
“Made from 100 per cent gamay, it has notes of vibrant fresh raspberries, perfectly balanced acidity and silky tannins.”
The timeline of the implementation and easing of restrictions in South Africa has been difficult to follow, but I will try to summarise it briefly (buckle-up) – An initial ban on alcohol exports and domestic alcohol sales was announced on 25th March. This was then lifted on 7th April, only to be reinstated on 16th … Read More
Domaine Sérol is the perfect estate for those wanting a fresh story to tell- a great couple making domaine wines to a very high standard, in a food-friendly style. Technically, the Cote Roannaise is part of the Central Loire Valley wine region. Yet it’s so far south geographically, it is much closer to Beaujolais. Like … Read More
Never could we have anticipated that we would be designing and coordinating the updates to the Wine List 2020 via Zoom, WhatsApp, email, and phone call, from all corners of Dublin. It was an interesting and sometimes challenging task. The new list is more minimal in style and concise in content. We hope you like … Read More
The word “clone” for me immediately conjures images of Dolly the Sheep or a particular space movie franchise. However, grape growers have been selecting and cultivating grape clones long before the birth of George Lucas. Last year, I had the privilege of attending a masterclasses with Richard Kershaw MW, where he talked us through the … Read More
What is it? Qu’est-ce que c’est? Wine à la Mason was an initiative we created as a team in response to the tumultuous trading conditions we experienced during the Covid-19 lockdown. We pre-selected and pre-packed mixed cases of wines at three different price points. All of the wines are imported solely by us, from amazing … Read More
Our main list has over 30 Riesling, mostly from Germany. While Riesling is seen as a more eclectic choice, it can be made more interesting and easier to sell by taking different approaches – exploring regional differences or stylistic differences. Here is a very short shortlist (for us) of Riesling, helping you to understand the … Read More
On 17 September we will be launching the Niepoort 2017 vintage with a tasting. Dirk Niepoort has declared his 2017 vintage port, hailing it as ‘the best wine I’ve ever done’ at a trade tasting at Lyle’s in London this April. ‘Even before harvesting the grapes this vintage looked perfect, yields were quite low, it … Read More
In a recent visit to Chateau de Cérons, it wasn’t only the wines that bowled us over. It was the charm of husband and wife team, Xavier and Caroline that really captivated us. They own one of the oldest cellars in all of Bordeaux. It was in Xavier’s family for centuries until 2012 when Xavier … Read More
