It’s back to basics this week and pretty darn delicious basics at that. Corney & Barrow’s house selection has an almost fanatical following among Spectator readers and it’s a real pleasure to offer the core of the range here at extremely generous rates.
In fact, if one takes advantage of the fabled Brett-Smith indulgence (£6 off per case when buying two dozen bottles or more) there is a double discount on offer. This makes the wines very accessible indeed and ideal for stockpiling in time for Christmas.
The Corney & Barrow House White (1) is a deliciously drinkable and refreshing Gascon blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc drawn from the vineyards around Saint-Mont, deep in d’Artagnan country. Blended by Corney & Barrow’s own buyers, working alongside the winemakers of Producteurs Plaimont, it is just lovely — light, delicate and zesty but with a surprisingly long finish, thanks to a short period of lees ageing. £6.39 a bottle with the Brett-Smith Indulgence or £6.89 without, down from £7.25.
The Corney & Barrow House Red (2) is similarly tasty: a plump, juicy, supple and spicy blend of Carignan, Grenache and Merlot from Haut-Minervois in Languedoc-Roussillon. A favourite with Corney & Barrow regulars, it will be familiar to Speccie readers too and I doubt it can be beaten in terms of price and quality. I love it. £6.39 a bottle with the B-SI or £6.89 without, down from £7.25.
And for very little more there is the -Corney & Barrow House Claret 2010 (3), a disarmingly approachable Merlot-based blend from Maison Sichel. Again, Corney & Barrow’s buyers created the blend themselves in cahoots with Yvan Meyer, Sichel’s technical director, taking advantage of a truly wondrous Bordeaux vintage. It is rounded, fresh and beautifully soft, with all the hallmarks of traditional claret. You don’t have to put it in a decanter or carafe but it will love you if you do. £8 with the B-SI or £8.50 without, down from £8.95.
Finally, the Corney & Barrow Sparkling Blanc de Blancs (4), an utterly joyful fizz made by Varichon et Clerc using the champagne method. A blend of four different varieties, its bubbles are fine and elegant and burst with toasty, honeyed apple and pear flavours. It is an excellent sparkler and no mistake, and far more grown-up than its price suggests. £11.38 a bottle with the B-SI or £11.88 without, down from £12.50.
As ever, delivery is free to mainland UK on all orders of a case or above.
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