We’ve not had an offer from Messrs Corney & Barrow in a while and it’s a treat to welcome them back to these pages, especially since they come wafting such scrumptious bottles under our beaks. There’s much to enjoy here as we head into supposed summer and I trust you’ll take advantage of the fabled Brett-Smith Indulgence whereby C&B’s MD, Adam Brett-Smith, knocks a few extra quid off a case for anyone buying two dozen bottles or more (on top of the existing Spectator discount that is). Get stuck in, I say.
The 2017 Domaine Carette Saint-Véran ‘Les Chatenays’ (1) is from a small family-owned estate in the southernmost appellation in the Mâconnais. Made from 100 per cent Chardonnay, it’s aged for six months on the lees in old oak casks. The result is delectably accessible white Burgundy at a delectably accessible price. Lively and fresh, its mineral core is complemented by a touch of gentle creaminess. I took no time in draining the bottle and doubt you will either. £15.60 with the Brett-Smith Indulgence, £16.10 without, down from £16.95.
The 2017 Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon Beaujolais Blanc Roche Noire (2) is also 100 per cent Chardonnay but different enough from the above to merit inclusion, being slightly more reserved. It’s bone dry and refreshing with citrus notes and plenty of green apple and I’m sure sees no oak. White Beaujolais accounts for no more than 1 per cent of the region’s total production and wines as appealing as this should be snapped up. £11.80 with the B-SI, £12.30 without, down from £12.95.
The 2018 Corney & Barrow Rosé (3) is cheap ’n’ cheerful, I know, but it’s darn tasty too, made by one of the finest French co-operatives: Producteurs Plaimont in the heart of glorious Gascony.
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