Wine Club Offers | February 2025
Winbirri Vineyards 2023 Bacchus White Wine 12% 75cl
Normal price: £20
Wine club price: £16
Certain grape varieties are inseparable from the regions that produce them—Malbec from Mendoza, Shiraz from the Barossa, or Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. In recent years, another name has joined this prestigious list: Bacchus from Norfolk. This aromatic, crisp white wine has become a flagship for English winemaking.
Originally created in Germany in the 1930s and named after the Roman god of wine, Bacchus was initially cultivated for sweeter wines due to its high sugar content and low acidity. However, its hardy nature led to its adoption by early English wine pioneers, who discovered that the cooler UK climate helped balance the grape’s acidity, making it ideal for producing high-quality dry white wines. With its vibrant fruit character and bright freshness, Bacchus quickly became a must-have for English vineyards, earning comparisons to Riesling and, more notably, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Lee Dyer of Winbirri Vineyard in Norfolk recognised the potential of Bacchus and dedicated himself to perfecting its expression in the region’s unique terroir. His vision was rewarded in 2017 when Winbirri’s 2015 Bacchus received the prestigious Platinum Best in Show medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Today, Bacchus remains at the heart of England’s flourishing wine industry, with Norfolk leading the way. The fresh, zesty, and aromatic profile of Winbirri’s Bacchus continues to win over wine lovers both nationally and internationally, proving that this once-overlooked grape variety has become an English icon in its own right.
Marqués de Burgos 2022 "Roble" Ribera del Duero 14.5%
Normal price: £17
Wine club price: £13.50
Marqués de Burgos, crafted in the heart of Ribera del Duero, exemplifies the power and complexity that defines the region. The climate here experiences dramatic shifts between hot days and cool nights, allowing the Tempranillo grapes to develop exceptional depth of flavor while retaining their acidity. The result is a wine with concentrated black fruit, hints of vanilla and spice from careful oak aging, and a firm structure that makes it ideal for pairing with rich and hearty dishes.
In many ways, Ribera del Duero can be likened to Bordeaux in its approach—producing wines that are not only bold and structured but also capable of evolving beautifully with age. This comparison is particularly evident in the region’s most legendary wines, such as Vega-Sicilia Único, which is released at a premium and continues to increase in value over time. While Marqués de Burgos may not command the same price tag, it delivers exceptional quality at an accessible level, making it a perfect choice for those looking to explore the depth and intensity of Ribera del Duero.
Appassimento 2023 Ca'Vittoria Limited Edition 14.5% 75cl
Normal price: £14.50
Wine club price: £11.50
Italy’s rich winemaking heritage is filled with traditions that date back centuries, and one of the most fascinating is the Appassimento method. This technique, which translates to "drying process," is used to create deeply concentrated, complex wines by drying grapes before fermentation. While most commonly associated with Amarone della Valpolicella, the Appassimento method is also used in regions like Puglia, where winemakers craft rich, full-bodied reds that rival their northern counterparts at a fraction of the price.
Appassimento wines are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with hearty dishes, from slow-cooked meats to robust Italian pastas. Their intense flavors and smooth tannins make them ideal for both casual enjoyment and special occasions. Whether you’re savoring a glass alongside a classic osso buco or simply enjoying it by the fire on a winter evening, Appassimento wines showcase the magic of traditional Italian craftsmanship in every sip.