Novikov celebrates 5th anniversary in style

London, Wednesday 1st March – Novikov, the three-in-one restaurant and bar launched by Arcady Novikov in 2012, celebrated its fifth birthday party in style on Wednesday night.

Guests at the invitation-only event in the downstairs bar were treated to a selection of free flowing drinks all evening, including bottles of Louis Roederer Brut Premier, while dancers with elaborate head-dresses and fabulous outfits weaved amongst the crowds.

The climax of the evening was the arrival of a multi-layered birthday cake, decked out with sparklers, which was then carved up and shared with guests.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier is available in both the Asian and Italian restaurants and in the bar by the glass and bottle – and in Mathuselam for the very thirsty.

 

Pio Cesare achieves outstanding scores from James Suckling

We are delighted to announce that the Pio Cesare Barolo and Barolo Ornato 2013 have been awarded outstanding scores on James Suckling’s renowned website, JamesSuckling.com.

Suckling scored Pio Cesare’s “Classic” Barolo 95 Points, alongside the following tasting note: “The aromas to this are really impressive with crushed berries, dried flowers, walnuts and roses. Metamorphoses all the time. Full to medium body, characterized by a fantastic mouthfeel of ripe and round tannins that are always polished and beautiful. Magnificent harmony and purity. Drink or hold”.

The single vineyard Barolo Ornato achieved an outstanding 98 Points, and was described by Suckling as: “extremely complex and showing the terroir of Serralunga with rose stems, wet earth, strawberries and mushrooms. Orange peel to boot. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. Fascinating character…light and chewy on the finish. Expanding”.

Contact Effi to find out more about these high scoring wines.

Domaine Faiveley score highly in Tim Atkin MW’s Burgundy Report

We are delighted to announce that Tim Atkin MW has given the Domaine Faiveley 2015 wines outstanding scores in his recent Burgundy report.

Twenty-nine of Domaine Faiveley’s wines scored over 90 points, with the Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru scoring an outstanding 97 points.

The Chambertin-Cles de Bèze, les Ouvrées Rodin Grand Cru; Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru; Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru; Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru and Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru Les-St-Georges all scored an impressive 96 points.

Contact Christine Allen to find out more about Domaine Faiveley and the 2015 vintage.

2016 Rioja Vintage Report

According to Wines from Spain’s recently published Harvest Report, the 2016 vintage in Rioja was very positive, resulting in higher volumes and quality than the previous year.

2016 experienced a long harvest, which lasted over two months. An extremely hot, dry summer was followed by unusually warm and fine weather over the harvest period, allowing grapes to achieve perfect ripeness according to variety and vineyard site.

Long anticipated rains, which arrived in mid-September, were the deciding factor for quality for many in the region, and were particularly well timed in the cooler, more Atlantic areas.

However, for Marqués de Murrieta, as for many growers in the region, the 2016 harvest required a great deal of patience. Harvest of white grapes commenced on 28th September, while it took until the 3rd October for the red grapes to achieve perfect ripeness. The delay was due to the high summer temperatures and the lack of rainfall.

Temperatures began to fall in mid-late September and early October, causing an increase in sugar content and an assimilation of phenolic compounds and aromas.

For Murrieta, the quality of the vintage is undeniable. 2016 is a year of powerful, intense, long-lasting wines which will evolve beautifully during their period of oak ageing.

Contact Christine Allen to find out more about the 2016 vintage.

Marqués de Murrieta shine in Tim Atkin MW’s Rioja Report

Maisons Marques et Domaines are delighted that Marqués de Murrieta has been awarded “Best White Wine”, “Best Winemaker” and “First Growth Winery” in Tim Atkin MW’s hotly anticipated 2017 Rioja Report.

Tim Atkin MW was the first – and only – person to classify Rioja’s wineries following the international model ‘based on the quality of each winery and its wines’. Marqués de Murrieta has been classed as a “First Growth” for the second year in a row.

Marqués de Murrieta dominated Tim Atkin’s “Podium” of high performing wineries, with Maria Vargas winning the award for “Best Winemaker of the Year” and the Castillo Ygay White 1986 being awarded “Best White Wine of the Year”, scoring 98 Points, the highest score in the publication.

Furthermore, Dalmau 2012, Castillo Ygay Red 2007 and the Gran Reserva 2010 were all awarded an outstanding 97 points. The Capellanía 2011 scored 94 Points and the newly released Primer Rosé was awarded 90 Points.

Contact Christine Allen to find out more about Marqués de Murrieta.

Maisons Marques et Domaines Annual Tasting 2017

Following on from the success of Maisons Marques et Domaines’ 30th Anniversary Tasting last year, the Fine Wine Importers held its Annual Portfolio Tasting on the 25th January at the Institute of Directors with strong attendance from customers, press and the trade. Guests had the opportunity to sample new vintages, including Louis Roederer’s Cristal 2009 and Brut Nature 2009, and the Castillo Ygay 2007 from Marqués de Murrieta to name but a few, and revisit old favourites. Tasters also used the occasion to discover new wines from Domaines Ott*, Marqués de Murrieta, Castello Di Fonterutoli, and Belguardo.

With representatives from the vast majority of producers from Maisons Marques et Domaines’ portfolio of family run wineries, guests had the unparalleled opportunity to discuss the wines and the history of the estates in depth, discovering more about the character of the wines and latest developments in the wineries, as well as a first hand insight into the current market situation in their region.

Richard Billett, Managing Director of Maisons Marques et Domaines said: “We were delighted to welcome so many of our trade customers and friends from the press to our Annual Tasting at the IoD last week. The event, which in many respects launches the year for MMD, is always a great opportunity not only to showcase new wines and new vintages but also for our customers and producers to engage, reflect on the previous year and more importantly look forward to the year ahead. While we expect 2017 to not be without its challenges, the sense of optimism and upbeat atmosphere throughout the day was particularly encouraging”.

In addition to the vintages on offer in the main tasting, a select number of guests enjoyed a masterclass on the Super Second Chȃteau Pichon Lalande Masterclass lead by Nicolas Glumineau, Managing Director and Cellar Master of this prestigious Pauillac Chateau. Those who attended had the opportunity to taste Réserve de la Comtesse 2012, 2011 and 2009, as well as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2012, 2009, 2003, 1996, 1995 and 1985, with commentary on the development of the wines, as well as an insight into the future of the Louis Roederer owned property.

 

Contact Kate Lofthouse for more details.

MMD becomes a Corporate Patron of WSET

We are proud to announce that Maisons Marques Et Domaines have become a Corporate Patron of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

MMD has become the 45th partner amongst an illustrious list of brands in WSET’s Corporate Patrons programme. The Corporate Patrons programme ensures that WSET receives essential funding to continue to develop its world class courses and qualifications.

As the UK Agent for Domaines Schlumberger, MMD has also linked WSET with Domaines Schlumberger to offer the new Alsace Crus et Terroirs Scholarship for a WSET Level 4 Diploma graduate. A study visit to Alsace as a guest of the Alsace Crus et Terroirs Association and its associate members will be awarded to an outstanding graduate from the UK wine and spirit trade. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time at the Awards and Graduation ceremony in January 2017.

Ian Harris, CEO of WSET, says, “With MMD’s support as a WSET Corporate Patron, both our organisations can benefit from a closer working relationship. The introduction to Domaines Schlumberger for the new Alsace Crus Terroirs Scholarship is a great first step, and a welcome new addition to our roster of awards that aim to celebrate and nurture talent in the industry. MMD joins a growing list of companies that value education across their business, and we very much appreciate their support.”

Richard Billett, Managing Director of MMD, says, “MMD is delighted to become a corporate patron of the WSET. As a business we recognise the increasingly important role of education and training for both the trade and consumer and are therefore very pleased to extend our involvement with the WSET and support the great work and value that it delivers as the leading global wine and spirit educator.”

Ramos Pinto included in Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries

We are delighted to announce that Ramos Pinto has been voted among Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wineries for 2016!

Each year, Wine & Spirits Magazine release their list of Top 100 Wineries to reward those from around the world that have delivered the best overall performances in Wine & Spirits tastings throughout the year.

Wine & Spirits revealed that the “elegant Tawny Ports along with equally harmonious and gentle Douro reds earned Ramos Pinto Top 100 honours”, perfectly timed to honour João Nicolau de Almeida’s retirement.

Wine & Spirits’ Top scoring Ramos Pinto wines include the 30 Year Old Tawny (95 Points), 10 Year Old Tawny (92 Points) and the Duas Quintas Reserva 2013 (92 Points).

Contact Christine Allen to find out more about Ramos Pinto.

Zodiac 2010, Year of the Rooster, received 99 James Suckling points

We are delighted to announce that Castiglion del Bosco Zodiac 2010, Rooster, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG received 99 points by James Suckling.

“A beautiful Brunello that shows the unique character of this great vintage. Full body, very silky and refined tannins. Complete and complex flavors of dried fruit and spice. Hints of bark and walnut. Even sweet tobacco that later evolves into orange peel. Elegant, beautiful, powerful and youthful- this wine is gorgeous now but will be great in 2020. Only 688 magnums made.”,

99 points, James Suckling

Zodiac is a Brunello di Montalcino Cru from the finest vineyard in the Capanna area, of no more than one hectare total area, situated at the highest elevation (450 meters) of the Estate with a fantastic exposure that enables an even ripening of the grapes.

The beautifully-rendered rooster was designed by artist Shao Fan (邵帆), who belongs to the pioneers of Chinese artists who  examine the boundaries between visual art and design. His work has become iconic and symbolises China’s modern transformation.

For the ancient Rooster design on the box, Shao Fan was inspired by an old Italian superstition that claims that if you accidentally spill some wine, you should immediately dab a little behind your ears, like perfume, which will bring on good luck.

Extremely limited quantities of the highly collectable Rooster Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2010 will be available in the UK in December 2016, so please do contact your sales manager, or Effi Tsournava, brand manager, for further information.

Click on the PDF file below to download the technical sheet.

Domaines Ott Launches New Website

Domaines Ott are delighted to announce the launch of their stunning new website, designed to showcase the Domaines’ wines and vineyards in a format that is logical and visually attractive in equal measure.

Click here to be navigated to the website, which contains information about the history of the Domaines, the Estates, and the Domaines Ott range, including their newly released By.Ott.

Contact Christine Allen to find out more.

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