2019 Chardonnay, Tessellae, Côtes Catalanes
2019 Chardonnay, Tessellae, Côtes Catalanes
The Tessellae chardonnay comes from vineyards close to the coast, which brings a lively seaside freshness and mineral character to the wine. This is a classy chardonnay, with a dash of burgundy about it - with pronounced floral notes on the nose, ripe peach and pear fruit and a creamy texture. Citrus-fresh, but also ripe and rounded with a luscious, nutty richness. A hint of viognier is used during the fermentation which adds a little exotic perfume.
Domaine Lafage is one of the Roussillon’s star estates, and Jean-Marc’s wines have been favourites of ours for some years.
An awardwinning family estate since 1798, Lafage is based in Perpignan, and makes a wide range of exceptionally crafted wines, from vineyards either side of the Pyrenees. His wines under the Tessellae label hail from the Côtes Catalanes region, and offer exceptional value – they are undoubtedly one of our most exciting recent finds.
Few varieties are more keenly debated than Chardonnay. There is an army of people who will avoid a wine labelled as Chardonnay at all costs, and those who argue that it is the finest white grape available. What is for certain is that it is one of the most versatile grape varieties.
For a winemaker it has two great attributes; firstly it will ripen well in most climates, and secondly it has the ability take on whatever character the winemaker wishes. In Chablis for example (a relatively cool climate) producers try to highlight the freshness and high acidity of the grape in that climate by fermenting and ageing the wine in stainless steel. The result is a wine that is bone dry and has a fresh, mineral character. Move a little further south to Burgundy's Cote d'Or and the slightly warmer climate gives the wines a more tropical edge, and here producers often mature there wines in oak barrels. The richer, toastier, more caramelised flavours that develop suit this riper style. In Champagne the producers like to pick their Chardonnay before it has reached full ripeness and allow the lighter wine take on more character from the yeasts used in fermentation. All three styles have been emulated throughout the world, but it is in the new world where we find the name Chardonnay written across the label of the bottle.
It is, however, impossible to avoid the fact that the wines of Champagne and Burgundy are some of the most sought after, and worldwide the popularity of this grape is such that it is fast becoming the world's most planted white variety. If you don't think you like Chardonnay and are yet to experience the vibrancy of a youthful Chablis or the refined, mineral laden and mouth filling intensity of a fine white Burgundy then we encourage you to do so, it may just change your mind.
On all gifts and orders over £180 in value.
Smaller orders are subject to a £9.95 charge
We aim to deliver your wines within our standard 1 to 4 working days. 90% of orders are delivered within 48 hours. There are certain wines which are on a pre-order status and these are clearly marked on the product themselves and at the checkout stage. Deliveries take place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
You won’t need to come into contact with our couriers, as they will deliver your selection to an agreed safe place, without requesting a signature. Please add your delivery instructions at the checkout when placing your order.
Our specialist in-house fulfilment team pick, pack and dispatch wines to all UK addresses. Our service is fast efficient and reliable.
Please note, delivery to these areas can take up to 5 to 7 working days.
Orders under £180 in value £19.95
Orders £180 - £249 in value £11.95
Orders over £250 delivered free
If you are ordering from the Isle of Man, please call us on 01206 713560 for your delivery options.
Where possible, we will use the existing packaging the wine is shipped to us in from the producer. If we feel this is unfit, we will re-pack in a Mr.Wheeler branded, recyclable cardboard carton.
Inevitably there will be the occasional breakage upon transit. If your wine doesn’t arrive in perfect condition, please contact our sales team on 01206 713560 or [email protected] and we will be very happy to arrange a suitable solution or straight replacement.
We are able to deliver to most countries worldwide. Please contact the sales team on 01206 713560 or email [email protected] to obtain a quote.
We’re confident in every bottle of wine we sell at Mr.Wheeler
if you don’t like any bottle, for whatever reason, please let us know and we will replace the wine or refund you. Faulty or unenjoyable bottles of any description, reported within a reasonable time after purchase, will be refunded without question or delay. Please contact our sales team on 01206 713560 or by [email protected] if you are not entirely happy with your purchase.
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