Voted Best British Independent Wine Merchant 2014Entries for the competition were received from the USA, Argentina, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. Private Cellar is delighted to be named as runner up against stiff competition and, as the winner – Chambers Street Wines – is based in New York, Private Cellar takes the crown as the British nation’s favourite independent wine merchant! Encouraged by the prize, a copy of the award winning Wine Grapes book, of which Jancis Robinson is an author, nominations were sent in by customers who have enjoyed not only our varied wine selection but also the excellent level of customer service that the Private Cellar team offers. Writing about the “Indies”, Jancis Robins said “Life is not easy for them. They may be powered by massive enthusiasm for our favourite fermented fruit juice but they are arraigned against the combined forces of some giant conglomerates and retail behemoths plus, in many countries, logistical and practical nightmares that vary from the curse of the three-tier distribution system to punitive taxes and duties”.

Customers praised Private Cellar for the company’s honesty, “the versatile, personal nature of their business”, and the enjoyment that they get out of meeting with and buying wine from the team with one customer saying “it’s great to see such an enthusiastic team of colleagues so tuned in to their customers and to each other; a spirit that is often missing from larger companies today.” And Jancis even pointed out that, “some marriages aren't this good!” after reading a customer’s description of his and Private Cellar’s “relationship of trust, understanding and honesty”. The accolade comes at a celebratory time for Private Cellar as we embark on our 10th Anniversary celebrations with the launch of our new wine list. If you would like a copy, please contact laura@privatecellar.co.uk or you can download a PDF here.Terms & Conditions | Website Design & Build by InfotexThe best red wines from France's southern Rhône river valley Red wines from France's southern Rhône river valley differ from many other regions around the world.

While some wines are made from a blend of two or three grape varieties, the reds of the Rhône can have up to 12 different varieties. The main character is Grenache (giving a soft, fleshy strawberry character, white pepper spice and ample alcohol) often supported by Syrah (for a backbone of firm tannins, blackberry fruitiness and black pepper spice), while Mourvèdre gives a deep colour, drying tannins and a savoury meaty bouquet. The more humble Cinsault puts the jam in the doughnut with red berry fruity flavours. Côtes du Rhône is the generic Appellation and it applies to half of the wine produced in the Rhône.The wines are generally medium-bodied, fruity, easy to enjoy and mature quickly for early drinking. Below are the highest-scoring wines from a blind tasting of the best reds of the region. 1) Les Marseilles de Colombo 2013, Jean-Luc Colombo, Côtes du Rhône 13.5pcPerfumed violets and ripe berries. Delicious, silky texture of berries and a little mineral note.

Lovely ripe tannins give a refined finish. Try with a tray of roasted aubergines, courgettes and peppers with garlic cloves, sprigs of rosemary and lemon wedges, all slicked by olive oil. €11.99 (from €13.99) at O'Brien's nationwide until October 26.2) Les Violettes 2013, Côtes du Rhône 13.5pc Quintessential Côtes du Rhône style. best missouri red wineBerries and a little pepper. top dc wine barsMedium-bodied and sandy fine tannins. best wine and beverage centerEnjoy with a smoked fillet of ham, Puy lentils and diced red onions.€11.99 by J&C Kenny at McKeogh's Londis, Ballina/Killaloe, Co Clare; buying wedding wine in france

No. 21 Off-licences, Cork, Midleton, Blarney, Charleville, Ballincollig, Waterford and Carrick-on-Suir. 3) Cuvée des Galets 2014, Côtes du Rhône 14pcVery ripe and fruity perfume. Very juicy and berryish red fruits. Excellent balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. Match with beef stewed with root vegetables, topped with a freshly mown lawn of green parsley.best wine resorts in the world €13.50 at Brown's Vineyard, Portlaoise and O'Leary's, Cootehill. buy spanish wine online usaIn Dublin: The Grapevine, Glasnevin; best white wine for christmas giftThe Hole in the Wall, Blackhorse Avenue; best wine deals amazonMartin's, Fairview and quintessentialwines.ie.4) Côtes du Rhône 2011, E Guigal 14pcwhat's the best way to age wine

Berry flavours and silky smooth, complete and ­effortless. Berries hide the alcohol. Enjoy with beef burgers with a tomato chutney centre.€15.99 at SuperValu and O'Brien's nationwide and Ardkeen Stores, Waterford. 5) Mas Oncle Ernest (Organic) 2011, Côtes du Rhône 14pcIntense and authentic character. Black fruits and a graphite minerality supported by firm tannins and terroir expression. Serve with cold sliced rolled brisket and pickles.€19.20 at Wines Direct, Mullingar and winesdirect.ie. Value buyGalaxy Hop IPA, O'Hara's, Carlow 5pc The second skip in the Hop Adventure Series featuring Australia's Galaxy Hop, imparting peach skin and a little passion fruit exotica to the ­character.€3.25 for 500ml at indepen­dent off-licences nationwide Independent.ie Newsdesk It turns out that your white wine habit could be ruining your skin, according to a new study. Rachel Hosie Even the biggest wine-lovers amongst us occasionally find ourselves with an unfinished bottle.

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