July 2007 - More Major Awards and Press Accolades for July 2007

Awards

Competition	Wine	Vintage	Award
International Wine Challenge	Majella Musician	2005	Australian Red Trophy
International Wine Challenge	Majella Musician	2005	Coonawarra Trophy
International Wine Challenge	Luis Cañas Hiru 3 Racimos	2003	Tempranillo Trophy
International Wine Challenge	Luis Cañas Hiru 3 Racimos	2003	Spanish Red Trophy
Concours Mondial Bruxelles	Caré Syrah Tempranillo Garnacha	2005	Silver Medal
Wines of Argentina Malbec Made for Meat	Familia Zuccardi Q Malbec	2004	Heat Winner
Sommerlier Wine Awards 2007	Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon	1999	The Sommelier's Shortlist

Reviews

Decanter May 2007 by Guy Woodward Argentinean Malbec Recommended Wines: Zuccardi Q Malbec 2004

Metro 5th June 2007 by Nina Caplan 2004 Zuccardi Textual Caladoc 'Zuccardi Textual Caladoc 2004 is good with steaks.'

The Herald (Glasgow) 16th June 2007 By Joe Fattorini Spills and Thrills Argentinian malbec and meat is a match made in heaven, even if it can get messy Zuccardi Q Malbec 2004 'The clear winner in the taste-off. And that's the interesting thing. It was only ninth in the overall, standard, no-food tasting, but in the next round the lamb seemed to melt with the wine's savoury touches and there was a nice combination of aromas too. Another lovely wine from the great José-María Zuccardi.'

BODEGAS LUIS CAÑAS - OUTRIGHT WINNER

At the November 2006 Decanter Rioja Tasting Luis Canas had no less than three wines awarded four stars, the outright winner from a superb field of 132 wines.

The overall winner for the event was Hiru 3 'Racimos' scoring an rivaled 18 points out of 20, The tasting teams comments were "Rich, warm, almost 'rubbery' power. Very powerful, rich, lots of big tannins but all in proportion. Big fruit on the length. 2-5 years".

Rioja Reserva "Seleccion de la Familia" and Luis Canas, Reserva, were also awarded four stars, Seleccion de la Familia scoring 17.33 points out of 20, and the Reserva scoring 16.5 points.

SAVE 20% ON THE DECANTER PUBLISHED PRICES, all three wines are available on this site, just click on the links.

Buil & Giné Go Sweet

Never ones to shy away from the weird, so long as it’s wonderful, we are delighted to introduce two sweet wines from Buil & Giné in Priorat.

Pleret Blanc Dolç is a blend of Macabeu, Garnacha and PX and has amazing flavours of sweet pear fruit with spice and honey adding to the complexity.

Pleret Negre Dolç is as the name implies a red made from late harvested Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Carignan. Definitely wonderful, ever so slightly weird, it retains freshness and vibrancy while being deliciously concentrated and fruity.

Also new from Buil & Giné is Giné Giné Rosado, an amazing pink full of flavours of sunshine and warmth. It went down a storm at the Wines From Spain tasting in London on a cold, wet day in early March so given a few tapas and some more pleasant weather (or wishful thinking!) it is set to be another winner this summer.

24th June 2006

Classic Wine wine Shropshire Business of the Year Award 2006
- Double Celebration

Classic Wine Direct was, last week, celebrating the end of an incredible first years trading when they were unexpectedly awarded the Technology Award in the Shropshire Business Awards for 2006.

450 Shropshire business personalities attended the ‘black-tie’ ceremony at the International Centre, Telford, to see just 9 awards presented to Shropshire Businesses. Classic Wine Direct of Chetton, Bridgnorth, was delighted to have scooped, 1 st prize in the Technology category.

The company was launched in May 2005, and has enjoyed meteoric growth in it’s first year of trading. Classic Wine, who’s shop-front is this website, has successfully secured markets in three target areas, they are, wine enthusiasts, local restaurants and corporate business gifts to the professional services sector.

Company Director Clive Dickinson said that “We could demonstrate to the judges that the company is totally computerised, each process within the business model is run with bespoke software. It is quite rewarding to see that we have found an IT solution for every issue which we were confronted with, the only area in where we don’t use computers is ‘tasting the wines’, that privilege is left entirely to me and our customers”.

Classic Wine specialises in selling wines of smaller independent producers from all over the world. The buisness has built on Clive’s passion for wine; he has used 25 years experience to access high quality wines from smaller, independent, ‘boutique’ vineyards, which are not available from the main supermarkets.

The company provides a competitive service because it has eliminated the many layers of mark-up traditionally found within the wine industry, with a simplified supply chain, they import exciting wines directly from the vineyards. Clive said, “we buy well, keep overheads down, and pass-on these savings directly to the customer”.

The website is very comprehensive, with tasting notes for over 1000 wines, wine maps, special offers, corporate wine gifts, virtual vineyard tours, it has everything for the wine enthusiast. For the many customers who prefer not to use the internet, there is a telephone sales desk (0845 838 1870), open week-days from 8.00 am to 6 pm.

In conclusion, Clive Dickinson said “we’ve had a staggering first year and we’re well on target to double that performance for our second year, we are genuinely delighted with the award, it’s a great start to our second year”.

Business
Awards
Finalists

Classic Wine in final three of Shropshire awards

Switch on Shropshire had a fantastic response for the nominations for 'Successful Application of IT' . Organisations demonstrated how new technology has had a far reaching affect on their business.

There were three finalists who stood out in terms of the ways in which they used the technology and the opportunities it has created for them.

Read more about Classic Wines Nomination, click here.

Summer Tasting 2006

Classic Wine held it's summer tasting at the wonderful new Birmingham SAS Radisson Hotel.

Over 200 guests attended the event which was hailed by Sponsors 'PKF Accountants and Business Advisors' as a great success, they said "we thought the whole evening was a tremendous success, the guests agreed that the wines were of an extremely high standard, we shall certainly be looking at an internal tasting for our partners"

To take a detailed look at the wines that were at the tasting, click here.

For more information about summer wines click here.

Classic Wine regularly hold tasting events, either privately commissioned or for invited guests, for more information contact either info@classic-wine.co.uk or telephone 0845 838 1870.

Zuccardi Tasting 16th May 2006
Malbec and More!

We at Classic Wines definitely have a hand full of our very favorite in dependant producers, and without any doubt, José Zuccardi, one of Argentina's most charismatic producers, is in our top ten.

We have, for some time, been watching Argentina's international wine producing reputation increase, and without doubt, this progress has been championed by José Zuccardi. He is a a quietly spoken, warm, modest gentleman.

We were absolutely delighted to join him in London, when he took us on a fascinating journey through some of his country's most exciting wine producing regions, verities and methods.

José introduced us to the wines from his two Mendoza vineyards, Family Zuccardi and Santa Rosa. We started with his range of Organic Wines, 'Vida Organica', and contained through his incredibly diverse range of wines, thus demonstrating that there in much more to Argentina than Malbec, we were justifiably convinced!

However, we remain convinced that Zuccardi Malbec is of iconic status, representing Argentina's industry standard for this classic grape.

For more information on José's Vineyard, click here, and for more information about Zuccardi wines, click here.

If you would like to read more about the wines of Argentina click here.

January 2006

Terra D’Acica - Romania

Although Romania has as much vineyard area as Portugal and a long tradition of viticulture, its potential has been largely unrecognised in the UK.

Naturally blessed with a great climate and suitable soils, greater investment in the vineyards and wineries and a more modern outlook is bound to change this and ultimately lead to international success.

Cramele Recas is a substantial Romanian/ British owned producer in the Banat Hills in the west of Romania. Since its establishment in 1998 Cramele Recas has focused on quality and is enjoying lightning fast evolution as well as winning numerous awards at home and abroad.

Bypassing for the moment delights such as Fuzz Ali and Crimposie we are dipping our toe in the water and selling just two wines, a Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Noir. Terra D’Acica wines are extremely good value.

Click here to buy - Pino Grigio

Click here to buy - Pinot Noir

December 2005

Smile and say cheese to good wine

Superior wine and fine cheeses were on the menu when Business and Finance Midlands magazine, in association with Toner Graham, invited guests along to an exquisite tasting session at Paxton & Whitfield in Birmingham.

Located in the heart of the exclusive Mailbox Centre, Birmingham, Paxton & Whitfield is not just an impressive and exceptional retailer of cheeses from across the world, it also offered a unique and specialist environment in which to sample and savour some of the intricate cheeses and fine wines.

In the surrounds of the Paxton & Whitfield restaurant, which sits adjacent to the well-stocked cheese shop and cold room, sales manager Jeremy Bowen treated guests to a presentation on a number of English and European cheeses.

Alongside the cheeses, a selection of exciting wines were introduced by courtesy of online wine merchant Clive Dickinson, managing director of Classic Wine Direct (www.classic-wine.co.uk) .

First to be sampled was a superb Italian wine, 'Sannio Falanghina - Vesevo' from the Campania region, which mixed a creamy texture with a clean, slightly fruity palate. This wine was given the thumbs-up by the tasters and was accompanied by the first of the cheeses, a Bouton doc goat’s cheese, which was smooth and well rounded.

Next on the menu was the simply titled cheese ‘ewes milk in oil’. This was accompanied by Domaine A, Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc from Stoney Vineyards, which exhibited a light yellowy colour, with a grassy, clean palate. This balanced perfectly with the cleanness of the cheese.

A modern Spanish wine followed. The pale, yet surprisingly full bodied Mantel Blanco, Sauvignon Blanc, Rueda, Alvarex y Diez from the Castilla y Leon region. This combined a supple texture with crisp aromas, fruit flavours and a slight hint of acidity. The cheese to accompany the wine was the Sussex manufactured Crockendale, with its nutty overtones and creamy texture, a perfect compliment to the wine.

Moving on to the red wines; we started with a classic French wine.

A Chateauneuf du Pape, complex in character with a long peppery finish, an excellent choice to accompany a Sunday roast this winter.

The change of wines, also bought about a change in the direction of the cheese, with the arrival of the washed rind cheese Mimmolet, produced in Northern France at Flanders, the cheese had a smooth, glorious texture.

The next two red wines, the Cabernet Merlot, Stella Bella and the Two Hands ‘Angel’s share’, McLaren Vale Shiraz, are both products of ambitious Australian wine makers. The former was a rich dark colour with a strong yet not overbearing nose and surprisingly subtle yet well-structured palate.

The ‘Angel’s Share’ meanwhile offered a deep red, almost syrup-type texture, more common of older wines. Both were very well received.

The accompanying cheese was of the variety you either love or hate. The Montdor, a seasonal cheese with an exceptional strong flavour and smell, really divided our guests.

Port has often been seen as a perfect accompaniment to cheese, and the ones on offer did not disappoint. All were Quinta de Ventozelo produced and reflected the some of the many different varieties of port. First the Ruby ‘Reserva’, with its surprising rich texture, then the Late Bottle Vintage, viewed by our guest as “exceptional” and finally the ‘Tawny’, which offered a smooth nose and palate.

As the evening drew to an end, it was clear that our guests had enjoyed the wine and cheese on offer.

Wine, like cheese depends greatly on personal preference, yet overall the mixture of subtle and smooth, with strong and sometimes overbearing, provided for an entertaining and memorable occasion.

December 2005

New Wines from Virgin Earth

Reaction to the Virgin Earth brand has been very positive so we've decided to extend the range of wines available under this label from Kobus du Plessis, owner of Havana Hills.

Joining the Sauvignon Blanc is a wonderful new Chenin Blanc produced from old bush vines. Offering up concentrated, tangy pear and grapefruit character with just a little wood to add complexity, this is far removed from the simple, entry point wines that South Africa also does well. Virgin Earth Pinotage is also likely to find a few new fans. Seductively supple and succulent, it has lovely, clean bright fruit overlaid with well judged oak.

Stop Press.... Du Plessis Reserve Shiraz has become the first wine to win double gold at the Veritas awards for 5 years in a row.

Should you require any of the above wines please order on-line or telephone our help-line.

November 2005

Oz Clarke
and the
CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK
Stand at the BBC Good Food Show

The BBC Good Food show proved to be a great hit with hundreds of visitors sampling exciting wines at the CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK stand.

Over 50 wines, all from independent producers, were available to sample at the show, sales at the show exceeded all expectations.

"New customers were excited by the broad range of wines on offer. Many visitors to the stand commented that the CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK stand provided a far greater diversity of wines than those available at the 'Big Brand' stands".

Even the infamous wine writer, Oz Clarke, couldn't keep away, seen here by the CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK stand.

November 2005

Visit us at the BBC Good food Show.

Stand E936, Hall 6.

You will find this year's BBC Good Food Show a real feast for both wine and food. If you have a passion for wine, food and shopping you'll be in gourmet heaven when you visit and discover the amazing range of sensational products.

On the CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK you will be able to browse through a show stopping range of stunning value "Show Offer Wines" - delicious!

The show has over 600 exhibitors, 150 wine, beer and spirits exhibitors and more live demonstrations than any other UK show. You can enjoy seeing your favorite chefs and wine experts in action.

You can book online by visiting the book tickets section of this website or by phone by calling 0870 161 2140. Why not BOOK NOW for the food show of the year!

www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

August 2005

Champagne Drappier wins top Accolade

"Decanter Magazine August 2005"

Every year Champagne producers converge on London's Banqueting Hall far a big trade tasting of all styles and brands.

Decanter Magazine sent six tasters to select the best bottles of bubbly, across all styles.

We are delighted that our chosen Champagne, Drappier Carte d'Or, was in the overall top ten and awarded 4 stars, this is what the tasters said.

"Drappier Carte d'OR - A gusty, characterful, well structured Pinot noir-dominated Cuveé from this excellent producer based on the 2002 harvest. Great value at £17.99 from selected coops."

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE AT CLASSIC WINE DIRECT SELL OUR DRAPPIER CARTE D'OR AT AN UNBEATABLE £14.50 PER BOTTLE

May 2005

BIRMINGHAM LAUNCH CELEBRATION FOR WWW.CLASSIC-WINE.CO.UK

On 16th May 2005, 130 guests gathered for a mammoth tasting at Birmingham's prestigious Hotel du Vin. Having tasted over 50 stunning wines the guests toasted the successful launch of the www.classic-wine.co.uk website.

Shropshire businessman, Clive Dickinson established Classic Wine Direct Limited, just outside Bridgnorth, marketing and supplying up to 800 different New & Old World wines to corporate and private buyers in the UK.

“After selling my business just over a year ago, it was great to relax and take time to ‘chill out.’ But being on permanent holiday for the rest of my life wasn't’t an option for me. So I took stock of what I liked doing best – infused all the ingredients together and came up with a new business ‘cocktail.’”

Clive, former owner and managing director of a West Midland-based business, has combined his interests in graphic design, IT and wine to launch an on-line website (www.classic-wine.co.uk) - not only to generate e-commerce sales but also to provide consumers with a “wine encyclopedia on the net.” A feature of the website is its “virtual tour” of carefully selected vineyards, giving an in-depth appraisal of each vineyard and its region, including images, maps, a history of the estate, its family, soils, climate, topography and vinification methods.

“The website has been designed to make buying wine fun. It’s the next best experience to an actual visit of a working vineyard,” said Clive, who lives near Bridgnorth.

Classic Wine Direct has not been established to compete against the supermarkets – nor will it feature the type of “big corporation” wines generally sold in such retail outlets. Instead, it will specialise in fine classic wines not normally available in the high street, only including products from independent New & Old World producers. “Our policy is to buy well and pass on the savings to our customers,” said Clive. “Many of our wines are sourced directly from the producer and this simplicity of the supply chain eliminates the traditional layers of mark-up commonly found within the UK wine train.”

The website was officially launched, very appropriately, at Hotel du Vin, Birmingham. Over 130 guests enjoyed a presentation of some 50 classic wines, the event was sponsored by Birmingham-based Putsmans Solicitors.

Terry Lipscombe, chairman of Birmingham-based Putsmans Solicitors, which is legal advisor to Classic Wine Direct, said: “Clive has a long founded knowledge of wines, especially European wines, based on many years experience of touring the classic wine producing regions. Coupled with his successes in previous businesses, which have mainly been related to marketing and branding of both business and product, and his considerable experience of IT, including database and website design, construction and management, we believe he is well positioned to achieve further entrepreneurial success.”

Date: Monday, May 16 th, 2005

For further information please contact:

Clive Dickinson. Classic Wine Direct Limited. Tel: 01746 789476

Melissa Dickinson. PR Department, Putsmans Solicitors. Tel: 0121 260 0246.