Anglesey Wine Club: January
Friday 9th Jan‘26
Last week, conversation and the clink of glasses filled Y Marram as we embarked on our first Wine Club of 2026. We curated an exceptional lineup, designed to delight the palate open new doors in our understanding of the wine world. From the rolling hills of Wales to the sun-drenched vineyards of Argentina and Australia.
Here’s a glimpse into the six stars of the evening:
1. Ancre Hill Estates, PET NAT NV Pink (Wales) – Our Local Sparkle!
We kicked off the night with a vibrant blush of local pride! Our first glass was the Ancre Hill Estates PET NAT NV Pink from right here in Wales. As we savoured its delicate bubbles and fresh fruit notes, Marius delved into the exciting growth of the Welsh wine industry. But the real discussion point? Biodynamic viticulture. We explored how this holistic approach, treating the vineyard as a living ecosystem, not only produces incredible wines but also connects us deeply to the land. A truly invigorating start!
2. Ontañon, Rioja Blanco (Spain) – The Art of Oak
Next, our journey took us to Spain with the elegant Ontañon Rioja Blanco. This wasn't just a delicious white wine; it was a masterclass in the transformative power of oak ageing. We discussed how oak barrels impart those beautiful vanilla, toast, and nutty notes, adding complexity and texture that completely changes the character of the wine. It was fascinating to taste and understand the subtle dance between fruit and wood.
3. Pulenta Estate Naranjo Orange Wine (Argentina) – Argentina's Golden Hues
Then came the showstopper for many: the Pulenta Estate Naranjo Orange Wine from Argentina. This golden-hued beauty sparked a lively debate! Marius explained the ancient technique of skin-contact for white grapes, where the white grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation – much like red wine. This imparts that unique amber colour, intriguing tannins, and complex aromatic profile. It's truly a wine that challenges perceptions and rewards curiosity.
4. Les Pivoines, Beaujolais Villages (France) – Classic French Charm
From the avant-garde, we stepped back into classic elegance with Les Pivoines, Beaujolais Villages from France. This lighter-bodied red, bursting with bright red fruit and a hint of floral notes, reminded us why Beaujolais holds a special place in the hearts of wine lovers. It’s a versatile and charming wine, perfect for those moments when you want something approachable yet sophisticated.
5. Knappstein, Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Australia) – A "New World" Powerhouse
Our penultimate pour took us Down Under to Australia's Clare Valley with the robust Knappstein Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a quintessential "New World" wine – bold, fruit-forward, and beautifully structured. We explored what defines "New World" wines (often characterized by ripe fruit and clarity of varietal character) and how they differ from their "Old World" counterparts. A fantastic example of a full-bodied red that truly makes a statement!
6. Offley Ruby Porto (Portugal) – A Toast to British Ingenuity
To conclude our global odyssey, we landed in the Douro Valley with the rich and warming Offley Ruby Porto.
We explored the fascinating story of how Port was actually a British invention. During the 17th and 18th centuries, frequent wars with France meant that Britain’s supply of French wine was often cut off. Merchants turned to Portugal for an alternative, but the long, hot sea voyage across the Bay of Biscay often caused the delicate table wines to spoil before they reached British shores.
The solution? Fortification. By adding a splash of grape spirit (brandy) to the fermenting wine, the alcohol level was raised enough to "preserve" it for the journey. This process created the rich, sweet, and powerful style we know today as Port. It’s a fitting, comforting end to our evening—a taste of a tradition that was quite literally built for the British palate.
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening.
Keep an eye on our events page for details on our next Wine Club gathering – we can't wait to open new doors with you again soon!
The next instalment is Friday, 13th February.
