Down To Find Wines

🍾 Attention all restaurateurs who list exceptional Champagne! 🍾

In 2023, Jerome Dehours of released this wine, "Maisoncelle", for the first time after more than ten-years in the making.

Maisoncelle is the name of the North-East facing, mid-slope lieu dit in Mareuil-le-Port from where the Pinot Noir for this wine comes from. It was decided to create a wine that was entirely from a perpetual reserve, all vinified in barrel, which was born in 2013.

Vintages 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 were added to the reserve, gaining complexity with the addition of each new vintage and the maturation of those that preceded it.

📝 Mise en cave in June 2019, disgorged in May 2022. Extra Brut, 3g RS, 12.5% ABV 📝

It's amazing to experience the breadth and depth of Jerome's Champagnes. Some, like Terre de Meunier and Terriscope are fresh, floral, young and juicy; while Maisoncelle sits at the other end of the style spectrum. It's like drinking an old wine wrapped around a young wine. What I mean is that it's incredibly savoury upfront, owing to the old vintages, the extended ageing and the use of oak. It's rich like Madeira and dry like Sherry, with dried yellow flowers and nectarines combining nicely with butterscotch, pears, caramel and salt. With time, the fruit becomes fresher, younger and juicier, perhaps with some dried herbs and grapefruit peel in the background.

🫧 The bubbles are absolutely tiny and fast moving 🫧

The wine is not oxidised, has no tannins, and has an incredible acid profile. Perhaps it's ideally suited for aperó, alongside jambón, green olives and the like, or very mature cheeses. There is certainly a lot of scope to pair this wine.

Sommeliers: What would you pair with it?

Maisoncelle is made in very small quantities, and the allocation for New Zealand was 24 bottles. If you would like even just one for your restaurant's wine list, for that table or occasion that calls for such a Champagne, do reach out as we can accommodate this.

Calling Auckland Hospo!

If you would like to try some Fantastic, Artesian, Biodynamic Cider; they will be open and available to taste NEXT WEEK on Tuesday and Wednesday (27th & 28th).

We have available the oaked and unoaked 2019 "Earl's Drop" from . These are old world in style, dry with acid, tannin and fruit. Serious stuff!

Fermented twice and aged on lees for two years!

DM with the day and time you'd like to taste and I will come to you!

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To all wine lovers- I unfortunately have no where suitable to hang this Antique French Wine Porter's Basket, so I'm looking for someone who does!

It's a really lovely decorative piece to hang on the wall to admire. Looks even better when filled with flowers or even baguettes!

DM me for details

2020 El Muelle de Olaso: The last of the 2020 of this amazing Spanish wine jn NZ, enjoyed by a talented Chilean winemaker at iconic wine bar from a legendary Mexican Somm.

.wines have been introducing top Portuguese wines to NZ for three years, like these three incredible white wines: Vinho Verde (green wine) from in Portugal's North; and aromatic, ageworthy blends in central Portugal's warm-climate Bairrada from

🇵🇹 We will continue to introduce Portugal's best to NZ! 🇵🇹

🇪🇸 This is a really unique and cerebral vino tinto from Spain's Alfredo Maestro: Cuevas de Provanco 🇪🇸

One of his series of Village Wines, the Tempranillo, Garnacha & other varieties from southern Ribera del Duero are picked from the best vineyards planted in the 1890s in the valley of Cuevas de Provanco.

When Cuevas is first opened, we are treated with blue, red & black berries, figs, chocolate, chilli & spice. After some days open, the fruit will concentrate and resemble raisins and dates like found in Port, while developing fascinating notes of almond flour and grated coconut flesh.

With only around 800 bottles produced, Cuevas de Provanco is as rare as it is outstanding.

NEW RELEASES!...

2023 Filly range From Groves Wines, Martinborough 🐎

Both the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are made with a young, distinctive style with a traditional take on the varieties in mind.

Drinking really well and are ready to become a part of your bar, restaurant, shop or hotel's offering.

Stocks are limited! DM me for more information, to arrange a tasting or to express an interest.

Looking for a crisp, refreshing white wine in Wellington? Head to and take a carafe of Loureiro Reserva, Vinho Verde from in northern Portugal 🇵🇹

Another delicious review from David , where he casts his eye over the lovely 2022 Chardonnay:

"...Both concentrated and elegant, it sits somewhere between old-school and modern in its style – unctuous, yet taut and electric..."

Read the full review at winefolio.co.nz , buy the wine to enjoy at home from all great retailers and list it at your bar or restaurant via yours truly.

Here is a snippet of the beautifully written, effusive praise from NZ wine critic David Bell on the 2022 Groves Chardonnay from Drummond Farm, Martinborough:

"...The perfume is as savoury as it is fruity, with notes of green olive, tarragon, fennel, white wood smoke and a flinty minerality..."

Read the full review on his website, winefolio.co.nz - and pick up a bottle to enjoy while you do from

Colombulle:
A beautiful wine
Made by beautiful people
With beautiful grapes

If you haven't had the chance to try this Sparkling Rosé, made in the Ancestral aka Pétillant Natural Method, make sure you are at this Sunday the 26th November.

I'll be there, as will this lovely wine from Chateau La Colombiere. I'll be very happy to talk with you about Philippe & Diane Cauvin, their story, and the story of Négrette and Fronton...

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¡Hola hola!

In two weeks time on Thursday the 30th of November, make sure that you are at K'Road's very Spanish !

I'm helping them celebrate their 3rd birthday with the help of my Spanish producers:





We've got an exciting selection from these organic and globally lauded producers from the north, centre & south of Spain: ¡Blanco, skin contact, rosado, tinto y jerez! ¡Vino por todos!

And if you fall in love with a wine, it will be available to purchase by the bottle to take home too.

This won't be a lecture, more a party vibe, with on the wheels of steel 🎵🎧🎹

And last but not least, fantastic food will be flying out of the kitchen- have a play with the tapas and wine and see what matches best 🦪🍤🌶

No tickets, book a table with your friends through Candela, or turn up on a whim on the night and try what takes your fancy and get caliente with us 😉 🍷

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Want an Italy puzzle to gift this Christmas?

Apparently everyone does! Click the link in the description to grab one before they disappear!

🇮🇹🧩🍷

Presenting two very special and rare Champagnes from Elise Dechannes, Absolue Terre and Absolue Grès.

Perhaps they could be considered brother and sister, given that they share so much in common:

Vineyard: Val Preuse (Les Riceys, next door to Burgundy)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Style: Blanc de Noir
Viticulture: Organic
Dosage: Brut Nature (no added sugar)

But, the difference in ageing is key, with "Terre" held in Italian terracotta jars, "Grès" in stone amphora. The effect in taste is akin to the effect soil brings to a wine: "Terre" has a fresh red clay-like note, while "Grès" a gravelly, stoney mineral quality.

Want to discover the rest of the experience? DM to find out how!

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.wines 'aube

There are only a handful of cases of two of 2023's favourite wines left- The Filly Chardonnay by Groves (Martinborough), and the Organic Marsanne by Stormwood (Waiheke).

Restaurants, bars and shops- contact me if you'd like to secure a case of either!

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.nz .wines

This is Pinot Noir!

The name for this vintage Champagne from , Cœur de Noir, is a play on the term referring to the juice used to make this wine comes from the heart of the pressing: The freshest and purest juice possible.

Even being 9 years old and having been on lees for over seven years, this wine is incredibly fresh. A taste of this wine is like taking a bite from a medley of orchard fruit while small, fast moving bubbles explore your palate. It's tart in a good way, with the presence of lemon flesh & curd; nicely complemented by salt, honey, brioche & dried yellow flowers.

This exceptional and rare Champagne makes a great case for enjoying such wines throughout a meal. Ask your local wine shop to source this for you to try for yourself 🍾 🇫🇷

.wines

Antique Furniture and Decorative pieces for sale:

Elm Table $2990
1182x625x865

Butcher's Block $990
550x550x730

Well Bucket $390
269x332

2023 Morgado do Perdigão - Quinta do Paços - Portugal

In the north of Portugal near the Minho River, Quinta de Paços have been making Vinho Verde - green wine - for 500-plus years and 16 generations.

Morgado do Perdigão is one such wine: A blend of two indigenous grapes, Alvarinho & Loureiro. The former is also found in Spain, named Albariño, however it is much more full bodied south of the border. It brings notes of almond and chamomile while being full of ripe and juicy stone and exotic fruits.

Coupled with Loureiro, an aromatic variety (which translates to Bay Leaf) bringing herbs, white flowers, beeswax and zingy citrus and apple; the result of this blend is a broad spectrum of flavour and complexity of texture.

You'll find this wine throughout NZ, see for yourself why this is perfect for spring, summer and seafood.

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.wines

Are you a wine buyer or part the beverage team in your restaurant, bar, hotel or retail outlet?

Do wines from Western & Southern Europe have a place in your life?

Then we would love to see you in either Wellington or Auckland to showcase our collective line up of wines from:

🇵🇹 🇪🇸 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇬🇷

Who's we?




wines

RSPV to any of these Indie Importers to join our wine tasting at:

Wellington - - 30 October

Auckland - - 13 November

There will be snacks.

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Terriscope Rive Droite
Extra Brut
Dehours et Fils
Vallée de la Marne
Champagne

A perfectly delicate, feminine and beautiful grower-Champagne from Dehours et Fils.

This is made from Pinot Meunier, the grapes being carefully chosen from selected sites from their neighbours across the river on the right bank in Montigny-sous-Chatillon.

This is fresh and juicy. 90% of this wine comes from the 2020 vintage, the rest from 2019, with a tiny dosage to balance out the crisp character of the wine. Think red grape fruit and lemon fresh rolling into soft and ripe peaches and nectarines. Hints of salt, green apples and minuscule, gentle bubbles. If you allow this wine to breathe- or decant it- notes of yeast, brioche and honey will develop.

This wine would be perfect with sashimi and oysters, or just with sunshine and loved ones.

60- make that 59- bottles available in NZ.

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.wines bank

Vino de Pasto: What is it?

"Pasture Wine" has been an essential part of the winemaking culture in Spain's Sherry region, and, after a period of being overlooked, are now being embraced by several top producers in the region - like - who are even supportive of the movement to have them incorporated into DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry.

Think of wines like El Muelle de Olaso as emulating the base wines used to make Sherry, but the fortification step is skipped. While a short biological ageing can take place, the emphasis is firmly on indigenous varietals, like Palomino Fino, and terroir, to express the unique character of each vineyard.

These are fantastically intriguing wines and perfectly suited to food. Whether it's to : To clean the mouth when enjoying jamón, anchovies and the like; to pair with oysters or to match with white fish, rabbit and cheeses, these are incredibly versatile and delicious wines.

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Wines for today's tasting:

2005 Vinho Rosé, Baga, Luis Pato, Bairrada 🇵🇹
2000 Quinta do Moinho, Baga, Luis Pato, Bairrada 🇵🇹
2021 El Triangulo, Tintilla, Bodegas Luis Perez, Cádiz 🇪🇸
2020 Pinot Noir, Groves, Martinborough 🇳🇿

This week I slipped off to Auckland, leaving Greytown behind and excited to take the project to the next level: Finding the most exciting wines from overseas and NZ to share with all the wine lovers in NZ.

If you're in the Wairarapa, and want to get your hands on our wines...

Greytown
All DTF wines from 🇵🇹 🇪🇸 🇫🇷 & 🇦🇺 will be available at the Greytown Hotel aka the Top Pub - don't forget the Champagne for Xmas!

will now be stocking the organic Cuban and Caribbean ci**rs that were previously in our Greytown Shop 🔥

Martinborough
Karahui .martinborough stock a selection of DTF Wines, as well as Waiheke's Stormwood & Martinborough's Groves , to enjoy at their restaurant and to take home.

The Martinborough Wine Merchants stock Groves

Further afield, you can find our wines at in Wellington to consume on-site or at home, similarly at Matisse in Napier, and at Palmerston North's best wine shop, The Village Wine Trader.

If you want your local wine shop to stock DTF, Stormwood & Groves Wines, make sure to let them know! I'm always looking for new stockists and collaborators and would love to make our wines available far and wide throughout NZ.

Keep a lookout for us: Exciting new wines have just arrived and I look forward to sharing them with you!

@[[email protected]]

Yesterday marks the closing of the retail operations of Down To Find Wines- we have closed the doors at our Greytown premises as well as our online shop permanently.

It's been an amazing journey in Greytown since opening on the 2nd of July 2021, but it's time to focus on the import and distribution of foreign and NZ wines to restaurants, bars and liquor retailers nationwide.

I had hoped for a sale of the retail business to allow for a continuation of what had been started, and had in fact reached an agreement to sell the retail arm of the business to a Brian Wood. However, the offer was withdrawn last week and I have since learned that Wood has leased my former premises with the intention to open a wine shop named Greytown Wine Merchants.

To avoid any confusion; Greytown Wine Merchants:

- is not a continuation of Down To Find Wines,
- is not affiliated with, nor a branch of ,
- does not have access to nor is allowed to use any IP of Down To Find Wines, &
- is not supported or endorsed by Down To Find Wines in any way, shape or form.

Down To Find Wines:

- bears no responsibility for the actions of Greytown Wine Merchants, &
- will not supply product to Greytown Wine Merchants.

Having developed a strong customer base in Greytown and the surrounding areas, I am looking for avenues to meet their needs in respect of accessing my imported wines for personal consumption. I am seeking to do this with existing liquor retailers in Greytown; and will direct clients to these outlets if and when my product is available via these retailers.

If you have any questions, please contact me privately through the usual channels.

DTF Wines Greytown shop closes PERMANENTLY today!

Come and pick up something delicious for a last hurrah!

Jerez - Xerez - Sherry from

Rare.
Excellent.

Quite probably the best Sherry you will ever have the chance to try.

Quite possibly the best wine you could ever try.

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* Announcement *

DTF Wines Greytown shop (and online shop dtfwines.com) will permanently close after this week.

It's been an amazing experience over the last two years, but it's time for a change both personally and professionally. From Monday, I'll continue to import foreign wines, represent micro NZ producers and distribute to top restaurants, bars and shops nationwide. And, who knows what else...

Thanks to everyone who made this possible, thanks to all the lovely people who came into my life during this time.

I leave without any sadness, rather, I'll always keep the memories with me while I make new ones in the future.

A sale is live for this week on selected items (DM or email me if you would like a list of products on sale), as follows:

10% off purchases of $200+
20% off purchases of $400+

You can jump on the special by visiting in the Greytown Shop, or by making a remote order by 11am this Friday.

There isn't a lot left, so get in early!

Sale valid while stocks last, first in first served, all sales are final and only confirmed once payment is received.

There are also some beautiful furniture and decorative pieces for sale that I acquired from over the last two years.

Cheers and see you in the next one.

As the cold weather closes in, it's just the time to spend more time indoors and keep warm with a Jigsaw Puzzle.

Lucky for you, we are offering them at a heavily discounted price of $60 until the end of June.

We have:

California 🇺🇲
Germany 🇩🇪
Portugal 🇵🇹
Spain 🇪🇸
Italy 🇮🇹
And just two left of France 🇫🇷

Pick one up in our Greytown Store, or click the link in our profile to buy one online.

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.wines

New Greek wines courtesy of

Please don't ever ask me again if there is good wine in Greece, I think we have put that one to bed by now 😉

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.wines

Hello wine lovers, do I have a treat for you!

We have just received a very small allocation of some very special, rare and iconic Italian wines from Radikon.

Since the 1970s, Stanko Radikon has evolved his winemaking to the point where are wines undergo months on the skins, years in barrel and further years in bottle before release.

This allows for the extraction of tannins and further flavour complexity in both the whites (Ribolla, Jakot) and the reds (Pignoli), both of which are better integrated in the wines, which are highly concentrated and fresh.

Radikon discovered that this approach to winemaking means that there is no need to add sulphur, as the structure of the wine is the only preservative required.

All wines are in 500ml or 1000ml format, another intentional decision by Stanko.

We've chosen three Radikon wines- Ribolla, Jakot, (Pignoli)- which are 100% Italian varieties, as we which to showcase a sense of place in these great wines as much as possible.

These are in very short quantities, so make sure to DM if interested or visit our Greytown shop ASAP to secure your taste of history.

🇮🇹 🍷 🇮🇹

.wines