Welcome
Decant, specialising in the wines of Europe, many of which we import exclusively, as well as a carefully selected range of Australasian wines, offers both the experienced and novice wine lover a chance to broaden their palate. With our help, we are confident this discovery need not be one fraught with disappointment and unpleasant experiences.
The secret to this is the combination of our experience (a combined total of over 50 years in the trade), knowledge and passion that enables us to provide you with the very best wines from around the world.
From everyday enjoyment through to the rare and revered, we offer the best value and best quality for your money.
We believe that customers of Decant share our philosophy of being open to new taste experiences. Broadening your experience in the world of wine can offer boundless enjoyment and the rear of ignorance that stifles this can be very easily overcome with our friendly advice and a good corkscrew.
our features
- wine / spirit selection: ....
- cafe: cheeses, GREAT coffee, BREAKFAST....
- weekly tastings / speakers: ......
- gift baskest & vouchers:.....
- functions / deliveries / glass hire:.....
Upcoming Tastings
Mystery Box TASTING
Another tasting of new releases (probably quite a few from the list to the right) and things that are guaranteed to excite. All served blind, a great way to exercise the mind and the taste buds.
Bookings essential • ph 343 1945 or return email
Spain with St. Vincent's Cave
Sophie Cotter, importer of fine Spanish wines returns tonight to show off what's hot and new in the wine world of Spain. A focus on mainly reds, with of course the obligatory sherry to start and Pedro X to finish (1927 Alvear to be precise).
Bookings essential • ph 343 1945 or return email
Wines older than you are! (probably)
Desserts and fortified wines, featuring many of the older vintage Rivesaltes and Banyuls wines we have – from 1929, 1945, 1950...... a treat and possibly a first for many, nothing beats the excitement and anticipation of trying wines older than yourself. (well, almost nothing)
The wines of Artadi – Rioja
Yes, the next night, sorry, it never rains etc etc...
Owned and hand-made by Juan Carlos Lopez de la Calle, Artardi is an absolutely top-flight, biodynamic producer working on old mountain vines north of Logrono, near the village of Labastida.
We are priveleged to have Juan Carlos here to show a range of his world-reknowned wines – a tasting definitely not to miss. Once again, the final line-up is to be confirmed
Weekly Quiz
The weekly quiz – a teaser on all things alcohol related. The questions (and answers), of which there will be only one a week, have been set by one of the great masters of comic prose and best loved British writers of the twentieth century. I cannot elaborate more as I trust no one as far as Google goes, and it is for this very reason that there actually is no prize other than the self satisfaction you will find in knowing or discovering the answer.
By the way, no correspondence will be entered into.
Answers will follow the week after...
This week's question:
A drink based on gin was drunk by Sir Horatio (later Lord) Kitchener's officers during the campaign in the Sudan in 1898. What was it, or what is it now called?
Last week's QUESTION & ANSWER:
Q. How long must newly-distilled London gin be matured in cask or vat before it is ready for bottling?
A. No time at all. “You can make gin in the morning and drink it in the afternoon,” as they used to say.
Want to know more?.....
Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualifications offered at Decant
After a period following the earthquakes over which the internationally recognised Wine & Spirit Trust (WSET) professional qualifications in Christchurch were not being taught, the New Zealand School of Wines & Spirits (nzsws.co.nz) is now offering courses in the city. These will be taught by respected local wine writer and educator, Jo Burzynska (joburzynska.com).
Bookings are now being taken for the first course offered, the Level 1 Award in Wines. This is a four week class held on consecutive Tuesday evenings starting 16th April at Decant. Level 2 should follow in June, Level 3 in the spring and if demand is sufficient, the Level 4 Diploma later in the year.
Bookings are currently being taken for Level 1 Award in Wines
This is an entry level qualification providing a straightforward introduction to wine, which covers the main grape varieties, plus food and wine matching and leads to an internationally respected qualification. It is ideal for boosting the confidence of those new to the wine or hospitality industries and it is also a great course for consumers wanting to gain some basic wine knowledge.
We teach the course over three fun evenings, featuring some great local and international wines. Candidates will then sit a 30 question multiple choice examination on the forth and final session.
Course price: $275
We provide the course study materials, tasting glasses, all the wines and the food for the wine and food matching. Booking essential through Jo at jo@joburzynska.com.
More information on the WSET and its various qualifications can be found on its website: wsetglobal.com.
The New Zealand School of Wines & Spirits was established in 2006 by Master of Wine Jane Skilton for the provision of WSET courses in New Zealand.
Burzynska has been communicating professionally about wine for over 15 years, writing one of the country’s most widely read weekly wine columns in the New Zealand Herald and is author of the popular wine education book, Wine Class: All you need to know about wine in New Zealand (Random House).
For more information or to book a place, please contact Jo Burzynska at jo@joburzynska.com
Weekly Specials : 9 May 2013
This week...
Last week's deals are still going! with certain things running out, trucks being late etc., now everything is back in stock and everyone has another chance to grab these great buys.
Some new arrivals from the Rhone. Some great tastings.
Some 2009 Bordeaux available instore now, please see seperate attachment for the list and (extremely good) reviews.
Last week's giveaways...
Delas Cotes du Rhone 2010 @ $14.99 (rrp $22.)
Viñas del Vero la Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca. 2011 @ $17.99 (rrp $28.)
Marc Bredif Vouvray 2011 @ $23.99 (rrp $34.)
New Arrivals
Xavier Vins Ventoux
This Rhone Red is a blend of mainly old vine Syrah and Grenache with some Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan from the brilliant stable of Xavier Wines. "The inexpensive reds include the 2009 and 2010 Cotes du Ventoux. I enjoyed these wines in their exuberant, vibrant youthfulness, and the 2010 has slightly more depth, precision and elegance compared to the softer, rounder, fatter 2009. Both are very good wines that represent excellent value." 89/100 R.Parker. This is a blend of mainly old vine Syrah and Grenache with some Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan
La Vieille Julienne Cotes du Rhone 2010
Generally priced in the mid to high thirties, the Cotes du Rhone vineyards from Vieille Julienne lie just outside the boundaries of Chateauneuf du Pape and are a stone's throw away from Charvin's well known Cotes du Rhone parcels. Stylistically, the Cotes du Rhone wines from Vieille Julienne take a page out of their Chateauneuf's book, showcasing vivid, velvety fruit that cascades in an almost ethereal glide across the palate in a pure, haunting display that belies the modesty of the appellation. This has always been one of the best, and favourite CdR's on the market, the 2010 is no different!
Also Available:
La Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape 'Trois Sources' 2010 @ $105.
La Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape 'Hauts Lieux' 2010 @ $140.
Tardieu Laurent Bastide Rhodares 2010
"Excellent wines from Tardieu-Laurent at the low end include such bargains as the 2010 Bastide de Rhodares, a 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah blend from the Cotes du Luberon. (It actually comes from the hillsides near one of my favorite restaurants in France, La Freniere in Lourmarin.) Dense ruby/purple, with loads of raspberry and black currant fruit, the wine possesses serious concentration and medium body in a silky, supple style." R.Parker
Tardieu Laurent Bandol 2010
100% Mouvedre from 40 year old vines. "Michel tardieu, who has exceptional knowledge about some of the finest vineyards and grape sources both the northern and southern Rhone, utilizes the consulting services of renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie"Robert Parker "They clearly have the fruit and substance to cope, and this shows through on tasting; the wines are rich and packed with sweet fruit, but are not burly or brawny. There is even an elegance to them, although this is not at all to suggest the wines are light or ethereal. It is more truthful to say they are well poised and yet intense. If I must find an analogy they rather remind me of a male ballerina; there is grace and poise, but underneath it all a strength and substance, and a depth of character which is admirable." Wine Doctor
Tardieu Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape 'Cuvee Speciale' 2010
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is made from 100% old vine Grenache and 100% stems are used. The Grenache emerges from two well-known Chateauneuf du Pape sectors, La Crau and Mont Olivet. The tightly knit 2010 offers up hints of sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit, lots of tannin, a meaty, dusty, loamy soil/underbrush character, and considerable body. This is another structured, tannic 2010 that requires 4-6 years of cellaring. It should keep for 15 or more years. It does not lack concentration, but it will require patience." 92 Parker
also available:
Tardieu Laurent Condrieu 2011 @ $79.
Tardieu Laurent Gigondas 2010 @ $57.
Tardieu Laurent Vacqueyras 2010 @ $57.
Tardieu Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape 'Vieilles Vignes' 2010 @ $89.
Tardieu Laurent Cornas 'Vieilles Vignes' 2009/2010 @ $100.
Tardieu Laurent Cote Rotie 2010 @ $100.
Tardieu Laurent Hermitage 2010 @ $110.