‘O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stain’d with the blood of the grape…’ (William Blake)

It’s to one of our favourite countries we turn this month to give you an autumn laden with Australia’s finest fruit. From south of Perth to north of Sydney, and barring only a few rare delicacies*, we’ve 20% off every bottle from the land Down Under in September and October!

We’ve wines from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Eden Valley, Western Australia, Victoria, Hunter Valley and the best value around from South Eastern Australia. So, as the nights draw in, there’s no better time to stock up on the best of Oz.

On to Chile, one of most popular wedding wine ranges, the organic Sierra Grande, is only €6.99 a bottle when you buy 2 or more, or €83.88 a case delivered. We’ve a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the ever popular Sauvignon Blanc if you want to mix up a case yourself.

And, we’re back to South Africa to tempt you into discovering what great mid-range wines this country can produce. We’ve a savoury Sauvignon and a plummy Merlot from the classy Elgin Vintners, now just €10.99 a bottle for the month.

Finally, our September case of the month throws together the best of this month’s specials with some of our most recent new finds. We’ve a half-Old/half-New World mixed case of 4 Australians, 2 South Africans, 3 Italians and 3 Spanish, including our delectable new Cava, all for only €129 delivered with a tasty €24.88 saving on normal retail prices.

Our Australian sale runs through to 31st October, all other specials end 30th September, or while stocks last.

* Within our extensive Australian range, we do have a handful of rare wines which are acquired on an allocation basis due to limited production or last of a certain vintage. Partial discounts apply due to the scarcity and demand for these wines, and all are indicated accordingly.

This month’s Case of the Month is probably our most exciting yet: a showcase of some of our most exciting new finds from Spain, Italy and France, including new wallet-friendly classics from Chablis, Sancerre and Fleurie.

Normal price combined for these wines is €146.88, you can try them out as a summer mixed case during August for only €125, including as always delivery to your door!

The case in full:

From Spain
Castell de Remei Gotim Bru & Blanc Planell: two stunning, modern blends from one of the pioneers of Catalan winemaking for over a century.
Mont Marcal Penedes Tinto & Blanco: amazing value red and white from our new, family-owned Cava house, about 50km north-west of Barcelona.

From Italy
Poggiobello Merlot & Chardonnay: the Merlot was our secret wine in the second ever Twebt blind-tasting, the Chardonnay’s our surprise jewel in the crown of this Fruili producer’s whites.
Gregorina Sangiovese Superiore: soft red fruit, spice and mouthwatering acidity, this is Italy at it’s food-matching finest (Mike *loves* this wine!).
Borgo Magredo Prosecco Frizzante: new addition to our established Spumante, this is crisp classic lemon meringue Prosecco with a lighter fizz.

And our French classics
La Colombe Chablis: unoaked and full-flavoured, mineral characters give way to riper buttery notes before cutting back for a long crisp finish.
La Clochette Sancerre: dry, crisp and elegant Sauvignon, bursting with vibrant gooseberry, whilst retaining a silky texture.
La Reine de L’Arenite Fleurie: a terroir of pinky, crumbly sandstone from the La Madone vineyards, rated as one of the best vineyards in Fleurie.
Darriaud Réserve Côtes du Rhône Villages: classic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend, with gentle tannins and a round chocolatey finish.

This superb value mix is available at the special price of €125 until 31st August only.

Celebrating both the opening our new wine warehouse in Cork, and the strange warm, sunny thing in the sky for the last couple of months, it’s to two of our favourite countries we go for a summer of quality quaffing. We’ve 20% off both Italy and New Zealand for the months of July and August, with some unbelievably extra juicy deals struck with three of our Kiwi wineries.

First to Italy, and the most diversified wine-producing country in the world. From crisp Trebbianos to fruity Pinot Grigios, light Montepulcianos to powerhouse Amarones, and with Prosecco, what is becoming everyone’s favourite bit of fizz, we want you to explore more this summer. We’re in the process of bulking up the range, with 12 new wines being added in the coming weeks, so whether it’s established favourites or new curiosities, there’s never been a better time to explore.

It’s no secret we’re crazy about New Zealand, and summer wouldn’t be summer without a classically-styled Sauvignon Blanc from the land of the long white cloud.

New Zealand, more starkly than most countries however, has suffered recently from over-production, producing uncharacteristically thin and unexciting wines. Well, quality’s fighting back!

In addition to our 20% across the board on all New Zealand wines, we’ve done our best deals ever on Savvi with three of our most quality-focused producers. Until 31st July only*, when you buy six Sauvignon Blanc from Greenhough, Waipara Springs or Muddy Water, in addition to our 20% off, you’ll get a seventh bottle absolutely free, compliments of the winery! That amounts to an insane 31% off the normal retail price of these three top drops.

And it gets even better. Buy any two bottles from these three producers, either as part of a mixed case online, or over the counter in our Cork warehouse, and you’ll get entered into the draw for a summer sizzling mixed case worth €225. And, buy any 12 bottles, we’ll double your odds.

These are some of the best quality, every-day drinking wines available in the Irish marketplace, at their best  value ever. As we only ship 2-3 times a year from New Zealand, however, and our next shipment is September, these deals are strictly while current stocks last, so don’t hang about if you want to grab those bargains.

Full range of Italian wine here.

Full range of New Zealand wine here.

Range of Sauvignon 7 for 6 offers here.

Promotions exclude allocation wines, wines supplied by producers or distributors on a limited allocation basis where demand exceeds available volume.

[* The original post on these promotions declared a six week buying period for the additional 7 for 6 offer. This has now been limited to the end of July, which was the intended promotional period for this extra special offer. The underlying 20% off New Zealand will remain until 31st August.
Apologies for the miscommunication. All offers remain valid only while stocks last.]

Whether you’ve done the whole 40 day abstinence (down with that sort of) thing or not, for many of us Easter’s the first chance of the year to properly kick back and indulge. So, with ten days to go, we’ve carefully selected 12 bottles of Easter delight, and being good Easter bunnies knocked 20% off the price!

These 12 bottles normally retail for €156.88 but you can have them delivered up to the day before Good Friday for only €125 - just over €10 a bottle and saving you the price of a fresh turkey.

Our special Easter mixed case includes Premier Cru Rosé Champagne, a matching top red and white for Easter dinner, our top-selling Prosecco and two each of some of our most popular table wines from Italy and Chile.

Stocks are good but last orders are 1pm Wednesday 31st March for delivery before Easter, so don’t hang around.

The Curious Easter Mix:

Lallier Premier Cru Rosé Champagne
Bilancia Pinot Noir 2006
Bilancia Viognier 2007
Domenico de Bertiol Prosecco
Farnese Montepulciano d’Abruzzo x 2
Farnese Pinot Grigio x 2
Sierra Grande Merlot x 2
Sierra Grande Sauvigon Blanc x 2

‘A paradise for wine growers and wine lovers’, glowed David Gonzalez, head wine-maker at Santa Alicia, when we asked him last month about Chile.

We mightn’t be qualified to comment on the growing bit but one thing’s for certain, Irish wine-lovers love Chile, and so do we. So much so, we’ve knocked 20% off every bottle in March!

Highlights include 2007 Chilean Winery of the Year Santa Alicia, now only €7.75 for the Reserva range, our budget-friendly organic Sierra Grande down to €6.63, and the premium Tabali from €9.59.

And, if you want a whistle-stop tour in a box, our Case of the Month is A Taste of Chile, 12 of our favourites with a stonking €31.88 in savings.

James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion has rated Langmeil Winery five stars for the last five years running, placing it amongst the very top echelon of Australian Wineries. More than that, Langmeil are sitting on a bit of Australian wine heritage - a three and a half acre vineyard that was planted in 1843 called “The Freedom”, believed to be the oldest Shiraz vines in Australia, and possibly the world.

You can save €6 when you buy two of the Village series, and €10 when you buy two of the Old Vine Garden series, including the limited availability 1843 Freedom.

Finally, if it’s good quaffing with a taste of sunshine you’re after, look no further than our Californian corner where we’ve got 2 for €15 on Fish Eye and Winston Hill.

Offers will run until 31st March or, as ever, while stocks last.

February’s here and we’ve gone a bit loco on Spanish for the month, with a whopping 20% off every bottle! From Rioja and Ribera in world-beating reds, to Rueda and Rias Baixas in equally classy whites, we’ve over 40 wines with a fifth off, and free delivery as ever on 12 bottles or more.

Over to France, we launched our tasting videos feature last week and first up was our critically-acclaimed house white, the Cuvee Jean-Paul Sec from the Côtes de Gascogne. So, what better chance to try it and it’s frère rouge, now only €6.99 when you buy two or more - that’s €83.88 for a case of 12 delivered!

And to Australia, if €50 Amon-Ra is a bit outside your comfort zone for a midweek tipple, we’ve the guy behind it for a fifth of the price. Heartland Stickleback is the entry-level red and white in the superb Heartland range, all produced by superstar wine-maker Ben Glaetzer, and is now €9.99 when you buy two or more.

So get in there, mix and match, and stock-up. Offers run until 28th February or while stocks last.

It’s 2010 and we’re giving you a reason to be happy this winter with prices continuing to fall across the board.  There are well over one hundred price reductions from last year, and a couple of special offers thrown into the mix to help you hit the new year with a bang!

Long Neck (€6.99 each when you buy two or more)

All the way from South Africa’s Western Cape comes one of the most exciting range of wines to land on Irish soil in recent years. There are 7 to choose from, all representing fantastic value for money even before discount. If you want to go with South Africa’s specialities, don’t miss out on the Pinotage and the Chenin Blanc. An independent review of the Sauvignon Blanc can be found here.

Domaine Chateau d’Eau (€9.99, normally €12)

If you’re looking for a detox this January, then these fantastic Lunar Organic wines from Moillard are for you. Whether or not you’re convinced by the benefits of organically sourced grapes, there is nothing to take away from the quality found in these Languedoc wines, the pick of the bunch for me being the Syrah - a real fruit bomb!

Further price reductions for 2010

There are more handsome price reductions on well over one hundred wines. Included is our sensational Heartland range, starting at €10.99, and another chance to detox, this time with our organic Sierra Grande range, which is now retailing at €7.99.

Pre-mixed cases from €95

Our unbelievably popular pre-mixed cases have also seen a reduction from 2009, and as always, there’s free delivery nationwide.

Well, what a year that was! After scooping two major web awards already, Curious Wines marked it’s first birthday with a short-listing for a third award at the Golden Spiders coming up at the end of this month. So, (as if we needed an excuse!) we’re celebrating, with a line-up of Christmas offers to warm the cockles of your heart on cold winter’s night.

For starters, every celebration needs a little bubbly - so we’ve knocked 25% off all sparkling wine and Champagne. That’s every bottle, from our finest vintage Champagne to our loveliest, fruitiest Prosecco, 25% off until New Years’ Eve!

Next up, we’ve got the return of the Roo, with more super savings on [yellow tail] and this time including the very special Reserve range. You can save €4 when you buy two of the regular range (€7.50 a bottle) and a whopping €8 when you buy two of the Reserves (€9.50 a bottle).

Moving onto the main course, our fabulous New Zealand range is on show twice before Christmas, in our first Dublin wine tasting and the Good Wine Show in Cork. We’ve 15% off all New Zealand to celebrate, and don’t miss the extra special discount on the Greenhough Pinot Noir - 25% off the perfect Christmas dinner wine.

If French is more your thing, panic not - we’ve some absolute treats at special, special prices.

We’ve a thing for Beaujolais and now’s the time to try something beyond your usual Fleurie (although we have to say this one is rather good!). From Brouilly to Saint-Amour, we’ve six of the ten Beaujolais Grand Cru villages represented and all with 20% off.

For alternative Christmas dinner delights,  save €8 on Chablis and €10 on Chateauneuf du Pape when you buy two of any kind. That’s famed and family-owned Chablis from €13 a bottle and multi-award winning Chateauneuf from €20!

Finally, we picked out three of our finest Vin de Pays, and you can save €6 when you buy two. We’ve the award-winning Dignite Syrah and Viognier for €12 when you buy two or more, and (appropriately!) Le Fou Pinot Noir for €10 when you buy two or more.

Delivery as ever and always, free, free, free, anywhere in Ireland when you purchase 12 bottles or more. All offers will run until 31st December or until stocks last - whichever comes sooner - so don’t hang around!

Yes, despite the fact that we’ve seen about as much sun in the last three months as in a lunch-time episode of Neighbours, Autumn is officially here. Fret not however. Infinitely more reliable than the weather, we’re delighted to announce our latest round of special offers that are sure to bring you an Indian summer all of your own.

We’ve always been particularly proud and passionate about our Australian wine. From 500 case vintages, to 100 Parker Point icons, to global success stories, we’ve something for everyone, and now there’s 10% off every last bottle. So whether the Barbie gets one last run in September or you give in and light the fire one evening, wrap yourself ’round a buttery Chardonnay or a big, peppery Shiraz, with change in your pocket (or as I always prefer to think of it, a free bottle in a case).

Now, we’ve had some new additions to the wine warehouse in the last few months and now’s your chance to try a few. Along with some old favourites, we’ve put together a Super Six of red and white pairings (well, OK, there’s one white and rosé pairing in there!) with €4 off when you buy two or more of any bottle. Mix and match, and you can save €24 on a case of 12, delivered of course in the price.

Of the newbies:

• Abadal, Spain: two wonderfully enticing blends from the Catalunyan sub-region of Pla de Bages, a rich Cabernet Franc/Tempranillo red and a crisp Chardonnay/Sauvignon/Picapoll white. Only €10 when you buy two more.
• Elgin Vintners, South Africa: classy Elgin cooperative producing excellent second vintage Merlot and a classy fourth edition Sauvignon Blanc. €12 when you buy two or more.
• Fuenteseca, Spain: organic and award-winning winery from Utiel-Requena, with two more beguiling blends - a Bobal/Syrah red and a Macabeo/Sauvignon white. Just €10 when you buy two or more.

And the tried and tested:

• Casale Vecchio, Italy: premium range from three-time IWSC Italian Winery of the Year Farnese, classic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and delightful Pecorino. €12 when you buy two or more.
• Mas Macia, Spain: two more estate-bottled Catalunyans, the red an oak-aged Tempranillo/Carinena/Merlot blend, the white a native, old vine Xarel-Lo. Only €10 and €9 respectively when you buy two or more.
• Tussock, New Zealand: top quality Nelson estate producing classic Sauvignon Blanc and strawberry and cream Pinot Rosé. Both only €11 when you buy two or more.

Finally, if it’s good enough for Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein, Oz Clarke and James May, then it really is time you tried the wonderful result of English wine-making in Bordeaux. Gavin and Angela Quinney’s Chateau Bauduc has been the house wine at Ramsay and Stein’s restaurants for ten years now, and we’re making it our featured winery of the month for September. There’s an ‘ooh la la’ buy 2, save €5 across the range, or €30 off a mixed case.

Remember, we always keep the odd little offer, such as bin-end wines or mixed case specials, for our Newsletter subscribers. If you’re not signed up, you’ve nothing to lose but everything to gain by doing so - click here to find out more and to sign-up in one easy step.

We’re celebrating the arrival of [yellow tail] to Curious Wines this week with a knock-out €7.50 per bottle when you buy two or more.

The success of [yellow tail] since its launch in 2001 has been nothing short of a phenomenon in the global wine industry. Here are ten things we bet you never knew about Australia’s most successful export since Kylie!

1. Despite the incredible success of the brand, [yellow tail] remains 100% owned by the Casella family who have lived in the small New South Wales town of Yenda since they began wine-making in 1969.

2. The Casella wine-making tradition goes back six generations to the original family homestead in Sicily.

3. The ‘roo’ featured on the [yellow tail] label is actually a yellow-footed Rock Wallaby.

4. [yellow tail] is the number one Australian wine brand in the US following the most successful wine launch in US history.

5. 15% of all wine products leaving Australia are from Casella Wines.

6. Over two million glasses of [yellow tail] are consumed every day around the world.

7. Casella’s newest bottling line can process 36,000 bottles per hour - the fastest bottling line in the world.

8. All rain and waste water is recycled at the [yellow tail] winery. The treatment plant is currently the biggest of its type in Australia and is capable of recycling the equivalent of 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools every year.

9. [yellow tail] was named as the most powerful family-owned wine brand in Australia and the fifth most significant wine brand globally by independent UK consultancy Intangible Business.

10. The largest storage tank in the Casella winery is 1.1 million litres. If you were so inclined to drink your way through it at one bottle per day – it would take you 3,835 years!

We’ve €7.50 per bottle when you buy two or more [yellow tail] for the month of August with, as ever, free delivery anywhere in Ireland on cases of 12.