RAFFLES FINE WINES IN NAILSWORTH STROUD
- Adress: 5-6 Old Market, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6 0DU, UK
- Open Hours: From Monday to Fraday 10:00–18:00
- Telephone: +44 1453 833133 / Fax: +44 1453 834681
- E-mail: info@raffles-wine.com
- Web: www.raffles-wine.com
Great selection of French Wines!!! Raffles Fine Wines was started, and continues, to specialise in wines that express "terroir", offer value for money and are often only produced in small quantities. While France has long had the most prominent standing on the wine list, most of the major wine growing regions from around the world are now represented and as they find new and exciting producers, continues to expand.
As an independent wine merchant based in the picturesque town of Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Their mission is to supply wines which you won't find on a supermarket shelf and thet specialise in sourcing well-made and interesting varieties from around the world. Most importantly they are very selective and never sell a wine they haven't tasted. They also offer a range of rare and sought-after fine wines. With over 60 years of fine wine experience, Marcus, Nick and Tracey are always on hand in the shop to offer advice, discuss your wine needs or just have a chat. They also offer regular events and new wines to taste.
- Marcus Smith: Marcus as a propietor established Raffles Fine Wines in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds in 1978. He started his career in Hotel Management where the marriage of food and wine were paramount. He then worked in the busy wine department at Harrods alongside some of today's wine luminaries. In 1976 he was asked to help run the Belgravia branch of Andre Simon wines which in those days was a thriving fine wine merchant business.
- Nick Dangar: Nick worked for Marcus some 25 years ago and now comes on board as a sales and marketing consultant. He can usually be found in the shop on Mondays and Wednesdays and is very keen to show off his knowledge of Raffles’ range of wines, having been busy tasting old favourites and new arrivals since his return.
- Tracey Bird: Tracey has worked in the design and print industry for the last 20 years and, having recently passed her WSET level 3 advanced qualifications with a distinction, joins us on a Friday and Saturday. She was also awarded the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux Scholarship to the Bordeaux Wine School. Tracey tries to keep our website up-to-date and helps with our email and web communications, as well as offering help and advice with her usual enthusiasm in the shop.
- Bodegas Urbina Reserva Especial, Rioja 2001: Bodegas Benito Urbina is a family-owned single estate winery situated in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, on the north-western edge of Rioja Alta. They only release their wines when they are happy and the 2001 has only been available since 2014. The 2001 Reserva Especial was produced from organically grown fruit from 50+-year-old vines. It is dark ruby-coloured with an earthy nose that also reveals crushed rock, spice box, and black cherry.
Made in a traditional style, it is graceful on the palate with silky red fruits, leather and a toasty character. Lively acidity, excellent balance, and a pure finish make a well rounded wine. Very versatile with food. Ideal with medium-flavoured grilled meats and pasta dishes. A blend of 95% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and Graciano. Aged 18 months in American oak casks (12 months in new oak and 6 months in 7 year old oak casks) and a minimum of 12 months in bottle before release.
- Bodegas Urbina, Rioja Gran Reserva, Rioja 2004: Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total (65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura) and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. Urbina Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja is a new release from Urbina. Urbina Gran Reserva is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo.
This wine comes from the best grapes from the Estate, all from vines over 40 years old. The wine making team is headed by Pedro Urbina. The wine is undergoes fermentation at 28C followed by a period of maceration of 28 days. The wine is aged for a minimum of 36 months in oak casks with a further 48 months in bottle before release. Only indigenous yeasts are used. The nose is elegant yet complex with mature, red fruit nuances, hints of tobacco, vanilla and oak. A good balance of oak and fruit. The palate has intense rich fruit with great finesse and a silky and creamy texture. Well balanced oak and fruit tannins and velvet smoothness and great length. Medium to full in style.
