Words like “Bourgogne” and phrases like “Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” can be intimidating and Gavi di Gavi utterly bewildering. Old and New World can be pretty confusing too.
Most of us don’t know our Domaines Paul Mars from our Cave du Lugny. Let alone our Araldica from our Peyrassol.
There are so many wines, wine regions, wine terroirs and winemakers. And then there all those grapes. It’s hard to know where to start. Vineyards are minefields. And supermarket wine aisles menacing places.
Barolo? But which one? Macon Villages? But what Macon Villages? Limoux? Where do you start? What do you go for first? The same with Valpolicella. It’s so hit and miss.
What most of us are after is good entry-level wines which don’t put us off, either by the price or the taste. We want to put our palates into the hand of experts. Let them make the choice for us.
Re-defining its own ‘Definition By Majestic’, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer with 209 stores nationwide, has come up with a 23 range of quality premium wines which will increase to 35 by the end of the year. All Majestic wine will be vegan by 2026.
‘Definition by Majestic’ is an upgrade on the ‘Chosen by Majestic’ own-label range launched in June 2023, which was designed to offer quality wines at “everyday low” prices. For those two words read one: “Reasonable”.
The new collection minimises the trial and error says Robert Cooke, Majestic Chief Operating Officer, adding:
“Definition by Majestic is an accessible way for our customers to explore the world of wine. We know our customers enjoy discovering new styles, regions and producers, and this new range allows them to do that with assurance of a high-quality Majestic product. The buying team at Majestic have worked extremely hard with top producers to ensure the quality of the product is the best in the market.”
Elizabeth Kelly MW, Buying Manager, says:
“When we looked at redefining our Definition range, the quality of the wines was at the forefront of every decision. This wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful producers we are lucky enough to work with. We have some fantastic long-term partners, such as La Rioja Alta, who are one of the best Rioja producers in the world, and Kanonkop who use the best winemaking practices. We tasted extensively and worked extremely closely with producers to ensure every product is the best expression of that grape variety.”
The prices start from £13.99, with discounts for mix sixes, such as:
Definition by Majestic Bacchus
Made by Henners Vineyard, established in 2007 in the East Sussex village of Herstmonceux by ex-F1 race engineer Lawrence Warr. Partly fermented in oak and blended with a dash of Chardonnay, it has typical aromas of elderflower, gooseberry, white currant and lime. A great pairing for pork tenderloin, hake or buttery vegetables. So, the connoisseurs say.
Definition by Majestic Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023, Stellenbosch
This Western Cape white is made from certified heritage old vines, where low grape yields and sustainable methods result in a bottling with richness and structure. Aromas of pineapple, citrus and honey to go with scallops, roast pork and duck, and even creamy cheeses.
Definition by Majestic Organic Rosé
A pale pink Provence blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle lovingly made by Château Peyrassol in the foothills of the Massif des Maures. The estate dates to 1204 and the Knights Templar. The wine glass pairs with seafood, grilled fish and salads.
Definition by Majestic Rioja Reserva
Rioja Alta epitomizes the iconic region’s mellow, savoury wines. Created in Haro by winemaker Julio Sáenz from hand-harvested Tempranillo grapes, aged for two years in American oak barriques and longer in bottle to earn a Reserva classification, the wine has intense aromas of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, as well as vanilla, coffee and hazelnut notes. One for grilled lamb chops or aubergine.
Definition by Majestic Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
From the family-owned Kanonkop and brothers Paul and Johann Krige, the plummy, black cherry wine stands up to steak, slow-cooked venison or braised beef short ribs, as well as mature cheddar cheese. According to the specialists. And who can argue with them.
Definition by Majestic Malbec
Zuccardi’s signature Argentinian Malbec from the Uco Valley. 800m and 1400m above sea level. Half the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months, with other portions aged in egg vats to protect the purity of the fruit and terroir. Get the steak out, the grill or BBQ on or the pasta boiling.
Take out the guesswork. Drink something Majestic. You can’t go wrong. For more details, please visit: www.majestic.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Kevin Pilley is a former professional cricketer and chief staff writer of PUNCH magazine. His humour, travel, food and drink work appear worldwide, and he has been published in over 800 titles.
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