welcome to the glass house! if you’re here for a relaxing ... · a fan of the classic peller, i...

Welcome to The Glass House! If you’re here for a relaxing sip, a wine tasting or a bite to eat, I am delighted to offer you a quick dip, or a full infusion depending on how you’re feeling.

The selection here is all about delving in and tasting something new, unique and exciting. There’s plenty off the beaten track and a few cracking classics all from producers who are striving for the highest possible quality. So dive in and get tasting either by the glass or bottle so you can mix and match with the food you’re munching.

I want you to have the best possible experience here in The Glass House, if there is anything you think we could be doing better, or something you’re particularly delighted with, get in touch! You can let me know by passing your comments to my team or you can find me on my website www.ollysmith.com You can also reach me on Twitter @jollyolly or on Facebook where I have a page and try to keep up with everyone as much as possible!

Meanwhile, enjoy your time here in The Glass House. There’s plenty to choose from so please make sure you try something unusual and exciting.

Cheers!

Olly

The information on the list tells you the style of wine, the grapes and origin, some suggested food matches and a bit of background information – all in plain English. I’m listing the wines by style and price to make your choice as informed as possible. The final decision of what to sip is, of course, yours. There’s a wine here for everyone!

If you’d like any more information, for example about the vintages or alcohol content of each wine, please ask – The Glass House team will be very happy to help.

Enjoy!

Fizz Refreshing

Fruity

Sweet

WhiteZesty & Fresh

Fragrant & Scented

Rich & Plump

RoséDelicate

Fruity

RedLight & Elegant

Fruity & Mellow

Spicy & Savoury

Some of our products may contain allergens. If you are sensitive to any of these, please speak to a member of staff before ordering.

The Glass House Fizz BarThe entire range of Glass House fizz is available behind the bar by the glass or bottle and will be served to you perfectly chilled and ready to rock. Whether you’re after a bargain bubbly or a splash out celebration, we’ve got the perfect glass for you! Dive in!

REFRESHING

Prosecco Sylvoz – P&O Cruises Private Label, Le Colture, Non Vintage Brut, Veneto, ItalySummer-tastic! This Italian fizz smells of pears with floral touches and gives that glorious feeling of relaxing on holiday. When you sip it, the freshness continues with a bright zip to the palate and plenty of frothy fun. Big up the bubbly and enjoy a chilled glass of cool crisp joy!

125ml glass £4.25 Bottle £19.50

Champagne Delamotte, Non Vintage Brut, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, FranceDelamotte is one of the oldest Champagne houses established in 1760 and every glass feels supremely elegant. When you’re tasting fine French Champagne, you’re looking for a sense of balance. There should be lots of tiny bubbles, invigorating freshness and a very subtle depth of nutty character. Look for delicacy and finesse and revel in this dazzling wine blended from 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. Treat yourself and feel the buzz!


FRUITY

Ice Cuvée, Peller Estates, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaEver tasted a wine from Canada before? This is your chance! Go for it! Peller Ice Cuvée is blended from the juice of naturally frozen grapes that have been picked in the middle of a cold Canadian winter. The Pellers blend this rich sticky ice wine with their fizz to intensify the fruitiness of this glorious sparkling wine. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this is honey coated fizz with subtle richness and a surprisingly dry finish. This wine is unique for its special tingly texture and is completely amazing with smoked salmon. Pop a glass or two of rare delicious bubbly!


Ice Cuvée Rosé, Peller Estates, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMy friends! I have listened to your feedback and am so delighted by your passion for the Peller Ice Cuvée that I can’t wait to introduce you to its other half – the Peller Ice Cuvée Rosé. If you’re a fan of the classic Peller, I think the Peller Rosé will tickle your fancy. And if you’re somebody who prefers more fruity flavours in your vino, this is definitely the glass for you. It’s a world of strawberries, rose, watermelon and summery red fruit with oodles of bubbles and a lingering fruity flavour that lasts once you’ve sipped it. Very easy to drink and good to pair with exotic dishes or even mild spices. Romantic, fun and superbly refreshing. Dive in!


SWEET

Little Eden Moscato, Murray Darling, South-Eastern AustraliaThis gently bubbly white is perfect for a lunchtime sip or a marvellously scented refresher to invigorate your palate at any time of the day or night. Every glass of this Aussie gem is quietly buzzing with sweet, frothy, zesty glory. If you’re a fan of sherbet lemons or even a Sherbet Dip-Dab, this is a fun wine you’ll love when its aromas and flavours leap out of your glass! And if you’re new to wine and keen to avoid those with bitter flavours this is the perfect bright buzzing sip for you to begin your adventures in vino with its easy fruity character. I adore it for its lovely lower alcohol (5.5%) and semi-sparkling spritz which makes it a total joy to sip. I reckon we should serve it in pints. Huzzah!

175ml: £4.50 250ml: £6.25 Bottle: £17.50

Brachetto d’Acqui Rosa Regale Castello Banfi, Piedmont, ItalyWhat could be more enticing for a happy holiday moment than a cool glass of sweet, pink Italian fizz? This outrageously pink, almost neon bright bubbly pumps out the most glorious aromas – a heady combo of rose, sherbet, and even a little tickle of Turkish Delight! If you imagine you’re romping in a rose bush with a bushy hoard of lavender sprouting nearby you’re getting close to the floral splendour of this uniquely fragrant fizz. As sweet as a cherry dusted in icing sugar, it’s almost like a pudding in its own right. For beginners and those with a sweet tooth it’s a sensational wine and a total treat to serve as a treat at any time thanks to its luscious lower level of alcohol. With puddings, look no further and for a sweeter style of wine to sip on its own, this is an absolute beauty.


The Glass House White WinesZESTY & FRESH

Fondo Antico Grillo Parlante IGT Sicilia, ItalyThis thrilling Sicilian gem is a fantastic alternative to Pinot Grigio. It’s light and lovely wine with easy citrus and peachy freshness. Get your nose into the glass and revel in the splendour of the aromas which are as scented and seductive as lemon blossom. Grillo is a splendid local Sicilian grape variety which is delightfully bright and has a subtle floral thrill. But really this wine is all about clean citrus flavours without any hard edges. This is a dreamy wine to match with fish and shellfish, but it’s also a great tipple with light bites and salads, and of course it makes the ultimate aperitif to kick off the party spirit!

175ml glass £4.50 250ml glass £6.25 Bottle £17.50

Treixadura, Ailala, Galicia, SpainJust call this wine Aye-La-La and unleash the spirit of a party! The name Ailala is found in local folk songs in north-west Spain and means “happiness”. This wine is all about that sense of ocean freshness. If you’re a fan of Chablis or Pinot Grigio, try this zinging peachy gem. It’s a sublime match with fish and shellfish or as a mouth watering aperitif. Treixadura is an unusual grape variety and the kind of thing we love to champion in The Glass House – a wine that’s off the beaten track that gives character as well as good value. The young team behind the wine are on a mission to bring the peachy lemony zip of Treixadura to a wider audience.


Pinot Grigio, Andrea di Pec, Friuli Venezia Giulia, ItalyWowzer! This Pinot Grigio may seem almost as crystal clear as a glass of mineral water, but don’t be fooled – it’s splendidly scented! Take in the lemony beauty of this wine as you take a whiff and you’ll lap up its delicately attractive fragrance. When you take a sip, it’s a white wine that’s buzzing with light, upbeat sherberty zing and is as fresh and invigorating as snowboarding down an Alp in your bathing costume! This wine comes from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in north-east Italy which has Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east, the Veneto to the west and the Adriatic to the east, uniting the freshness of the mountains with the bracing beauty of the seaside. An ideal apéritif as well as a wine to pair with fish and shellfish dishes along with our salads and light bites here in The Glass House.


Grüner Veltliner, Höpler, Burgenland, AustriaImagine a fruit bowl of tangerines, lemons and grapefruits all squeezed into one giant zesty juicy super-fruit. That’s what this wine smells like! Wait for the taste... It’s fresh, zesty, clean, pure and with breath-taking poise. No oak at all in this bad boy. If you’re a fan of dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, you’ve got to try this! You may not have tasted a wine from Austria in a while, but trust me, the quality of their wine is skyrocketing. Grüner Veltliner (you say it “Grooner Velt-leener”) is also the ultimate grape variety to match with the unique flavours of asparagus and artichoke – and it is an absolute gem paired with scallops or crab. Cheers!


Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvée, Springfield Estate, Robertson, South AfricaGrown in Robertson, South Africa by Jeanette and Abrie Bruwer, this intensely zingy Sauvignon Blanc is like boarding a rocket ship bound for the Citrus Sun. Uplifting, zesty, intense and powerfully refreshing, expect invigoration with every sip. As gleaming and precise as shards of grapefruit, it’s a winning wine that reflects Abrie’s passion: ‘I only want to sell wine I am proud of and I will only get a limited number of chances to do that in my life.’ The Bruwers choose to take the path less travelled and go against the grain in order to make the sort of wines they want to drink. And it just so happens that here in The Glass House, we love to drink it too! If you’re a fan of gooseberries, lemons, passionfruit and all the bright and zesty flavours in life, then this wine is primed and ready to target and illuminate your tastebuds.


Sauvignon Blanc, Eradus, Marlborough, Awatere Valley, New ZealandMarlborough is found on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and has an amazing amount of bright sunshine – if only we could bottle it! The maritime climate around the coast helps keep freshness packed into the grapes – and where Sauvignon Blanc is concerned, that’s like a turbo boost of zinging flavour. The Eradus family who make this wine arrived in New Zealand from Holland in 1982 and the vineyards today are under the watchful eyes of Hanna (Mum), Michiel (Dad), Poppy and Ana (two beautiful girls) and Homer the dog.

This zingy fab wine is all about verve and intense bright flavour – think tropical passionfruit, explosive refreshment, floral flourishes and the clean precision of a laser-beam. Invigorating, unique and delicious and a benchmark Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Have it!


FRAGRANT & SCENTED

Torrontés, Dominio de Toyo, Famatina Valley, ArgentinaFrom the remote Argentinean Famatina Valley, this beautifully fragrant and unbelievably scented wine is totally unmissable. The grape variety is Torrontes which Argentina have made into something of a speciality and it’s as perfumed as a yellow rose on a summery day in full bloom. On the palate you have a wine that’s soft and zingy with lots of bright character and a wonderful aromatic edge that’s fantastic for holiday sipping. Gloriously exotic, this white from vineyards between 800-1200 metres high in the Andes are blended in homage to Don Toyo, one of the founding fathers of the Dominio. Let’s raise a glass of unique splendour to those closest to us!


Gewürztraminer, Yealands, Marlborough, New ZealandThis wine is extraordinarily pale in the glass. But rest assured, it’s anything but watery. In fact it’s a glorious world of lychees, elderflower and scented Turkish Delight. All in all it’s an aromatic belter and a hugely flavoursome step on from Marlborough’s famous Sauvignon Blanc which enjoys worldwide popularity. This rich, scrumptious and fragrant white is definitely one to match with any kind of spicy dishes since aromatic flavours cope superbly well with heat. This perfumed beauty is gloriously glossy and comes from the Awatere Valley in New Zealand’s South Island – the same place as our Eradus Sauvignon Blanc here in The Glass House which is great fun to compare and contrast with. And the motto of this winery is a superb way to toast the glory of living: ‘Think boldly, tread lightly.’


Malvasia, Kozlovic Vina, Istrian, CroatiaCroatian wine might be new to you but the Koslovic family have been making wine in the Istrian region of Croatia since 1904. This gem tastes somewhere between a nectarine and a grapefruit. There’s lots of plump texture to it and alongside a subtle hint of melon, but the headline flavours bring an enthralling zip and zest with a wonderful sharp jolt of citrus verve – a bit like a lemon in a pencil sharpener! If you’re a fan of famous wines such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, seize the chance to taste the dazzling future of Croatian vino.


The Money Spider Roussanne, d’Arenberg, AustraliaI flipping love this stuff. The guy who makes it, Chester Osborn, is a larger than life character who is usually wearing a Hawaiian shirt – and he always comes up with the quirkiest names for his wine. This one is named after the local Money Spiders which he considers a sign of great fortune. The grape is Roussanne which brings exotic wonderment to the flavours in this sensational white. It’s a seriously fruity wine of special splendour – a whole bundle of soft and squidgy melons, peaches and grapefruits all romping around together and just waiting for you to dive in! A great wine to pair with mildly aromatic dishes, this is the perfect bottle if you’re after something a bit off the beaten track – all in all, The Money Spider is an unmissable Glass House treat and one of my personal favourites.


Etna Bianco DOCG, Planeta, Sicily, ItalyMount Etna is one of the most exciting places producing wine in the world right now. Its volcanic soils produce wines with incredible intensity. This particular wine is made from the local and unique Carricante grapes. You say it Carry-Can-Tay. With a tiny portion of the blend softened in wooden barrels, this splendid vino is very intense and as resonant as a giant bell made from lemon peel! Wonderfully zingy with a gentle twist of spice, there’s a sense of serious power to this wine which makes it very special to pair with our Glass House dishes from our tempura prawns through to fish and chips. And if you’re a fan of zesty grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, spread your wings and join the exclusive Carricante Club!


Riesling, Woollaston, Nelson, New ZealandThis is a fantastic fruity white to sip at lunchtime or indeed anytime when a turbo burst is required to rev up your palate and put some zing back into your day. If you’re a fan of sherbet lemons, grab a glass of this belter from New Zealand and get ready for a one way ticket to Planet Awesome. Buzzing with sweetness followed by an eruption of more zest with an arresting brightness on the finish, this wine is three parts in a single sip. Tremendous! And it’s the kind of thing I could sip very happily all day long. And I might even be doing it right now in this very wine bar. Sssssh! But serve me some tempura prawns with their spicy dip and I’m in paradise.


RICH & PLUMP

Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, Gaia, Santorini, GreeceThis awesome white wine is grown on a volcano – witness the power of an eruption in your glass! Imagine the citrus zing of a lemon harnessed to the roaring throttle of a powerboat and you’re some way close to experiencing this wine. It’s so dry it’s almost salty. The black sandy island of Santorini is home to some of the world’s most ancient and precious vines creating a wine like no other. There is very little rainfall so the vines and grapes get coated in the salty sea breezes which gives the final wine a searingly dry quality! Sniff it: boom! Briny, lemony and with a uniquely smoky and toasty boost. Volcano power! Sip it and unleash a world of super-intense zing that lights up your palate like a glitterball. Stunning, awesome, bright, rich and delicious.

The 80-year-old vines are weaved into baskets to protect against the extraordinary heat and power of the Meltemi wind resulting in octogenarian excellence. Dazzlingly dry, zippy – and unusual – white wine.


Chenin Blanc, The FMC, Western Cape, South AfricaKen Forrester makes this wine and he is something of a bon viveur, hero and winemaking legend. He is one of the world’s biggest fans and loudest champions of Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is a brilliant grape variety that you could do all sorts of things with – make fizz, dry wine, sweet wine or even create something completely unique as Ken has done here. The FMC is rich, off-dry, fruity with toasty edges and is an icon for South African wine. I am proud to have it on The Glass House list! Appley, pear-like, pineappley, funky, rich and weighty, it’s an awesome slick wine with gloss and oodles of ripe juicy flavour. Sip and savour every last drop. And if you’re popping to Sindhu for some of Atul Kochhar’s delicious spicy food during your cruise, this is the bottle I’d recommend tucking under your arm!

175ml: £6.95 250ml: £9.50 Bottle: £26.95

The Glass House Rosé Wine

DELICATE

Château Sainte Marguerite, Grande Réserve Rosé, Provence, FranceThere is no drink that says “holiday” quite as much as a cool glass of rosé. And this is not just any old rosé. This is an absolute stonker. It’s all about floral aromas (think roses) and strawberry freshness. It comes from Provence, made from organic grapes and feels like pure summertime in a glass. The Château Sainte Marguerite was created in 1929 on the base of an ancient farmhouse. In 1977, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard acquired the Château Sainte Marguerite and nurtured it to its current glory. Rosé rules! Try this as the perfect holiday sip to unwind with, or match with a wide variety of salads and snacks.


FRUITY

Sunset Point Zinfandel Blush, Puglia, ItalyImagine high-diving into a giant punnet of sweet summery strawberries and you’ve pretty much got this romping rosé. So many passengers have asked for a sweeter rosé with a gorgeous fruity character that I’ve been hunting the world for the most delicious example to serve here in The Glass House. My team and I are deeply proud of this hidden gem from Puglia that’ s made very much in the style of those sweeter Californian rosés that have so many fans. Californian Zinfandel is exactly the same grape as Italian Primitivo which is widely planted across Puglia and as well as making spicy reds, creates great fun rosé. I’m delighted to be able to offer you this splendid sunny example to sip and savour on your holiday. Fruit-tacular!


The Glass House Red Wines

LIGHT & ELEGANT

Pinot Noir Reserva, Viña Mar, Casablanca, ChileSummer berry aromas, light and classy, and for Pinot Noir rather splendid value for money! Pinot Noir is a bit of a diva and quite tricky to grow – which can result in high prices. This wine instantly won its place on The Glass House list when I tasted it thanks to its light, exuberant summery fruit flavours and good value for money. Pinot Noir is rightly famous in Burgundy and also in Otago, New Zealand. However, in cooler areas of Chile you can also find some interesting examples coming through. Casablanca is right on the coast and every morning the fog rolls in like a giant air conditioning unit, keeping the vineyards fresh before the afternoon sun starts ripening up the grapes, making the perfect conditions for superb Pinot Noir. With its structure, you can happily pair this with light bites, meaty fish, stews or enjoy as a red to sip and enjoy on its own.


Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Planeta, Sicily, ItalySicily is producing some amazing wines and I am delighted that the Planeta family who make this special wine are championing local grape varieties. Run by Francesca, Alessio and Santi Planeta the estate recently won the coveted Cantina dell’Anno (Italian winery of the year award) and is romping from strength to strength. This wine is made from Nero D’Avola and Frappato. Have a sniff – it smells floral and almost as fragrant as... honey! I love this red for its soft light body and bright fruity flavours. It’s like strawberries and cherries with a whiff of lavender. Perfect wine to relax on holiday with. You can enjoy this red at room temperature, or try it served chilled from an ice bucket on a hot day. Brilliant wine, one of my favourites to sip and unwind with.


FRUITY & MELLOW

Elki Sangiovesi, Viña Falernia, Elqui Valley, ChileThis wine comes from one of my favourite wine-growing places in the world. In fact, I very nearly bought a vineyard there, but that’s another story! Elqui Valley in Chile is blessed with super sunny days thanks to being high up in the Andes. The skies are so clear that it’s become a hot spot for observatories and this wonderfully exotic red comes from sunny vineyards that build huge flavours of vibrant and juicy red fruit flavours. Sangiovese is the grape behind Chianti in Italy but this Chilean stunner is more like Chianti turned all the way up to eleven! It’s perfect for a range of tomato-based dishes and a great option for chicken as well as sausages and burgers. And it’s so darn fruity, you could happily sip it all on its own! Be warned, one glass is rarely enough…


Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Perez Cruz, Maipo Valley, ChileA firm favourite on The Glass House wine list, this juicy red works beautifully with lamb with its intense fruity flavour but also as a drink in its own right. It is absolutely delicious. Seriously packed with blackcurrant fruitiness and a lively minty streak, it’s a fleshy, smooth and generous mouthful of yum! Situated high in the Alto Maipo Valley just south of Chile’s capital city Santiago, the pristine fresh mountain breezes and intense sunlight enable the Perez Cruz family to capture impeccable fruit flavours. Excellent vino and for the quality of fruit, still good value.


Crianza, Belezos Bodegas Zugober, Rioja, SpainRioja is a place that has stacks of fans – ‘easy drinking reds’ is generally what leaps to mind, but the Rioja region actually boasts a wealth of wine styles from crisp whites to creamier richer whites, rosé wines and reds of all different shapes and sizes from fruity right through to aged savoury Gran Reservas. This one is absolutely classic with plenty of dark fruit flavours as well as Rioja’s trademark mellow spice. Made from the Tempranillo grape which means ‘ripens early’. Savoury and moreish, this wine is great for a simple sip or to match with nibbles such as hard cheese and cured meats or paired with lamb chops! Medium-bodied, classy Spanish good value red.


Single Valley Lot Merlot, Valdivieso, Rapel Valley, ChileNobody does smooth fruity wines quite like Chile, and this one is bursting with blackberry aromas and flavours. Rich and mellow, it’s brilliant with a platter of cheese, stunning with meaty meals and a fantastic red to sip on those rare occasions when the sun decides to take a quick break from shining. A warming mellow tang with a cocoa-like twist from the oak barrels makes this wine a winner with steaks and beefy fare. Here’s to you savouring this glossy red with a fruity fanfare to make you grin!


Pinot Noir, Carmel Road, Monterey, USAThis is a brilliant example of modern American winemaking. It’s not heavy in alcohol, it’s elegantly pale in colour, in fact it’s far more enticing than some of the headbangers with hoofing levels of alcohol that you may have encountered in the past from the States. The reason is the cool coastal vineyard sites that preserve a classy freshness in this particular Pinot Noir. With beautiful aromas of autumn red fruit and sweet earthy complexity, it’s splendidly silky and my “all day” red! Fab with any kind of stew or burger thanks to its soft texture and if you are looking for a really classy wine to go with your cheese board, this would be a fantastic option. And I’d be delighted to order a glass all by itself. A brilliant wine to make friends with.


Liquid Velvet, Lockwood Vineyards, Monterey, USAThis New Wave American blend is great! It entirely lives up to its name – very smooth, very mellow, very delicious. Sleek and gorgeous, it has elegant long-lasting flavours and very fine tannin (that’s the fibres from the grape skins and pips that give structure and texture to wine). But don’t worry, there’s nothing hectic about this scrumptious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – it’s superb with a steak or a burger and a fantastic wine to kick back and relax with thanks to its gentle supple mellow splendour. Rich, sensual and splendid.


SPICY & SAVOURY

Shiraz, Heywood Estate, South East AustraliaSniff this bad boy! It’s a bold dark red but check out the floral tinge to the niff! Awesome. I love that edge of complexity – makes you want to get involved and have a rummage in the glass to hunt the rest of the booty on offer. This is a soft, big, fruity red. Glorious. Some smokiness in there too – a proper mouthful of juicy dark fruity vino. We love Aussie wine, and this Shiraz is a good reminder of why. Match with a beefylicious treat and set sail for the shores of Happyland.


De Gras Carménère Reserva, Colchagua, ChileBehold this Chilean wine’s joyful bold fruit flavours and small vortex of spice! As soon as you get your nose in the glass, there’s a spicy richness similar to fresh ground coffee which is one of Carménère’s classic hallmarks. Chile is famous for producing top notch Carménère which tends to give huge juicy dark fruit flavours and subtle twist of spice. If you’re a fan of Shiraz, Malbec or even big style Merlot, give this speciality from the sunny Southern Hemisphere a whirl! Carménère actually started out as one of the blending grapes in French Bordeaux where you can still find small pockets planted to this very day. But it’s in Chile’s sun-drenched valleys such as Colchagua where this all-singing all-dancing bold grape hit the big time with its huge flavours and toasty spice. In this case, De Gras have come up with a mighty masterpiece with every glass ready to romp across your palate and dose you with its hearty charm – a bit like underfloor heating for the soul.


Crasto, Quinta do Crasto, Douro, PortugalWowzer! What a fantastic price for an outstanding drop. If you thought the only wine Portugal can do is Port, think again. This is a must for all fans of Shiraz to dive into, with its muscular depth, concentrated fruit flavours and kick of spice. Scented aromas, chunky texture, it’s complex, rich and splendid. The team at Quinta do Crasto have cleverly taken Port grapes and blended them into their own signature red wine from 33% Tinta Francesa, 33% Tinta Roriz and 34% Touriga National. It’s an innovative and brilliant idea and the result is this fruity, deep modern belter. Imagine a world of red and black summery berries blended into an elegantly boozy treat and you’ve got this terrific wine. Superb with hearty dishes from steaks to burgers and lamb.


Tormentoso Mourvèdre Reserve, Man Vintners, Western Cape, South AfricaThe name Tormentoso and the fish on the label refer rather ominously to “The Cape of Storms” – also known as the Cape of Good Hope from near where this wine originates. The grape here is Mourvèdre which tends to create smoky broody reds that need charry meaty fare to really ignite their splendour. This one has the most extraordinary arresting aroma that you just have to experience. It’s got a scent of dried herbs with a twinge of smoke and lots of intense blueberry fruit flavours. Made in a modern way from low yielding un-irrigated bush vines, this wine has unique and great character with plenty of hearty fruit romping around your glass. There’s a lovely charry flavour to the finish which makes it great with steak. If you enjoy spicy bold wine, look no further than this African ace.


Tannat, Garzon, Maldonado, UruguayEver tasted Tannat? It’s fantastic! And this one comes from…URUGUAY! Yes, along with Chile, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is making more and more impressive vino. This one comes from 11 miles inland of Uruguay’s Atlantic coast and is gorgeously earthy, splendidly smoky, powerful, dark and rich. For fans of Shiraz and Malbec, the deep brooding fruit in this wine with as much intensity as a black hole stuffed with blackberries is spot on. As you continue sipping, you’ll find the oak barrels the wine’s been sloshing in give it a coffee-like edge and the structure of the wine is massive – definitely one to pair with the heartiest possible Glass House feast! Rich, deep and powerful – if Brian Blessed’s booming voice was a wine, it would probably taste exactly like this!


Malbec, Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza, ArgentinaMalbec with meat! It works magnificently! Malbec was originally one of the grapes used to blend into fine Bordeaux but it has made a name for itself in Argentina where some of the best Malbec in the world is produced. The vineyards in Argentina are high up in the Andes – so high they’re practically making wine in space! The pure mountain air and snowmelt means that they have fewer problems with pests and rot so their wines are in peak condition. This particular example has a glorious perfumed aroma and flavour along with a stack of rich brambly fruit and a jot of subtle spice. It’s silky and full of up front fruity flavour. Class in a glass.


Boom Boom Syrah, Charles Smith, Washington State, USAThe bomb on the label should be a clue as to Charles Smith’s intention with this masterful red. It’s layered with spicy fragrance and packed with dark fruit flavours and beefy structure. One for meaty dishes such as the beef burger, lamb or steaks!

It comes from Washington State in the USA – an area that’s fast developing a name for outstanding wines so get in quick while you can! The motto “Land to Hand, Vineyard to Bottle” sums up the no-nonsense modern approach of this classy fun winery. The vibrant fruit and spice in this wine is truly explosive in the glass. Cheers!


Shiraz, Mad Dog Wines, Barossa Valley, AustraliaPhwoar! This wine is just awesome. There’s a whip-crack of smoke and spice about it but it’s so incredibly fruity it’s like a blueberry the size of the Moon squeezed right into your face. The flavours are simply enormous and if you like liquorice you’ll adore this deep red with its intense, huge power like turbines of deliciousness. It’s an arm wrestle between a blackberry and a blackcurrant with a struck match lingering in the background. And with robust dishes, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Dive in before I get completely carried away!


The Glass House Wine FlightsWelcome to The Glass House Wine Flights!

This is where everybody on board The Glass House can travel Thirst Class to the shores of Glory Island. Every wine, like everybody’s individual taste, is unique. Here is your chance to get to know them a bit better. You can compare and contrast some of my top picks along various themes and revel in each flight’s different and delicious character. Each flight consists of three 125ml glasses of wine. The one thing these Wine Flights all have in common is the destination – a place where I’ll be raising my glass to yours.

Cheers and all the jolliest,

Awesome Italians £12.50 Italian wine is going from strength to strength and with their flare for food as well as fashion, these stylish Italians reflect this nation of great taste!

Etna Bianco DOCG, Planeta, Sicily

Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Planeta, Sicily

Brachetto d’Acqui Rosa Regale, Castello Banfi, Piedmont

Southern Hemisphere Hot Picks £10.50 From South Africa, to Australia and on to Chile from the comfort of The Glass House. Find out how and why these nations produce such contrasting wines of brilliant boldness.

Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvée, Springfield Estate, Robertson, South Africa

The Money Spider Roussanne, d’Arenberg, Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Perez Cruz, Maipo Valley, Chile

South American Reds £10.75 Chile, Uruguay and Argentina are all making top class wines and their reds are generally full of exuberance and flavour. Take your tastebuds on tour and unleash a fiesta of flavours!

Elki Sangiovesi, Viña Falernia, Elqui Valley, Chile

Tannat, Garzon, Maldonado, Uruguay

Malbec, Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza, Argentina

Gleaming Whites from the Beach £10.95 Coastal white wines tend to have a fresh and upbeat character. These three are splendidly upbeat and range in richness from dainty to downright delicious. All you need now is your beach towel and sun tan cream!

Treixadura, Ailala, Galicia, Spain

Malvasia, Kozlovic Vina, Istria, Croatia

Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, Gaia, Santorini, Greece

Olly’s Crown Jewels £11.50 I adore all the wines in The Glass House but these three have stood out for their defining characters, one zingy, one elegant and one rich. Meet the mighty musketeers that reflect my motto – “all for wine and wine for all!”

Sauvignon Blanc, Eradus, Marlborough, Awatere Valley, New Zealand

Pinot Noir, Carmel Road, Monterey, USA

Crasto, Quinta do Crasto, Douro, Portugal

Fizz, White & Red £15.95 Wine comes in all shapes and sizes and here we have three splendid styles of wine… sometimes I reckon it’s fascinating to compare and contrast all three. Dive into them all!

Ice Cuvée, Peller Estates, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Chenin Blanc, The FMC, Western Cape, South Africa

Liquid Velvet, Lockwood Vineyards, Monterey, USA

Romping Reds £10.75

Red wine comes in all shapes and sizes from pale and light through to deep and bold – here’s a sip through the styles in three splendid glasses!

Pinot Noir Reserva, Viña Mar, Casablanca, Chile

Crianza, Belezos Bodegas Zugober, Rioja, Spain

Boom Boom Syrah, Charles Smith, Washington State, USA

Beautiful Bubbly £16.50

Aaaah bubbly, it’s the best! These fine glasses of fizz come from all over the world and are each unique thanks to their grape varieties and method of production. But they are united by being utterly irresistible!

Prosecco Sylvoz – P&O Cruises Private Label, Le Colture, Non Vintage Brut, Veneto, Italy

Champagne Delamotte, Non Vintage Brut, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, France

Ice Cuvée, Peller Estates, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Champions of Chile £9.75

I spent several months filming in Chile. And aside from learning naughty Spanish from the cameraman, I also found the red wines from all over the country had the most fabulous fruity core. Meet the Three Amigos who’ll show you why.

Pinot Noir Reserva, Viña Mar, Casablanca, Chile

Elki Sangiovesi, Viña Falernia, Elqui Valley, Chile

Single Valley Lot Merlot, Valdivieso, Rapel Valley, Chile

A Taste of the Unexpected £11.50

Wine never stays the same. New vineyards, vintages, wineries and regions are cropping up all the time. These three wines are cutting edge and couldn’t taste more fabulously different. It’s time to take your tastebuds on tour – strap in for the ride!

Assyrtiko Wild Ferment, Gaia, Santorini, Greece

Riesling, Woollaston, Nelson, New Zealand

Carménère Reserva, De Gras, Colchagua, Chile

Exotic & Aromatic Splendour £9.75

Whites can be fragrant, floral and exotic and these styles always make me feel even more on holiday thanks to their scented splendour. If tropical and exotic flavours turn you on, take flight with these beauties at once.

Torrontés, Dominio de Toyo, Famatina Valley, Argentina

Gewürztraminer, Yealands, Marlborough, New Zealand

Little Eden Moscato, Murray Darling, South-Eastern Australia

Elegant Europeans £10.50

Wine, both white and red, can be about delicacy and finesse as these three dainty delicious examples from Europe are happy to show you. From Spain to Austria and finally cruising to Italy. Cheers to the elegance of Europe!

Treixadura, Ailala, Galicia, Spain

Grüner Veltliner, Höpler, Burgenland, Austria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Planeta, Sicily, Italy

Matching Food and Wine £15.95

Life’s greatest pleasure is bringing food and wine together around a table to savour the flavour of fun!

The Big Match! Bespoke nibbles with boutique booze. Cheers!

Buffalo Mozzarella with Prosecco Sylvoz – P&O Cruises Private Label, Le Colture, Non Vintage Brut, Veneto, Italy

Tempura of Tiger Prawns in sweet chilli with Chenin Blanc, The FMC, Western Cape, South Africa

Chorizo sausage, pork belly and butter bean cassoulet with Crianza, Belezos Bodegas Zugober, Rioja, Spain

Think Pink £13.95

Pink wine, also known as rosé, rosado and blush has that joyful informality that no other wine can capture. Each of them taste amazing and unique depending on how they’re made and where. Dive in to find out more!

Château Sainte Marguerite, Grande Réserve Rosé, Provence, France

Zinfandel Blush, Sunset Point, Puglia, Italy

Ice Cuvée Rosé, Peller Estates, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Rich Warming Reds £11.50

These are the kinds of reds that warp around you – a bit like underfloor heating for the soul. Fragrant, spicy and with gorgeous richness, if you’re a fan of hearty flavours, this flight is your new best friend.

Crasto, Quinta do Crasto, Douro, Portugal

Tormentoso Mourvèdre Reserve, Man Vintners, Western Cape, South Africa

Shiraz, Mad Dog Wines, Barossa Valley, Australia

Olly’s Beers

PALE ALE: The Rocky Head

This is a refreshing beer with a huge bright flavour - imagine a mango the size of the sun and you’ve pretty much got it! A modern craft beer made by a bunch of friends in Wimbledon, The Rocky Head is packed full of zesty hops which make it an amazing pairing with spicy dishes, but also robust enough to work with a burger. On its own it’s a cracking way to start a feast and get your tastebuds revved and ready for action. Brewed by Steve Daniel in what he describes as “possibly the most ramshackle brewery in the UK” (including components rescued from the demolished Tetley brewery in Leeds). The quirky names for the Rocky Head’s fermentation tanks are ‘Gunther’ and ‘Yeti’ and the beer itself takes its name from the froth which appears on a perfectly fermenting beer which is known in the trade as a rocky head. This beer has been built for both lager and ale fans to enjoy, it’s hand-crafted and dangerously drinkable. Cheers!

330ml bottle £3.95

GOLDEN ALE: Jolly Olly

Originally made for fun to celebrate Olly’s 40th birthday in 2014, this golden beer became hugely popular overnight for its easy sunny mellow glory. Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes, Olly’s home town is one of the most prestigious and famous in the UK and to be able to serve this summery brew that’s buzzing with bright and easy flavours is a real thrill for all of us in The Glass House. Enjoy it chilled with some light bites, with fish and chips or just on its own and revel in the glowing splendour of every sip. It’s a golden ale to appeal to a wide range of tastes, and if you enjoy a cold beer, you’re going to love this gold in your glass. Dive in!

500ml bottle £4.25

welcome to the glass house! if you’re here for a relaxing ... · a fan of the classic peller, i...

Documents