Down in rural Sussex n the centre of Hurstpierpoint High Street, 10 miles north of Brighton, just off the A23 you'll discover South Downs Cellars - and behind the modest facade you'll be greeted with an excellent choice of wines from South West France including some real classy and classic producers such as Chateau de Cedre in Cahors (one of the very best); Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic Bilh from Bouscassé; Bergerac from Patricia Atkinson at Clos d'Yvigne; and wines from Chateau Beaulieu in the Cotes du Marmandais! Their Alsace selection includes great names such as Hugel and Rolly Gassman; In the Loire they have gone for big names such as Couly-Dutheil's Chinon and Henry Pellé's Menetou-Salon AND some rarer sightings such as Valencay AC and Coteaux du Giennois - so a judicious selection of some of the best producers sprinkled with interesting lesser-known offerings. I would have no problem in putting together a rather good mixed case of quality interesting wines - other than to decide what to leave out.
They have a shop, online ordering and a wine club. Their Christmas tasting is on Sat 25 November 2006 - not to be missed I'd say.
For more info see www.southdownscellars.co.uk
Click for more on Patricia Atkinson and Clos d'Yvigne
Click for more info on the Cotes du Marmandais!
