WINES 4 THE ICE BUCKET 🧊 (STAY HYDRATED !)

Source note: This post is adapted from Parched's May 26, 2026 newsletter

Alright?

Survived the long weekend, just. Slightly burnt and a bit hungover but can't complain too much. Almost back to business as usual, though it's still a bit hot. Might be too hot. For any orders of the more fragile and premium wines we'll hold on an extra day and ship when things cool down tomorrow. Better safe than sorry.

Boring bits aside, I spent a glorious Sunday at Ham Street for their open day. I've said it many times before but they make really great wine. Great people, great fruit. Biodynamic and then some, practically off-grid winery, low-fi but nothing done for dogma. Done because they genuinely care about the wine and the planet. They're doing it right, for you and for me.

The fizz is super good. Better than a lot of Champagne. All Meunier, aromatically off the charts, racy Kentish acid. A killer aperitif that can hold its own at the table too.

Also, for the first time in a while, some new gear from La Stoppa. Natural wine from Emilia-Romagna doesn't get more iconic. Trebbiolo for its rustic and vibrant drinkability. Macchiona for its reliable, age-worthy tertiary deliciousness. Ageno for its life-affirming, nourishing nature.

Joining the range is Costabosco. This section of vines is heavily sheltered by woodland, the shade and filtered light playing a vital role in slower maturation, larger berries, and a beautiful balance between aromatic charm and structure. If you've tried Ageno, you'll have some idea. If you haven't, you simply must. It is a heavyweight maceration rubbing shoulders with Radikon and Gravner. Powerful and layered, something to ponder on deeply.

Costabosco retains much of that character. Herbal, citrus rind, and dried fruit, yet with tension and a feverish level of drinkability. Dare I say a perfect orange wine? Perfect for the sunshine, that's for sure. Only tiny amounts in the country and we were allocated just a dozen to last the full year. Don't sleep on it.

A newcomer from Sylvie Augereau too. Loire legend, organiser of La Dive. Can't believe this is a first. Tasting this recently, it might just be the best chilled red I’ve had for some time. Ultra refreshing, demanding a healthy chill. Channelling big Ocean Spray vibes. Tart red fruit for days, whispers of herb, and the faintest grip to keep things about as refreshing as red wine gets. The chilled red of SS26. Calling it now.

Bordeaux in this heat? Nah. Bordeaux in general is pretty meh, tbh. Well, apart from Le Puy. We've only ever worked with one producer from these parts and I can't see that changing anytime soon. Simply best in class. I've had plenty of small pours of the range at big tastings, but recently sat down and got properly acquainted with the white. Le Puy, I did not know you could flex this hard. I also did not know Semillon could taste this good. Golden and luminous, fruity and full, yet not heavy in the slightest. Taut and tangy with a minerality I've not encountered elsewhere. No sulphur, yet squeaky clean. Not the cheapest, but quite possibly the best white on our shelves right now.

The rosé is a serious Saignée too. I don't think you could find a more vinous and expressive pink from anywhere. Could easily fall into the lighter red category, but whatever you want to call it, it's undeniably delicious and undeniably perfect for the next BBQ. Again, zero zero and tiny amounts made.

Plenty of other fresh arrivals I don't have time to write about but very much worth a look. New Frick, new Bottes Rouges, new Gut Oggau, new Mascarello.

Right, g2g cool down. Speak soon!
Fionn
xoxo