 |
 |
 |
Bourbon Whiskey is America's contribution to the fine wine & spirits world. American Whiskies were first produced in the early 18th century from a blend of Corn, Rye & Wheat - As they still are today. Many Bourbon lovers that visit Nicks Wine Merchants are astonished by diverse range, and soon begin to think outside the Jim Beam and Jack Daniels square. We stock brands like Blanton's, Four Roses, Van Winkle, George T Stagg and many more.
| Best known for its Malbec Argentina is the largest wine producing country in South America. The vines can be grown with minimal chemicals due to the altitude and low humidity which keeps insects, mould and fungal growth to a minimum. Malbec typically produced wines with spicy dark fruit character. Chardonnay is the biggest white variety producing fresh, fruity wines. Some of Bordeaux's biggest names Cheval Blanc & Lafite Rothschild have established estates in Argentina and are producing outstanding quality wines. |
Canadian Whisky suffered after America ended it's Prohibition in 1933. Whilst America's South made & drank Moonshine, in the North they drank Canadian Whisky. Distilleries like Hiram Walker's on the banks of the Detroit River, smuggled Whisky into the States. It suffered again with the demise of Seagrams. Recently, interest in Canada's lighter-styled Whiskys has bloomed thanks in part to the critic's praise on Crown Royal, Canadian Club and Wisers - And the adventurous drinker looking for something different! |
 |
 |
 |
Aquavit (Akvavit, Snaps) is the drink of Denmark. Distilled grain or grape spirit is infused with a wide array of aromatic herbs and spices to create one of the most versatile spirits around Aquavit is one of the few spirits on the market that is ideally consumed with food. It's clean, full bodied palate which displays flavours of Carroway, Star Anice, Fennel and Coriander is said to aid digestion. Aquavit is also commonly served as an aperitif, or with entrees. Nicks Wine Merchants carry a range of Aquavit unparalled in Australia. Featured brands include Denmark's Aalborg, Norway's Linie, Germany's Bommerlunder. Also available from Denmark is Gammel Dansk.
|
England's greatest contribution to bars all around the world is Gin. Although Gin was first produced in Holland, no other country has embraced Gin like England. Thousands of Gin shops existed in the 1700s selling inxpensive, poor quality liquour distilled from grain that wasn't suitable for brewing beer. Gin today is distilled from molasses or grain, and flavoured with an array of fruits, herbs and spices, predominantly Juniper Berries also Liqourice, Almonds and Coriander. London Dry Gin is the essential ingredient in countless cocktails, Martini, Tom Collins, Gin Sling, and Monte Carlo - Just to name a few. Brands like Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Plymouth, Beefeater, Millers, Gordons and Gilbey's dominate the market and have managed to return an element of prestige to this drink that was once the staple of poor communities. |
France is perhaps the birth place of the worlds finest wines. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced from the Burgundy region reach dizzying heights of quality and price. Bordeaux produces Cabernet blends that are highly sought after across the world and sweet Botrytised wines from Sauterne and Barsac that can live for decades. Champagne produces the most widely known and highest quality sparkling wines found anywhere in the world. France also is home to Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, Fine Liqueurs and Absinthes. |
 |
 |
 |
Ireland lays claim to one of the most notable feats in the world of fine wine and spirits. The Irish proudly proclaim that they are the inventors of Whiskey. Whilst other nations have embraced Whiskey and fashioned styles of their own, Ireland produces a softer, sweeter, more elegant style of the World's favourite dark spirit. Irish Whiskey is was one of the first distilled beverages in Europe - Allegedly created by Alchemists attempting to create medicinal 'elixirs.' Today 3 distilleries are operating in Ireland and another in Northern Ireland producing around 70 labels. We've managed to source 30+ of what we believe to be the best of Ireland. Power's, Green Spot, Redbreast, Knappogue Castle, Tyrconnel and Connemara come with our highest recommendation. |
Israel, like Chile and Argentina is experiencing phenomanal growth thanks to substantial investments in research and development. Quality in recent years has increased dramatically and subsequently the wines of Israel have recieved high praise from the World's wine press. Good quality, well priced, Bordeaux styled reds are crafted in the region of Gaililee, often certified Kosher. Israel undeniably offers the best quality Kosher wines we've seen, thanks to producers like Tzora, Amphorae and Dalton. The outstanding Sabra Chocolate Orange Liqueur also calls Israel home.
|
Wine has been produced in Italy since the 2nd century BC. Today Italy is the 5th largest wine producer in the world. Italy's geographical diversity allows an amazing array of regional styles subsequently, keeping track of Italian wines is no easy task! This difficult task has been somewhat made easier thanks to an extensive article published by Vintage Direct - See the more information link below. Red grape staples are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Barbera, Dolcetto and Corvina. Trebbiano, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Arneis and Garganega fly the white grape flag. Italy is also home to Prosecco, the major constituent of Italy's flagship sparkling wines. Italy also produces a abundance of excellent spirits and liqueurs. |
 |
 |
 |
Whilst historical facts about the world's most popular distilled beverage are somewhat blurred, and several other countries claiming Vodka as their own - It is synonomous with Russia. Merely mentioning Vodka conjours mental images of Snow, Barren Tundra, Deep voices and people wearing ushankas. Vodka is unquestionably the most versatile of spirits, thanks to it's near neutral inoffensive flavour. Stolichnaya Elit, and Moskovskaya Cristall are two of our more interesting offerings.
Vintage Direct recently published an outstanding article on Vodka, which you can see by clicking more information below.
|
It is impossible to comprehensively summarise the astounding phenomenon that is Scotland's national drink, Whisky. As an example of the scale of Scotch Whisky production, The 2008 Whisky Bible by Jim Murray contains over 2000 tasting notes. Production occours in 4 distictive regions. Lowland, Speyside, Highland (The islands are considered a sub-region) and Islay. Each of the regions produce decidedly different drinks. Speyside's Whiskies are renowned for there elegance and refinement, sometimes adopting a gentle salty character thanks to the maritime climate. Islay Whiskies on the other hand have enormous mouthfeel, and texture, smoky characteristics thanks to peat fuelling the fire when malting the grains. These are the two extremes, with so many choices inbetween it's little wonder so many people around the world are captivated by Scotch Whisky. Nicks Wine Merchants carry a formidable range of Whiskies - Over 250 at last count! |
Spain's signature drink is a fortified wine commonly known as Sherry. Sherry is produced exclusively in and around the town of Jerez in Spain's Southwestern Corner. Sherry is an incredibly diverse drink. Styles vary from light, bone dry Manzanillas and Finos, Medium bodied, Nutty Amontillados, Olorosso Sherries characterised by their deep colour and layers of toffee and nut characters. Finally, at the sweetest end of the spectrum is Pedro Ximinez. By far the most intensely flavoured and richly textured Sherry it's flavour is reminiscent of Christmas Pudding. Pedro Ximinez (also known simply as PX) is an extraordinarily indulgent drink. In order to cater for the tastes of International markets Bodegas have created blends - the most common example being Harvey's Bristol Cream. The 'discovery' of Sherry can mark the beginning of a wonderful winelover's journey. |