Uncorked with Henry Butler: It’s fun to look off the beaten track
When stepping into an independent shop the range of wines available can be overwhelming to some. There is a certain comfort in spotting some familiar names, wines you might have tried before, such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chablis or Puligny-Montrachet. You’ll have a rough idea of what flavours to expect, so these bottles might feel like a safe bet. The trade-off is that some of these prestigious labels can have a luxurious price tag.
The beauty of an independent shop is that the staff will be knowledgeable with plenty of personal experience. They’ll be able to advise you about alternatives to suit your budget. Sometimes we just need to look over the fence, or to a neighbour of a well known wine region to find some exciting bargains. We just need to be pointed in the right direction.
Many winemakers will produce a range of wines including a flagship example, and something more affordable. If wines such as Barolo or Chateauneuf du Pape are on a shop shelf at £10 or under, there will be a reason for it, and it won’t be a good reason! If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Our advice would be to find a good Barolo producer. They will likely make a wine from another designation. This will allow you to benefit from their experience and enjoy a quality wine without a prohibitive price. In Burgundy for example, Chablis grapes must come from the designated Chablis appellation. Some producers might be just outside the boundary. They can make another wine, in a similar way and call it Bourgogne Blanc, potentially at a fraction of the price.
Here are two hidden gems.
Bourgogne Blanc Alain Chavy 2024, France (£26.50)
The Chavy family make Puligny Montrachet, which retail at £50 upwards. They also make this Bourgogne Blanc from younger vines and vines grown just outside of Puliny Montrachet. The family have had roots in Puligny for 200 years but have traditionally sold their wine to negociants. In 1976 they started bottling under their own label.
The Alain Chavy Bourgogne Blanc comes from young vines from their 17 acres of vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet. This example is typical of those from Puligny, where the wines show green apple and lemon, firm acidity and distinctive minerality. There is a touch of new French oak which adds body and subtle richness. Ideal with seafood in creamy sauces.
Mas de Bois ‘La Chaussynette’ Vin de France 2025, France (£16.99)
Mas de Boislauzon makes Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines, some of which retail at over £100, this wine doesn’t! It utilises fruit grown outside of the appellation, it isn’t as rich as some of their other wines but it is well made and very drinkable.
This classic Rhône blend (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) comes from organically farmed vineyards with clay soils topped by the region’s signature galets roulés (large, sun-warmed stones). Aged entirely in tank with no oak influence, this vibrant red captures the essence of a "bistro Châteauneuf" style. Bursting with juicy red fruit, hints of kirsch, and a touch of baking spice, it offers a more approachable, easy-drinking expression than the estate’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape (exactly as intended). Designed for pure, effortless enjoyment, this is a Rhône red made to be shared, sipped, and savoured. A perfect pairing for burgers and an unbeatable value.
Butlers Wine Cellar, 88 St George's Road, Brighton BN2 1EE
01273 621 638 • www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk
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