Hannibal’s Newsletter – September 2022

HANNIBAL’S NEWS  –  SEPTEMBER 2022

It was back to normal service at the beginning of the month – and our biggest event of the year – the Burghley Horse Trials.  With a three year break, we had no idea what to expect and so were delighted when the crowds flocked and the sun shone.   This is quite simply a staggeringly enjoyable event where (dare I say), for many visitors, the horses are just a distraction and it’s the fabulous shopping opportunities it provides.  From outside garden furniture to the best smoked salmon – and of course Hannibal’s great range of wines all ready to be tasted and enjoyed.  We are sure to be back there next year, so do consider it as the perfect end of summer event.

2022 – FINGERS CROSSED, SURPRISINGLY GOOD QUALITY PREDICTED

Europe is set to report a pretty good quality vintage overall – assuming all continues to go well.  Picking is now well under way in some parts of France and Italy.   In spite of early frosts and exceptionally dry weather (France reports the driest on record since 1959), the vines are largely disease free.  Surprisingly, Champagne yields are reporting 10% up on 2021 and more in line with their five year average.  Bordeaux, on the other hand, is likely to be lower as a result of their blistering heat and this is more likely to be the norm across western European production – good quality, lower quantities.

WHAT CAN OUR NEW LEADER DO?

As our new Prime Minister gathers her thoughts, we are tightening our belts and doing everything in our power to mitigate possible cost increases, let’s face it, most of which will probably be outside any PM’s control.   If she can magic an improvement in the value of Sterling, then this will do wonders for wine pricing.  But in the meantime, it’s our job to highlight what we believe are our best value offerings.  And what better than to highlight our bestsellers at Burghley Horse Trials last week :

     CHATEAU D’OLLIERES, PROVENCE ROSE – £14.65

The biggest seller of the weekend, pushed on by the continued sunshine.   Go on, treat yourself to a few last bottles to see out the summer in style!

     CIELLO BIANCO, SICILY  –  £10.25

Often referred to as ‘the cloudy one’, this 100% catarratto grape is an organic/bio-dynamically produced gem.  Unfiltered (hence the cloudiness), it has real intrigue and just a bit more to it then many wines at this price point.  Another sell out at Burghley, so give it a go

     THE PENNY BLACK, POST HOUSE WINERY, STELLENBOSCH, S AFRICA – £23.75

We introduced this several months ago, showed it to a big wine society and have been bowled over by it ever since.  Yes is a bit meaty on price, but we think it is an absolute steal compared to other wines of this quality (think north of £100 for a good Bordeaux and you’ll understand why we are highlighting it).

Cheers!

Hannibal Brown