We are the Heretics
and we like to blow the doors off every now and then
and we only release the best quality wine
and we know the difference between Puligny and Chassagne
and we love art, like really love art
and we support independent fashion producers
and we only listen to decent music
and we never listen to Heart FM
and we know fast fashion is a problem
and we say boll*cks to sh*t wine
and we play our music much too loud
and we love a festival
and we never sit on the fence
and we love the smell of books
and we ask forgiveness, not permission
and we love vinyl
and we are obsessed with music
and we love what we do
and crossfit buggers our shoulders too
and we love Burgundy
Nick Cook (verified owner) –
Having read about The Heretics winery in one of last year’s Sunday Times where the journalist had either written a glowing review or offered a Heretics Chardonnay as a must-buy bottle of wine, I purchased some for my wife’s birthday. The Chardonnays are delicious. For her birthday, this year, I tried the new (then pre-order) Cantillon rosé and we loved it. Here’s my full review:
Appearance:
The wine pours a vibrant, pale salmon-pink—deep and richly hued, thanks to extended maceration on the skins. It catches the light with a subtle glow, promising both intensity and elegance.
Nose:
Invites aromas of ripe red fruit—wild strawberry, cranberry, and a touch of tangy rhubarb— its lift is graceful, convivial and vivid. Underneath, the oak influence whispers of warm baking spices: vanilla bean, faint gingerbread, and a hint of cinnamon. There’s also a delicate note of dried rose petals, elegantly perfumed and aromatic.
Palate:
Bold and full-flavoured, this rosé delivers plush red fruit— think juicy raspberry and crisp red cherry— balanced by a refreshing acidity that keeps it lively and bright. The oak is more assertive here than in a lighter rosé: it contributes a gentle creaminess and subtle spice that enriches rather than overwhelms. The wine’s mid-palate is texturally pleasing, with the oak’s “second-fill” nature giving it a smooth, rounded mouthfeel without any harsh tannin.
Finish:
The finish lingers with a graceful blend of fruit-tinged acidity and oak-driven vanilla warmth. There’s a savoury, almost toasty, nuance that extends the sip, and a clean, crisp closure that invites another.
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Why It Works So Well
Impressive presence for a rosé: Often rosés lean light, but this one stands out—rich, textural, and satisfying—while still maintaining freshness.
Balanced oak integration: The use of a “second-fill” barrel imparts noticeable complexity and depth without masking the fruit, lending it a sophisticated edge.
Heretical flair: In true “heretic” style, the wine defies expectations — bold, experimental, and unapologetically expressive.
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Food Pairing Suggestions
Charcuterie, particularly prosciutto or aged ham, cuts through the richness and echoes the savoury-fruit balance.
Grilled tuna or salmon salads bring complementary weight and enhance the wine’s spice and acidity.
A fresh caprese with a drizzle of herb oil would echo the wine’s red fruit and herbaceous undertones.
For something playful, try creamy mushroom risotto—the earthiness mirrors the oak, while cream echoes the wine’s texture.
Gareth Maxwell –
F*cking hell Nick, that’s a review isn’t it…..amazing, much love, G8J
Rory flaherty (verified owner) –
Just Cracked this open for my brothers birthday, we really enjoyed the last two bottles from heretics and this one didn’t disappoint.
Lovely pink peppercorn colour, honeydew melon clings to the mouth and lingers there until your next sip or glug. We will definitely keep up with heretics latest creations.
Gareth Maxwell –
Rory! Hope your brother understands what a legendary brother he has…..Much love, G&J
Camilla Presland (verified owner) –
We loved the Blowhorn Rosé so when I got the pre order offer for the Cantillon it was too tempting to resist. When the case arrived a bottle went straight in the fridge to try ASAP! Different in style to the Blowhorn but equally if not more delicious. We were struck by the beautiful colour, which is difficult to describe, a deep rose pink leaning towards crimson.
On the nose, red summer fruits with a hint of vanilla and baking spices. On the Palate, fantastic structure, well balanced and integrated high acidity, dry with a certain tartness almost akin to a cherry tart as well as fresh strawberries and redcurrants, followed by a smooth persistent finish. Perfect to drink on its own on a summer evening but equally has the intensity to pair with many dishes including my favourite Tomato, Nectarine and Burrata salad. All this and the early order came with a free T-shirt ! As well as outstanding wine there is warm customer service which makes one feel part of something special, huge fan of The Heretics and can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Gareth Maxwell –
Camilla! What a great review, really touched that you took the time to give us the full lowdown. We are always amazed at the responses that we get and this one is certainly up there. Much love, G&J x
John Wilson (verified owner) –
I was introduced to The Heretics by Sonal Clare the Som at The Wilderness in the Birmingham Jewelry Quarter. All three releases have been a delight. Hard to choose between this and Blowhorn. As I’ve drunk all my Blowhorn I don’t have to! It complements a sunny day and vastly imroved a grey one.
Gareth Maxwell –
John! A loyal heretic customer and we love you for it, much love to you and Brum, G&J