Hello,
“A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world”
- Louis Pasteur
On to my selections:
Whites
Tesco - Canto Nono, Alvarinho, Portugal: £6.75 (25% off mix six with Clubcard)
Albariño (Spain) = Alvarinho (Portugal). Over the past 18 months, the price of Spanish Albariño has skyrocketed. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the grape without having to splash out.
Waitrose - Zierfandler, Heinrich Hartl, Austria: £13.99
If you're looking for something a little different on the white wine front, check out this Austrian wine made from Zierfandler grape which I’m guessing you've probably never heard of. Packed with a good deal of complexity it's bound to elicit a reaction - isn't that what it's all about?
Aldi - Specially Selected, Pagadebit Romagna, Italy: £8.99
Pleased to see something a little different on Aldi's shelves. The Pagadebit grape translates as ‘debt payer’ due to its ability to ripen in most conditions. Fresh citrus flavours, worth a crack.
Morrisons - Rigal Vin Orange, Gascony, France: £8 (down from £10.50)
Orange wine has received a lot of press recently. The problem is that it can cost a pretty penny to dive right in. Well, here's a way to dip your toe into the world of orange for a sensible price. I just love the review on the website:
“Confusing, nothing like I tasted before from old or new world wines. Was curious due to this being made following traditional Georgian fermentation style with grape skins. The taste is confusing. I cannot either recommend it or not. Acquired taste?”
Sparkling
Majestic Wine - Bouvet, Ladubay Saumur, Brut, Loire, France: £9.99 (down from £13.99 mix six)
I've sung the praises of Bouvet before and at this price, it's an absolute gem for all the fizzy fanatics out there.
Reds
Waitrose - Paolo Leo, Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia, Italy: £7.99 down from £12.99
This is a fantastic deal for a popular wine. It's widely acknowledged that the best Primitivo hails from Manduria. This showcases the grape beautifully with a hint of chocolate and dark fruits. This is undeniably a great choice for the winter months.
Sainsbury’s - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Taste the Difference, Toscana, Italy: £8.25 (25% off mix six)
A fantastic opportunity to try a well-respected Italian wine at a very respectable price. Classic red cherry from the Sangiovese grape along with flavours that come about from seven years of ageing. Give it a go.
Lidl - Winemaker's Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia £7.29
I’ve noticed I’ve been a little shy about recommending the world’s most planted red grape variety. Coonawarra is responsible for some great examples of the grape and this is a decent attempt that scores well in tastings.
Co-op - Extreme, Bobal, Spain: £11.25
If you're a fan of robust, peppery red wines (similar to Shiraz), then this one is tailor-made for you. Bobal is the grape, and when it's at its finest it produces wines brimming with personality. This is a full-bodied expression full of black pepper flavours and is a great option with steak.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Stay Corked - Luke
I just happened to be in Waitrose !!! Rude not to buy some red when your message came through
Have just tried the Vin Orange. It's awesome, thanks Luke. Privilege to be educated again!