Luke's Monthly Wine Recommendations | October

I've found some corkers!

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