WHAT TO DRINK AT CHRISTMAS 2013 & NE’ERDAY 2014

CANAPÉS & BUBBLY

Whether you enjoy tasty canapés, hand cooked  crisps or mixed nuts you can’t let Christmas or New Years day go past without a glass or two of bubbly. Some nibbles and a glass of Prosecco is the perfect way to give everyone a lift, whet the appetite, and get the festive food orgy underway.

Great news is that quality Prosecco is plentiful at under a tenner and you can buy a double silver medal winner from Aldi at £7.29. Good Prosecco is not just as dry as champagne and it has a hint of fruitiness. Go Italian with a Bellini made from Prosecco and peach juice or French by making a Kir Royale by adding a little splash of Crème de Cassis liqueur.

If you want to push the boat out, then go traditional and serve well chilled champagne. Most supermarkets have their own brands at around £15 per bottle or you could jump up to a Grand Marque such as Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger which are excellent champagnes for around £35 with Lanson Black Label, Piper Heidseick and Pommery in the £22 to£30 price range. If you are looking for something which is almost as good as champagne at around a tenner, why not try Jacobs Creek chardonnay pinot noir which is a brilliant methode champenoise from Oz and it won’t disappoint.

STARTERS

My rule for starters is always to serve white wines which are dry and light. A good sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, a chenin blanc from South Africa or a viognier from Chile or Australia are good New World choices. Sauvignon blanc with its’ dry minerally flavour and a touch of citrus, is ideal with smoked salmon, prawns or cured meats. Closer to home try a steely Sancerre from the Loire or choose an Italian option by going straight for a Gavi di Gavi and avoid an inconsistent pinot grigio.

To serve something really special on Christmas day, you can dig a bit deeper into your pocket and go for a clean and light chardonnay from Burgundy such as Rully, Mercurey or Montagny. Mâcon-Villages produces a softer style lower price with Macon-Lugny a favourite.

MAINS

Main courses at Christmas mainly fall into two categories roast turkey and the rest. Looking at wine options to go with roast turkey, chipolatas, pigs in blankets, rich gravy, sprouts, roast potatoes, cranberry sauce and sundry accoutrements raises quite a challenge. Normally you would associate white wines with white meats but with all those strong tastes going on at once, you need something with a fuller body. Why not go for something special from the Burgundy or the Rhone Valley such as Chateau Neuf Du Pape. Try 2006, 2009 or 2012 which have been hailed as exceptional years. If you like something a bit lighter with a touch of oak and vanilla, why not try my favourite of Spanish Rioja, especially a Reserva or a Gran Reserva which are smooth, rich and complex. If you have a penchant for Italy a Chianti Classico could fit the bill.

If you have opted out of roast turkey and enjoy a juicy steak or a nice rich steak pie New World reds will provide that mouth filling rich fruity flavours which compliment red meats. Why not seek out a cabernet sauvignon from Chile or Australia, a Malbec from Argentina, a Pinotage from South Africa or a weightier Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, Australia. You could go off-piste with a Carmenère from Chile or Argentina which is the new up and coming grape with lots of flavour and round soft tannins. Returning to Europe a smooth Barolo, Amarone or Primitivo from Italy can provide a soft full bodied alternative or a big wine from the Rhone - Vaqueyras, Crozes Hermitage, Gigondas or the heavy weight St Joseph.

PUDDINGS

There is nothing better to go with puddings than a sweet white wine. Top of the tree comes the almost unaffordable Beaumes de Venise or Sauternes from France or an Ice-wine from Austria or Canada which are best served well chilled. The ripe, unctuous sweet flavours offer a complex compliment to most desserts. Alternatives from Oz are available and I recommend the Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora. If you are looking for something different go no further than a chilled bottle of Asti Spumanti. You’ll be surprised how well this goes with sweet desserts such as pavlova or sticky toffee pudding.

CHEESE & AFTERS

When the digestive system starts to cope with the previous courses there is always room for a nibble from the cheese board with a bunch of ripe red grapes. Wines to follow are really a personal choice depending on the cheeses available. A glass or two of a full bodied red wine or rich tawny port can finish the meal perfectly. There are a number of very good Port houses which offer a range of tawny, LBV or vintage ports which will do the job. You really can’t go wrong with Noval, Taylor’s or Cockburn’s ports which are widely available.

TO FINISH

If you have not succumbed to that warm, cosy after meal siesta in front of the TV, then there’s always time for another port or a warm, smooth and mouth filling malt whisky. If like me you prefer smooth, round whiskies with a sweeter aspect opt for a dram from Scotland’s most northerly distillery in Orkney, where a 12 year old Highland park will do the job nicely. A hearty Glenfarclas 15 year old from Speyside, a smooth lightly peated 12 year old Bunnahabhain from Islay or an even lighter 12 year old Aberfeldy from the Highlands are superb alternatives. If you want to push the boat out and have deep pockets there is a wide selection of great malts which have matured well into their teens and early twenties. Three that top my list without being overly expensive are 18 years olds from Smith’s Glenlivet, Highland Park or Glenfarclas.

SOME WELL TRIED & TESTED RECOMMENDATIONS

BUBBLY

Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG - Top Bubbly Recommendation
Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene is the DOCG title given to the finest Prosecco wines made in the Veneto wine region of north-eastern Italy. This a fine example of Prosecco which won silver medals at the 2012 and 2013 Wine & Spirit International challenge. Aldi £7.29

Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée, Australia – NV

Made with bottle fermentation, this bubbly is almost as good as champagne.  Normally sold at £10.00 it is currently available at Sainsbury and Asda for around £7.00

WHITES

Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Chardonnay, Limara Valley, Chile – 2011
Top White Recommendation
A gold medal winner was declared the best chardonnay in the world (under £15) this year. Available from both Tesco and Morrisons at £9.99 and £11.99

Viña Mayu Sauvignon Blanc, Elqui Valley, Chile - 2012

A cracking Sauvignon Blanc with savoury grassy and zingy gooseberry flavours Available at Asda at £6.98.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viogner, Chile - 2012

A Chilean stunner at a genuinely discounted price from Morrisons for only £4.99. Beautiful fruit, rich flavour and a good finish make this wine worth double the price.

Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand - 2013

A cracking, crisp dry white packed with gooseberry fruit aromas and passion fruit flavours. Very young but will improve with a few months cellaring. Tesco £6.24

Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile – 2011

A favourite of mine this beautiful chardonnay is unbelievably well balanced, with subtle tropical peach, apricot and melon peach. Subtle oak characters, a touch of acidity and a great finish. Available at Majestic for £10.39 (on offer)

Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay, Australia - 2012

An old fashioned Aussie Chard which is full bodied, dry with loads of rich tropical fruit and melon flavours. Lovely big chardonnay available from Tesco at £5.49 or Asda at £6.00

REDS

Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja, Spain – 2001  - Top Red Recommendation
This impressive Rioja came first in Decanters Top 50 reds. It is a sophisticated wine and a magnificent Rioja. Pale Victoria plum in colour with a mahogany rim and complex aromas of plums and raspberries combined with hints of cedar, vanilla and spice. This superb wine is smooth and velvety on the palate with a hint of vanilla on the finish. Asda £13.00 Sainsbury £13.99

Asda Wine Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, South Australia - 2012

This own label is a silver medal winner and worth 3 times the offer price of £4.98. Pour this into a decanter and tell your friends it’s a medal winning wine which has a lovely fruity nose with complex flavours of eucalyptus, deep cassis with just a touch of tannin.

Stella Bella Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia - 2008

A smashing Ozzie red for a special occasion. A dark chocolaty shiraz with loads of fruit, a touch of Viognier to soften the tannins and a great finish. Available from Alliance Wines in Beith for around £18.00 (sold by the case)

Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa Valley, Australia – 2011

A full bodied and rich Ozzie red which is ideal for steaks, beef and venison. This classic shiraz has concentrated blackcurrant and bramble fruit as well as hints of mocha and dark chocolate. Available for £8.79 at Majestic, when buying 2 bottles as part of a mixed case

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile - 2009 

A very sophisticated full-bodied wine with lots of berry fruits and hints of tobacco and vanilla and a delightfully long finish. Available at Morrisons and Tesco online around £13.00

Lagunilla Reserva Rioja, Spain – 2008

Classic Rioja with deep strawberry fruit, vanilla and a good finish. Tesco online at £6.50

Viña Mayu Sangiovese, Chile –2011

A lovely soft, medium bodied, red wine has a touch of peppery spice and a satisfying finish. This great medal winning wine drinks well on it’s own or with almost all meats. Asda £6.98

DESSERTS & PORT

Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora 2009 Australia
Great sticky to go with desserts, priced around £7.50 for a half bottle at Waitrose & Ocado

Asti Martini Spumanti, Italy – NV

An excellent medium sweet bubbly to go with pudding. Asda £6.00 and Tesco £6.99

Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal - 2007

Intense, rich, dark, red port with ripe aromas of cherries and blackberries – Tesco & Ocado

Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal – NV

A rich, mellow old tawny port with an intense complex nose from years of ageing in oak casks. Widely available.  Tesco £19.30, Majestic £20.00 and Selfridges £25.99

Cheers for 2014. Enjoy and drink sensibly.

 

NOVEMBER EXTRAS - TWO CRACKING REDS

Sainsbury Taste the Difference Barolo 2009 - £15.49

Having a special dinner party or just want to spoil yourself, well look no further than the mighty Barolo. From the Piedmont northern Italy, Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape, which gives powerfully structured wines capable of long ageing and developing savoury characters. One of the best examples, at an affordable price, is Sainsbury Taste the Difference Barolo. The vintage on sale just now is 2009 which was also a great vintage in France, Spain and Italy.

Enjoyed at Chateau Stonefield, Taste the Difference has a fruity nose, light berry flavours backed with deep chocolaty overtones. The smooth flavour is backed by some decent tannins resulting in a beautifully long lingering finish.

Recommended by both Olly Smith and Tim Atkins of Saturday Kitchen can’t be bad for this superb wine. Tim Atkins says: Delicious Barolo, like delicious red Burgundy, is hard to find under £20, let alone at closer to £10, but Matteo Ascheri is brilliant at finding parcels of Italy's most temperamental grape that delivers flavour as well as value for money. This is a riper style (it was a warm vintage), but combines aromas of rose petal and red fruits with savoury, smoky tannins and a classically firm, even austere finish. A great introduction to the joys of Nebbiolo. Impress your guests with a Fab wine at a fab price. Normally available online as Tesco Finest at £15.99 and at Sainsbury online in England only. Definitely worth pushing the boat out and impressing your guests.

 ASDA Extra Special Beaujolais Villages Red 2011 - £5.75

The ASDA Extra Special Beaujolais Villages has won two international awards this year and deserves a visit. Don’t confuse this wine with basic Beaujolais or the Beaujolais Nouveau which is often thin watery and still fermenting when you open a bottle. Beaujolais Villages is a serious wine at an affordable price. Sourced from selected villages, this Gamay-based Beaujolais is deliciously fragrant and full of raspberry fruit flavours. It is light, smooth & fruity. Very tasty with chicken, ham, omelettes, or try lightly chilled with strawberries for a great taste sensation. Currently reduced from £6.50 to £5.75

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER WINE BLOG – MEDAL WINNING WINES

This month brings award winning wines from both the old and new worlds. Chosen from 14000 wines submitted to the 2013 Decanter International Wine competition this selection of reds and whites were all medal winners. Not only medal winners but available from a shop near you at very economic prices. Of the supermarkets Asda and Tesco came out tops in medal winning, which they won on both price and quality. Not surprisingly of their ‘finest selection’ ranges beat wines of many times their price. The list below are just some of the corkers that emerged.

 Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Chardonnay, Limara Valley, Chile - 2011

*** Star Buy***
This gold medal winner was declared the best chardonnay in the world (under £15). It is a stunner with lovely tropical fruits and an enjoyable nutty finish. The tropical peach and apricot flavours are balanced with a touch of citrus. There is super complexity which releases lots of flavours and taste sensations with each mouthful. Concha Y Toro is one of the top growers which is available throughout the UK in both specialist and high Street stores. A definite winner which is available from both Tesco and Morrisons at £9.99 and £11.99

 Viña Mayu Sauvignon Blanc, Elqui Valley, Chile - 2012

Another gold medal winner which has been recommended by me on several occasions. This is a cracking Sauvignon Blanc with savoury grassy and zingy gooseberry flavours overlaid with a touch of peach and passion fruit. It is a prime example of quality wine emerging from Chile and is an excellent wine with a great finish. If you cant find the Sauvignon Blanc try the blended Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay which is a bit cheaper and will still be a great choice. Available at Asda at £6.98.

Waipara Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand  - 2012

Fancy another top quality Sauvignon Blanc but this choice is from the south island of New Zealand, then choose Waipara Hills. This newcomer is a beautiful wine which has a distinctive bouquet of citrus fruits and gooseberries. It has a dry, flinty edge of grapefruit, topped with subtle lychee and peach flavours. Definitely a seriously dry white which won’t disappoint. Available at Sainsbury, Tesco and Tesco Online at around £10.00, it can regularly be found discounted.

Tagus Creek Shiraz-Trincadeira, Alentejano, Portugal - 2012

Recommending a Portuguese wine is a first for the Glasgow Gourmand. Voted the best regional red wine from Portugal, Tagus Creek Shiraz-Trincadeira is a smash hit. Holidaying Portugal for many years has shown that Alentejo is a much improved wine growing area producing excellent wines in a modern style. It contrast with many heavier reds from Dao and other traditional areas Tagus Creek is an outstanding blend of Shiraz and local grape Trincadeira. Although young, this wine has a fruity nose and flavours of raspberries, blueberries and a definite touch of chocolate. A little fresh on the palate this is definitely one from left field which is worth a try at around £6.00 Available at Tesco & Asda(recently in Asda at £4.50) you can’t afford to miss this.

Asda The Wine Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek, South Australia - 2012

As mentioned before this Cabernet Sauvignon is from Asda’s Wine Selection range and is a beautiful wine for the price. If you are worried about serving own label, you can pour this into a decanter and tell your friends it is a Silver Medal winner at three times the price. It is a full bodied red from Langhorne Creek, one of the up and coming wine growing  areas in South Australia. This red wine has a beautifully fruity nose with a complex flavour of eucalyptus and deep cassis. You can savour a lovely soft feel in the mouth with just a touch of tannin. Definitely a wine for all occasions, priced at only £7.00 and often on special at Asda.

Tesco Finest Viña Mara Rioja Reserva, Spain - 2008

Rioja has been featuring regularly in my blog and this is a medal winner which has previously escaped my notice. One of the ‘Tesco Finest’ range this 5 years old Rioja Reserva is a typical red from Spain’s most prestigious area. It has been made by top Spanish producer, Baron De Ley and well aged in oak barrels. It has spice, cherry and strawberry flavours and is very well rounded with good vanilla overtones. It is made in a soft, light style and is an exceptional example of a 2008 Rioja. Selling in Tesco at £9.99 you will often see it on offer at £7.99, which cant be bad for this quality of wine.

AUGUST  & SEPTEMBER WINE BLOG – Quality Reds & Delicious Whites

Fancy 3 delicious whites and 3 quality reds to see you through to the autumn equinox then look no further than this magic selection below. Apart from my normal wine haunts I have included wines from Majestic and Waitrose which means a special trip if you are located in Scotland.

Yali Wetland Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Rapel Valley – Majestic £5.99 (if you buy 2 bottles)

Yali is a very reliable producer from Chile and their Wetland Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of a quality wine at a brilliant price. This has all the Grapefruit, lime and grassy flavours you would expect from a new Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but it also has a touch of peachy fruit. It has crisp citrus flavours and a  refreshing gentle acidity and a zingy finish. This an excellent Sauvignon Blanc, for either an aperitif or just for drinking - who needs an excuse at this price! (don’t mention this to the anti-alcohol lobby or they might put a sales ban on it). Fantastic value – even at the normal price of £7.49

Peter Lehmann Shiraz 2011 Barossa Valley – Majestic £8.79 (if you buy 2 bottles)

If you love shiraz, especially Aussie shiraz then you should choose Peter Lehmann. Known as the 'Baron of Barossa,' you can’t really go wrong with any of his offerings. This classic Shiraz has been selected from some of the best vineyards in the region. Ageing in French and American oak for 12 months gives this wine great dept and of course vanilla overtones. Plenty of oomph and spice on the palate, concentrated blackcurrant and bramble fruit as well as hints of mocha and dark chocolate. This is a big wine with loads of rich fruit, complexity, buckets full of flavour and a great finish. It goes well with anything from a barbeque and its powerful flavours compliment grilled sirloin, roast lamb or perfectly pink duck breast. This a wine to decant and drink now or lay down for another 2 or 3 years. Normally on sale at £10.99.

Mont Gras Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Waitrose - £6.99

Made from quality grapes sourced from Chile's cooler climate Casablanca Valley, this Reserva Sauvignon blanc is a delicious, juicy and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It is pale straw yellow in appearance with aromas of citrus fruits combined with intense flavours of asparagus, green olives and some fresh grass notes. It is fermented and left to mature on the lees which gives it a lovely complexity and flavours which last. Mont Gras is a quality producer and if you make a trip to Waitrose before 10 September you will not be disappointed at £6.99. This wine is a fantastic partner to smoked fish or a light chicken salad.

Telegraph Station Pinot Noir 2012 – Tesco £5.49

*** Star Buy***
Loved by some and ignored by others this Pinot Noir from South Eastern Australia is a winner in my opinion. Last year it was awarded a bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Challenge. Enough said!!! This fruity red wine is a beautiful example of a new world pinot, with  light summer fruit flavours and a definite taste of cherries. Unlike cheap French pinot noir you won’t find any vegetal overtones with this wine. Normally retailing from Tesco at £10.99 it is on special until early September. Fantastic with lamb chops and for this price it’s a definite bargain.

Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2012 – ASDA £5.00

Interested in an old fashioned Aussie Chard then Hardy’s Nottage Hill is a great choice. It is full bodied, dry with loads of rich tropical fruit and melon flavours. There are subtle oak characters which give it a well rounded elegant finish. If you are in the ABC camp (anything but chardonnay) then leave this beautiful big wine alone. If you still appreciate tropical flavoured white wine then you canny whack it at £5.00 per bottle. Down £3.00 on the normal Asda price of £8.00 or Tesco at £7.98.

La Consulta Reserva Malbec 2012 – Morrisons £7.99

Fancy a big mouth filling wine which is something a bit different from shiraz or cabernet sauvignon then try this classic Argentinean Malbec from Morrisons. It’s powerful wine with blackberry fruit and  lots of character. Although 2 years old and aged in oak for 9 months this wine deserves cellaring for another 2 or 3 years to be at its best. Alternatively open a bottle a few hours before drinking and you will enjoy this Reserva quality wine. Goes brilliantly well with steak and other red meats. Down from £9.99 La Consulta will impress you, if you are tempted to buy.

JULY UPDATE - SMASHING WHITE ON OFFER

Tesco Finest Tapiwey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - £5.99
In case you missed some of the July Summer White wine  recommendations here’s a beautiful Chilean sauvignon Blanc at a bargain price. Coming from Tesco’s ‘Finest’ range this dry white has all the characteristics of a New World sauvignon blanc with gooseberry flavours but softened by a touch of tropical fruit. Not one to be missed and on offer until 13 August. (normal price £8.99)

JULY WINE BLOG – WONDERFUL WHITES

JULY WINE BLOG – WONDERFUL WHITES

Following on from last month’s recommendations of Macho Barbeque Reds you will need to balance your cellar by buying some white wines. Summer is a great time for some bubbly or a light dry white wine to get your weekend off to a great start. I have listed below a handful of great wines which won’t break the bank and you can enjoy all of them well chilled in the garden. Priced from £4.59 to £10.39 there is something for everyone.

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2012 – ASDA £6.00

*** Star Buy***
If you are looking for an Aussie wine with the sophistication of a full bodied burgundy then you will love this. This Reserve wine from Adelaide hills is a lighter style chardonnay with finesse and structure and a good finish. There is subtle oak flavours balanced with vibrant fresh fruit characteristics. This is a wine for drinking now or cellaring for another 5 years to create greater subtlety and complexity. An ideal accompaniment to cream based pasta dishes, fish and shellfish and of course chicken. The Adelaide Hills Reserve Chardonnay is on at a special price but you can also buy the classic Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay for just a fiver.

Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir – ASDA £7.00 - COOP £7.99

*** Star Bubbly Buy***
If you want to impress your friends and get your special evening off to great start you should try this bubbly. Showing consistent quality over many years this champagne blend made by the ‘Methode Traditionelle’ and is the next best thing to the genuine but expensive article. This wine is soft, crisp and clean with a fine gas bead and a persistent mousse. It has citrus fruit flavours which are enhanced with creamy nutty yeast characters which provide both richness and structure. You really can’t go wrong with this brilliant product which normally sells between £9.99 and £10.99 and is widely available. Add a few drops of Crème De cassis and enjoy a Kir Royale.

Viña Sol 2012 – Morrisons £4.59
Cast your mind back to that hot Spanish holiday and drinking a pleasant Spanish white wine on one of the Costas. Well it was probably Viña Sol from Torres from one of the country’s biggest winemakers. Made from the Parellada grape, it is fresh and fruity on the nose, with a smooth, crisp palate, with plenty of apples and pineapple fruit. A touch of acidity makes it a refreshingly crisp wine. Viña Sol is suitable for drinking anytime - pre or post siesta! Superb with rice, fish and shellfish. This is on sale at lots of outlets and normally sells anywhere between £6.49 and £7.99. As James Martin says on Saturday Kitchen, ‘A bit of a bargain at £4.59’

Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012- Morrisons £5.49

Regularly recommended by me, Nobilo is an excellent example of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc at a brilliant price. It is crisp and zesty with a refreshing finish and a distinctive bouquet of tropical and citrus fruit, gooseberry and passion fruit. The wine is well balanced between fruit and acidity and has a distinctive grapefruit flavour. It is good on its own but goes perfectly with fish, prawns and smoked salmon. Even at full price Nobilo is still great value and beats many of its’ competitors on both flavour and price.

Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2011 – Majestic £10.39

COOP £10.79
If you are looking for a special white wine Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay is just fantastic. Rated by Oz Clarke as very good and awarded best in class at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit challenge this is a Chilean wine with an excellent pedigree. Naturally occurring yeasts on the grape skins are used instead of cultivated yeasts to give this dry white wine beautiful complexity and a good finish.  This wine is unbelievably well balanced, with subtle tropical stone fruit in the form of apricots and peaches mingling with subtle oak characters and a rich creaminess. Enjoy this wine over the next 2 years to allow further marrying of oak and fruit. This cracking wine is good enough to savour with warm Scottish langoustines, lobster or juicy roast chicken and is a step up in class

Morrisons Verdicchio Classico – Morrisons £4.99

Fancy something a bit different for a change. This own label Verdicchio Classico comes in an attractively shaped green bottle and is a smashing wine from Italy. It is chock full of mouth watering citrus flavours and there's lemon zest and a smidge of greengage and fig in this dry white. It's gorgeous as an aperitif, smashing with salads and any light starter.

Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG - Aldi £7.29

Prosecco di Conegliano - Valdobbiadene is the DOCG title given to the finest Prosecco wines made in the Veneto wine region of north-eastern Italy. This fine example of Prosecco won a silver medal at the 2012 International Wine & Spirit challenge. It is a light fruity wine with a gentle mousse and is very easy drinking. Perfect with a beautifully sweet Scottish strawberry or raspberry popped into a champagne flute. Why not mix this with equal quantities of chilled peach juice to make a classic Bellini.

Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay 2012 – Morrisons £5.66

Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay is one of the most reliable fruity white wines on the market. Its’ full bodied, tropical fruit style is always consistent and will not disappoint. If you want a bit more complexity and rounder flavour you can lay this wine down for a couple of years. Normally selling between £8.00 and £8.99 this excellent Aussie white wine is definitely one to have in your cellar for easy summer drinking on its’ own or with food.

JUNE WINE BLOG – SUMMER BARBEQUE REDS

JUNE WINE BLOG – SUMMER BARBEQUE REDS

Summer has definitely arrived, barbeques are being dusted down, cleaned and lit. Food is being prepared for grilling and charring and you need some good gutsy but smooth reds to wash down the burnt offerings and impress your friends on the warm summer evenings ahead. Here’s a few bottles which will guarantee a great evening and won’t hurt the pocket too much, as they start at £4.50.

ASDA Argentinean Malbec - ASDA £4.50

Looking for an up and coming wine which will go perfectly with a big juicy burger or chilli con carne then look no further than Argentinean Malbec from Asda. Coming from Mendoza, the country’s top wine region, this is a young fabulously easy drinking, rich & full bodied red with forest fruit flavours. This gorgeously rich Malbec packed with basketfuls of wild bramble flavour and is ideal for strong flavoured meats charred over a white hot barbeque.

Telegraph Station Cabernet Merlot 75Cl – Tesco £5.99

Highly recommended last weekend by a well respected Paisley wine connoisseur Telegraph Station Cabernet Merlot is a great find. This fruity red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes grown in South Eastern Australia with flavours of ripe blackberries and plums. This is definitely one to enjoy either at a barbeque or on any occasion. You can also try the Shiraz Cabernet also at £5.99, which is a bit more full bodied. For something lighter try the Telegraph Station Pinot Noir which is a beautiful example of a new world pinot, available from Tesco at £10.99 but is regularly on offer.

Zilzie Shiraz Viognier 2011 – ASDA £5.50

I enjoyed this beautifully rounded Aussie red at a friends house recently. It came as no surprise as the Australian wine guru James Halliday gives Zilzie 4 stars and wrote ‘The wines consistently far exceed expectations, given their prices.’ This wine from South Eastern Australia is a blend of Shiraz with a touch of Viogner grapes aged in oak for 6 months. The 2011 Zilzie Shiraz Viognier is vibrant and deliciously juicy. Layered with mulberry and dark cherry fruit, a hint of spicy vanillin oak and velvety tannins that linger. Easy to drink on its own or with food and guaranteed to impress.

Montes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon – 2011 – MORRISONS £5.99

*** Star Buy***
Montes are one of the top winemakers from Chile and they know about value and  putting  quality wines into the bottle. There are plenty of Cabernet Sauvignons out there but for under six quid, it’s hard to beat this gem. It has great flavours of cherry and blackberry and hints of gentle spice. Apart from being big on fruit it has a lovely smooth finish. It’s completely yummy sip after sip after sip. Enjoy with a well grilled steak or keep it in your cellar for another year or two. Morrisons are holding this price for only another week before it returns to £9.99 per bottle.

Penfolds Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2010 – ASDA £6.48

Penfolds produce some of Australia’s best red wines including the legendary ‘Grange’. Penfolds entry level red wine is Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet which yields a mixture of ripe blackcurrant fruit and soft, spicy flavours. Combining the warmth and spice of Shiraz with the fruity richness of Cabernet Sauvignon and tempered with some soft merlot and is ideal to drink now. Previously recommend by me, and normally retailing between £8 and £10, this is on special offer again at Asda.

Piccini Chianti Reserva 2010 - Morrisons £5.49

If you are looking for something a bit lighter to go with grilled lamb chops then look no further than this Italian wine made from the Sangiovese grape. Piccini Reserva, thanks to its ageing in wood, is a well structured, elegant, rounded and velvety wine from Tuscany. There is a nice balance of fruit with strawberry overtones and hint of cedar wood.  Although only 3 years old it pairs particularly well pork, lamb and chicken and is brilliant with pasta dishes. On offer for the next week only.

Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 75cl – Waitrose £9.99 

This wine is a rich, smooth and spicy Shiraz from one of the Barossa's top growers. It is a classic Barossa Shiraz which is smoky, smooth and succulent in youth. It will mature gracefully into a complex full bodied classy wine. This is a big wine with loads of rich fruit, complexity, buckets full of flavour and a great finish. It matures well and is particularly good at 4 or 5 years old. It goes well with anything from a barbeque and its powerful flavours compliment grilled sirloin, roast lamb or perfectly pink duck breast.

APRIL WINES– BRILLIANT BARGAIN REDS

APRIL WINES– BRILLIANT BARGAIN REDS

Following on from March’s bargain whites I want to give the red wine drinkers amongst you some easy drinking wines at affordable prices. Some of the wines have featured before and are reliable choices, others are new and come well recommended. The offer prices range from £4.25 to £6.48 and prices quoted in the blog are valid for at least the next week.

 

Penfolds Rawsons Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2010 – ASDA £6.48

*** Star Buy***
Penfolds produce some of Australia’s best red wines including the legendary ‘Grange’ which sells for £260 a bottle. Penfolds entry level red wine is Rawsons Retreat Shiraz Cabernet which yields a mixture of ripe blackcurrant fruit and soft, spicy flavours. Combining the warmth and spice of Shiraz with the fruity richness of Cabernet Sauvignon and tempered with some soft merlot, this early drinking wine is ideal to drink now. Normally retailing between £8 and £10 this is on special offer at Asda.

Piccini Chianti Reserva 2008 & 2009  - Morrisons £5.49

If you are looking for something light with a touch of the old world, then look no further than this Italian wine made from the Sangiovese grape. Piccini Riserva, thanks to its ageing, is a well structured, elegant, rounded and velvety wine from Tuscany. Already more than 4 years old it pairs particularly well pork and lamb and pasta with tomato sauce.

ASDA Sicilian Red – ASDA £4.25

Thinking of a summer barbeque or just a large glass of red to relax with at a rock bottom price. This award winning wine comes from the Mediterranean's largest island, Sicily and is a lovely medium bodied red, packed with berry flavour and bursting with Sicilian sunshine. It is easy drinking and is fabulous with roasts and bold pasta dishes. Recommended at the 2012 IWSC awards.

Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza 75cl – 2010 Tesco £5.00

This medium bodied wine is smooth and elegant by gentle sweet notes of vanilla and spices.
It has intense aromas of plums, cherries, hints of strawberries and toasty vanillin oak. Available in most supermarkets and recognised by its yellow label it is normally priced at about £8.50. Great bargain at £5.00. You could also trade up to the Reserva or Gran Reserva versions of Campo Viejo.

 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Limited Edition Shiraz Cabernet 2012 - Morrisons £4.99

This classic Aussie blend of Shiraz and cabernet Sauvignon is reputed to be a big bad Wolf of a wine which will blow you away with its deliciousness. Yet again Mr Blass has produced a stunner - swirling with red and black fruits, tons of spice and earthiness and just fabulous with big juicy steaks or home made burgers. Normally priced at £9.99 this limited edition is a top quality wine at a rock bottom price.

Lagunilla Rioja Reserva 2007 – Morrisons £4.99

This easily recognisable blue labelled wine is normally offered in supermarkets at a full price of £13 plus. Cherry red in colour with toasty aromas, smooth and round with wild forest fruits on the palate, soft tannins and notes of oak on the finish. For those readers who enjoyed the excellent 2006 the quality of the 2007 is not quite so well balanced and rich. Being sold at £4.99 it is definitely worth a try as you probably won’t see it again this price. Fantastic with lamb

MARCH 2013 - BARGAIN WHITES

MARCH 2013 - BARGAIN WHITES

If you are looking for a bargain white wine from the supermarket in the next week then look no further than Morrisons, Asda or the Co-op. All of the wines recommended are in the price range £4.49 to £7.48 and are on offer for the next week at least. Most  of the wines are available at other outlets at similar or higher prices.
I have included wines from Australia, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa made from 5 different grape varieties. Some of the wines are fab and others are of lesser quality, but still readily drinkable for the price. Go for a bit of a contrast by trying the Zilzie Viognier at £5.48 or the Hardy’s Nottage Hill at £5.49 both excellent but quite different styles.

If you are interested in any of these bargain whites then don’t delay.

ASDA

£5.00 - Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Usually £8.99
Recommended by me on numerous occasions Nobilo is an excellent example of New Zealand sauvignon blanc at a brilliant price. It is crisp and zesty with a refreshing finish and a distinctive bouquet of tropical and citrus fruit, gooseberry and passion fruit. The wine is well balanced between fruit and acidity and has a distinctive grapefruit flavour. It is good on its own but goes perfectly with fish, prawns and smoked salmon. Even at full price Nobilo is still great value.

£5.48 - Zilzie Viognier 2012 Usually £6.99

This is an excellent Viognier from Australia, which is best drunk young. It has a typical floral nose  and is jam-packed with apricot and lime marmalade, ginger spice and luscious golden fruits. Originally coming from the Rhone valley in France the Viognier grape is definitely different from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and insipid Pinot Grigio. Viognier can be drunk on its own or with fish or white meats and is beautiful when sipped well chilled on a summer’s evening.

£7.48 - Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2011 -  Usually £9.99

Koonunga Hill Chardonnay is a beautiful big round tropical flavoured wine from Australia. Penfolds is one of the top Ozzie winemakers and the quality shows in this wine. It has flavours of honeydew melon, white peach and lemon/lime citrus aromas. The influence of oak provides an added dimension of complexity to this impressive, balanced wine. Penfolds were established in 1844 and by applying a long held philosophy of blending select parcels of grapes from South Australia's wine regions, Penfolds winemakers are able to craft wines of distinction without ever compromising on quality.  Drink now or keep for a couple of years.

CO-OP

£4.99 - Lindeman’s Winemakers Release Chardonnay 2012 - Usually £7.49 to £11.99
This is a typical Australian chardonnay from a major producer at a rock bottom price in. It is soft and easy drinking and packed with vibrant white peach and pear aromas and flavours, with a lovely citrusy edge. A great party wine, with a wide appeal especially when well chilled. Delicious on its own or pair with fish pie, chicken in a creamy sauce and pork steaks.

£5.48 - Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - Usually £7.49 to £9.99

From Australia this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and fresh with classic gooseberry and grass aromas. Plenty of zingy, citrus acidity on the palate. Excellent as an apéritif, or as a complement to flaky white fish dishes. This Sauvignon Blanc is cool fermented in stainless steel to preserve the crisp, fresh fruit of this variety.

MORRISONS

Viña Maipo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc 2012
£4.99 Usually 9.99
This is a Chilean wine that is often on special. It is dry, fruity and light with a touch of acidity. From the Maipo Valley it has light peach and grapefruit flavours and a flowery scent. Vina maipo is much fruitier than its New Zealand cousins which offer a much drier style. Very easy to drink on its own and goes well with prawns , langoustines and most white meats.

£5.49 - Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay  2012 - Usually £8.29 to £9.99

I love this award winning medium dry Australian chardonnay with it’s full flavoured tropical and melon fruits and a lovely touch of acidity plus a little bit of oaky complexity on the finish. It is well rounded with an elegant finish and a quality appeal that will age for a couple of years. I am drinking the 2010 just now and its excellent. Commended by both Decanter Magazine and the International Wine & Spirit Awards in 2012 it is highly recommended for price and for keeping.

£4.49 - Kumala Winemakers Release Chenin Colombard 2012

Usually £9.99
This is the cheapest recommendation for early March. Excellent value for money and you certainly get what you pay for at £4.49. Kumala Winemakers Release Chenin Colombard is a blend of chenin blanc and colombard grapes. Coming from South Africa where some of the best chenin blanc wines are made this is a simple, slightly acid, fruity white wine and is a popular choice at basement prices. Light and crisp with a citrusy edge this best drunk with food and is a no-brainer for chicken and fish dishes.

RIOJA – VINTAGE UPDATE

 Just a quick update to the February blog on Riojas. In good years Rioja produces wines that can be aged for 20 years or more. Looking to the first decade of 2000, the 2009 vintage is drinking well already and for something special try 2001, 2004 or 2006.

 2001  drink soon       Fantastic vintage if you can find it

Classic Rioja wines: robust and round with balancing acidity . Reckoned to be the best vintage of the decade.                     

2004  drink soon       Excellent vintage which is still readily available

Well balanced wines with high alcohol and concentrated colour and aromas ideal for ageing.  

2006 drink soon       VG vintage

Good to very good vintage, with a moderate harvest securing good quality fruit and fresh, supple and crisp wines. Look out for some big, long-lived Crianzas.

2007  Variable          Inconsistent vintage with variable quality

Low yielding vintage saved by technical expertise and a long, dry, sunny harvest. Most consistent quality from Rioja Baja, with crisp, well-balanced, elegant wines.

2008 keep                 Good elegant vintage

Ripe, balanced, medium-boded red wines, with bright acidity.                                    

 2009 drink now /keep   VG for Crianzas and Reservas    

Quality is generally high, but high yields meant some early harvesting. A 'useful' vintage from a hot summer, drinking well just now.

 

REGAL RIOJA – THE KING OF SPANISH WINES FEBRUARY 2013

I was recently given a bottle of Campo Viejo Gran Reserva Rioja by a generous friend and at a Burns Supper a Paisley Callants Rotarian mentioned that Rioja was always his first choice. So I thought that I would ring the changes and concentrate on one wine region this month – Rioja, which makes brilliant red wines and is regarded as the King of Spanish wines.

GENERAL INFO

Rioja is widely regarded as the premier wine region of Spain and has been making good quality wines for hundreds of years. It is located in the north of the country and produces medium and full flavoured reds with a hint of vanilla from aging in oak barriques. Most Riojas are made from Tempranillo or a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes which deliver smooth, dry, medium weight wines with strawberry and raspberry fruits. Rioja goes well with most meats especially lamb. Some Reserva and Gran Reserva wines can provide a much heavier and full flavoured mouthful with a long silky finish. Rioja Alta and Alavesa produce most of the best Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.

Due to aging in both oak and bottle Riojas are best drunk when they are at least two years old to allow the inherent tannins to mellow. Best recent vintages at affordable prices are 2004, 2005, 2006 and coming soon 2010. Most Riojas will benefit from decanting at least one hour before drinking and should be served at room temperature.

LABELLING GUIDANCE

Spanish labelling and legal requirements are very helpful when choosing Rioja.

Joven - wines are very young with little barrel or bottle aging

Cosecha – simply means vintage and generally applies to newer and younger wines.
Crianza – a wine at least two years old. Crianza has generally spent a year in oak barrels and a further year in the bodega or bottle.
Reserva – a better quality wine which is a minimum of 3 years old with at least one year in oak barrels.
Gran Reserva – the best quality wine. Wines must be at least 5 years old and have spent at least 2 years in oak barrels.

POPULAR BRANDS

Some popular brands which provide a wide range of styles are: Campo Viejo, Marques de Riscal, Marques de Murrieta, Marques de Caceres, Lagunilla and some Berberana offerings.

RECOMMENDATIONS

 Berberana Rioja Gran Reserva 75cl – 2004 *** Star Buy***

This vintage is a classic example of a very fine Rioja. Berberana Rioja Reserva 2004 is rich and smooth with black cherry and bramble flavours and spicy vanilla oak. This soft, rounded garnet red Rioja has notes of cedar and cinnamon, so it's perfect for anyone cooking a lamb dish. It has a lovely delivery in the mouth, very complete and supple. It is smooth, elegant and refined for such a big wine. Decant in advance to make the most of the red-berry aromas and a lovely complex, smooth finish. Discounted by 50% at Tesco Online this is on offer at £7.50 and is a fab wine for the money.

Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza 75cl - 2007

This medium bodied wine is smooth and elegant. It has intense aromas of plums, cherries, hints of strawberries and toasty vanillin oak. Available in most supermarkets and recognised by its yellow label. Priced at about £8.50 is often found on special. Currently available in Sainsbury’s at £6.00, Tesco at £6.29, Waitrose at £6.63 and Morrisons at £8.29. For just over £6 this is a good every day Rioja but better to trade up to the Reserva or Gran Reserva versions of Campo Viejo.

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 75cl – 2007 *** Star Buy***

This Reserva is 5 years old and is the Crianza’s big brother. It is more elegant, with a smooth, rounded, medium bodied taste. Garnet ruby red in colour with brick coloured rim it exudes aromas of ripe berries and vanilla. Great balance between the fruit (cherries, black plums, ripe blackberries) and the clean nuances coming from the wood (clove, pepper, vanilla and coconut). Smooth and balanced on the palate with a full, elegant feel and a long, lingering finish. Open this wine and decant and you will be impressed by the smoothness. Don’t let the orange label put you off as this is a brilliant wine for the money. Normally priced at £12 to £14 this wine is on offer at Tesco for £6.99 and at Asda for £7.48

Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva 75cl – 2004

This Gran Reserva is 9 years old and is the sophisticated oldest brother of Campo Viejo Riojas. It is everything that the Reserva has and a bit more. Older, smoother and a quality wine. Worth spending a bit more for a special occasion. Sometimes on offer you can find it at Sainsbury’s for £15.59 and Tesco for £16.

Lagunilla Rioja Reserva – 2006

Lagunilla is mainly a supermarket brand which is regularly on a half price offer, especially at Morisons. This is a full bodied Rioja with meaty & aromatic flavours. Cherry red in colour with toasty aromas, smooth and round with wild forest fruits on the palate, soft tannins with notes of oak and a long lingering finish. Easy to recognise from its blue label it is normally offered in supermarkets at a full price of £13 and is in Morrison’s currently at £7.00. You won’t be disappointed with the 2006 reserva but the 2007 is not just as reliable. Its’ big brother Lagunilla Gran Reserva (with a black label) is an excellent wine and comes highly recommended at around £15

Faustino VII Rioja 75cl - 2010

This wine has a beautiful label for an unclassified Rioja. I haven’t tried this vintage as Faustino VII can be great in good years but fairly light bodied in others. Its a young wine Faustino describe this as having rich jammy fruits with slight hints of sweetness, vanilla and spice on the finish, evidence of the 10 months it has spent in new American oak. At Asda this is on offer at £5.00. This wine’s big brothers Faustino V Rioja Reserva and Faustino I are fantastic wines for around £11 to £13 come highly recommended.

JANUARY TOP REDS UNDER £15

From Decanter magazines top 50 reds under £15, I have selected five of the best which are widely available thorough supermarkets and major wine retailers. The reviews are a collection of experts and personal views and the prices quoted are currently available.

2011 Viña Mayu Syrah Reserva,  Elqui Valley, Chile - from £7.98

Decanter Magazine - Top 50 red 95/100 – 5 Stars
This is a stunning wine with genuine 'Rhône-style' characteristics, which has won a number of accolades and Mayu Syrah Reserva. It has been judged one of Chile's finest Syrah wines. It is an outstanding full-bodied red, matured in oak barrels, that displays intense ripe red fruit flavours with notes of juicy cassis, spice with a touch of vanilla, pepper and spice. This silky red with soft, ripe tannins and superb acidity  creates an elegant and rounded wine in the mouth. Recommended by Olly Smith for its spicy edge and oodles of velvety richness. Enjoy it over the next 2 years with a range of foods including grilled and roasted meats and vegetarian or Mediterranean dishes.
Available from Asda and Majestic

2011 Viña Mayu Sangiovese, Elqui Valley, Chile - from £4.98

Decanter Magazine - Top 50 red 93/100
The sangiovese grapes are hand-picked in small bins. The wine is partially aged in French and American oak barrels which gives it a lovely vanilla overtone. It has  black cherry aromas, gentle spicy flavours with a hint of dried chocolate. The full bodied red wine is velvety smooth with a mouth-filling finish. Mayu is the ancient Inca name for the Milky Way constellation. Crystal clear skies above the Elqui Valley, which has Chile's most northerly vineyards, are as perfect for growing fantastic vines as for stargazing. Drink this year
Available from Asda and Majestic

2009 Wirra Wirra Church Block McLaren Vale, Australia - from £9.99

Decanter Magazine Top 50 red 90/100 – Very highly recommended by James Haliday 91/100
This big Aussie blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot has become a massive Australian favourite. This is a big wine with a spicy blackberry fragrance and opulent ripe berry fruit characters. The generous fruit is balanced with well integrated oak and soft tannins to produce a delicious wine with great length and style. The vigorous tannins will benefit from decanting and will drink well until 2016. Over four decades, the Church Block label, consistently offering a smooth, soft red wine that balances the complexity sought by aficionados, with the approachability desired by those seeking pure drinking pleasure.
Widely available at Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury, Co-op, and Majestic

 Brancott Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir, New Zealand - from £7.99

Decanter Magazine - Top 50 red 89/100
This is an excellent, medium bodied wine which is a consistent benchmark Pinot Noir. It has aromas of ripe, red cherry accentuated with savoury and spice highlights. With a sweet, velvet approach of ripe red summer fruits, it also displays subtle spice, silky tannins and good length providing a balance of structure and concentration. Drink 2013/14
Widely available at Tesco, Sainsbury, Co-op, and Majestic

 2010 De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Australia - £11.99

Decanter Magazine Top 50 red 90/100 - Highly recommended by James Haliday 88/100
The large Brookland Vineyard acquired by De Bortoli a few years ago supplies most of its grapes for this wine. Brightly coloured, it has a fresh and focused cherry and toast bouquet, showing spice and plenty of interest; the palate is vibrant, crunchy-fruited and refreshing on entry, with great energy and generosity to conclude. It will repay cellaring for 3-5 years.
Available from Sainsbury’s