FEBRUARY 2015 WINE BLOG - GREAT WINES FOR VALENTINES WEEKEND

Thinking of nipping out for a couple of bottles of wine for the weekend? Why not try some great bubbly for Valentines weekend and surprise your partner by popping your cork in the comfort of your own home. These bargains will allow you to relax and celebrate without spending a fortune.

BUBBLY

Louvel Fontaine Brut Champagne, NV, France - Asda £10.00

Louvel Fontaine is an award winning, classic champagne which is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier. It is well balanced and fruity, and offers lingering flavours of fresh citrus and hints of vanilla. Normally selling at £24.25 what's not to like at £10 per bottle.

Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut Non Vintage, France - Tesco £12.99

This delightful and elegant Champagne is made from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Meunier and 15% Chardonnay grapes. The result is a lemony fresh wine with white peach flavours and citrus zing. Beautifully balanced, this wine matches brilliantly with smoked salmon. With a fine and delicate fizz it is perfect for celebrating those special moments. At £12.99 this is a genuine half price bargain.

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spumante DOCG, Italy - ALDI £7.49

Another award winning wine that never disappoints. This sparkler from Aldi is a great bubbly at only £7.49 so don't be fooled by the many cheaper imitations. It has a classy silver label and comes from Valdobbiadene the best area of Veneto for Prosecco. It is light and refreshing with pleasing bubbles, attractive autumn fruits and delicate floral touches. There is a good balance between acidity and the light creamy flavour. This is stylish and gloriously attractive Italian sparkle which is the proper wine to use in a Bellini (add one bottle to a litre of peach juice). If your budget will not stretch to a visit to Harry's Bar in Venice you can at least enjoy a Bellini in your own home.

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, Australia 2012 - Morrisons £7.49 

Koonunga Hill is the gateway to the Penfolds collection of red wines; it is where the art of winemaking and the Penfolds journey truly begins. Named after one of Penfolds' Barossa Valley vineyards, Koonunga Hill is a reflection of the Penfolds winemaking style and philosophy, offering richness, balance and lasting quality. Since the first vintage in 1976, this  wine has received widespread acclaim and steadily built a reputation for over delivering on value, quality and consistency.

The great thing about this fab red wine is that it is already 3 years old and offers a medium bodied Shiraz cabernet with a rich plumy and chocolaty flavour. It is well balanced with good berry fruit and has a subtle oak background. Morrisons are currently selling this in a presentation tube at 30% less than you can buy it in Waitrose. Drink now with a juicy steak, a quality burger or with mince and tatties and you won't be disappointed.

Two Oceans Chenin Blanc, South Africa 2014 - Morrisons £4.99

An excellent white wine from the Western cape area of South Africa. Chenin Blanc is by far the best white wine emanating from South Africa. Two Oceans is typical of a young Chenin Blanc. It has a honeyed tropical aroma with a lovely crisp bite of acidity. It's clean, dry, light with a  decent finish. Goes very well with fish, shellfish and chicken. Great wine for the price. On offer till 15th February